2011 Tour Divide

[krefs]

Yrs ago during my 1st Leadville 100, when I first started running tubless and did not know not to run way way to high air pressure I carried 1 tube but on the same blow out needed 2 as I blew my spare tube up with a CO2 and slick/unset bead.

Ever since then I can’t ever bring myself to not bring 2 tubes.  (usually light weight 26ers from Specialized)

But for the last 5 yrs or so, in all my multi days and general every day riding, I have used exactly 1 tube out on the trail –lightly sliced side wall in my 1st AZT 300.  Knock on wood and all that. 

My spare tubes wear out in my frame pack—say, that reminds me, I better check um, they have been in there since Banff 2010----

I'll throw in my 2 cents on this one, too. I've also had outstanding luck with tubeless. In the past 3 years, I've run exclusively tubeless with a wide variety of tires, and I can remember having to put tubes in on 5 occasions, 3 of which were when I was clearly at the limits of XC tire durability when I should have had beefier tires (i.e., pushing my luck exceedingly rocky singletrack descents).

The other two were on the Arizona Trail, and in the first instance there, I learned that 26er tubes with sealant (Stans or Slime) in 29er tires will not reliably seal punctures because they are stretched too thin. Pinch flats also result in gaping holes that can't be patched when the rubber is stretched this much. So be aware of the possible consequences of carrying the lightest weight tubes possible as spares: they might work fine, they might get you to the next town, or you might find yourself riding on a flat tire.

[Mathewsen]

one more change (thanks matt )
3) Through Gila NF between SR 35 and Silver City

No, thank you Casey.

To summarize for TD racers:

There are 3 major TD route changes on the table for 2011 (listed N-S); #1 is still tentative at this time. #s 2 & 3 are definite, however #2 is a TD-exclusive downhill run which parallels the existing GDMBR. It is required of SoBo racers ONLY. 

1) Wise River to Polaris, MT: This change depends on ACA research completion. This area is killer, has big potential, so TD's hope is this reroute will not be rushed. The idea is to circumvent ~50mi of pave between Wise River and Polaris, MT. The challenge is the surrounding mountains are super rugged and resupply is already limited on the Polaris end, with no guaranteed resupply beyond it until Lima.

2) Gold Dust Trail (not ACA official): There will be a new downhill singletrack addition to the TD SoBo race-route ONLY off Boreas Pass (S. of Breck.) in Colorado. TD will provide the narrative AND the GPS track for this section.

3) The Gila gets harder: The official GDMBR will now travel CDT singletrack thru Gila NF over Pinos Altos & into Silver City (instead of skirting dangerous pave around the NF). I scouted this in October and the trail is supreme IMBA bench-cut!

Map of Area #1
Map for #2
Map for #3

[Mathewsen]

they might work fine, they might get you to the next town, or you might find yourself riding on a flat tire.

My advice if you have trouble with a tubeless tire/are forced to tube-it (especially if most of NM still looms), is to make immediate plans to reinstate tubeless set-up at soonest possible opportunity; be that a bike shop or an auto shop with a compressor using a presta-schrader adapter (hint: carry one!). Whether running heavier-duty 29er tubes or lightweight 26ers, tubes are no match for goat heads. Stan's is sold in 2oz travel containers. Two extra servings in one's kit is a nice piece of mind.

[annoying crack]

There are 3 major TD route changes on the table for 2011

Matthew,

What I really would like to know is... is the route that will be on the new maps 100% the route that the tour divide will follow? Will the GPS file that will be available (I understood that right?) be 100% the route that we will have to follow? I'm asking because I don't want to spent hours/days making cue sheets, just to find out that yet another change is made to the route and I have to start over.

And the rules say:

Challengers must always ride 100% of the 'main' ACA Great Divide Route as defined by the most current edition of the ACA maps. Previous map editions may not be used unless updated with the most current ACA Addenda.
Alternates: At times along the GDMBR, ACA maps provide cues for alternate routes. No alternates to the main route can be used with the exception of the following TWO in NM:

a.The 116-mile section between Cuba and Grants, New Mexico. The main route is impassable, potentially dangerous when wet, so racers have the option to follow the alternate paved route.
b.The 40-mile section between Grants and the Pie Town road, through El Malpais National Monument. Zuni Canyon (main route south of Grants) is commonly closed for fire danger.
 

So, i get the new maps, follow them 100% and I'm ok?
I just do not want to get disqualified for not taking a detour that I was not aware of.

[Mathewsen]

What I really would like to know is... is the route that will be on the new maps 100% the route that the tour divide will follow?

The answer for 2011 is No.
The Gold Dust trail will become the first (unofficial alternate) exception to, "must always follow 100% the main AcA route". This rule will be amended to reflect Gold Dust once the official TD GPS track is finalized (see GPS below).

Will the GPS file that will be available (I understood that right?) be 100% the route that we will have to follow?

If you are referring to the TopoFusion official TD-Race Route file available here, then YES (note: I will post here when this is final). If you are referring to the AcA official GPS track available on their website, then my answer is, I'm not sure what version of their maps their file currently reflects. I have heard it is not maintained annually as the TD file is. Simply stick to the TF version and you're golden. FWIW, Scott M. (TopoFusion) says the AcA GDMBR waypoints are helpful, worth using.
  

I'm asking because I don't want to spent hours/days making cue sheets, just to find out that yet another change is made to the route and I have to start over.

Maybe do your cue sheets in a spreadsheet so you can easily insert changes in the route or services, add water notes, etc.?

EDIT: also consider emailing your cue spreadsheet to yourself, or better yet manage the file in google docs so you have access to it from the route should all Haiti break loose and you lose your hard copy.

[annoying crack]

The answer for 2011 is No.

Thanks, that was the impression I was getting here, I just wanted confirmation.

[mcmurv]

Yea, +1 for the addition of the Gold Dust Trail.  It is a blast until just after Forest Rd 50.  There are several creek crossings here and then a short hike a bike due to some super big rocks.  Last year, when on the second creek crossing, I missed the plank bridge and endo'ed into the creek landing on my back. 

[Marshal]

I'll throw in my 2 cents on this one, too. I've also had outstanding luck with tubeless. In the past 3 years, I've run exclusively tubeless with a wide variety of tires, and I can remember having to put tubes in on 5 occasions, 3 of which were when I was clearly at the limits of XC tire durability when I should have had beefier tires (i.e., pushing my luck exceedingly rocky singletrack descents).

The other two were on the Arizona Trail, and in the first instance there, I learned that 26er tubes with sealant (Stans or Slime) in 29er tires will not reliably seal punctures because they are stretched too thin. Pinch flats also result in gaping holes that can't be patched when the rubber is stretched this much. So be aware of the possible consequences of carrying the lightest weight tubes possible as spares: they might work fine, they might get you to the next town, or you might find yourself riding on a flat tire.

Duhh, humm, oh,  well, ah I guess I never really thought about it all that much.  Other than one time I have really never had to use my small/light tubes in ‘critical’ situations so I have of course never had any issues. 

But your explanation makes perfect sense, at least for a AZTR type environment, not 100% sure it would be as big as deal on the TDR. 

Anyway 2 29er tubes are on the shopping list now for upcoming April rides.  & guess I might as well do it AZ style & experiment with putting some stans in at least one of them while I am at it. 

Thanks Kurt.

[Mathewsen]

Yea, +1 for the addition of the Gold Dust Trail.  It is a blast until just after Forest Rd 50.  There are several creek crossings here and then a short hike a bike due to some super big rocks.  Last year, when on the second creek crossing, I missed the plank bridge and endo'ed into the creek landing on my back. 

The section south of FR50 is the leg not quite finalized yet. Some of the feedback i've gotten is that it may not be worth it for TD. Mcmurv, what is your vote? Alternatively, a left on FR50 drops you right into the main GDMBR at the FR801 / CR33 junction.

[sluttyduck]

Fancy, untested stuff i am blanking on could be an unknown weakness, too. Belt drive? internally geared hubs?

IGH have been used on the TD.  Tremblay with an Alfine and myself with a Rohloff.  There was another guy in 2010 with a Rohloff, but I forgot his name.  Steve Mcguire also ran a Rohloff in '09
The peace of mind is worth it to me(I tend to worry), and I hate front derailleurs.
The belt drive on the other hand....well....I'm still waiting to test mine....
http://www.stephenhuddle.net/2011/02/bike-porn.html

[mcmurv]

The section south of FR50 is the leg not quite finalized yet. Some of the feedback i've gotten is that it may not be worth it for TD. Mcmurv, what is your vote? Alternatively, a left on FR50 drops you right into the main GDMBR at the FR801 / CR33 junction.

Matthew:
Thanks for asking.  I say add it!  

I have ridden the Gold Dust Trail for the past couple of summers and find it a joy to ride, especially after climbing Boreas Pass.  Last summer I enjoyed it so much, on my way back up Boreas Pass to Breckenridge, I rode Gold Dust twice in one day.  The turn off of Boreas Pass Rd for Gold Dust is super easy to miss.  It has taken me about an hour to a hour and half to make it to Como on Gold Dust.  The other option is cruising Boreas Pass Rd or as you say, taking the FR back.  

The TD Veterans should weigh in too.  I can only imagine that riding Gold Dust after 1k miles into TD would be a welcome change.  

There are a few turns along the way, which will make the cues important to get right and to be recent.  I rode it last summer in July and came a across a crew doing some trail building.  So, who knows what went on the rest of the summer.  

Overall it isn't difficult riding.  The rocky section is only about 10 to 15 minutes.  It is pretty cool to be so remote and then pop out on a rode just a few minutes from Como.  This kind of holds to the theme of the TD.  

[mikepro]

The TD Veterans should weigh in too.  I can only imagine that riding Gold Dust after 1k miles into TD would be a welcome change. 

With what I know now (which still isn't very much), having the TD follow Gold Dust would be sublime, and a definite upgrade over current course/route.  Add it, for sure, I say.  Then the contrast between the descent off Boreas and the wide open plains of South Park and beyond will be even greater.

And whatever rocks or hike-a-bike segments there might be, it can't be any harder (more fun?) than the FSR connector up in BC.

What's more, the course/route upgrade in NM to follow the CT and secondary roads definitely gets my 2-thumbs-up-with-wide-grin.  The road ride into Silver City is remembered (not affectionately) by me as "hot asphalt and diesel fumes".

[krefs]

"hot asphalt and diesel fumes"

Yes yes, but hot asphalt and diesel fumes that lead to a DQ!

My vote is also for all of Gold Dust.

[mcmurv]

And whatever rocks or hike-a-bike segments there might be, it can't be any harder (more fun?) than the FSR connector up in BC.

Mikepro:
Oh yea.  I haven't ridden the FSR connector, but just read that part in Paul Howard's book.  So, yea Gold Dust is light years easier than the FSR connector. 

[wookieone]

I just check ACA's addenda and the new section outside silver city isn't in there? Curious when cues maybe available? Also as far as the Gold Dust trail, will there be any cues for that? Thanks Jefe

[Mathewsen]

I just check ACA's addenda and the new section outside silver city isn't in there? Curious when cues maybe available? Also as far as the Gold Dust trail, will there be any cues for that? Thanks Jefe

cues for that reroute won't be available until close to map production. not to worry, though. it's more simple (or as simple) as the old route, offers a water spigot at the cdt trailhead and is equidistant to old mileage. the mtb club in silver will be brushing the trail and doing the cues this spring. caveat: there are a couple pushes to get from the campground up to the ridge (approx 1k of gain to get to the ridge-running), but generally its a nice 4% grade, or less throughout.

[Slowerthensnot]

cues for that reroute won't be available until close to map production. not to worry, though. it's more simple (or as simple) as the old route, offers a water spigot at the cdt trailhead and is equidistant to old mileage. the mtb club in silver will be brushing the trail and doing the cues this spring. caveat: there are a couple pushes to get from the campground up to the ridge (approx 1k of gain to get to the ridge-running), but generally its a nice 4% grade, or less throughout.

pretty smooth sailing for us northbounders?  that section of pavement "wont" be missed by me

[Mathewsen]

pretty smooth sailing for us northbounders?  that section of pavement "wont" be missed by me

Oh yeah. A swank downhill for sure. Your concern will be too much heat in the corners, crashing out at mile 130 into the race.

[Slowerthensnot]

Oh yeah. A swank downhill for sure. Your concern will be too much heat in the corners, crashing out at mile 130 into the race.

=)

[trebor]

Anyone taken the time to weigh their bar bag fully packed? I'm sitting at 5.5 lbs and was just curious about others.

BTW, only 15 weeks to go........