One last plea for information on getting the Cordillera V3 in ebook format. Can anyone advise? I'll get a hard copy if I need to, but would prefer the ebook version.

Update from Eric - The Cordillera V3 should be available in e-book format in a week or so.

Sorry if I missed it, but does anyone have a link to get this in e-book format?

thanks,
Dave

somebody posted Ollie's spreadsheet of his gear.  I went over and it man, there was some cool stuff in it and things I may use in my TD2013 setup (although I'm not going to be able to afford a rohloff anytime soon). 

I took his spreadsheet and made it a tad more visual with links to all his gear he used.  If anyone is interested in seeing everything visually. 

http://www.driven2divide.com/ollie-whalleys-tour-divide-gear-list-setup-tour-divide-2012/.

That's pretty dang sweet!!! Thanks sthig!

Agreed - Great job Craig - glad to hear you made it in safely! Pushing through adversity can mold or define people - your mechanical has helped to define what an incredible athlete and competitor you are. We're all in awe!

I just want to add to the many comments about Ollie - wow what a class act and unbelievable gentleman and athlete. Many people in life and especially competition play "I've got a secret" to how they do things well, but here's a guy who actively seeks out sharing his valuable information (ie: packing list, bike setup, strategies, etc) and always seems to praise others instead of talk about himself. Amazing person, amazing finish - many congrats!

I'd also love to hear what the latest is with Craig - I hate to see his spot stationary for almost a day now. Can anyone enlighten us?

Seems like there is always a great race up front - Matt Lee vs. whoever that particular year... Ollie and Craig this year. My personal favorite though was last years battle between Kurt R and Jefe B. And you had northbound Paul right there in the mix too. How amazing was it when it looked like the winner could be riding a SS? Throw in a few call-ins from Deejay and Justin's amazing quest to avoid reroutes and it really was an amazing TD last year. Now this year is shaping up to be a record breaker in many ways, and a classic nail biter till the end. Football, basketball, soccer, or hockey can't touch the thrill of watching the TD.

Basically the key is to make sure as many as possible of those things work on AA or AAA batteries. Pretty much every convenience store, no matter how small, carries those.

Thanks RCtracker and Denis. RCtracker - is the solar panel worn on the back while riding? Denis - I've heard of lights that run on aa/aaa batteries, but didn't figure they'd  work very well. I do remember reading though that Jefe and/or Kurt used them - and obviously they both rode a lot at night. For the GPS do you get a GPS that uses regular batteries or some kind of USB charger using batteries? I'll go on record now as saying anyone who can do the TD must be a logistical genius.

I'm sure this is out there somewhere, but I've yet to find it. Can someone explain how the riders keep their GPS, lights, spots, MP3's, etc. charged? This has perplexed me for the past several years. I've had enough with hoping I find it - can someone educate me please? Thanks!

Glad to hear Justin is back - is he going for the "no reroute" quest again this year? Also, does anyone know if Deejay returning?

I just posted a Q&A with Justin Simoni on my blog. Justin has such a great attitude and it really shines through in this interview

http://kentsbike.blogspot.com/2011/07/some-tour-divide-questions-answers-with.html

Great write up!  My favorite quote - "They don't know who you are!"

Anyone have any idea on what's going on with Justin? Also, is the limit still 32 days before it doesn't count? By my count we're only at 29, so that shouldn't be a factor, but I'm a little nervous for him since I have no idea what's going on with him. Mechanical?

Chicks...

Actually, that brings up an obvious point I didn't make... the person - Justin, Kurt, Matt, Jefe, Deejay, whoever - would have to be willing to donate their time, they'd really be the ones doing the giving. But who knows Cathy, maybe Justin would be willing to be auctioned off in a "win a date with Justin" auction.  :-)

As another fund raiser idea for Linnaea: I'd think there are many people like me that'd be willing to pay good money to be able to talk to or have a question and answer session with some of the TD's bigger names such as Matt, Kurt, Jefe, Deejay, or Justin. I know I'd be willing to put in a benjamin to have that sort of opportunity. Not sure how to handle the forum such as a call, VTC, email, or even in person lunch opportunity, but it seems like we could figure that part out case by case. Perhaps make it an auction or raffle, or something like that. Anyone have any thoughts or alternate idea's on this?

Since Justin is attempting a no-reroute finish, what is his plan for the fire areas? Is this no longer an issue? Does anyone have the inside story?

Matt,

I'm pretty sure I speak for a lot of us when I say that in this technology oriented world, it seems like managing blue dots would be a breeze compared to actually riding the divide. That said, we're all hugely appreciative of tourdivide.org, mtbcast, this forum, and all of the other ways you and many others have worked hard to keep us on the sidelines, and the riders, in the loop. If there is ever a way to chip in and help, I'd be happy to.

Deejay is getting "cool points" in my book for following the original ACA route, and it still counts in terms of race position/finish.

Add them to the stack he's earned for his hilarious mtbcasts and great attitude. Funny, humble, and a monster rider to boot!

Thanks for the background on the route he's on. I wasn't wondering about the intent of the reroutes as much as knowing how to tell where they are since there are so many. I find myself getting worried for folks when they diverge off of the red line. It's hard to know if they are having a problem, are lost, or on a reroute.

Just curious - how hard would it be to have the maps show the original route in red and reroutes in a different color? I know reroutes come and go, but as I look at Deejay blazing what appears to be his own trail, I wonder if he is or isn't? I did see the post saying he was "ponying up for the main route" but what exactly does that mean? That he's on the original trail and skipping a reroute? Sorry if I've missed this discussion before.

Check again on Deejay!  Looks like his spot is working again...

Dejay Birtch called in from Sargents sounding a little more spry.
You can get the audio here, via RSS,  or on iTunes!

Someone really needs to take some of Dejay's mtbcast quotes and mix them into a song like the Antoine Dodson Bed Intruder Song. The only hard part would be trying to pick his best quotes!