This was my first time doing the Butte 50 (well, 53 or so). I had a great time, although it kicked my butt. I wasn't out to win, so I really did have a great time.
I don't know why it started, but people in the 50 were turning around on the road before we even hit the trail (after the first decent). That seemed more like a rider's error. Then further up the trail, we did actually miss a turn. We continued up and the trail which looped back down and dumped us back into the same trail a little lower. Luckily for me, I think it was really only about an additional 3-5 miles... and had some sweet single track. Way fun. Anyway, when we got to the turn that we previously missed, I remember seeing it, but thinking that it was directing us to go straight... not turn. However, if I would have just paid better attention and not just followed the people in front of me, I would have probably noticed that there were other flags further to the right of the ones along the trail.

Anyway, I'm sure there is always room for improvement, but where I got lost was not for lack of marking - it was for following instead of watching where to go. Thanks to everyone that helped out. That was by far my toughest race... which I will be talking about until next year! Thanks!

Mark it high and often, gone in several rain storms. It will help and be hard to take down for the vandals.

Loved the 50! I beleive that this race will get better every year! Thanks to all the volunteers and directors!
C Matolyak-Bozeman

Finally back from the 808 miles drive home and really wanted to take a moment to thank TRP and Butte for an absolutely epic race. I have done a good grip of ultra type races and have to say Butte had the most challenging, yet over the top fun course to date. Great volunteers, friendly locals and racers, all in all a great experience that was well worth the long drive. I was fortunate not to get lost in your event, but certainly do empathize with those who did. 2 weeks ago I missed a mark turn, my fault, in the Breck 100 and added a good 45 minutes of mostly climbing to my day. It sure took the steam out of my sails, but thankfully I was able to get back on course and finish up a great day of riding. That mistake taught me a lesson and that is to get a GPS and download the course before you head out for 100 miles in the backcountry. I see a lot of upset folks here on the blog and must say to a degree I can understand some of their frustrations, so I would like to throw out a few suggestions to help both TRP and racers.
TRP-
1 )Need to have premixed heed, water, perpetuem, etc... In coolers at each aid station if you are going to offer full support. Can't run out of gels and such at mile 80 so early in the race. Have some extra water bottles for folks who lose theirs on the rough trails as this is going to happen. Have some chain lube, a multi tool and a floor pump as they will undoubtedly be needed. I was way over prepared with my drop bags so I was able to share gels, bottles and perpetuem with other racers in need. But I can imagine those who did not have adequate drop bags and were relying on the aid stations for support where probably a little disappointed.
2)OR… tell folks this is a limited support race, we will have water but pretty much Butte is a self supported event. Racers need to be prepared to fuel themselves and aid stations will only offer emergency fuel , water and your drop bags. Give the racers some advice of what a good drop bags should contain and how much fuel they should expect to need. My guess is there will be a lot of ultra newbies out there….throw them so love. Remember there is absolutely nothing wrong with self supported MTB racing. Just need to make it very clear to the folks racing so they know what to expect.
3) Need a lead out guy on a motorcycle to clear the way for the race leader and make sure course markings are good. This is pretty much a must if you have repetitive issue with vandals. Also, a few folks that know the area well and can roam around on atv’s looking for lost, hurt or broken down folks would not be a bad idea. 1 lost or seriously hurt racer and Butte 100 is no more.
4) Have got to provide GPS downloads for the course. Ultra Racers are accustomed to having this and would completely eliminate getting lost or at least most of your responsibility for folks getting lost.
5) Each aid station needs exact mile markers at them. We racers ride from station to station not to the end of the full 100. Mentally and for purposes of fueling we need to know this!!!!
6) Racers meeting around 6pm to allow folks to get back to camp or hotels to have adequate sleep would be preferred.
7) Number plates that don't fall apart in the rain
8) Get a face book page, great for communicating and sharing the race with others.
Racers-
1) When drop bags are available take advantage of them and drop needed fuel and supplies. Don't rely on aid stations with volunteers to completely provide 100% of your needs. Be prepared, it is a long day.
2) When GPS course downloads are available use them. It looked like the 50 had one, but the 100 did not. If you are going to race ultras in the middle of the Montana back country, you need to be prepared and the race coordinators need to give us the tools to be prepared. Even with the best markings things can get missed, go wrong or be vandalized. GPS navigation can eliminate getting off course.
3) Do just what many of you are doing and that is give the Race directors good constructive feedback and help them provide what we need so we can continue to suffer through their epic events!

My teammates and I look forward to your race in 2011!!!!
Take care, Jonathan Davis.