Great Divide Race Information

[Terry]

I've been following the Great Divide Race for a number of years and am finally planning to do it! My question is there a central place to go to find instructions and requirements. It appears that the information is all over the place. Specifically, I would like to know how you are tracked. It appears that riders in the past used Spot transmitters. There are better tracking systems available now with many of the smart phone apps. How are they used? How about mapping and GPS software? These are only a few of the questions I have. The Great Divide webpage apparently is not used anymore. Thank you! Terry

[bakerjw]

Many use Spot trackers. There are new ones available that might have more features; however, I am satisfied with my Delorme InReach which allows for 2 way messaging.

For GPS, I use a Garmin eTex 30. It uses AA batteries which can be found anywhere. I always carry 2 just in case. Usually about a month before the race begins a "final" GPX route is produced and made available.

There it letter of intent that you can send in that can be found on some of the earlier TD threads here on BP.net. For the most activity, there is a facebook page. I don't use FB at all so I hang around here as dead as it can be.

[Scatman]

Terry, you are correct that that the "official" Tour Divide page isn't updated. It does give the basic rules and regulations for the race but that's about it. Racers use Spot trackers through Scott Morris's www.Trackleaders.com website. He usually shares a link here or on one of the Facebook groups so one can register their spot or rent one for the race.
The official GPX is also shared by Scott. His website is www.Topofusion.com . Most people use Garmin Etrex 20 or 30's. Which software to use is up to you. The better your best map the more info you'll have at your disposal. For paper maps you can purchase the route from Adventure Cycling Association. It varies some from the race route.
I put together a detailed guide to the Tour Divide and other routes. You can check it out https://oneofsevenproject.com/tour-divide-resource/. I did my best to pull all the information I could into one place.

[bikelite]

Matthew Lee needs to give up that website to somebody that wants to take part more publicly in the tour divide and keep it updated, like kiwidave has done with his facebook page.