Leaving Pie Town the first water I remember is the small lakes by the ruined church. After that is's up the hill to the campground where there's cattle troughs if you're really, really desperate. Then it's down the hill where there's a river at the bottom. After that it's out to the highway, when you turn left onto the dirt there are some houses, one of them puts water out.

I can't remember after that, I was riding into a headwind and was contemplating suicide. A man in a truck towing a trailer stopped and gave me a cold Coke and pockets full of treats. I think I filled up with water again at the fire training camp and then again out on the highway before Silver City. I passed a campground somewhere in between these places, just before you start the long climbs, fairly sure there was water there, maybe a river but I could be wrong on this one.

Is it bad that I laughed out loud at "...contemplating suicide." ??
Great info. Thanks for sharing!

Looking forward to following TD 2019
As it's the start of winter downunder.
All the Best to all that are starting this year
 

Thank you! Looking forward to seeing so many friends!

https://www.revelatedesigns.com/site/warranty-return/terrapin-recall/

So everybody can run and check their bags like I did.

No doubt! Ha! Thankfully mine was ordered after they discovered the issue.

I am going from memory here from riding that portion of the GDMBR last year.  West of Pie Town on HWY 60 about a mile is the Top Of The World C store.  That is the last chance for food until you get through the Gila.  A few miles south of Pie Town there is an animal rescue place that had a cooler of water out for TD riders.  Further on there is a well that riders are welcome to use, it is on the right side.  Then there is nothing until you get to the highway that borders the Plains of San Augustine.  There is a church there and riders are welcome to fill up from the hose bib.  Don't be intimidated if there is a lot of shooting going on at the church, they have after church services shooting matches.  They are nice people and they are sure to give you some reading material for the rest of your ride.  Once in the plains there are a couple of ranchers that had coolers out with water, one even had candy bars etc for TD riders.  Then there is nothing until the work camp.  After the work camp there is a lake and a couple of stream crossings that may have water.  Silver City has everything you could want.  After Silver City there are no supplies until Separ.  However a couple of miles after you turn off the highway from Silver there is a well and cattle tank on the left.  It is set up so you can catch the water right as it pumps from the well so no need to filter.  The people of Hachita are wonderful.  The community center is available for cyclists to sleep in.  There is a small store that is much like what you would find in Baja.  They carry enough to get by with and ice cream.  It isn't like a C store that is open at all hours so plan accordingly.

Great info!

   I will be here again this year.  Quick note:  There is water at the Separ store on the west end of the building.  (interstate 10).     
                                                             There is water at the Hachita Community Center out front,  west side of building.
                                                             Take extra food and water when you leave Pie-Town,  Many have told me they ran out.

Cheers~!

Thank you!

For any north bounders or south bound finishers going through Phoenix we have a guest house for cyclists.  We are Warm Showers hosts.  Usually we can do airport pick ups and a lift up the hill to Globe.  There are no fees for any of this, it is just my way of repaying for all the kindness I have received over the years.  Good luck to all.

Super kind of you!! Thank you!

This thing has been abnormally quiet for less than a month out!!! Looking forward to getting back out there. Hoping for good weather, fun trails, and high fives along the way!! Anyone up for some sightseeing/exploring pre GD? Im getting in tuesday evening, 11th. Would love to see a few things around town.

At the moment my bike frame is cracked......soooo im thinking of happier thoughts while not being able to ride. haha... Hopefully Giant comes through!

Good luck to everyone finalizing their plans and training. See you soon!

Sorry to hear about your frame! I hope Giant comes through. Do you have a backup plan?
Make sure you walk up and see the falls, across the river from the castle. Stunning!
I'll see you at the start!

Likewise, looking forward to dry conditions!  LOL

Looks like snow melt is moving along.
Very happy to share that I am starting with the Grand Depart. Really looking forward to seeing everyone in Banff.

Myself also arriving Calgary June 5!for ITT

Fantastic! Looks like I am ITT'ing June 1st.  Best to you!

The good news is that no matter what you choose, you're sure to have an adventure.

Bon, it helps to read all the threads. haha. I  must have missed that yesterday skimming through. Schweeet!!

Easy to miss stuff! Can't wait to see if there are any reroutes or new sections this year!

Different route yes, but unless it adds significant mileage and/or elevation change then the record is what it is. It didn't seem to me, watching, that the times were much different across the board. So many factors go into "racing"... weather and the like, hard to compare year to year anyways.

That being said, a buddy sent me a post saying that the bridge between Elkford and Sparwood was fixed. Maybe no KoKo? I was sorta looking forward to a different route from 2014.

Race Director Matthew Lee replied on the previous page here confirming Koko is in for this year.
It'll be amazing!

Yes, Koko route is slower than the previous.  Personally, I don’t think it is so much the actual time difference of the routes but the toll that the hike up Koko takes on the body and potnetial for achilles and knee issues.  I like Koko a lot but do miss comparing times over a comparible course.  However, that isn’t the end all be all of this race by any means.
How do we compare current runs to Mike’s record?  We don’t.  We know he was the most amazing rider to ever touch this course.

Well said, Josh.

Probably a bit of noobie question, but let´s give it a go.

Handlebar choice. Would running a regular MTB riser bar be an act of stupidity? Are aerobars or just the ability to vary the grip essential? I know that it´ s a preference thing as well, but wanted to hear thoughts and experiences. Thanks.

Always a relevant question. I prefer a flat bar. I finished with a drop bar in '16 but am switching to flat and attaching aero bars this year.

I spent the last few months processing the official 2018 TD GPX file.  I have added locations along the route.  I am looking for missing places and suggestions.

Take a look at the following links.  Thanks in advance!

1. Google maps (locations along the route)
    https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=1Sn1yug9CNa6xLDMYzCKW3y2jRjV_R4AI&ll=48.002455311653954%2C-109.8532749184497&z=6

2. Profile (with locations along the route)
    www.rowlo.com/Biking/GDMBR/Profile.aspx

3. PDF of locations along the route
    www.rowlo.com/Biking/GDMBR/MasterTD2019_v1.pdf

I will be riding from Butte, MT to Silverthorne, CO in July.  I am looking for a partner if anyone wants to go. 60-100 miles per day.

Thanks,
Jeff Rowland

That's a boat load of information. I'm helping assemble something similar for a trail building company.

Tour Divide will continue to use Crossing Creek Trail, aka Koko Claims, in trade for the 50mi of pavement the ACA GDMBR travels through Sparwood, meth capital of BC. Yes, Koko is more challenging, and doesn't support Bob trailers, but other dividends are there. It makes sense to support the town of Fernie, too, and all they do / have done for Divide racers through the years.

Looking forward to this beautiful section again. Love Fernie's great support of TD riders.

I know a lot of us left on here don't do Facebook, so....

Mack McCoy posted the following in the TD group in FB:  "We at Adventure Cycling Association have received word that the GDMBR into Flathead Valley (between Flathead Pass and Cabin Pass in British Columbia) is accessible again over the Pollock Creek bridge, which has been replaced. See photographic evidence below."  (not sure how to link)

As expected lots of conversation on if Koko will still be in play or if Matt will route back thru the Flathead.  Group seems to be split about 50/50 in the comments.

Thank you for sharing here. I look forward to feedback from RD Matthew Lee.

Hey guys, i hope everyone is havin a blast preppin for this beastly beauty.  SO lookin at paring down ze kit, any experience with bringing a puffy vest opposed to a puffy jacket?  also, thoughts on a dynamo light?  it seems that with the ability to charge from my dynamo, i can charge lights i already have, and that will work better on slower efforts where the dynamos do not seem to shine . Also, bugs... Rollin with a Six Moons Design Deschutes tarp, found the sea to summit nano bug system which seems proper, affordable, only 3 ish ounces.  is it worth it, maybe just a head net?! I am pretty tolerant of pesty winged creatures, and i sleep like i am dead, so...not sure.  ANywho, happiness and health guys, amped ta roll the spine with yahs!!!

Love my dynamo! A few friends who used bivys were glad they had mosquitoe nets.
I'm going full puffy again this year.

Thanks for the super prompt response. Guys, this’ll be my first extended trip in almost ten years, so amped.  I can’t believe that we get to ride our bikes all day for a proper bit! So stoked

Great attitude! That's exactly how I feel! See you soon!

Second the specialized power. I’ve had a season on one, actually two(I have one on two bikes.). Anywho, a great saddle.  This is my first attempt at the divide and each day I bubble with stoke. Rollin singlespeed, 36:18, 36:17 now, but southeast Michigan is a bit dry in da hill department. Anywho, so amped to ride with all of you, ride safe and train proper! 
 Hey guys, do people carry water filters? I know there is many options for resupply, just wondering what peoples experience has been in the pa
st with the hydration program.

All of you SS'ers amaze me!
I brought iodine tablets the last two times but am bringing a Sawyer this time as the iodine taste gets to me after awhile.