Monday, January 9, 2012

Colorado Trail Race: GPS/GPX Tracks and Waypoints

Edit: February 27, 2021

Jefe is now the official race organizer for the Colorado Trail Race, and he is now providing the GPX file directly at jwookieone.com.

Working on this over the many years was a joy. Best of all was the opportunity to give something back (or pay something forward?) to an event that meant so much to me. So long, and thanks for all the memories!

Cheers,
Toby
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42 comments:

  1. AnonymousMarch 9, 2012 at 6:52 AM

    Hi Toby. I plan on doing the race this year, and downloaded your route on my etrex 30 in an attempt to learn more about how to use it. I'm conused bt the waypoints. I see some of them are labled, but many of them just say mileage. Is there a legend or something that you have to refer to so you know what the mileage is at a certain point? I have used a 705 in the past, but never used waypoints. Not sure how to use them to my advantage. Thanks! Dennis

    ReplyDelete
  2. Toby GaddMarch 9, 2012 at 10:51 AM

    Hi Dennis,
    Good question! The waypoints with the funny names are directly from the Colorado Trail Data Book. So, yes, there is a key. If I recall correctly, it can be found in the complete ZIP from from Bear Creek Survey: http://www.bearcreeksurvey.com/Reroutes.htm
    Cheers,
    Toby

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousMay 22, 2012 at 6:18 AM

    Toby,
    How do I get the elevation profile to show up with your track CTR when I view in TopoFusion? I get the route, but no elevation info...
    -Barry

    ReplyDelete
  4. Toby GaddMay 23, 2012 at 11:23 AM

    Nope, my GPX files don't have elevation data. If you want, you can add it in Topofusion by right-clicking on the track, choosing "properties," and then clicking "Correct Elevation Using DEM. Depending on which maps you're using with Topofusion, you may get different elevation results.

    ReplyDelete
  5. UnknownNovember 12, 2012 at 4:41 PM

    Hi Toby, thank you that was a lot of work.
    -akaCCB

    ReplyDelete
  6. Toby GaddNovember 12, 2012 at 4:43 PM

    You're welcome. It's actually more fun than work. Going over the route again, albeit virtually, brought back some great memories. I hope to see you out there some day!

    ReplyDelete
  7. AnonymousNovember 23, 2012 at 7:44 AM

    Toby,

    Thanks for all the time and effort you put into these pages. I am planning on riding the CTR next year for fun, yet plan to do some long days and miles. What brand and model of GPS do you like and would it be helpful for me on this ride and a possible Great Divide ride in the near future.

    Thanks in advance,

    Rick

    ReplyDelete
  8. Toby GaddNovember 23, 2012 at 11:29 AM

    Hi Rick,
    The Garmin eTrex series (10,20,30) are the most common GPSes for long bikepacking trips, including the CTR and Tour Divide. They last a long time on AA batteries, and you can use rechargeables for shorter trips or disposables for longer ones.
    Good luck on the CTR! I hope to see you out there.
    Cheers,
    Toby

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnonymousNovember 27, 2012 at 9:34 AM

      Toby,

      Thanks for the reply. Seeing there are so many details in a CTR ride and i have so much to still learn, would you have any interest in giving me a hour of your time over the phone so I could ask some more questions. I would be happy to pay you for your time in advance. I know you offer a lot of your time and energy to give back to other riders and I want to respect your time and knowledge. As another option, I will be in the Denver area from Dec 1-4 and I would be happy to meet you up in the Fort Collins area and would be willing to cover a dinner or lunch and I could pay you for your time than as well. My wife could check out the Fort Collins area during my time there. I know this is a unique request, however, I feel my investment would help me a lot and the compensation would benefit you as well. If you prefer to decline, that is fine and I understand that as well. I just thought it was worth asking. Thanks again for your help and for giving back all you do for the rest of us.

      Thanks,

      Rick

      Delete
    2. Toby GaddNovember 27, 2012 at 10:07 AM

      Hi Rick,

      I'd be more than happy to chat with you, either in person on the phone. No money needed! But you can buy me a beer if we meet in person. Fire an email to toby.gadd at dogknows.com and we'll set up a time.

      Cheers,
      Toby

      Delete
  9. AnonymousMay 16, 2013 at 3:01 PM

    Just snagged this for use in backpacking segments 2 & 3 this weekend - CHEERS!

    Kevin

    ReplyDelete
  10. Matt SchiffJuly 13, 2013 at 9:08 AM

    I've always been a little confused with the coded waypoints. I remember last year finding a link to the decoding but deciding it was unnecessary or too confusing. I have the 4th edition databook but there is no decoding. How do I get the missing info?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Toby GaddJuly 13, 2013 at 10:30 AM

      Jerry Brown used to have a key on his website, but he took it down to encourage people to buy the Databook. Buy a copy of the 5th edition, and you should be good to go. The Colorado Trail Foundation can use the money, so no complaints here!

      Delete
  11. TomasMay 16, 2015 at 11:56 AM

    Which is the Colorado map you trust the most? I am a newer in USA, working now in Denver

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Toby GaddMay 16, 2015 at 3:42 PM

      For the actual Colorado Trail, I recommend the official guidebook/map published by the Colorado Trail Foundation. http://www.shop.coloradotrail.org/Guides_c4.htm

      Delete
  12. AnonymousAugust 12, 2015 at 9:36 AM

    I was searching online for a gpx file for the Durango to Moab route, especially the singletrack options. Seems the hut system is a bit tight with that info. I saw you had been looking also. Did you ever get that info?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Toby GaddAugust 12, 2015 at 10:47 AM

      Nope, never found a file. The guys running commercial trips were't willing to share.

      Delete
    2. anonymousAugust 12, 2015 at 11:00 AM

      funny they are so tight. thanks for getting back so quick!

      Delete
  13. Tim LutzAugust 17, 2015 at 3:44 PM

    Toby,

    Thanks so much for your help around the CT route. A buddy of mine is riding from Waterton to Breck using the 2012 route (via 285). Do you happen to have the 2012 GPX file available? I can't seem to find it anywhere since old CTR versions have been overwritten with the new versions.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Toby GaddAugust 17, 2015 at 4:00 PM

      Hi Tim,
      I just sent you an e-mail. If it doesn't make it to you, let me know and I'll try again.

      Delete
  14. eric hockmanMay 26, 2016 at 2:25 PM

    Hey Toby,

    This is awesome information. I'm fairly new to garmin tracks and garmin use in general, but recently picked up an edge 1000 explore for riding the CT this year with my girlfriend. We aren't racing, but we did figure it would be good to carry navigation for our journey. We're going from Durango to Denver (oppo the CTR this year), so we will pass everyone at some point.

    I downloaded the gpx track above and loaded it into the garmin to take a look. looks sweet, but the start and end points are denver to durango. If we ride this backwards with this track, will it still work? Any advice would be really helpful!

    Cheers

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Toby GaddMay 31, 2016 at 1:24 PM

      Hi Eric,
      The direction of the track isn't important. All you're really doing is following the visual line on your GPS.

      Have fun out there! I wish that I could join you this year.

      Delete
  15. Ben MIllerJune 5, 2016 at 7:12 PM

    Hi Toby,
    I live in Fort Collins and am going to try the CTR this year. I think I have successfully loaded your files, but I am not as comfortable with the Garmin unit (or BaseCamp) as I would like to be. You seem like an expert. Would you be willing to meet in town sometime for some coaching on the Garmin system? I would be willing to buy beer, coffee or food if it helps. Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Toby GaddJune 6, 2016 at 9:44 AM

      Hi Ben,
      Sure, getting together to chat about the CTR is always fun. Fire an e-mail to toby.gadd@dogbobknows.com (without the bob in the middle of dogknows.com), and we'll make it happen!

      Delete
  16. AnonymousJune 16, 2016 at 8:42 PM

    Hey Toby,

    I just wanted to see if this was still the best place to find the most up to date CTR GPX file. Were you still working on updating the file or did you post since April and I'm missing it somewhere. Thanks so much for putting the file together!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Toby GaddJune 18, 2016 at 4:22 PM

      I'm almost finished with it. When it is available, it will be posted here.

      Delete
    2. David GoldbergJune 22, 2016 at 9:11 PM

      Are you saying the last 2016 track is not the final route for this year? Either way is this 10,000 points or should it be reduced like the AZT and TDR tracks that float around the internet. Sorry I wont see you out there this year but I need to ride this another time after dropping at 728 at AZT for some necessary body repairs that are all good finally- David Goldberg, FT Collins,

      Delete
    3. Toby GaddJune 23, 2016 at 9:32 AM

      The last 2016 track? This is the first track that I've posted for 2016, and it is the official one for 2016. It has 9000 points, so there's room for extra ones in case there is a last-minute fire re-route or something. Have fun out there, David! Good to hear that you're healthy this year.

      Delete
  17. David GoldbergJune 24, 2016 at 9:59 AM

    For sure - and thanks for your GPS work - last year I road the TransCon and made my own route per the rules and it was longer, harder and more climbing then most folks in the race so it is safe to say that route finding is not my best skill.

    ReplyDelete
  18. AnonymousJuly 1, 2017 at 7:00 AM

    Toby do you plan on publishing the 2017 GPX file? Where does the 2017 race start and what time? Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Toby GaddJuly 1, 2017 at 10:13 AM

      Yep, I'm just putting the finishing touches on the 2017 edition. For more details about start date and time, click over to the official site: http://www.climbingdreams.net/ctr/

      Delete
    2. AnonymousJuly 2, 2017 at 8:06 AM

      Thanks Toby!

      Delete
  19. GuntherJuly 2, 2017 at 1:21 PM

    Ok. Will need the 2017 version as well. Thx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Toby GaddJuly 2, 2017 at 2:08 PM

      It's almost done, and it will be posted here when it's ready.

      Delete
  20. AnonymousJuly 8, 2017 at 4:02 PM

    This is probably a dumb question, but the GPX file looks like it starts at Junction Creek trailhead and it was my understanding the race starts at Velorution Cycles in Durango. What happens between Velorution to Junction Creek? Thanks in advance for your reply.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Toby GaddJuly 8, 2017 at 4:06 PM

      Everyone stages at Velorution, but the ride out to the trailhead is technically "neutral." The race really starts at the trailhead.

      Delete
  21. AnonymousJuly 16, 2017 at 2:38 PM

    Toby, another question, any idea what we do about re-routes if there are closures on the official route due to fire closures? Does everyone just do there best to get around the closure and then back on route or is there an "official re-route" that everyone must follow? If it is official, where would we find these? Thanks again for you time and help!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Toby GaddJuly 17, 2017 at 11:09 AM

      Stefan is the organizer for the CTR. His website is at:
      http://www.climbingdreams.net/ctr/

      He also moderates a Facebook page at:
      https://www.facebook.com/groups/44233836823/

      Most CTR news and conversations are posted on bikepacking.net (the place where ultra-racing really began):
      http://www.bikepacking.net/forum/ultra-racing/

      Delete
  22. Greg HeilMay 24, 2018 at 12:04 PM

    Hi Toby, my name is Greg Heil, and I was wondering if I could post your CTR GPX file in an online mapping software? I would have reached out privately via email but I couldn't find an address posted :) I'd love to chat, so please feel free to drop me a line at greg@fatmap.com

    Cheers!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Toby GaddMay 24, 2018 at 4:04 PM

      Hi Greg,

      Sorry, but I'd prefer that you not re-post the GPX. I update it frequently as necessary for the race, so it's not really a general trip track like you might use on your site. Thanks for asking.

      Cheers,
      Toby

      Delete
    2. Greg HeilMay 24, 2018 at 5:37 PM

      Toby, thanks so much for hitting me back. I'll sort something else out.

      Hope you have a great holiday weekend in store!

      -Greg

      Delete
  23. UnknownJune 6, 2018 at 12:37 PM

    Hi Toby, I'm preping for the CTR and was wondering if you have the updated GPX file for this year's race course. My email is erock3283@gmail.com
    Thanks!
    -Eric Morton

    ReplyDelete