Paul Attalla and Mark Cunnane's potential "Koko Claims" re-route report is attached:

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1yiRlfjl0r49qqciiqC2ilC1PupsaE1m2N4_p4srwa3w/pub?start=true&loop=true&delayms=30000&slide=id.g1e28f1daeb_0_127

Paul Attalla is doing a reccy of an option for the re-route to avoid where the bridges are out today (27th May): Have a look at the possible route and his progress here (use the replay function):

http://trackleaders.com/tourdivide17

Scott / Brian - I hear you and I guess it is something for you to consider going forwards. Trackleaders can pretty effectively enforce it by only registering XX spots for GD 1 and ZZ for GD2. The Tour Aotearoa has waves with a gap day between to enable all the racers to get access to a ferry crossing which is required early on and to relieve stress on some small towns.

From a back of pack point of view (53rd from 59 finishers <32 Days), I didn't find the resources on route stretched. I did notice that Li batteries were out of stock (I was right behind 12 guys for most of the race), energy bars / cheese sticks / roasted peanuts were also out of stock. Even on days 1 & 2 with dozens of riders around I was usually alone 95% of the time.

No number of riders could cause the trail damage caused by the ATV's on the route!! Of course, most of the concentration of riders is Days 1-4, after which they are well spread out and the scratches are starting to reduce the numbers.

Starting at a town (Banff) instead of a campsite helps to alleviate having the type of overload issues that can happen (e.g. Everest Base Camp). I was at the tail end and saw no rubbish on the route other than a banana (I ate it!), a peanut bar (yep, I ate that too! - thanks Steve), a cassette cleaner and a glove.

I personally think biggest issue to the event  continuing in its current underground format will be when someone gets hurt by a bear whilst not following accepted bear safety protocol. It will wake up Parks Canada / USFS etc and also many wildlife supporters who will be upset if the bear needs to be put down. I've suggested a workaround but understand that it could be seen as "nannying" people - not the intent at all but of course setting up some "requirements" could be seen as against the spirit of underground ultra-racing.

Peak growth in SOBO GD starters was 2011 to 2012 when they increased 64% from 67 to 110. Since then it is just an increase of 10% per year basically.

154 started in '16 and the biggest issue was that the takeway in Elkford thought it was the following weekend and didn't have enough staff or pizza dough. I was one of the last to Elkford and still got a room, and some after me also did. There are two hotels and Dave Horton said it was not as busy as in '15. A number of riders had stopped before Elkford in '16 due to the conditions.

Yeah, the odds of a bike shop being busy or out of brake pads increases with bigger numbers, but that is part of the adventure and you can plan for it - I took 5 sets of brake pads in '16 as I knew I'd be at the back of the pack. The bike shops appreciate the business and do put on some extra staff/hours.

I guess the question is: What is the problem/issue that this is a solution to?

From Paul Siudara:

Extended hours at Glacier Cycles in Whitefish below ....

Greetings all 2017 Tour Divide racers! On behalf of the staff at Glacier Cyclery in Whitefish, Montana, USA (the first bike shop on route for SOBO's after departing Banff), we would like to wish all grand depart and ITT racers a warm welcome as you enter the beautiful mountains of Northwest Montana.
We would also like to inform racers that we will be offering extended shop hours for your service and sales needs as your roll through town. We are never open on Sundays, however the Sunday after the grand depart (June 11th this year) is an exception, as we usually see the first wave of riders descend into town. On this day we typically staff a half compliment of three mechanics to help with the day.
Business and extended hours during Divide race week, Saturday June 10th to Friday June 16th are as:
Saturday 9am to 5pm (normal hours)
Sunday Noon to 8pm (bonus day, use backdoor)
Monday 8am to 8pm (extended hours)
Tuesday 8am to 8pm (extended hours)
Weds 8am to 8pm (extended hours)
Thursday 9am to 6pm (normal hours)
Friday 9am to 6pm (normal hours)
If the main front doors of the shop are closed (they will be locked outside of normal business hours) come to the back door (north side of building) for service and supplies.
Our crew of professional mechanics will try to get you going ASAP, while juggling our normal local customer duties, and serving other bike tourists and travelers. If your bike needs help, come to the shop before you do errands so we can get you into the queue. In past, racers typically have to wait an hour or a few, depending on the line up. Some leave their bike overnight for morning pickup if they arrive to town late. Most racers will use this time to eat an insane amount food, do laundry, resupply, catch some shuteye etc.
Divide race week is one our favorite times of the year. We love the energy, the riders, and everything that encompasses the event. We look forward to watching your tracker dots as you approach town and carry on down route. For ITT’ers and NOBO’s that come in through town, let us know that you are racing so we can get you going ASAP. We wish everyone the best of luck this year, and a spout of nice weather during your passage.
Wind at your back,
The staff at Glacier Cyclery
For more information visit www.glaciercyclery.com
Ph: 406.862.6446

Not racing this year, but a short fast-tour. With that in mind, seems like there should be some places to camp between Elkford and Sparwood. Maybe after the pavement climb and before you get back to the pavement. I'm assuming that once you hit the pavement on hwy 43 you are then in people's front yard.

Obviously, bear area, but any other thoughts?

I passed a rider early in the morning who had a nice campspot between the top of the paved road and the gravel road (on the single track Josephine Falls re-route). Check out trackleaders replay for location. Once on the gravel road there's loads of good spots for camping with the bears.

Scott,

There's so much good stuff on the TD in many topics on the Ultra Racing Forum, but it is spread out over so many pages that I think most people simply don't know it is there.

Do you think you could split Ultra Racing into a general forum (as currently) and then a few race specific forums (e.g. Ultra Racing Tour Divide, Ultra Racing AZT), and dump all the relevant past topic's into the race specific forums?

Cheers,

Dave

I've noticed the lack of posts, too.  On the other hand I'm not making as big a deal of the Tour Divide this year. I've got my bike, my gear, and I know what to expect so from the point of view of needing advice and encouragement (or dire warnings) I'm pretty good. 

Maybe the popularity of the TD has peaked.  There just aren't that many people out there with the combination of interest, time, determination, and ability to race it. 

I've also noticed interest waning on other cycling forums on almost every topic.  Mountain Bike Review, for example, is positively sleepy nowadays.  I don't think people even care about arguing over wheel sizes anymore, if you can believe it. 

More interest than ever - 180 starters entered. A certain Josh Kato just threw his hat in the ring again too! (No time stated ... )

There are some Facebook Groups which have become poplular, probably because it is more user friendly, has a simple search function (not that many people use it unfortunately), is easy to start sub threads and it is on everyone's smart phone. Having read all the past forums here there are pros and cons of each, but racer involvement on Facebook is very high.

Popular Groups are:


Endurance Rides and Bikepacking (this was Scott Thigpen's group - now general bikepacking and ultraracing)
5,500 members
https://www.facebook.com/groups/ultraride/

Tour Divide Racers page: Race Pics, Blog Links, Race Updates and Race Info (TD specific group)
2,000 members
https://www.facebook.com/groups/tourdivide/


Tour Divide Race 2017 - Racer Updates, Pics, Gear, Resources (TD specfic group)
500 members
https://www.facebook.com/groups/825014527629477/

Also for Montana Hiltons ... if the internal ceiling is flat, leave the door ajar otherwise the condensation will rain on you whilst you sleep.

Ideally I was looking for a comprehensive list, maybe 1000+ points of water, food, stores, etc

Chris, I PM'ed you a link where my POI's are. However, there are not 1,000 points of resupply/camping/water on the TD. My list was 85 +/-, so averaging 3-4 per day which is about right.

Chris received a bunch of late submissions so is still finalising proof reading.

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.

In the shop just say you have the 15% Tour Divide racers discount.
(Note: Last year Atmosphere kindly provided a discount but there has been a fire and the shop is currently closed).
https://www.monodsports.com/

I've arranged a 15% discount for racers using the Banff Airporter shuttle from Calgary to Banff.

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.

http://www.banffairporter.com/

Kiwidave- Thanks, Ill get my email out to that address.
I do have have the 2015 route I don't believe there was any changes for the 2016 route. Any idea if the route may change for 2017?

The route was different in 2016 to 2015 - around Spray Lake was different and also through Butte.

2017 - final route will be ready a few weeks prior to the start. Matt has some contacts who check out some sections to make sure they're rideable after the winter. No word is out on any planned changes - it'll usually come up here if there was anything in the pipeline.

ACA maps are the general base maps but they are NOT the TD route - use the GPX file which differs in a few places.

Flinch - the rules have been updated on the Tour Divide web site in the past years. Racers should read them and understand them.

Also, on the signup page to Trackleaders there was in  '16 a confirmation required to treat people with respect whilst racing - there's people coming behind you who will bear the brunt of any ill-will created.

Sandstorm - starters list is by sending an email to tourdivide@gmail.com with you letter of intent.

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

People always post here or on Facebook once the GPX is finalised and signup notices for Trackleaders are sent out.

I'm going with an MRP Rock Solid fork on my next build. Round tubes makes it easy to mount multiple water bottle cages.

I used the MRP Rock Solid in '16 with 27.5 Stans Arch Ex rims and 2.35 Ikons. No issues with the fork at all. I can't compare it to others as it is my only fork, but it worked flawlessly. I think Val Kato used one in '14.

What is the latest thinking on TDR tires?  I will be running 27.5s with a 2.1 target width.

I rode 27.5 with 2.35 tubeless Ikons and it was an awesome setup with no hand issues and no punctures. Topped-up the Stans in Steamboat.

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

I've the most current maps (purchased 2015) and neither marked on them. Wamsutter route is literally off the map (under textboxes etc), whereas the new route over Union Pass does have the topo visible, but is not marked as it is not the ACA route. Same with Spray Lake on day 1 and entry into Butte - not marked on the map.

I am wondering how many riders were on a 1x configuration at this years race? anyone have any info on that?

Have a look at the 1x threads in the TD Racers' Facebook group. This should get you there with a search in the group on "1 x": https://www.facebook.com/groups/228009294199842/search/?query=1%20x