Earlier spring on the Tour Divide

[Scatman]

Does anyone have any idea just how far north one might be able to ride on the Divide route in April?  I live on the western slope in central Colorado and I'm planning on riding my bike to the start of the Continental Divide Trail.  I did this on the Pacific Crest Trail and it was a great warm up for my hike.
As one needs to start hiking in late April, I'm wondering if and where I can safely get on the Divide route to maximize my dirt riding and also scope out the Divide for a future attempt at it.

Thanks!

[mathieu]

I guess you can do the 500 miles section from Antelope Wells to Cuba-NM, including the scenic dirt road over the San Mateo Mtns and Mesa San Luis. The route touches 8000 ft a few times, similar to the AZT Race which is currently run. North of Cuba the GD crests the Polvadera Mesa, 10,000 ft, which is probably under snow.

[Scatman]

Thanks for the help!

[Fresh like uhh]

I live up by Durango. The weather just turned pretty nice out here and a might cold at night. I did an overnight gear check up at 8000 elev a month ago and had no problems.