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

42 comments:

  1. 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

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  2. 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

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  3. 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

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  4. 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.

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

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  6. 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!

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  7. 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

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  8. 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

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    Replies
    1. 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

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

    Kevin

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  10. 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?

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    Replies
    1. 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!

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

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    Replies
    1. 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. 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?

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

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

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  13. 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.

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    Replies
    1. 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. 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

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    Replies
    1. 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. 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.

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    Replies
    1. 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. 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!

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

      Delete
    2. 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,

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    3. 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. 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.

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

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    Replies
    1. 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/

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    2. Thanks Toby!

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  19. Ok. Will need the 2017 version as well. Thx

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

      Delete
  20. 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.

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

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  21. 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!

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    Replies
    1. 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. 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!

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    Replies
    1. 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

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

      Hope you have a great holiday weekend in store!

      -Greg

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  23. 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

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