...am I the only Luddite that doesn't have a Facebook/Twitter/Instagram/WhatsupJack account?

Sheesh, I'm old. Gets like that waiting for the Pony Express mail drop. 

According to ABC news and the Indipac press release, Mike Hall may have been struck by a car and killed at around 1 pm PST today while racing in the Indian Pacific Wheel Race in Australi, several miles south of Canberra. Mike had completed 5000 km of the 5,500 km race.

Kristoff Allegart, the race leader, reportedly pulled out of the race after hearing of the accident.

I am just sick

Glen

North bound is legit...but if lots of snow in New Mexico or Colorado then you'll be talking to yourself in strange languages when you get there.

Justin...so where DID you hide the truck innertube on Union Pass - might need it? 

Going into March the snowpack in parts of Canada & Montana is above average, and Wyoming from 130% to 200% of average (Union Pass area) ouch!. Another 2011 snow avoidance year? (for those more recent to the race - 2011 had reroutes around snowed in passes).

Might be another late June-July ITT for me if it continues...and that brings the issue of fires in New Mexico, plus the heat. Of course my last planned July ITT was in 2013, and the Canada portion of the course washed away two days after the Grand Depart - so toured part of it. Can't win. 

Any reports from locals?

Glen

PS
Montana http://www.wcc.nrcs.usda.gov/ftpref/data/water/wcs/gis/maps/mt_swepctnormal_update.pdf
Wyoming http://www.wcc.nrcs.usda.gov/ftpref/data/water/wcs/gis/maps/wy_swepctnormal_update.pdf

Ditto - I got a Ridgeline 29 medium, then saw the MT large, so heck, got that also! Then scored a Waltly (Chinese) Ti custom medium.

Built up the Ridgeline with XT 2x10, thinking of building the large later to compare. I like the Ridgeline fine, so never built the MT. Did build up the Waltly, and it scooted like a Porsche! Unfortunately I was looking for a TD ready rig, and although the Waltly was insane fun, needed the stability of the Ridgeline.

Cons: Main triangle is one half the size of my previous alum frame. Not a big deal as I make my own bags, and have cut way down on crap to carry.

First test will be the 2017 TD. Third try. 

I used a cable lock on the TD. Tip is to lock the padlock through one of the holes in the rear disk rotor. That way at least they can't roll the bike away after cutting the cable.

Flinch

...and my version. Note that I kept the ACA map mileages in the first column, then kept up a running total miles after the turnoff onto the new route.
The second miles column is distance from last mile marker.
Key: RB = Bear Right, LB = Bear Left, R = turn Right, L = turn Left, S = continue Straight, F = Food, W = Water, C = Camping.

Map 3 A            
Mile   Dist   Feature   Comment   
0.0          South Pass City   
0.5   0.50   RB    Carissa Gold Mine. Fork right.   
2.5   2.00   S   Through 4-way intersection.   
2.9   0.40   R    At stop sign   
4.4   1.50   R   FWC    Atlantic City. Turn at Miner's Delight Inn   
5.3   0.90   LB    Curve left at junction.   
8.3   3.00   S   Toward "Sweetwater Bridge Crossing 7"   
14.7   6.40   WC   Sweetwater River   
16.9   2.20   RB   Along fenceline.   
20.3   3.40   R   Following main road/unsigned Co. Rd. 2317   
26.2   5.90   W C    Diagnus Well visible to south   
27.8   1.60   S   Co. Rd. 2317. Water = Picket Lake, 2 mi to right   
40.7   12.90      West Alkali Creek.   
42.4   1.70      Through the Bison Basin Oil Field camp.   
42.90   0.50   R   At Jnct, depart old route   
43.20   0.30   RB   At Y   
44.40   1.20   LB   At Y   
45.40   1.00   LB   At Y   
45.50   0.10   LB   At Y onto lesser rd   
46.55   1.00   S   At Jnct   
48.65   2.10   LB/S   At Y   
49.35   0.70   S   At Y   
49.85   0.50   S      
51.85   2.00   R   At Bison Basin Rd/BLM 3221   
57.95   6.10   LB   At Y BLM 3217   
59.25   1.30   RB   Stream (no water), then RB at Y BLM 3217   
69.35   10.10   LB   At jnct BLM 3217   
73.75   4.40   R   Hwy 23/Wamsutter Crooks Rd   
77.45   3.70      Pond 2 mi down rd to L - Alkali   
81.35   3.90      Pond to R 0.6 mi Alkali   
101.45   20.10 FWC   Wamsutter (Beeer!!!)
101.55   0.10   L   Logan Street   
129.35   27.80   LB   Stream (no water)   
129.95   0.60   S   Jnct 789, Wild Cow Rd   
132.85   2.90   RB   At Y   
135.85   3.00   RB   Jnct Wild Cow Rd   
143.95   8.10   R   Wild Cow Rd   
145.15   1.20   L   After stream (no water), W. Cow Rd   
151.85   6.70   S   At Y   
152.15   0.30   RB/S   Join Mcarty Canton Rd   
155.85   3.70   S   Rd = Cherry Grove   
157.05   1.20   LB   At Y Cherry Grove   
158.55   1.50   RB   At Y Rd 501/Cherry Grove   
158.85   0.30   RB   At Y Rd 501    
164.25   5.40   R   At Y Rd 561   
165.25   1.00   L FW   Onto 70 Savery   (water, food at Museum)
169.65   4.40   R   Rd 1, old rt joins   
171.05   1.40   LB   On Rd 1   
182.85   11.80 FWC   Brush Mtn Lodge (there be a Trail Angel!)   

You can count on water at Dagnus Well and Wamsutter, then Savery. Brush Mtn is Heaven. The solar powered pump ~60 miles past Altantic City may/may not be working. In between, there be buzzards!

Have fun
Glen

I have Matthews' 2015 cues, plus my own generated from Google. Both worked.

Anyone know how to attach a spreadsheet to a message?

Here's a crude copy of Matts'. Note the header is first line.

Map Mile   Distance New   Action   Comment   Mi   Narratives   notes
            42.4   Ride through the Bison Basin Oil Field camp.   Main GDMBR
            42.9   At junction, bear left.   Main GDMBR
            42.9   LEAVE MAIN ROUTE AT 42.9 CUE. *IMPORTANT: Reset cyclometer mileage to zero as you turn right below   Begin Wamsutter North Bypass
                  
42.9   0   R      0   Turn RIGHT / south to begin gradual 2mi climb up to butte above. Potentially challenging in strong SW winds   
45.4   2.5   LB      2.5   Soft LEFT turn onto more primitive two track (unofficial name = Bison Rim Trail). The higher grade road you are leaving will curve right / begin to drop   
45.51   0.11      Pole "Fremont Co., WY"   2.61   Rusty metal Pole 60 feet off left of trail says, "Fremont Co., WY" on it. (this is the indicator you're on right two-track). Ridge vista finally begins to open up.   
48         Trail faint, keep to center of ridge      NOTE: The Bison Rim Trail will be quite faint at times for next .75mi. Keep to center of ridge when in doubt   
49.85   1.85      Hood of red truck 40 ft left of trail   4.46   Hood of red Chevy truck sits 40ft left / off trail. Great overlook to the north here. Short hike-a-bike ahead in distance.   
50.09   0.24         4.7   Brief push to the top of ridge. This mesa top is the actual Continental Divide. If not windy, perhaps the best bivy spot in the Great Basin, and one of the few literal Conti-Divide bivies.   
51.74   1.65   RB/S      6.35   Bison Rim Trail forks. Keep straight / right to continue on ridge road. Left fork heads north / down into Bison Basin.   
54.19   2.45   R   BLM 3221   8.8   Descend to, and T into BLM Rd 3221 / Bison Basin Rd. Go RIGHT (south) on BLM 3221 / Bison Basin Rd   
60.39   6.2   S   Sign Hadsell Rd .25 mi   15   Keep straight as BLM Rd 3216, Cyclone Rim Rd goes right. Sign reads Hadsell Rd .25mi   
60.59   0.2   S   At Y on 3217   15.2   Keep straight at Y on Hadsell Rd 3217; BLM Rd 3214, Rocky Crossing Rd goes right.   
61.89   1.3      Creek/Cabin   16.5   Hadsell Cabin on right. Quality of water source at Lost Creek UNKNOWN   
61.99   0.1   R   On Hadsell Rd 3217   16.6   Fork right on Hadsell Rd 3217, as a (seemingly) higher grade Osborne Rd goes left. (note small 3217 metal post / sign)   
62.19   0.2   RB/S      16.8   Stay straight / right as road levels off. A short connector back to Osborne Rd goes left   
64.49   2.3      Cattleguard   19.1   Cross cattleguard   
68.09   3.6   W   Water: solar powered pump, cattle trough   22.7   Solar-powered water pump (cattle trough) + remnants of old cabin (a roof) on LEFT   water
72.39   4.3   L    At Y     27   Keep LEFT (southeast) at Y. BLM 3210 Eagles Nest Rd goes right. BLM signs are badly damaged   
76.89   4.5   R   At T on CR 23 / Crook's Gap…Rd   31.5   At T turn RIGHT / south on CR23 / Crook's Gap - Wamsutter Rd. Next 28 miles   
               Note: Next 28 miles, this is a wide, higher-grade haul road used frequently by mining trucks. Use caution, especially on weekdays   
78.99   2.1         33.6   CR63 Mineral X Rd on left (further east this road becomes (Main GDMBR for 26 miles)   
103.59   24.6   RB   Pass water tower, curve R   58.2   Pass Wamsutter water tower, and ride onto pavement and curve west towards Love's Truck Stop.   
104.79   1.2   FW   Wamsutter   59.4   Love's 24-hr Truck Stop / I-80 mining community of Wamsutter.   Food / showers
104.89   0.1      End Wamsutter North cues   59.5   Ride under I-80 westbound bridge, then RESET CYCLOMETER TO ZERO   
               Begin Wamsutter SOUTH cues   

Wamsutter South Reroute:

Turn   km   Mile   Narratives   Notes
   0   0   IMPORTANT: Reset cyclometer mileage to zero precisely between the two I-80 bridges in Wamsutter   reset
      0.5   McCormick curves around to cross high bridge over railroad tracks. SUGGEST USING BIKE LANE ON BRIDGE   
      1.65   Cross Cattleguard and ride onto gravel CR23 Wamsutter Rd South   
         Note: CR23 (south) continues to be a mining haul road for next 28 miles; be cautious on weekdays.   
      9.8   Wamsutter Rd becomes signed Carson County Rd 701   
      27.9   Cross WY789 (fairly busy hwy) and ride onto Carson County Rd 608   
      31   Road forks. Turn RIGHT to remain on CR608   
      34.1   Turn RIGHT to remain on CR608. BLM Rd 3305 Willows Rd goes left   
      39.4   Drop down to cross Wild Cow Creek. Begin gradual climb   
      42.6   Turn RIGHT to remain on CR608. Coss Cattleguard and begin to drop towards Cherokee Creek   
      43.9   Turn LEFT on CR608 just after crossing Cherokee Creek. BLM Rd 3309 "Wild Horse Rd" goes right. Begin 6 mile climb to the top along S. Fork of Cherokee Creek. Much of the land along the climb is private. Stealth camping not advised   
      51.3   MCCarty Canyon Rd (CR503) comes in / joins 608 from left / behind. Keep straight.   
      55.1   McCarty Canyon Rd leaves main road (right and down). Keep straight onto CR501 (some maps identify 501 as Cherry Grove Rd)   
      57   Keep straight to begin FUN [NOT fun Matt!] descent into Savery, however, notice CR752 stock trail going left. This insane downhill drops 1,000 feet into West Fork Loco Creek (trib of Savery Creek) **No TD rider would be docked for taking this slightly longer, double-black route into Savery.   
      63.9   T into /  turn RIGHT onto CR561 and ride into Savery, WY   
      65   Savery, WY; Turn LEFT on WY70 (4.5mi to Slater, CO)   
      69.5   Slater, CO Turn Right on unsigned Moffat Co Rd 1 (REJOIN MAIN GDMBR)   
   67.7   42.1   0.25 mile past the Slater, Colorado, post office (which is in a trailer on the right), turn left onto unsigned gravel road, dropping through a ranch.   dial back cyclometer to 42.1mi
   69.5   43.2   Cross Slater Creek on narrow bridge.   

Key: RB = Bear Right, LB Bear Left, S = go Straight, W = Water

I second using the GPS from the first part of the Bison Rim Trail. Still, you won't have much of a problem. Last 36 miles of the North reroute is major gravel road. Enjoy the headwinds!

Glen

[Riding with a sense of Adventure]

Hey Ferg, thanks for the response. I am wondering more specifically about navigating and how often racers make a wrong turn, that sort of thing. Thanks again, Todd

True Racers never make wrong turns! There is only 'Riding with a sense of Adventure'. Also known as...er...wrong turns. 

Tip-O-Day: 1. Use GPS. 2. Set background blank, no map. 3. Follow arrow on red line. You will have no problems (unless you miss that dang turn going up Stemple Pass because you're daydreaming! Drat!  )

never-done-that...twice

Having taken advantage of the 'frequent sleeping awards' program offered by many campsites, I offer up the following for the fellow economizing racer:

Montana Hilton Etiquette

[/b]

Bedding down in campsite bathrooms is a way to escape the wind, rain, and cold, and to hide from growly critters. As with any luxury hotel, there are Miss Manner Rules of Etiquette for the courteous yet sleepy racer:

1. If there are other campers at the site, they have priority in 'using' the facility. Remember why the room is there.
2. If other campers are present, leave at least one 'room' open: sleep in the Men's room? Leave the ladies room empty.
3. Share with other racers.
4. Ignore the gurgling down below, for it is the biomass compositing heat system working.
5. Tip the maid. 


Just sayin'

Thanks Dave! Added this to my over-large post above.

[Tour Divide 2017 Race Discussion]

Every year we ask/answer the same questions re TD sources and issues. Here are some of the common topics I've noted the past years. I've taken the liberty of stealing with pride from other posts, so thanks to the original authors. If there are any additions/corrections please comment.

[ Moderator: can we make this a sticky? ] [ Updated with comments Jan 5 ]

Here are some sources for Tour Divide concerns.

The Tour Divide is a self monitored race that has no prizes and no entry fees, but does have rules to race by. YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR KNOWING THE RULES! The first and most important thing to study are the race rules and ethics! When in doubt, race with honor.

The official rules are at: http://tourdivide.org/the_rules  Note that this site is not updated anymore. There are several 'alternates' or changes to the route since the rule list was posted. These are the Boulton Creek bike path, Union Pass reroute, Josephine Falls reroute, through the town of Butte MT, and the Wamsutter reroute. These changes are in the most current GPS GPX file.

An interesting ethics discussion is at: http://tobygadd.blogspot.com/2012/05/ultra-racing-rules.html

Update with race participants image: We all are representative of both racers and other non-TD bike riders. A very few in the past have behaved, ahem, in a naughty way to those people along the route, principally in stores or cafes. We all get sullen and grouchy, often multiple times a day, so remember that you are an ambassador, and your behavior can either bless or curse others who follow. I'm saying it nicely, Matt said it best, "Don't be a dick!". Seriously, the best part of the race is the people you meet. Give them a reason to say the same about racers!

For international racers: Tipping in the U.S. is expected in cafes and restaurants. Tip amounts are from 10-20% of pre-tax food bill in full service eateries (depending on quality of service), but no tip required for fast food or self serve places, such as MacDonalds, Subway or Port of Subs sandwich shops or the like. Some coffee houses have 'tip jars', and you can decide to tip or not.

Entering into the U.S. at Rooseville: In 2013 the people there were super nice (I'm a U.S. citizen) to myself and three people I was with from the U.K.. In 2015 the guy there was a dick. Tip: Wait your turn at the stop light in the entry lane until you get the green light - even if behind a line of cars - as they don't consider bikes anything special. Have your passport out when you ride up to the building - I got grouched at for reaching for my passport. Foreign citizens will probably have to go into the building for a song and dance, but they will instruct you.

Letter of intent: Send an email to tourdivide@gmail.com with your letter of intent

Sign up sheet for 2017 at: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1SlZyqb4CMYfnAitaiD3RdlFHQHTt4uhW0-Qy8SO26Ns/edit#gid=24721170

SPOT Rental or SPOT registration: Trackleaders rents SPOT units, and you can register your own SPOT for them to track. Normally the SPOT rentals are handed out in Banff. If you are heading northbound from Antelope Wells, notify them and your SPOT can be mailed. Email Scott Morris at Topofusion or Trackleaders (he runs both). He has the rental units and will have a solution for you. From Scott's 2015 post, "The general procedure is to send an LOI in using the contact form on tourdivide.org.   Matthew then sends out the link to riders by email after that.  That's the form to get the SPOT registration form"

For entry and starting logistics check the pinned post at the top of this Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/228009294199842/

When the race starts (June 9th 2017) an new thread named something like  "Tour Divide 2017 Race Discussion" will start. That thread is for actual race discussions and updates, and allows race supporters (family/ friends) to see what is going on during the race. It is not intended to discuss normal bike chat or race prep.

Banff Canada facilities: Banff has many hotels and restaurants. The Grand Depart starts from the YWCA Hotel.

Getting to Banff: If you fly to Calgary, there are several transport vans that go to Banff. Cost is around $60 (?). You can ride your bike to Banff, about 70 miles.

Added 1/11/17 (Thanks to KiwiDave!): Riders receive a 15% discount on the Banff Airporter for shuttle service between the Calgary Airport and Canmore/Banff. Click www.banffairporter.com/book  Proceed through the reservation and type - divide - in the Promo Code section on the final payment page to receive the discount. Or call (888) 449-2901 and mention you are attending the Tour Divide race.

[Ditto Dave] Bear Spray discount: 15% off Bear spray for all TD racers from Monod Sports in Banff. 129 Banff Avenue. Please only hit LIKE if you want to buy one from them as they need a rough headcount so as not to be out of stock. (On the bearspray post in Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/228009294199842/) If you're not on Facebook don't worry as they'll have some additional stock of course.


Shipping bike to Banff: DON'T ! Your bike may well end up in customs purgatory, as several have in the past. Pay up and take it on the plane with you.

Shipping bike back home after the race: If you are flying or taking a train/bus back home, and don't have room for your bike, consider using the Bikeflights company shipping service. Box your bike and they will pick it up from most residences or motels/bike shops. I used them last year from Denver to Reno ~$40 for boxed bike, three day delivery, and it saved me the $200 airline shipping cost. https://www.bikeflights.com/default.aspx

Pick up at Antelope Wells: There are a couple of people that will pick you up from AW after your record run! Normally they monitor the race and meet you there. I don't have current details, so please chip in.
[Update] Shuttle to/from Antelope Wells, NM
Southwest Trailhead Hand, Jeffery Sharp
home:575-436-7200; cell:575-574-7210
email: sharpjeffery1@gmail.com   also have this contact: Call 575-519-9111 Facebook Jeffery Sharp

"Sorting out how to get out of AW - I'm getting a shuttle with Juan of Juan More Time (phone: 575.388.9272)"

Shuttle options, including those to or from AW, are on http://www.adventurecycling.org/default/assets/File/Routes_Maps/pdf/GD_shuttle.pdf

GPS GPX Tracks: http://topofusion.com/divide/gps.php
Be sure to get the most up-to-date GPS track. Notice that some GPS units cannot handle the full route, thus there are two tracks; one full route, and one '10k' route that has less than 10,000 points.

During the race, your SPOT icon will show up on http://trackleaders.com/ . Navigate to the Tour Divide 2017 race. Scott Morris maintains this site and it is funded by donations. [Correction from Bob Marshall: "One small addition to your info above - Scott also charges a fee from each racer, I think it was something like $25 in 2015.]

MTBCast: Toll Free Message Number: 888-866-4491  This is a call in for riders only. During the race listeners can hear racers messages. The MTBCast messages are posted on the Bikepacking.net TD Race Discussion thread every day, or you can navigate to: http://mtbcast.com/site2/  Note that Joe Polk does this as a free service to the bikepacking community, and his operation is funded by donations.

Maps: The ACA (American Cycle Association) sells maps for the Tour Divide route at https://www.adventurecycling.org/routes-and-maps/adventure-cycling-route-network/great-divide-mountain-bike-route/
Note that some of the route changes may not be on the current ACA maps. The GPS GPX Topofusion route is the definitive route!

TD Elevation profiles http://imgur.com/a/FI1bj
and http://www.bikepacking.net/forum/ultra-racing/2016-tour-divide-preparation/msg83301/#msg83301

Lightning safety :
http://rendezvous.nols.edu/files/Curriculum/research_projects/Risk%20Management%20Reports/NOLS%20Backcountry%20Lightning%20Safety%20Guidelines.pdf

Bear intensity maps: https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&oe=UTF8&t=h&msa=0&msid=200334849650645495946.00047e45e4239031f00c3&start=0&num=200&sll=46.7248,-112.807617&sspn=1.269004,2.221985&z=7

Youtube video Tom Smith's (a student of the bear guru Stephen Herrero) excellent presentation about bears:    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PExlT-5VU-Y

THE bear book: Bear Attacks: Their Causes and Avoidance, by Stephen Herrero

Race on!
Glen

[http://ridefar.info/]

Just stumbled upon a great site for ultra bike racing advice and tips: http://ridefar.info/   

Although it is based primarily on trans continental races, most of the topics covered apply to the TD quite well. Take a look.

Happy New Year!

Glen

I've run the TD with the Rock Solid twice now. A bit more jarring, but lighter than my Rock Shock. A friend has the Lauf and swears by it, having raced the Aotearoa with 'em. If I weren't poor already....

Water on forks: While I've never used 'em, I did ride in 2013 with two riders that did. I lost count after 7 times when water bottles were ejected, and twice where the mount itself came off. Personally I don't want anything near that lethal front wheel that may get tangled.

Glen

Hey Bob/Anyone, do you know if the (2015 route revisions) Union and Wamsutter reroutes are on the current ACA maps?

Thanks
Glen

I've worked outdoors for a lot of my life. With bears and without. Been on the TD route twice. Saw 4 grizz and one black bear. Given a choice of an elephant gun or spray, there is still one piece of kit I would never be without:

Bear Spray

This is not the place to save weight. Personal pepper spray won't work - doesn't shoot far enough, and wrong formula. I carried Mace as a law enforcement officer, and none of it sprayed as far or forcefully as bear spray. If you have to spray a bear, you save your life, maybe your riding companions, and that of the bear's. Most bears that physically encounter humans are hunted down and destroyed. Imagine your thoughts about saving less weight than a spare inner tube when a bear is charging you, "Thankfully I weigh less, thus can run faster!" (never run from bears!!!) Oh, and keep it where you can grab it - not in a pack or bag.    I carry the 12 oz.

That be my humble, but correct, advice. 

A bear 'intensity' map is at: https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&oe=UTF8&t=h&msa=0&msid=200334849650645495946.00047e45e4239031f00c3&start=0&num=200&sll=46.7248,-112.807617&sspn=1.269004,2.221985&z=7

I posted an old list 'O' critters and advice on my blog - so check it out.

Glen

Hey Chris, Lael's ITT time in 2015 (second run) was 15:11:02 . Not sure if you want to include ITT or only Grand Depart times.

Cheers

Glen

I changed the subject title to "Preparation" rather than "Discussion". My brainfart. Thanks KD for pointing that out.   

For those who don't know, once the race is underway a new thread is started - that way anyone who wants to Discuss/follow the race won't have to dig through miles of pre-race posts.

Cheers!

Important question for those shipping bikes...

Where are safe places to ship bikes? A place the have room to store for a few days, and it is secure from people poking around for nefarious reasons, or simple curiosity?

Be aware that if you ship your bike, it may well get hung up in customs - has happened before. Best to take it with you on flight.

Tip: After the ride, if you need to ship the bike within the U.S., check out Bikeflights.com. I shipped bike for around $45 with them. You box the bike, buy and print out shipping label, and they pick it up. My bike from Silverthorn CO to Reno took three days.

    ====  Only 8 months until the race - Hurry !!! ====    

Is it just me, or has anyone else booked a room in Banff yet?

Never too soon to start next year's thread, I hope. Already got the 'fever' !  

See you all there!

Glen