I think it would be hypocritical of me to begrudge anyone else joining, or lament the growing numbers.

Yes, of course you are right. I do the same with my local trails which have ballooned in usage over the last decade. I'm sounding like an old man...I should stop that.

I guess I should probably watch the movie before I go.

Definitely watch Mike Dion's movie!

I've been reading a thread started on November 29, 2009 called 'Tour Divide Basics', which is immensely worth the time to read for rookies - at least I think so. But I can't help thinking how much TD racing has changed since the early days: bikepacking specific gear is readily available from multiple outlets now (no longer just revelate and carousel); GPS units are smaller, faster, and have better battery life; the GD track seems to be highly accurate; ACA maps are incredibly detailed; trackleaders and SPOT; Osprey backpacks; etc, etc.

It feels like the pioneering spirit of TD has perhaps been replaced by a 'bucket list' type mentality. There are obviously still many risks associated with tackling this route and many adventures to be had, but so much has already been figured out by the early riders; where to get good water (I found a google map for water sources on the Wamsutter detour that someone posted), where to shop, which bike shops to hit, where to ship food/gear, what kind of lights to carry, navigational improvements have limited the need to rely on cues/maps, unlimited discussions and reviews on rain gear, shelters, clothing, stoves, tires, what kind of food to eat, etc. And the sheer volume of countless trip reports...even a movie! And I'm guessing the retailers and bike shop owners and store proprietors and so on are not that enamored by racers anymore after seeing them year after year for over 10 years - and probably having many expecting special treatment/service. I hope I'm wrong on that last point.  

And just the numbers alone - from what, 14 racers the first year?...to 200 something this past year. Even the bikepacking.net threads seem to be losing content and activity as FB takes over. Are you even alone that much on the route anymore! I suppose 2,700 miles is vast enough to get spread out - but you get my point.

This may not be the proper thread for such a discussion, but so be it.

Don't get me wrong, I am excited as hell to finally have a chance to toe the line in this years TD (I've been infatuated ever since Billman's 2007 article - I still have the magazine, and read the article often and I know I'm not the only one who was changed by that article) but for better or worse it feels like a very different race these days. Probably none of that matters - just something I've been thinking about.

That's really helpful to see. Thanks for sharing those.

I didn't know Matthew provided cues, good to know. What format does he provide them in, and are they for all the detours? Or just certain areas that deviate from the ACA route?

Thanks

So the TD and the GDR part ways just north of Elkford I see now...onto the somewhat infamous Koko Claims HAB and then rejoin near Fernie. But the TD and ACA route don't seem to jive through Fernie. Then they part ways again south of Fernie and rejoin north of Butts Cabin at the Harvey Lodgepole Rd junction.

My point being - the cues on the ACA maps don't see helpful in terms of mileage in this area - so do most racers now just rely on GPS and use maps a backup. Is the track good enough these days to just use GPS exclusively?

I'm trying to make some minimized cues from the maps - but in areas like Fernie it seems tricky to make good ones, and I'm thinking I just forget it and follow the track.

 

Bob - I may end up blaming you for all my problems on the route. 'But he said he NEVER had any problems' 

But, I've heard that you should carry them in the prescription bottle or original packaging. You could do that until Eureka, then consolidate into something else.

Good tip - thanks

Anyone have experience carrying prescription meds across the border?

Sounds like I need to write a letter of intent as mentioned in the first few posts of this thread.

Do people still do this via tourdivide.org - or do most people just sign up via the trackleaders form once it's available?

How did you handle the cold/wet weather?

Mostly cursed at it is my guess!

Awesome advice, and very helpful - I'd welcome any more. Popsicle stick for the calipers - clever. 'Town clothes' - good call, I have been envisioning myself at DIA in my bike kit.

Gotta say flying to the start makes this a significantly bigger challenge than say, getting dropped of at Waterton...but so does 2,750 miles.

I get the impression that finally pedaling away from Banff might actually be a big relief!

I am flying in on Tuesday afternoon. I’ll get a shuttle into Bannf and will stay at a hostel. Then I have some time. Bike shop and check out the town. Maybe even ride down to the start and Canmore for a day.

When are you heading in. I tell you the hostel is the way to go since it is such an expensive stay in Bannf.

Thanks for the info, no idea as to travel details yet. I'll check out the hostel

Can anyone offer some tips on boxing up a bike for a flight? I've never had to do so before. Is there a particular box that works well?

Yes the start date is the second Friday of the month. June 8th. You want to get there a couple days prior so you don’t have to rush things. I just reserved my hotel/ hostel yesterday. Costs for a hotel room are through the roof. I got 3nights for $144.00 right outside of town. 1mile down the road on Hidden Ridege way.

Thanks for confirming that. I'm trying to figure out how to get to the start myself. Are you flying in? Driving?

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Is June 8th the 2018 start date? I think it has always been the second Friday in June. Can anyone confirm? Thanks

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Glad to hear the Dixie lives on, loved my 2015 ride. Hope to make it back to the route some day...some how.

Nice going Barry! Quiet finish to this year's CTR - at least on this thread.

A few intrepid souls still plugging away out there. Impressive

I don't think that's correct, if you look at his tracking points he slept + or - an hour each night. Trackleaders says final time was 3 days 19 hours 54 minutes.

Makes it a little more humanly plausible - well, not really 

Did Neil really only have 90 minutes of stoppage time in that whole ride? Incredible. That must hurt. And that must feel good. 

It helps knowing there is a big downhill to the finish- and beerworks

It's not all downhill though - man that last 1000' climb out of Junction creek is such a killer.

Neil is rolling into Silverton right now (9:45a MDT). Will he catch Ben? I think he will. Will he catch Jefe? He just might.

I don't know - I think Schiff might be right - that strategic sleep last night seems like it's powering him up. He's charging. Gonna be good!