With the smartphone 'rule' discussion...who has the final decision on all 'rules'?  It seems that this race is supposed to be simple, but as more and more people become interested in both participating and following it, inevitably is becoming more complex.  

Just to be sure...we are starting at 9 am, correct?

I use Garmin Mapsource to open the map product such as (https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=255&pID=28229) -good topo map with up to date roads- and then you can open the track from track leaders and send it to either the GPS or the sd card. Only 10000 data points per track-Scott has a version with 10000 that you can download.  And only one track to the card or more to the internal memory. You select the maps you want to put on the GPS and send it to the card or GPS> I put it on a card as the map file is large with this long of race. I don't think you can put other maps other than Garmin products on (or at least easily). You have to buy the maps on card or download or poach from a friend. I should sell the SD cards with the data loaded!! I also sent all the way points (food/water/bikeshops/etc) from the ACA gpx files to the garmin/card.

OH I have a garmin Etrex 20 and used it for 2 days with lithium batteries and it is still showing quite a bit of juice left. Takes some time to learn all the tricks so don't delay.

Is it better to buy the map from Garmin on the SD card so there's plenty of room on the GPS for the Topofusion gpx file?

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I can download maps from topofusion. 

I hope that we can get an 'official' cue sheet out on the Gold Dust Trail to eliminate any chance of someone missing a 'required' section.

Thanks Chad.

I agree, the earlier the better.

Thanks...I thought it would be even earlier. 

What time is the GD?  Sorry if I missed this somewhere. 

Is there any public transportation in Banff that can get you to the interesting 'tourist' spots?

My wife and I will be in Banff for a few days before the race, any recommendations of "can't miss" things to do while there?  Also, should we rent a car or is it pretty easy to take public transportation to the "can't miss" locations?

Wife supportive, hotel in Banff booked,name added to google doc...turning 40 on the ride and still nervous to tell my Mom.  See you all in 5 weeks.  Sweet.

I have my own Spot, how do you 'register' it for the TD?

I just bought the eTrex 30...I know that Topofusion will have the gpx file of choice, but do I need to purchase additional maps from Garmin?  Also, will I need the SD card?

Buy a Brooks saddle...you'll never be sorry.

....Stappy still on fire-hope the LIMA section is mud free. Sleeping about 4hours per night.... Consistent efforts....good recipe for success....
Amazing what happens when relatively unencumbered by weather and snow-that translates into some "free" hours me thinks.

About 10 days ago it was completely dry.  Not sure if it has rained since then. 

Is there away around this section?  I'm leaving from Banff next Mon or Tues.

does anyone by any chance have a route or track that is compatible with a Delorme PN60w?  Topofusion does not support Delorme.  My bad on the Delorme purchase, but it's too late now.

Congratulations to all the finishers and participants and especially Kurt and Jefe for keeping us all on the edge of our TD seats.

I have a question for any of the TD vets:

How did you approach your training during the last 30 days leading up to the TD?  Did you taper your training or just keep hammering out the miles?

I'm leaving Banff on Tuesday, August 9th...not an official TD racer, but I am hoping for about a 90 mile a day pace.  I have 30 days available to ride the whole trail.  Again, not racing, but definitely a race-like pace for me.

For what it's worth...I'm leaving from Banff on Tuesday, August 9th.  The plan is to start a little slower, maybe 70 to 90 a day and increase mileage as I go.  I only have 30 total days to possibly ride so I need to average at least 90 or so a day.  I'm planning a mix of main route vs. alternates...I'm up for the Flathead, but I really don't want to do it by myself.  Also, I'm hoping to not ride at night...my main goal is to actually see the beautiful country I'm riding through.  Technically racing?  No, I guess not, but 30 days would probably be 'racing' for me. 

only enough to get to the next resupply so it constantly changes depending on how far in time the next point is (plus 1 or 2 extra e bars for back up)
the logistics of water and food run through your mind in endless loops--do a good job here and all is smooth saling--mess up and lose time

What did you personally choose to carry?  I realize that in some places choices would be very limited.