2011 Tour Divide

[ScottM]

I will more than happily renew the domain name and host the site if that means I can finally have some bragging rights on the interweb and possibly keep said GDR alive!  Scott?

It will be back, moving over to my server.  I will then finally have control over the site and will add 2010 results.  GDR will continue, in other words.  It may not have many (any?) racers, but at least it has its date set (TD site still has last years date!). 

[jimfab]

Hey...

Anybody know if the GDR is still sticking to the No Cell phone rule? ...... He who controls the server..........


Rock-JF

[ScottM]

Anybody know if the GDR is still sticking to the No Cell phone rule? ...... He who controls the server..........

I could bring it up, but I think it'll stay as no phones.

GDR.com is back, with 2010 results.  Nathan, please send me a more precise finish time when you have a moment.

Now back to regularly scheduled TD geeking, sorry to derail this thread a bit.

[DCrozier]

I might be late to the game on this, but I just saw Salsa now has their Fargo geometry set up to take a 80mm folk.  A Ti version also.  Would this be a set up to consider for a Tour Divide attempt?  Has anyone complete the Tour Divide with drop bars? 

DC

[6thElement]

Okay I'm ready to go, my LOI is in 

[BobM]

I might be late to the game on this, but I just saw Salsa now has their Fargo geometry set up to take a 80mm folk.  A Ti version also.  Would this be a set up to consider for a Tour Divide attempt?  Has anyone complete the Tour Divide with drop bars?  

DC

Joe Meiser did it on a Fargo in '09 and would have (probably) placed in the top 3 if not for a drivetrain mishap near Lima.  I believe a Brit or Aussie or Kiwi may have also done it with drop bars a few years back as well.

[krefs]

I might be late to the game on this, but I just saw Salsa now has their Fargo geometry set up to take a 80mm folk.  A Ti version also.  Would this be a set up to consider for a Tour Divide attempt?  Has anyone complete the Tour Divide with drop bars? 

One can ride almost anything they want.  GDMBR riders have made it to Antelope Wells on full suspension 26ers, cross bikes, singlespeeds, 29ers, fixed gears, and towing trailers.  It all comes down to what will work best for you, and the only way to know is to try different setups.  I know riders who have hand problems preventing them from using flat bars, so they use drop bars, but I'm sure there are others out there who couldn't ride the TD on drop bars. 

I'd encourage all the new TD racers to have a first cut of their setups complete several months before the start and do a few 2-3 day bikepacking trips to really test things out.  These things can take years to figure out, so don't bank on a few weeks being sufficient.  It's frustrating every year to see how many starters struggle and/or drop out early on the course because something about their setup wasn't working out.  If you've already done a lot of bikepacking or touring, you'll be way ahead of the curve.

[sluttyduck]

Okay I'm ready to go, my LOI is in 

what is the URL for the LOI page? I can't seem to find it.

[Mathewsen]

what is the URL for the LOI page? I can't seem to find it.

stephen, there is not a url yet. a pretty good batch of LOIs came in this morn, but we haven't posted them yet. it will likely be /2011_letters_of_intent

if you're in a hurry to submit, but are suffering from witty LOI writers block, just send in your name / what autonomous region you hail from, and we'll put you on the start list (also not yet up).

[sluttyduck]

stephen, there is not a url yet. a pretty good batch of LOIs came in this morn, but we haven't posted them yet. it will likely be /2011_letters_of_intent

Email you directly I assume?

[6thElement]

I used the contact form on the TD website, hope that was okay. I did forget to put where I hail from though, oops.

[Jeff Tomassetti]

The die is cast. I have my SPOT. Race I shall. Ready or not.
“Audentes  fortuna iuvat”
Banff>AW
June 10th, 2011

Jeff Tomassetti
Amelia Island, Florida USA

[Seaturdl]

 I have a basic question about the TD. It is looking like there will be quite a few lining up at the start.  I know in previous years, spot (gps trackers) have been provided.
Would it be advantages to go on and purchase one for myself?  Thanks see you all at the start if not sooner (Florida boys)
Cheers,
Derek

[Jeff Tomassetti]

I have a basic question about the TD. It is looking like there will be quite a few lining up at the start.  I know in previous years, spot (gps trackers) have been provided.
Would it be advantages to go on and purchase one for myself?  Thanks see you all at the start if not sooner (Florida boys)
Cheers,
Well, You can learn to use the SPOT. And you can use it on other trips.
Derek

[EMathy]

The die is cast. I have my SPOT. Race I shall. Ready or not.
“Audentes  fortuna iuvat”
Banff>AW
June 10th, 2011

Jeff Tomassetti
Amelia Island, Florida USA

Ditto!

It was good talking with you last night, Jeff!

[stappy]

First ever post. I'm in too! Based in Calgary and being a big fan, last year I decided to come out to Banff for the Ride the Divide screening, stay overnight and ride the first 60 miles with the riders. Met some great people like Aidan Harding, Dave Goldberg and Phillip Fogg. I stayed at the mountain Y and by luck ended up rooming with Matt Arnold, great kid. I had the great pleasure of riding with Matt Lee, Robin Borstmayer, Kevin Dean, Pete Faeth and Erik Lobeck until Boulton creek last year. Matt acted as a gracious host within the lead group, neutralizing the group for photo opps, a hidden waterfall and occassional reminders of " no drafting". I met Met Blaine Nestor at the Boulton trading post as well. I headed home with a host of fresh faces in mind, happy to watch the race unfold, having spent a small sliver of it getting to know some of those involved. I look forward to seeing everyone in Banff and being "in" the race for 2011.

ps. I will probably ride from Calgary to Banff. I am thinking about hosting an informal prolog/ warm up for those intersed who connect through Calgary and need to a way to get to Banff, why not ride? The route would take in some of our favorite pave backroads and the best bikes allowed singletrack in Banff national park, roughly 130km. Food for thought.

Craig Stappler
Calgary, Alberta

[6thElement]

I'm half thinking of riding from Calgary to Banff, but it depends which day and time I get to the airport. Definitely a possibility.

[Jeff Tomassetti]

Calgary to Banff is a good idea, but I have to get my bike put together somewhere first.

BTW, I have joined Eric Mathy's 1gear1cause.org raising funds for to beat Cancer. I will be wearing his cool jersey.

Jeff

[Blackhound]

I am hoping to fly to North America about 3-4 weeks before the race to acclimatise.  What is the weather like towards the end of May in the Calgary / Banff area?  Suitable for 2 weeks hard riding and a rest week?  (I am looking for somewhere warmish and dryish at ~4,000ft ideally). Another option is to fly to NM for a couple of weeks and then fly North for the start but logistically probably a bit more difficult - and expensive!

[BobM]

I am hoping to fly to North America about 3-4 weeks before the race to acclimatise.  What is the weather like towards the end of May in the Calgary / Banff area?  Suitable for 2 weeks hard riding and a rest week?  (I am looking for somewhere warmish and dryish at ~4,000ft ideally). Another option is to fly to NM for a couple of weeks and then fly North for the start but logistically probably a bit more difficult - and expensive!

You could always take the train to Scotland and bike the Cairngorms for a couple of weeks.