North Carolina-based Matthew Lee, 36, won his second consecutive Great Divide Race in 2006 with a time of 17 days, 22 hours, and 30 minutes. This was the Cannondale-sponsored Lee's third shot at the GDR and he’s learned to minimize his gear down to the bare essentials – it would be difficult to ride much lighter. Lee was on pace to break the Great Divide Route speed record when heavy monsoons in southern Colorado and New Mexico nearly shut down his ride. His overall time is still an incredible accomplishment and one of the fastest ever. Only time will tell if Lee will try for the record again next year.