2015 TD

[tuhduhvuh]

I appreciated Megan's comments about camping and water  (added to passes and towns).   Last year water wasn't an issue....  and because of the weather,  I was in hotels every evening.  I guess it's impossible to really know what information you NEED until you want it and don't have it.  
I have started color coding...

It's all interesting...  one  more picture and then I'll stop....
Last year, coming into the border, one rider had hypothermia,  a bunch of us got herded (THANKFULLY) into a border service building and all removed clothes, wrung out, warmed up...  it was a cold ride down from Galton pass...

[BobM]

I appreciated Megan's comments about camping and water  (added to passes and towns).   Last year water wasn't an issue....  and because of the weather,  I was in hotels every evening.  I guess it's impossible to really know what information you NEED until you want it and don't have it. 
I have started color coding...

It's all interesting...  one  more picture and then I'll stop....
Last year, coming into the border, one rider had hypothermia,  a bunch of us got herded (THANKFULLY) into a border service building and all removed clothes, wrung out, warmed up...  it was a cold ride down from Galton pass...

LOVE the graph of the Galton Pass descent.  8 miles of what looks like a 45 degree angle.  Has anyone here ridden that without touchng the brakes?  I'll bet JayP did.  I wore off about 3/16 inch of brake pads.

[tuhduhvuh]

...and as so many people have mentioned,  the "road" down from Flathead pass was a river, NOT a road.   Cold feet and wading through a creek, trying to find any easy way through.  I'll be happy if it's a drier year and the tires aren't underwater through that whole stretch.

[THE LONG RANGER]

Galton was skiable the two times I was on that thing. Sigh. A dry TD would be a fast TD, until NM for sure.

[Briansong]

LOVE the graph of the Galton Pass descent.  8 miles of what looks like a 45 degree angle.  Has anyone here ridden that without touchng the brakes?  I'll bet JayP did.  I wore off about 3/16 inch of brake pads.

I went down last year behind Tanner Morgan. Holy #&*@, I never though a human could go that fast on a bike. I was running as fast as I felt I could go and he simply disappeared. I don't think he ever used his brakes.

[Ryan Correy]

Hello all! Looking forward to getting back out on the Divide in 52 days! In the meantime, you might be interested in my forthcoming book, 'A Purpose Ridden' (including a few chapters on the 2012 Tour Divide). It comes out May 18th. More info at www.ryancorrey.com/a-purpose-ridden. Shameless plug, done.

P.S. I'd worry more about cavities than I would of bears.

[jcluddite]

It's official. I bought my plane ticket to Calgary yesterday and booked a shuttle to Banff for June 10th. I'll be at the Douglas Fir Lodge just a couple of KM from the start/downtown. I was going to ride on Thursday after I get my bike put together for a test run. and go buy bear spray. eat. drink coffee. eat again. more coffee and more food. my volume of training has made ravenous. fortunately I lose my appetite after and during long rides. So i don't think the actual race will be an issue.

Which led me to the idea of having a communal bike assembly get together on the 11th for riders flying in. We could share tools , if needed, and ship home anything heavy we didn't need for the race but wanted for assembly. or if the long term weather forecast looks warm and sunny and i decide to jettison my thermal bib knickers, rain pants, and booties before the start.

Also anyone in Colorado, Utah, New Mexico who want to do some overnight rides in May I'm game. I'll be moved to Ouray next week and free.

[Inkerpok]

I hope there's a day/night get together on the 11th! I'll be arriving on the 10th, and I look forward to meeting all you guys. Is there any tradition of a meet up, like a usual time or place?

[THE LONG RANGER]

No official anything.

Although Crazy Larry may have a get together...

[Iowagriz]

Nice weather in Eureka lately (apparently as I'm not there).  Graves Creek Snotel site just listed 0" of snow as of today.  http://www.wcc.nrcs.usda.gov/reportGenerator/view/customSingleStationReport/daily/500:MT:SNTL%7Cid=%22%22%7Cname/-29,0/WTEQ::value,WTEQ::median_1981,WTEQ::pctOfMedian_1981,SNWD::value,PREC::value,PREC::average_1981,PREC::pctOfAverage_1981,TMAX::value,TMIN::value,TAVG::value

This Snotel is at 4300 feet and just west of Whitefish Divide summit (approx. 5250 elevation).

[Briansong]

It's official. I bought my plane ticket to Calgary yesterday and booked a shuttle to Banff for June 10th. I'll be at the Douglas Fir Lodge just a couple of KM from the start/downtown. I was going to ride on Thursday after I get my bike put together for a test run. and go buy bear spray. eat. drink coffee. eat again. more coffee and more food. my volume of training has made ravenous. fortunately I lose my appetite after and during long rides. So i don't think the actual race will be an issue.

Which led me to the idea of having a communal bike assembly get together on the 11th for riders flying in. We could share tools , if needed, and ship home anything heavy we didn't need for the race but wanted for assembly. or if the long term weather forecast looks warm and sunny and i decide to jettison my thermal bib knickers, rain pants, and booties before the start.

Also anyone in Colorado, Utah, New Mexico who want to do some overnight rides in May I'm game. I'll be moved to Ouray next week and free.

Last year, there was a room at the Y that served as an "assembly" room. Most folks brought tools, tie wraps, etc. At the end there was a pile of tools, ties and a huge pile of donated clothing on the floor. Got to meet many of the racers in that room.

[ElijahGOFAR]

Im getting to the Y on the 9th if any one wants to grab a drink. Just got the lime fuel in, I got juice for weeks. Guna try to finish this year. Had to quit last year due to numb feet. Speaking of which, make sure you got your footwear squared away 100%, things happen to feet on the TD that don't normally happen when riding. Advise was to get a size larger to account for swelling in various areas of the foot. To all the preparing riders: I am send all my positive thoughts to all of us as we embark on our personal outdoor challenges.

[kato]

Nice weather in Eureka lately (apparently as I'm not there).  Graves Creek Snotel site just listed 0" of snow as of today.  http://www.wcc.nrcs.usda.gov/reportGenerator/view/customSingleStationReport/daily/500:MT:SNTL%7Cid=%22%22%7Cname/-29,0/WTEQ::value,WTEQ::median_1981,WTEQ::pctOfMedian_1981,SNWD::value,PREC::value,PREC::average_1981,PREC::pctOfAverage_1981,TMAX::value,TMIN::value,TAVG::value

This Snotel is at 4300 feet and just west of Whitefish Divide summit (approx. 5250 elevation).

Wasn't that where the large avalanche deposit was when we went through there last year?

[Briansong]

Wasn't that where the large avalanche deposit was when we went through there last year?

Yes, that was just before the lovely hike over Red Meadow Pass.

[Iowagriz]

Yes, that was just before the lovely hike over Red Meadow Pass.

Not Red Meadow, but the first one out of Eureka (Whitefish Divide). Big hike last year, over lots of downed trees. This Snotel is approx 2miles from that summit and the avalanche path.

[bouldernick]

Speaking of Letters of Intent. Everyone that submitted a LOI, did they get a confirmation email that it was received? I never got one.

I didn't hear back from Matthew, but I wouldn't worry. He's a busy guy. He'll be in touch closer to the event start. Then again, I'm also ITT after GD. So I have the benefit of most riders leaving before I need to worry about potential route changes.

[krefs]

Hello all! Looking forward to getting back out on the Divide in 52 days!

You're heading back, Ryan? Awesome...you're going to crush! Good luck!

On another topic, with all the talk of awful weather/conditions in recent years in the northernmost section of the route, here's my suggestion: Show up in Banff armed with reliable rain gear, waterproof mitts and insulated gloves, an extra layer of warm clothes for your torso, and waterproof socks. Yes, it's extra weight, but man, it is so important to stay warm, especially in the remote Flathead section when it's snowing and raining. And then as you get into central Montana, ship your extra warm gear home if you don't want to carry it any farther south.

That's my two cents.

[Flinch]

Mail stuff back - never happens 
Part of my route notes, Post Offices in Montana

EUREKA POST OFFICE
113 14th St, Eureka, MT 59917 (north end of town)
Phone: 406-297-2132
Hours Monday-Friday 8:30am - 5:00pm Saturday 11:30am - 1:30pm Sunday Closed
(The Eureka post office dude IS expecting you! Told me sometimes had a line of racers mailing stuff back - mine was 8.5 pounds...)

WHITEFISH POST OFFICE
424 Baker Ave, Whitefish, MT 59937
Phone: 406-862-2151
Hours Monday-Friday 8:30am - 5:30pm Saturday 10:00am - 2:00pm Sunday Closed

COLUMBIA FALLS POST OFFICE
65 1st St E, Columbia Falls, MT 59912
Phone: 406-892-7621
Hours Monday-Friday 8:30am - 5:00pm Saturday 11:00am - 2:00pm Sunday Closed

BIGFORK POST OFFICE
265 Holt Dr, Bigfork, MT 59911
Phone: 406-837-4479
Hours Monday-Friday 8:30am - 5:00pm Saturday 10:00am - 2:00pm Sunday Closed

SEELEY LAKE POST OFFICE
3172 Mt Highway 83 N, Seeley Lake, MT 59868
Phone: 406-677-2474
Hours Monday-Friday 9:00am - 4:00pm Saturday 10:00am - 11:00am Sunday Closed

BASIN POST OFFICE
100 Basin St, Basin, MT 59631
Phone: 406-225-4333
Hours Monday-Friday 8:00am - 12:00pm
12:45pm - 4:30pm Saturday-Sunday Closed

BUTTE POST OFFICE
701 Dewey Blvd, Butte, MT 59701
Phone: 406-494-2107
Hours Monday-Friday 8:30am - 5:30pm Saturday 9:00am - 1:00pm Sunday Closed

COPPER HILL STATION POST OFFICE
60 W Galena St, Butte, MT 59701
Phone: 406-723-0177
Hours Monday-Friday 9:30am - 1:00pm
2:00pm - 4:30pm Saturday-Sunday Closed

CONDON POST OFFICE
7245 Mt Highway 83, Condon, MT 59826
Phone: 406-754-2500
Hours Monday-Friday 8:15am - 12:30pm
1:30pm - 5:00pm Saturday 10:00am - 12:00pm Sunday Closed

DILLON POST OFFICE
117 S Idaho St, Dillon, MT 59725
Phone: 406-683-2841
Hours Monday-Friday 8:30am - 5:00pm Saturday 10:00am - 12:00pm Sunday Closed

EAST HELENA POST OFFICE
607 E Porter St, East Helena, MT 59635
Phone: 406-227-5325
Hours Monday-Friday 9:00am - 5:00pm Saturday-Sunday Closed

HELENA POST OFFICE
2300 N Harris St, Helena, MT 59601
Phone: 406-443-3304
Hours Monday-Friday 8:00am - 6:00pm Saturday 9:00am - 12:00pm Sunday Closed

LAST CHANCE POST OFFICE
500 N Last Chance Gulch, Helena, MT 59601
Phone: 406-443-8373
Hours Monday-Friday 8:30am - 5:00pm Saturday-Sunday Closed

SEELEY LAKE POST OFFICE
3172 Mt Highway 83 N, Seeley Lake, MT 59868
Phone: 406-677-2474
Hours Monday-Friday 9:00am - 4:00pm Saturday 10:00am - 11:00am Sunday Closed

OVANDO POST OFFICE
312 Main St, Ovando, MT 59854
Phone: 406-793-5620
Hours Monday-Friday 8:00am - 12:30pm
1:30pm - 4:45pm Saturday 10:30am - 12:00pm Sunday Closed

LINCOLN POST OFFICE
237 Main St, Lincoln, MT 59639
Phone: 406-362-4523
Hours Monday-Friday 9:00am - 12:00pm
1:00pm - 4:30pm Saturday-Sunday Closed

WISE RIVER POST OFFICE
65209 Mt Highway 43, Wise River, MT 59762
Phone: 406-832-3280
Hours Monday-Friday 8:00am - 12:00pm
1:00pm - 4:45pm Saturday 8:15am - 9:45am Sunday Closed

Polaris Post Office
96 Billings Creek Rd
Polaris, MT   59746
Hours Mon-Sat 9:30am - 11:30am Sun Closed

For General Delivery (mailing yourself packages along the route)

Use the words GENERAL DELIVERY, uppercase preferred, spelled out (no abbreviation), as the Delivery Address Line on the mailpiece. Each record will carry the –9999 add-on zip code.  Note that you do not need the post office street address. Mail addressed to you at General Delivery will be held at the area’s main Post Office™ for up to 30 days. You will have to show picture ID at the counter when you pick your package up.

Example:

Fred Pedelemore
GENERAL DELIVERY
Wise River, MT 59762-9999

[Ryan Correy]

You're heading back, Ryan? Awesome...you're going to crush! Good luck!

On another topic, with all the talk of awful weather/conditions in recent years in the northernmost section of the route, here's my suggestion: Show up in Banff armed with reliable rain gear, waterproof mitts and insulated gloves, an extra layer of warm clothes for your torso, and waterproof socks. Yes, it's extra weight, but man, it is so important to stay warm, especially in the remote Flathead section when it's snowing and raining. And then as you get into central Montana, ship your extra warm gear home if you don't want to carry it any farther south.

That's my two cents.

Great advice, Kurt! Thank you. Best of luck with the new consulting business. Plenty of Divide riders could benefit from your wealth of knowledge.

[simon cross]

RE Gearing
hello all ,  I would value the view of folks on gearing for the TD on a 29er. Whether to go 1 x 10 ( with a 26t or 28t front and a with 11t - 42 t on the back) or 2 x 10 (24/38) (certainly could not imagine taking the journey on with a single speed - accolades to those that do.)

I have trained with both with TD weight on the bike and either feels good, though I do "feel" some loss of speed on low angle down hills or rolling country where the opportunity to pedal is lost at 33 klm p/hr (21 miles p/hr) or so. The gear changes on the 1 x - with a 42t added and a mid range ring removed creates somewhat of a gearing gap - but you get used to it. (which a 1 x 11 set up would remove)

The weight advantage (the difference of 11.5 ounces/330 grams 1 vs 2 10) and less mechanics is a good thing but not a dealer clincher either way 

For those looking for a good after market option Praxis are now marketing a 10 - 40 t cassette though it will not be available in australia until later in the year. Not sure if it on the market in the states as yet - takes a little longer to get new releases down this way.

I looked at a 1 x 11 sram or shimano set up - decided that the money should go elsewhere...

A very personal question and answer...

cheers and thanks
simon



After the TD - ?? Tour of NZ - 3000 klm brevet style Grand Depart Feb next year ... NZ is a fantastic place to ride and journey www.touraotearoa.nz/