Trackleaders SPOT tracker rental - battery size?

Anyone know what Generation SPOTs are used for their rentals? I rented in 2013, and since I will most likely be in at least second place, am getting Lithium batteries ahead of time - AAA or AA ?

Matt and Scott are super busy, and I haven't got details from them (other than confirmation of saving me a SPOT).

Thanks

Glen

Mail stuff back - never happens 
Part of my route notes, Post Offices in Montana

EUREKA POST OFFICE
113 14th St, Eureka, MT 59917 (north end of town)
Phone: 406-297-2132
Hours Monday-Friday 8:30am - 5:00pm Saturday 11:30am - 1:30pm Sunday Closed
(The Eureka post office dude IS expecting you! Told me sometimes had a line of racers mailing stuff back - mine was 8.5 pounds...)

WHITEFISH POST OFFICE
424 Baker Ave, Whitefish, MT 59937
Phone: 406-862-2151
Hours Monday-Friday 8:30am - 5:30pm Saturday 10:00am - 2:00pm Sunday Closed

COLUMBIA FALLS POST OFFICE
65 1st St E, Columbia Falls, MT 59912
Phone: 406-892-7621
Hours Monday-Friday 8:30am - 5:00pm Saturday 11:00am - 2:00pm Sunday Closed

BIGFORK POST OFFICE
265 Holt Dr, Bigfork, MT 59911
Phone: 406-837-4479
Hours Monday-Friday 8:30am - 5:00pm Saturday 10:00am - 2:00pm Sunday Closed

SEELEY LAKE POST OFFICE
3172 Mt Highway 83 N, Seeley Lake, MT 59868
Phone: 406-677-2474
Hours Monday-Friday 9:00am - 4:00pm Saturday 10:00am - 11:00am Sunday Closed

BASIN POST OFFICE
100 Basin St, Basin, MT 59631
Phone: 406-225-4333
Hours Monday-Friday 8:00am - 12:00pm
12:45pm - 4:30pm Saturday-Sunday Closed

BUTTE POST OFFICE
701 Dewey Blvd, Butte, MT 59701
Phone: 406-494-2107
Hours Monday-Friday 8:30am - 5:30pm Saturday 9:00am - 1:00pm Sunday Closed

COPPER HILL STATION POST OFFICE
60 W Galena St, Butte, MT 59701
Phone: 406-723-0177
Hours Monday-Friday 9:30am - 1:00pm
2:00pm - 4:30pm Saturday-Sunday Closed

CONDON POST OFFICE
7245 Mt Highway 83, Condon, MT 59826
Phone: 406-754-2500
Hours Monday-Friday 8:15am - 12:30pm
1:30pm - 5:00pm Saturday 10:00am - 12:00pm Sunday Closed

DILLON POST OFFICE
117 S Idaho St, Dillon, MT 59725
Phone: 406-683-2841
Hours Monday-Friday 8:30am - 5:00pm Saturday 10:00am - 12:00pm Sunday Closed

EAST HELENA POST OFFICE
607 E Porter St, East Helena, MT 59635
Phone: 406-227-5325
Hours Monday-Friday 9:00am - 5:00pm Saturday-Sunday Closed

HELENA POST OFFICE
2300 N Harris St, Helena, MT 59601
Phone: 406-443-3304
Hours Monday-Friday 8:00am - 6:00pm Saturday 9:00am - 12:00pm Sunday Closed

LAST CHANCE POST OFFICE
500 N Last Chance Gulch, Helena, MT 59601
Phone: 406-443-8373
Hours Monday-Friday 8:30am - 5:00pm Saturday-Sunday Closed

SEELEY LAKE POST OFFICE
3172 Mt Highway 83 N, Seeley Lake, MT 59868
Phone: 406-677-2474
Hours Monday-Friday 9:00am - 4:00pm Saturday 10:00am - 11:00am Sunday Closed

OVANDO POST OFFICE
312 Main St, Ovando, MT 59854
Phone: 406-793-5620
Hours Monday-Friday 8:00am - 12:30pm
1:30pm - 4:45pm Saturday 10:30am - 12:00pm Sunday Closed

LINCOLN POST OFFICE
237 Main St, Lincoln, MT 59639
Phone: 406-362-4523
Hours Monday-Friday 9:00am - 12:00pm
1:00pm - 4:30pm Saturday-Sunday Closed

WISE RIVER POST OFFICE
65209 Mt Highway 43, Wise River, MT 59762
Phone: 406-832-3280
Hours Monday-Friday 8:00am - 12:00pm
1:00pm - 4:45pm Saturday 8:15am - 9:45am Sunday Closed

Polaris Post Office
96 Billings Creek Rd
Polaris, MT   59746
Hours Mon-Sat 9:30am - 11:30am Sun Closed

For General Delivery (mailing yourself packages along the route)

Use the words GENERAL DELIVERY, uppercase preferred, spelled out (no abbreviation), as the Delivery Address Line on the mailpiece. Each record will carry the –9999 add-on zip code.  Note that you do not need the post office street address. Mail addressed to you at General Delivery will be held at the area’s main Post Office™ for up to 30 days. You will have to show picture ID at the counter when you pick your package up.

Example:

Fred Pedelemore
GENERAL DELIVERY
Wise River, MT 59762-9999

Hi again.  I am use the GAIA app on my phone.  It seems to be a good alternative to the etrex I used last year.   However... I am trying to get the maps into the phone for offline use.   There is an option to download tiles for a given track.  When I go to do that, it tells me that it will be too big of a download.

Anyone else gone through this process that would have some advice for me?

Dave Rullo, customer support for Gaia, sent me this link re downloading maps along a known track:

http://gaiagpsandroid.uservoice.com/knowledgebase/articles/425626-download-maps-along-a-track

May be easier than downloading tiled maps, dunno, haven't tried it.

Good luck

Ah, OK, that's not bad at all - you still hit up Union Pass  I believe, just miss that initial climb and you do get off the highway sooner. 

My OC nature compels me...Ruff numbers:

Elevation at Hwy-26/Warm Creek Road: 7,725'
Pass at 5 miles: 9,090' (climb of 1,365' starts at 1 mile, average grade 6.5%)
Joins main Union Pass route at 16.6 miles, elevation 8,380'

Then you get to experience the rest of Union Pass road - voted 'most sucky/rocky' in 2013 by a distinguished panel of....me.  (The first part of the Pass was just recently graded and superhighway! Not so the stretch past the houses.) I even heard a gentleman curse roundly up there. No kiddin!

KML attached - real unofficial but shows route well.

Thank God - more climbing!

'Nuther cue sheet example attached. Tip: condense cue original comments to main ideas, like 'Left on Hwy 43', not 'look at the pretty mountain'. Any extra clutter is confusing when you are tired.

Headings are Miles <keyed to map>,
Dist. <distance to turn or logistics from last Mile reading>,
Turn/Logis. <Turn direction, logistics: food, camping, water, etc.>
Comments <Last column is detail, with cities/towns hi-lited in magenta.>

Keyed in color, so I know Orange background is Right turn "R", or bear right "RB". Ditto left turn "L" or bear left "LB". Straight is either blank or "S" depending on my mood.

After the turn direction, there may be F = Food/Groceries, C = camping, L = lodging, W = water.

At bottom of cue sheet I'll make notes re phone numbers, handy info, bike shops, etc.

Note that I haven't updated this particular section yet, not sure if any changes since 2013.

Peddle-to-the-meddle

Glen

Not sure if it will work but...

If you have a mate with a solder iron and a spare USB cable to cut up, you can order one of these dirt cheap DC-DC stepdown converters:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2p-USB-DC-5V-to-3-3V-DC-DC-Step-Down-Converter-Power-Supply-Module-AMS1117-3-3V-/181539069535?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2a44925e5f

It drops 5 volts to 3.3 volts. The 'not sure' part is whether 3.3 volts is still too high.  But hey, for a couple bucks it is a cheap chance.

I've used several similar DC-DC step up modules with success, building USB chargers for my cell phones (they use 3 AA batteries, 4.5 volts total, bumps up to 5 volts regulated). Pic shows one I'm taking on the race as a backup when I have no mains electricity - Note small USB module on right. Total 1 ounce, less batteries. Chargers phone 1.5 times. Total cost: $4

Good luck

Simon

Seems that according to https://www.syz.com/gps/power.html  the eTrex can only take up to 3.25 volts and the USB power packs put out 5 volts . May be shutting off due to too much juice?

I built a phone USB AA battery powered charger (5 volts out) and it wouldn't work until I shorted the two 'sensor' USB wires (Data In, Data Out), fooling the phone into taking the power. Not sure if Garmin does this kind of sneakery or not... The external 5volt pack sitting next to me charges my phone OK, but I don't have an eTrex anymore so can't test.

This site: http://www.nomad.ee/micros/etrex.shtml is entitled 'Hacking Garmin eTrex', lots of good info. In it, is stated, " eTrex needs 3V DC (specified maximum is 3.15V) and is smart enough to detect that the external power is available.". I've got a bit of background in electrikery (ask me how many tube/valve powered amps I've built!), and my suspicion is the eTrex senses too much power and shuts it's input off. In fact, I would bet a gallon of Foster's Ale on it.

Sorry this doesn't help out actually getting it charged tho

Any others out there who got external battery packs to work?

Glen

Simon, G'day

Did you select "No" at go to Mass Storage? Had a similar problem years ago, but can't remember the tricks now.

This might/not help:  http://www.stromtrooper.com/techy-world-gps-electronics-etc/132641-garmin-etrex-20-external-power-source-few-pics.html

Glen

Keep nasty feet fungus at bay:

- Try to keep shoes/socks dry
- Rotate socks daily, wash 'em in a stream and air dry them while riding
- At extended rest stops, take socks off and expose feet/socks to air/sun (if any!), UV kills the little buggers (fungus, not feet)
- Take a medicated cream (not powder) to treat feet, apply every day or two - works on jock rash too!
- Wear either dry socks or nothing on feet at night
- Wool is a lot better at keeping feet smelling spring fresh and clean

...or go so fast that the fungii can't catch ya!

Glen

It's here. Take a look at the Sawyer filter bottle. I run Sawyer filter (not bottle), Platypus and Nalgene water bags, and AquaMira drops as backup, and as additional treatment when virus are suspected (cow town - hepatitis, etc.). Had to pick floating cow poo out of stream in 2013 before filter/treatment....seemed to have worked! Used Pur pump filter then - too heavy. A plus with Sawyer filter: you can drink from the filter - it screws into any 'normal' small plastic water bottle threaded container, so in a sense it acts like a Sawyer filter bottle.

Most water can be had in towns/gas stations/cafes if you are diligent, but some stretches require filtering. Rookie mistake (ask me how I know) is to carry too much water in stretches where there is plenty of surface water or supply stations. Another rookie mistake is to carry too little water in dry stretches >

Tip-O-day: You'll need about 7 liter carrying capacity for some stretches (NM). Rather than take all 7 liter worth of containers, gather up a couple 2 liter plastic coke bottles when needed and wash 'em out. 'Nuther tip: take a couple water bottles, and then Platypus/Sawyer/Nalgene collapsable bags - total weight for 7 liter capacity, including Sawyer filter and AquaMira drops ~ 10 oz. If you have to carry more water than will be needed in a few hours, fill some containers with surface water, use the Aqua drops, and in 4 hours all is safe to drink - saves time filtering. Be sure to keep track of what bottles have which water!

See ya in $$Banff

Glen

Hey MIkeI

If you've never had bear spray instruction, be sure to watch Herrero's co-worker on YouTube: Best video I've seen re how to live with bears, and it tackles some myths out there: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PExlT-5VU-Y , Dr. Tom Smith, co-researcher with bear guru Dr. Herrero, gives a lecture re bears and how they tick, and shows proper use of spray. Great video! He also gives real good advice on bear spray, such as never go out without it, tells of the uselessness of bear bells, and other aspects of dancing with the Griz.

See ya in June

Glen

For Canada+Northern US current snowpack image: https://www.ccin.ca/home/ccw/snow/current

Looks to be a bit less than average snowpack, but a more than average blip in Montana. Come on global warming! 

Glen

Hey Bill, wife and I were blue dot stalking you last year. Nice ride!

I see you are getting the new Canada map - so are you in for this year? Hope to see you there, and we more 'mature' riders can put the shame on the young-uns!

Glen

Someone else chime in re new maps this year.

Check: http://www.adventurecycling.org/routes-and-maps/adventure-cycling-route-network/map-addenda/default.cfm#results  for addenda, changes to routes.

Change to Canadian route near Elkford is at: https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?ll=50.007739,-114.88266&msa=0&spn=0.288608,0.528717&mid=zwdbczDNCLPA.k7UiBqiLSuBY

Other big change is from Basin to Butte MT - got rid of section paralleling I-15 (which was a hoot to ride, but noisy to sleep next to at night!). The ACA maps:  all the 6 U.S. maps were updated and reprinted in May 2014.

Cheers

Although there is no requirement to 'sign up' (anyone can race at anytime) it is customary to declare your intent, at least for the Grand Depart in June. Otheres who race at other times declare and 'ITT', individual time trial, with start time/date.

The unofficial-official sign up is at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Q1UHjIKml475yatejXB3fSql5jZyEQEEhqPlvY6T_1c/viewform .

See you there!

Glen

[:>]

OK, OK, I'm in for 2015...What the heck we doing again anyway? After touring half the course with Blackhound59 (race veteran, and a true gentleman on a bike) in 2013, I declare my insanity for the 2015 race - Somebody spank me! (please? :>)

My racing philosophy: If I can't see anyone ahead, I must be in first place. Not taking a GPS or maps; using a ouiji board and dowsing rod.

See ya in Banff, and in Antelope Wells 23 days later,

Glen

This subject comes up every year - I can hardly BEAR it -

Best video I've seen re how to live with bears, and it tackles some myths out there: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PExlT-5VU-Y

Dr. Tom Smith, co-researcher with bear guru Dr. Herrero (you have read Herrero's book?) , gives a lecture re bears and how they tick. He busts some myths like:
 - Wave your arms at bears ("What, are they supposed to resemble rubber antlers?")
- Play dead when a bear is nearby ("Lady get up, the bear will EAT you!")
- Shout at Grizzlies ("You aren't going to beat the bear at his game.")

The dude is seriously funny, and he's been there N done that. Give a look.

He also gives real good advice on bear spray, such as never go out without it.   Gives good statistics on guns vs bear spray, versus no 'protection'. As a red blooded American who loves noisy firepower, personally I would much rather be armed with spray (and carried it in 2013).

Bottom line: real rare to have a bear injure you. But if they do - man is your a$$ sushi !  

For all those coming from Europe, beware of our lethal Jackalope that ranges from east Montana to Wyoming. Big teeth. Buggers are fast and you never see 'em until it's too late. Just sayin'

Re lions, tigers, and bears - oh my!

As a person who loves massive firepower, I would m-u-c-h rather have bear spray than a gun in a bear encounter. Be sure to read Herrera's bear book. There are those who have faced a bear down, and those who have yet to clean their shorts. The first time it happened to me (long ago) I'm not sure who ran away the fastest, but (later) found out that is not the best plan. Funny ending to story: was tied to a nylon survey chain, and when I came up to the end at a full trot I was yanked backwards by the hand of Jesus! - thought for sure the bear got me! Not so funny part - landed on a yellow jacket nest.

By the way, bear spray is about 1/5th the strength of police Mace (Most people think it is stronger). Reason? Bears have a zillion more smell sensors and only 'need' a little OC to make them rethink things, relative to people. I was certified on OC spray use in my LEO days - which means being sprayed. Believe me, it gets your attention!

In 2013 I slept like the dead, even at Red Meadow Lake, except for one bear nightmare near Brooks Lake: had a 'bear sniffing around the tent' moment (dreaming) and woke up with my bear spray in hand, safety off!

One serious tip: Cougars, like most predatory cats, like to attack from the rear. Paste two fake eyes on the back of your helmet - cats do not like to attack a 'face'. Yep serious - mahouts and brush beaters in India do the same during tiger hunts. Cuts down on attacks big time. The tribes in Africa know not to turn their backs on big cats.

Anyway, agree with Long re accepting responsibility for the risk. Do all that you can to avoid, then have a plan to mitigate if crap hits the rotary air mover.

People of the Tour - have you ordered the new Cordillera yet?     No? For shame!   

Bikes - bikes!

However, I do hope my performance enhancing laxatives are not banned. 

..and while we're on the drug topic...

I say ban Powerbars - they're converted into sugars and later other performance enhancing chemicals in the body - even tho they taste like baby poo! But Cliff Bars are OK!

Going up Union Pass I clearly remember bonking, and after gobbling down a bar or two, refreshed but in shame, I felt like a new rider. So now I relegate myself...er wait, I was touring - woops.

Suggest a rule modification:
" Racers must not eat or drink along the route, nor breathe, and shall hold their wee-wee the entire way." 

Chill people...be happy we can still peddle. 

Glen