Will this be run again in 2018?

Sounds like Rolf Moser..hope he is OK

I replaced a Vischara with this and I do not like it at all. It is difficult to pack properly, swings and is unstable unless you get it just right ...The plus side is the ability to hang stuff of it and take the dry bag off if it's bucketing but I ended up swapping it out for a rack and a dry bag placed on top because I could not deal with the bouncing and swinging. My Vischara was the older version with 2 seat post straps and I don't think the change to one is a positive one.

I've used one since they first came out and prefer it over a seatpost mounted bag. It is a pain to take on and off as mentioned but I don't. Also be aware that multi tools do not fit so when the clamps loosen (as they do) you need a standalone allen key to tighten them up (ask me how I know this!)

^^^^Thanks for posting..really nice

Thanks. It's weird how you hear one thing but once you told me "Rob Davidson" I heard it! 

It's that kiwi accent :-)

Just recvd a message from a very worried and unfortunately mis-understandable mother of a rider from England whose gps shows he has been stopped for a very long time.  She is worried something has happened but...... she didn't leave a name.   Not even hers.   Says he is east of us --- which doesn't show anybody.  Anybody got a clue so I can try to call her and help?  Thanks to all!

Ashley Benns?? Stopped for a while and British but just a wild guess

I may be wrong but I think the oldest finisher ever was Ralph Yukon Krauss who raced this year @63. He took quite a bit of time I think. Prior to that a couple of 61 year olds finished previously in 25 - 28 days.

The eldest female racer ever was quite a bit younger and of course this year only 3 women started and the oldest of those was the first female finisher

Here is a link to the evening Q & A in Melbourne a few weeks back with Jesse Carlson, Liam Crowley and Hugh Harvey you all might enjoy. I didn't go to it but from accounts 90 peeps attended with a great deal of interest from all.

http://goo.gl/V1dAOt

I enjoyed that thanks for posting

Hi everyone,

I am planning to do the the north to south, starting banff early June 2014. Self supported with panniers, mostly camping. was planning to taking a semi-relaxed ride, based on Cycling Great Divide Ride book of 40-60 days ish. Looking for people to do some or all of the ride as a group.

I am a 40 year old male, teacher from New Zealand. I've been wanting to do this ride for a few years and its locked in for 2014.

I am also from NZ looking at doing the route 2014 I perhaps don't have as much time as you but will bear in mind. I was planning on doing the race but a broken leg has scuppered my ambitions somewhat and I may have to settle for a more leisurely pace. I'm a bit older than you and a nurse. Where in NZ are you based?

Hi, can somebody please post the link to the group photo of the Grand Depart? I know I found it somewhere within the first couple of days but cannot find it any longer. Thanks a lot!

There are some group photos in this lot not sure if it's the one you want

http://s1314.photobucket.com/user/StevePuerzer/media/TD%202013%20bikes/SAM_1056_zpsa83a7db9.jpg.html?sort=2&o=132

Great to hear that, 'chapeau' to them both. I look forward to reading about their ride in the Cordillera.

My ride report is up here http://www.jonesbikes.com/?option=com_wordpress&lang=en&Itemid=58


and more photos here http://www.flickr.com/photos/67338272@N05/sets/72157634480077423/

Thank you for the write up James and I'm so impressed you took the time to take such great pics. Your attitude to the ride and your commitment to 'your' race is inspiring

Check out the Specialized Rime SPD shoe with vibram soles ..I like them a lot for bikepacking as they provide good stiffness and are also comfy to HAB in.

^^^ I would take exactly what you mention FWIW (and I will in 2014) Good luck Nick I have enjoyed your blog from over the ditch
cheers
Fay