Hey...I was reading through the rules for the Tour Divide again since I'm racing come June and I just noticed a change (since I initially read them in 2011) in the rules for the Tour Divide.  If you haven't read the lately here's what I believe to be a change (if this has been discussed already, I missed it).  Note the term ANY direction:

4a. In the event of a serious mechanical that renders a bike unrideable, a rider may hitchhike[3] by motor vehicle in ANY direction to repair the problem. The location of the incident must be well-documented by SPOT tracker or other GPS logger. A rider may also receive assistance returning back to the exact location of breakdown to begin forward progress. Again, the entire incident, from breakdown to return to the trail must be well-documented by GPS.

Having a closer look at this line "A rider may also receive assistance returning back to the exact location of breakdown to begin forward progress" is this now allowing - once your bicycle is repaired - one to move FORWARD (not on your own power) on the route to return to the breakdown point?

robin

I totally understand the sentiment of the route... I just kind of like a race that starts or finishes in my hometown!

well thats sure a good route for a bear lover like yourself... i've driven up to whitehorse from banff a long time ago and i seem to remember a fairly significant stretch of gravel too.

so why stop at Dawson - continue on to Jasper - or... Banff...? I may be a bit biased but the section from Grand Cache to Banff would be some of the nicest scenery one would ever ride through...

 

Banff is also surrounded by Provincial Park; the first 10km of the GDMBR has ample primitive camping spots. It's curious that the Y has so little lodging left - or, are you talking simply single rooms? Staying at the dorms in 2011, it felt like, without the TD people, the place was empty.

Yes there is primitive camping spots just 3mi into the GDMBR (cross bridge to east side of the spray river and backtrack .5 mi) just be sure to get a backcountry pass from the parks office first - about $6.

As for availability at the Y this year - this years grand depart start may be the same weekend as the Banff Bikefest, a 4 day road stage race. If so, then indeed getting rooms may be a challenge.

while there's no denying the magical elixer qualities of PBR - I believe it was my pancakes and the 2, quad shot espresso's I served him at 5 in the morning...

UHM? Has anyone else noticed that Jay is laying waste to his own ITT time to date, let alone the current Grand Depart record.  Perhaps the beers at the shop the other night were just the right amount.  Keep on keeping on

Forecast yesterday looked gloomy but it looks to be improving with sun on Friday and Saturday. I think it depends what weather site you are looking at. I like to go to pollyanna weather.com!

Here is the link I have been using: http://www.weather.com/weather/tenday/Banff+CAXX0023:1:CA

Welcome to banff, lots of great reasons to be here... 7 months of winter and 5 months of shite weather is NOT one of them...

Has the start time for the Grand Depart been set yet?

I have cues for the Gold Dust Trail but they are written from north to south.

The TD website does not list this as a required alternate, but reading back in this thread it seems the Gold Dust Trail is to be incorporated into the route going forward from 2011.  Where does one get these cues?

Also, on the subject of cues/narratives can anyone tell me using the 2012 narratives ( I haven't recieved my maps as of yet) where the CDT alternate leaves the main route?  The narratives state where it rejoins, but not where it leaves.  

robin

Some other inexpensive airlines for shipping bikes.  Air Canada and westjet only charge $50.

does anyone know for sure if you can ship things to general post at the Banff post office?

Yep - Address like this:
yourname
General Delivery
STN MAIN
Banff, AB
Canada
T1L 1A0

hmm... never mind the mount, how much was that custom stem?

I tried this as a separate thread and got no replies, so I'll try here.

Does anyone know if Canyon Dam and the Spray River bridge will be repaired in time for the GD or will we have to divert through Canmore and then down the Smith-Dorrien?

There were pictures in the local paper a few weeks ago showing one of the bridges going in, but didn't elaborate when this trail would be open.  FWIW, I was at the trail head today (checking xc-ski conditions) and the signs they had up all summer stating the trail closure weren't there anymore.

I will try and get some better info in the new year for you all.

robin

jay looks to have missed a turn, noticed he was going the wrong way, turned around -
but has now backtracked to far...

<edit> and now he is back on track...</edit>

I just arrived in Banff. Getting ready for a 6am start tomorrow morning. Beautiful day, at least 25 degrees, celcius that is.
Craig.

Good luck - you do realize the goat creek trail is closed?  Are you going rundle riverside?

Just a heads up to all you Aug/fall ITTers out there.  According to the local paper, the Goat Creek trail is closed.  The trail starts just 6 miles in to the GDMBR (for SoBo) and goes to mile 12.  There was apparently a failure at one of the dams upstream that has lead to excessive errosion and structural damage to the bridge over the spray river.  There was no mention of when the trail may open, but TransAlta (the hydro company) has stated they may not finish their repairs to the dam until end of Aug or early Sept.  Also no mention of when Parks Canada will attempt to repair the bridge.

If I hear more, I will post it up.

1st NB has arrived in Banff.  Paul came in about an hour ago.  Looked good, met at the trail head by family and friends.  Sounds like he hadn't slept since Whitefish... WOW.

Unfortunately, my frame has cracked and I'm on my way back to Steamboat Springs for repair/replacement or maybe just commiseration with Kent Erikson. So, I'm out of the race (in terms of competing for a decent placing), but still looking for the border.

Not least because my house keys are in Silver City

Aidan - so bummed to hear about the broken frame, you were riding a hellofa race brother.

Take care, maybe see you in the UK in the fall.

Robin, Michelle and Finn,

PS - your box of goodies should be in silver city already.

I have no idea who is using GPS and who is not, but my guess Ethan is not from knowing him and seeing a picture of his bike. If Kurt / Jefe are - is that enough of an advantage?

right now Ethan would have the best navigation tool working for him... tire tracks... until he hits pavement that is. (and assuming he can still see straight)

Anyone have an estimate on how much snow we are going to have to go through before dropping from elk pass?  It looks as if we are in for a 30, 40, (60?) mile snow trek.  Does this sound like what we're in for to anyone else or am I just fearing the worst.  30, 40 miles is doable, but still mostly stupid.  Anything more and I just might consider starting in Roosville this year.

from the reports i heard the snow has been plowed from the tombermory cabin (mi 70) to elkford.  there is still snow from the start of the elk pass trailhead (mi 62) to the cabin.  so worst case is 8 mi of snow - buts it's melting fast (22C here in Banff today).

Just a heads up to all.  Canada Post may be going on strike as of Friday June 3rd.  Anyone who was planning on using them prior to the Grand Depart may want source out some alternatives.