Yes, but thank goodness that backtracking is short.

DiDi, what are the four cheats in that run between the triangle and the drop to the dry lake bed?

I find that when I hit the balloon on the triangle, it is fastest to just hit the mountain and then turn around rather than trying to navigate a nice loop.

I think DiDi has definately got something here. I started my run just looking for a few jumpoffs that would cut distance and i am sure there are more that what I found. That being said I did a liesurely run following her instructions and not really trying too hard, just to get the feel of directions. As I finished the ruins I was thinking of starting over as I knew what to expect from there but ah what the heck, I need the exercise. I finished in 17:09 and cut over 100 m from my route. I am sure 16 is in my future next. I hardly broke a sweat. Time for a glass of water and back at it. Exercise is always a little more fun with some incentive. I was starting to feel in a rut on my route. I am so happy

OK I tried a few times again and didn't make it yet. I am so obsessed I can't get off the board Gotta do some chores or I'll be in big trouble Try again this afternoom when the boss leaves

18:42.33
No cheats, just the dog for part of it.

I'm trying to see where DiDi's run is different from the one I've been doing since I started my route at the triangle. I don't get the four time saving cheat points up on the mountain; other than that it sounds the same. Um, I'm at 18:34:35 now. Guess I need those 4 cheats.

Congratulation, only 10 seconds less and you got me.

Back where I belong!!!! Tired of eating all that dust 17:01.78 and my kittie let me down by the lagoon so I had to turn around and get the balloon myself so something in the 16s is possible but not tonight for me. I need to go celebrate with a glass of water
Just noticed if you change your signature it changes in all past posts so sometimes may not make sense.

Congrats! And I hope that was a great glass of water. What year was it?

Thanks Kescah, it was vintage straight from the bottle I have to report another milestone broken today. 16:52.7 and still not a perfect run.
Also though I haven't used them yet, I found acouple more plumets. At the bottom of the ramp going up to the ruins, just before, veer left throught the gap between the fence and ramp, you will reincarnate above the ramp on the way to the balloon. Unfortunately you lose your pet so may not be of value. However after the balloon on the ledge after the drylake bed, return towart the red iron bridge. The fence on the right is remarkable similar in appearance to the one above it. If you jump off in the same location (right post) you will reincarnate below on the gravel road. Might gain a few seconds if you do a tight turn. I suspect there are many other spots like this that could gain small amounts of time.
How is the view back there Phunguy and DiDi You might not have to eat much dust as I am sweating so much the road is a little damp. Don't slip

Wow, I was all excited about posting 16:58.02 I just got this morning. Would have been more but the pet pooped out on the last balloon. I am not that far behind as you thought , jvv, and also not for long.

And the race is on and here comes phunguy up the backstretch I think another 10 sec off is possible without finding more helps. My pet is getting tired too