Thanks for the thoughts -- and coming clean -- Scott.

We all make mistakes.  It's what we do after those that matters.

?Coming clean??. I see what you did there. 😂

I too have pushed sleeping in an out house as being the equivalent of the Ritz?. Looking back, probably not the best representation of bikepackers.

Although it did give me an advantage one time. I was asleep in one on the Divide in 2011 and Aidan Harding did want to disturb me when he had to drop a ***. It slowed him down a bit on the descent to Sargent. (He still beat me by 5 days.)

Broke my front derailleur one 2011. Rode with only the big ring for several days... terrible.

I?m going gates belt and rohloff next time.

Please don?t be canceled!!!

I just rearranged my rotations so I can make the 750.

Sorry to hear it, but smart move.  Best of luck healing quickly!

Thank you.

Bummed for you, Justin.  Was hoping you would make a 2nd finish this year.  Get well soon.

Thanks. It was a hard decision, but like Marshall said, "You don't really even have a decision to make."

I'll be back as soon as I can.

I have to stop racing. I saw a physician in Seeley Lake. I apparently have really bad bronchitis and I would be risking permanent damage by continuing.

Good luck to all out there!!!!

Disregard!

I see the tourdivide.org website now has the 2014 start date, thanks for that. Will the Leaderboard link also be updated? I've been telling people to follow me on that site, but it is still pointing to the 2013 leaderboard.  thanks, I know this is all volunteer work...

Nat

The leader board is put on by trackleaders.com. They have an active 2014 page already. The link on the TD website isn't updated to it yet. http://trackleaders.com/tourdivide14

It looks like your spot is already tracking Natt.

Might have already been asked/answered, but just wanted to confirm. Are the two orange tracks in NM on Trackleaders Fire alternates? Are they mandatory, recommended or only there if there becomes an issue? What are the two different alternates like as far as water, gradient and such? One more question. I had heard at some point that any detours/alternate routes are only advised, but not mandatory. Is this correct?

Those look to be reroutes from last year's race…. I don't think those will still be in effect unless fires close the same portions of the course this year.

Thats what I thought. I had all cues maps water tables etc on my phone for AZT750.

Thanks for clarifying that was gonna be my next question!!!

Wait, are you faster than me?

I think you should carry all the maps if you are.

I almost never used the maps. Dead weight. Use the GPS track, cue sheets, and identify off route supply options before you ride. Having Garmin Street Maps on your GPS also helps with off route options.

I guess I should also add, I had the maps in photo form on my phone.

Otherwise, they would have been a ton of weight….

Thanks Tanner.

So TD Vets, do I need the map set, or can I get by backup navigating and water/food stop finding with just the narratives and a cyclometer?
I know I can follow the track, but with just the narrative can I plan water?
I am willing to buy the maps this weekend and the narratives, just wondering what my best plan is according to what you guys have done before.

I used a GPS primarily with home made cue sheets. I will admit that despite more than 100 hours of research and preparing for the route, I needed my maps to save me several times.

Without them, I'd probably still be wandering out there somewhere in the basin...

I did a little scouting in the Teton area this weekend.

I don't know what the snow level normally looks like in Mid April, but I can say that the pass from Victor to Jackson had less snow now than it did when I rode over it in Mid June 2011.

#gameon

I am trying to get an idea on what my water carrying capacity should be.

How much water are you planning on carrying(or carried for veterans) and what is your method?

Currently I have two 36oz, one 26oz bottles on the frame and then two feed bags to hold purchased beverages. I am thinking I may need a bladder for a couple of the long stretches?

Those of you using a stored bladder for the long stretches, what brand are you using? Looking for something light and compact-able.

I know allot of this comes down to speed between towns, heat and weight of rider.

Thanks 

I'm fat and slow. I carried 6-7 liters between long stretches.

Kurt Refsnider is neither fat nor slow, he carries one 4 liter bladder.

I agree.  However, the thing that makes it different is that the Tour Divide has some very specific rules, like you cannot loan your pump to another racer or give them an energy bar.  You cannot be transported forward on the route to get a mechanical fixed even if you return to the same place to resume your race. You have to ride the Gold Dust Trail SB even though it is off the GDMBR.  Your spouse or friends are not allowed to travel to the route to watch you.  Of course, as I've said before, I am not sure what "relegation" means if no results are posted. so maybe all of this is a moot point.

For myself, I'm following the "official rules" with a few additions of my own that I feel I need to make the experience valid for me.

Best of luck to everyone!

My apologies, I was referring to the need for an organizer and website, etc.

I think maybe you guys are missing the "spirit of the race" a bit.

Do you remember when you were riding your bike as a kid, you'd give your friend that 'look' and say, "Race you to the light pole"?

This is exactly like that.

It will not be on the maps until next year.  It's in Mike McCoy's new book and SHOULD be in the addenda before too long.

Ok, that makes sense. I compared the GPX file from last year (also the same as 2012) and it looks to match the current maps (including addenda).

I think that the snow is going to be a non issue this year. Sure there will be snow hiking, but there's less than HALF the snow that there was in 2011 (the year of the reroute). And, the snow pack looks pretty comparable to last year and other years.

I say we just plan to have at it with the course as it stands. First one to Mexico wins.

I've tried contacting Matt Lee, and so far no response....we might be on our own girls and boys....

Self supported is where it's at.

I'm not seeing where the route was changed going into Butte by the ACA. It still looks the same as in past years to me. Is it new on the maps for this year?

So, is the 2012 GPS track still the GPS track for this year?