I’ve only used SPOT trackers and with great results. The annual fee is a bit pricey but it’s cheap insurance and you need something for the race. Otherwise you can rent one for TD. SPOT also has a new device with texting, etc. but I haven’t tried it. 

I'm a big fan of Shimano because of their long bearing life. The mud thing doesn't bother me. You can snag a brand new pair of M520 for less than $30. A set of XT's, with better bearings, will run you $60-70 online.

Go northbound.

Happy Holidays 2017 Tour Dividers! Keep those pedals turning and watch out for the egg nog! Anyone have a personal training camp in mind? I'll keep my training rolling with a combination of fat biking, dirt road riding, trainer sessions and strength work. If you don't have a coach, consider one! Still lots of gains can be made in the next five and a half months. 

Sandstorm, regarding your fork decision: I think much of it comes down to whether you want the Anything Cage mounts or not. I've ridden the Niner, Enve and Salsa and feel that they're all on par. You also want to make sure that both will work with your bike's geometry (likely).

Dean, really enjoyed your posts about your 2016 TD. You have a great attitude and I firmly believe that makes all the difference! Well done!

I've been playing with both scenarios. I did a weeklong tour northbound on the Great Divide this summer on 27.5+ and loved it. Never felt slow to me, even compared to 29 x 2.2" that I normally run. On downhills and in looser sections or sand, it was amazing. It does add weight, but also comfort. I need to ride the Lauf more to have a firm opinion on it, but it seems like an ideal form of suspension for something like Tour Divide. I also agree with Mike, a YBB paired with a Lauf would be amazing. I'll have a review of the fork on Adventure Cyclist's website in the coming months.

Nick Legan

Mark, any updates on a website?

Joe Fox is off to a blistering start! He's back and seems to be looking for first blood!

Good luck to all racers!

Those look great! Nice work.

I know a few people have started on 40mm tires. Not sure how they faired. I rode Banff to Butte this year on a 2.1 front and a 43mm Bruce Gordon Rock'n Road rear (due to frame restriction) without any problems. But I'm pretty light and certainly had to pick my line carefully in some cases. Next time I'm going with 2.8" tires.

Scott McConnell has done them both, TD '13, TA '14. Both on the same singlespeed Moots too!

I've had really good luck with my Schmidt SON 28 hub (love the Centerlock option) and Bausch & Muller Luxos U headlight/USB charger. I'd like to try a set of K-Lites next.

What an incredible way to spend a Friday evening! Toasting three amazing champions!

How many of the top men riders have beards? Think about it. 

At the start or at the finish?

Wow! Here's hoping it melts. Nice and hot on the Front Range today.

[cue sheets for the re-route to Wamsutter]

Hello all! Wishing all you GD riders luck in your final prep. I'll be starting July 1st assuming all goes smoothly in transit.

I've successfully uploaded the new 2015 track to my Garmin, but I'm wondering if cue sheets for the re-route to Wamsutter have been posted anywhere? I've looked around (tour divide page, Topofusion, this thread) but I'm not having any luck.

I'd appreciate any input or advice. In the end, I can just follow the track, but I like to use cue sheets too to keep my mind busy.

Happy trails, Nick

Speaking of Letters of Intent. Everyone that submitted a LOI, did they get a confirmation email that it was received? I never got one.

I didn't hear back from Matthew, but I wouldn't worry. He's a busy guy. He'll be in touch closer to the event start. Then again, I'm also ITT after GD. So I have the benefit of most riders leaving before I need to worry about potential route changes.

Chris, great post! And reputation aside, I love the speaker you mounted. Great way to rock out while staying aware of your surroundings.  Smart (as I'd expect from you).

Too funny!:

"Small glass pipe, lighter, etc. (CO)"

Now THAT is planning ahead!

I noticed that too. Awesome.