Hey

Looks like Aidan is getting real close! Not sure about that area, but it is windy and HOT (113 today) in Phoenix. I don't think the climate is much different in AW. Way to go Aidan! I got to hang out with him before the start. He is about the coolest guy you would ever want to meet. Strong work to everybody!

Cheers- Jim

Hey Jim, I think this is a brilliant idea. I'm not much into the racing aspect, but I love the idea of the endurance events. My only reservations about bikepacking so far has been dropping a bunch of cash on all the overnight gear, people to go with, and just the unknown. I mean I have zero equipment, no sleeping bag, no water filter, no nothing. Also this would be a great learning experience as one could borrow ideas and techniques from other riders to fit your own style. Getting back to work on Monday is also a big deal. I would definitely make a hard effort to join you if something official was put together. Thanks for sharing!

Cool

Thanks for all your input. I certainly wish i could have done an event like this before i took the plunge into the TD. I learned more in the 2 days before the event looking at everybody's gear and talking to them about it than i did in over 2 years of trial / error , internet searching, and head scratching. I have 3 sleeping bags and 2 bivys now due to trial and error! The gear is very expensive, that is why the sag points are important IMO. It is great to know there is interest out there. i will start to put my head down and get it done. I was thinking a great first trip would be the flag to sedona and back following the AES castner ( sp? ) Mountain 100 route... ( that is if it is OK with Scott and Chad to take advantage of there hard work on the route creation ) sometime this fall. There are plenty of sag friendly camp spots in Sedona or oak creek and it makes an easy trip for most southwest folks. The next route i am working on is the Mt laguna, noble canyon area in the San Diego mountains. EPIC area to say the least. I live in the Phoenix area and i know there is no shortage of great stuff in the Tucson area if anybody has any ideas please let me know. I think for now 4-5 events a year is a good place to start. Another idea was an urban event, it may be fun to link a bunch of urban trails in the PHX, or Tucson area. Most of the Maricopa parks have camp areas.

Other ideas to keep it fun

Best photo contest
best new invention contest
best/worst bikepacking kit

It could be allot of fun. I will get to work.

Cheers- Jim

Everybody

I have recently ben inspired to try something bigger in the world of cycling through my short adventure on the tour divide and the loss of Dave B. Turns out despite what i may have thought, i am in no way shape or form an endurance "racer". It was kinda funny having a conversation with Jeff B. of CDW whom explained that it is kinda backwards how people get involved in bikepacking. He explained that most people are introduced through racing, myself included, then morph into recreational bikepacking. I figured this may be my calling. Turns out i love endurance riding, exploring new trails, camping, route finding, picture taking, and the social aspect of cycling. I am sure i am like most of you if you have found your way to this site. Here is my idea... I would like to throw it out and see if there will be any involvement and if it will be worth my time. I would like to put the leg work into putting together "bikepacking trips". The format will be along the lines of the Arizona Endurance Series or AES where a well documented course will be put together either with maps or GPX files and a date established. The idea would be to plan a 2 or 3 night "group" bikepacking trip with a designated camp spot that may be sag friendly. The The idea is that if you got the gear, go self contained. If you don't have the expensive gear you can still join the event by "dropping" your gear at the sag point. Think of it as a gateway drug of sorts. This will also allow things that make camping fun like BBQ'S and what not. The idea would be to do enough miles to keep you busy all day and make you sleep well at night, but not wreck you for work on monday. I am always reading post's of people more or less looking for some kind of group like this. The goal is to take most of the guess work out of a bikepacking trip so most folks can just show up and know what to expect for the most part.

Please if you are interested in something like this let me know, Let me know your thoughts and or ideas. If you think this is dumb and nobody will ever show up, please let me know so i don't waste my time. My goal is simple, I would like to get more people into bikepacking, help expand the sport, Have fun, and live life.

Route ideas..?
Mt Laguna / Noble canyon, San Diego
Flagstaff / Sedona via Castner ( route borrowed from AES )
Wickenburg / Prescott
Quartsite / Slab City, CA
Borrego / Julian, Butterfield stage route
Arizona trail

Thanks for your time- Jim

Can you help put some faces with names ... I've figured out a number of who's who from various sources, but a listing L-R, front row/back row might be nice if someone knows the gang.

Thanks!

P.S. Good ride, MTN Turtle! The bike gave out before you did.

I wish i could help you there, I don't remember everybody's names. I will tell who i know... On L giving peace sign is the guy from Banff, To his L in the pants is the mountain Turtle, The goofy lookin guy in front without a helmet is me ( i did wear a helmet in the race), Directly above me in a light blue jersey is Aidan Harding, To my L is Dave T, to his L is Dave B, above him in grey jacket is some guy named Matt Lee, Far R in picture in blue jacket is Jeff K, I am sorry i can't remember more. Many of these folks i met for the first time that morning. i found it better for me to remember where people were from. Was an absolute blast. I am already making plans to be back next year, for much longer this time!

Cheers- Jim

I went back through my pictures of my very short tour this year and found this one of all of us including Dave before the start. He had the same smile for the entire two days before the start. He is in the front bottom in a green jacket next to his and now my friend Dave T. This tragedy is heavy on my mind and heart. Best wishes to all.

My heart goes out to all of Dave's friends and family. This is a Huge loss for everybody. I feel Extremely lucky to have met Dave and share a bunk room with him at the Y before the start. Dave was a mighty fine fellow. I was able to share a conversation on the route about Dave B. with Dave T. also from VT. he had nothing but great things to say about him. A huge loss for everybody. Very sad days.

Best wishes to all the friends and family -Jim

everybody

7 day weather forecast not so hot. Looks like a good chance of rain through Wednesday, hopefully the storm will blow through and leave sunny skies for the 11th. New moon starting the 12th.  http://www.wunderground.com/global/stations/71122.html . I can tell you first hand that the summertime high pressure has taken its place over the desert southwest, I believe this is the cause of the northern track of summer storm systems. They predict 108-110 temps by this weekend here in Phoenix, i can't wait to get out of here. 37/67 in Banff. Anybody in the Northwest notice anything?

T-8 - Jim

I will start it off, I bet ML will be gunning for a new record this year, I am sure if weather permits he could do it and i hope he is able. Myself, I am gunning for the 3 week mark but will see how things go. I wish the weather to be 70 and partly cloudy with spectacular afternoon thunderstorms that come in when i am under the cover of a small mountain town cafe with some sort of coffee drink. My only other goal is to make some new friends, and return home in one piece 20 lbs lighter with 2 full 4G memory cards and some new stories to tell. 

Everyone

I figured it may be time to start the 2010 Tour Divide discussion thread. Just over one week left to the start. What is everybody's thoughts on records being broken, weather forecasts, personal set ups, who will win? Who is your hometown hero you will be tracking? Racers chime in on your goals, and or plans to conquer your tour. Enjoy!

Thanks Phil

I think I may try to throw something like that together... it would be cool to be able to use a spare shifter cable since i will be carrying one anyway.....HMMMMMM.... ill work on it.... my luck i would loose the key or forget the combo to the lock  . I guess i will see you at the Y then.

Rock on- Jim

Everybody

It is getting closer every day now, not fast enough.... I had more second thoughts about gear after checking out Rhino's sweet sleep set up and spent more money at REI today.... Although i know it is worth it, i may be bankrupt before the 11th. Oh well, it is worth it. Anyway..... I want to check out the Ride the divide movie in Banff on the 10th, but i am already concerned about bike security. Anybody know anything about locks, safety ect... Will the Y keep an eye on em for us? Anybody taking some kind of lock with them? I can't friggin wait to get started! Also... anybody else booked on the 10.18 PHX to YYC US airways or on the 1500 transport to Banff on the 9th?

Rock on- Jim

Everybody

   Here is what i am taking with me, I did not bother cleaning her up for the photo shoot because it is just going to get dirty again tomorrow.
Weight for kit, sleep, tools, parts, tubes, anything not wore by me is 15lbs. Not the best, but good for me, i will continue to lighten things up.

The Bike
Homemade HT steel 29er 9/6/9 nova front triangle, SG rear double wishbone
Fox F29er fork G2 80mm 130psi, +5cc oil in dampener leg ( i am 215lbs )
Hope 2 hubs on 32h stans arch wheels, SG 14 spokes rear , DB front
Cranks are 20+ year old sugino 175mm/ 94mmbdc tripple 20T/30T/40T Actiontech / Salsa rings
Rear cassette SLX 12/36
Chain scram 9 something
BB shimano square taper 118mm/ 73mm
Brakes M535, cool stop pads, avid 160 rotors
X-9 trigger shifter, X-9 rear, X-7 front
Ergon Grips W bar ends
Cannondale stem 4 bolt 100mm + 6
Wide aluminum bars, cheap kind
WTB Vigo saddle.... yes i love it...
Bontrager seat post
M535 pedals

Clothes
On me
Pearl izumi elite Bibs ( love em )
Shimano MT-60 shoes ( love em)
pearl izumi gel gloves ( love em, no numb fingers )
Full zip team jersey
in bag
arm/ leg warmers
rain gear pants and jacket columbia brand
wind vest
PT shorts
T-shirt
Montbell UL down jacket LS
Knit hat
warm gloves
2 pair sox

Gear
REI Halo 25 down long
emergency bivy
emergency tarp
cheap swimming pool mattress ( works great, be careful )
Bug head net
MULE pack
+2L water bag
MSR water filter
60csx GPS
Basic fix it tools and bits
sun screen, DEET, chamois cream
phone, ipod, camera, i-go charger +2 aa bats
eos Princeton tec on xen helmet
GDR maps, endurolites, bell, whistle, bear spray, chain lube

Bags.....Not Here yet...... nervous about that..... Have triangle and butt bag on order
I have faith they will make it in time.....Rhino volunteered his very nice homemade Butt bag
if all else fails... May show up in banff with a big backpack?

rock on - JIm

Chad

Great idea!  Put me down for mapping the Arizona desert west of Phoenix!...... starting next fall 

Rock on- Jim

Everyone

Not sure if everybody knows, or if it has ben mentioned yet but i am sure there are others like me who just found out, but there is a new map at ACA for the new Canadian section Map # BC-209-10 the old one was -08. I knew about the route change and had a link to the notes from ML, but i just found out the map was ready and available at ACA. I am sorry if this has ben mentioned already, i thought i had read somewhere that there was going to be a new map, just could not remember where ( i am a little slow i guess ). Only 2 weeks left and i am getting excited. Not sure about everybody else but i wish it would start tomorrow so i can just quit thinking about what to take with me and just worry about left foot, right foot, repeat.

Cant wait to meet you all in Banff

rock on- Jim

Rhino

Sho-Nuff, I am a huge fan of the Goodyear market. You never know what you will find and who will be singing. I got the bag from a guy selling surplus aircraft tools, It is goofy lookin but is perfect for what it dose. I think Mary Joe was cranking out some AC/DC that day in the lunch court! You know it is good when everybody in the crowd turns up the flow rate on there O2 bottles when she starts singing. I thought for a moment that a mobility scooter mosh-pit would form, good thing they got hung up on the power cords  All kidding aside, i do love that place. We goto ride before the big ride. Planning on the Thursday night fun fest fo-sho.

Rock on- Jim

Everybody

This is what i cam up with to haul my sleep system. It is easy to make, cheap, and works great. I have $28 bucks into mine, 20 of that was for the sewing. My first hot glue prototype worked great, just wanted a better looking version 2.0. The orange bag i got from a swap mart. It attaches at the straps and velcro to the bag. It holds all the TD maps, A spot, some food and is waterproof. The bag is a eureka silver city 30 with emergency bivy. To make waterproof i put the bag in a heavy duty grocery bag. Works great!

rock on

Scott

You are the man! Thank You. I was following the gps route on GE and following the map. trying to make notes where they were not the same. I was still in the middle of MT. I think i will ride it faster than i could translate on GE. THANKS! Only 17 days till Banff, 19 days to the start but who is counting?

Rock Lobster- Jim

everybody

Through a series of errors this weekend at the Castner mountain dirty century i found myself a cool charging unit. I managed to leave town with an empty phone thinking i had my car charger, turns out i did not. By dinner the night before i had one bar, and needed the phone to wake me up in time to make the 0600 start. I set off in Flag to find something. Long story short i found the " I GO ". it is lightweight, uses 2 AA batts, and has changeable tips to work with what you got. I got the wrong tip in the store, but found the one for my phone, I-pod, and mini usb for the GPS on amazon. The unit was on clearance for 10$, and the tips were 2-10$ ea. It is exactly what i was looking for. I will report after a few uses.

Cheers- Jim

Everybody

Thanks for your input! I LOVE the idea of the solar charger because of the green in me, but the green in my wallet is not so in love with the idea... Next year for sure! BTW i did find a "small" solar charger at harbor freight tools a while back, i got it but never got it to work. It was about 10 bucks. I will try to find a link. After spending another sleepless night thinking about everything, i am thinking the battery powered device is the hot ticket for me. I was going to find one at wally world today. 

Thanks again- JIM

Eveybody

As i go over and over and over about my TD kit for this year i can't seem to get away from the fact that i want to take some electronics with me. I think some will make me faster due to the mood boost than there weight and bulk will slow me down. What i want to take is a camera, I pod, cell phone, and my minute USB light. I had considered ditching the camera and i-pod, but i may only get one chance at this and i want to capture as many memories as i can. Small cameras don't use normal batteries anymore, well none of the decent ones do. So the other day on a training ride i was zoned out thinking about my kit and realized that all these items have one thing in common, they all charge with a USB port. So i got on the net, turns out there are options. You can get a wall plug universal USB charger, or you can get one that will charge from a couple AA batteries. I found a wall plug that weighs like 4oz + cords. I thought this was a low weight penalty for what it can do. check this one that i found....http://www.overstock.com/Office-Supplies/Universal-USB-Travel-Charger-Adaptor/3245942/product.html?cid=123620&fp=F&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=11354970 . I have some good bikepacking and backpacking experience but nothing anywhere near 3 weeks long or with as much urban interface, uncharted waters for me. I know about the solar chargers, they are way cool..... but I am fast running out of funds for this trip so the solar idea is out for me.

Also, i know somebody will ask about the Minute usb.... why not a good headlamp? well... my eyes totally suck! More so at night. I can get by with one minute usb... barely, i have tried the headlamp and i tend to run into things like parked cars and large boulders and other riders..... Picture bubbles on trailer park boys... except i never wear glasses. BTW this trip is funded by my lasix fund 

I would love some input if you got some 

rock on- JIm