2015 TD

[Rorr]

I know that everybody is different,but for me it takes carbs to keep the fat burning engine running,which works very well for this type racing. But LR is right,most important thing is don't change anything gear, bike stuff or diet right before a race!!!!

[luas]

Are there card facilities in the smaller towns - or is it cash only most of the way? Does anybody have security issues with carrying cash whilst on the bike? Thanks for any help. Saul

[THE LONG RANGER]

Cards are mostly fine, I'd bring a little bit of cash for WAY out of the way places, like the snack shack in NM if that's still a thing. Think about stashing your "emergency" card/cash in a place other than your main card, so if you lose something, not the end of the world.

Greg @ Bolder Bikepacking made a great somewhat secret pocket in my frame bag that fit my passport snugly, along with some cash + cards. Thankfully, never lost anything. Consider mailing your passport back to you, but perhaps consider doing it via registered mail. It'd be a heck of thing to have to replace.

Also re: money - remember that Banff is not a cheap place, so if at all possible, make those last-minute items be limited. The grocery store wasn't too crazy, if I remember correctly. And if you poke, you can find anything you need, as the bike shops are well-stocked, there's a Patagonia, and a descent backpackers store. Looks like the exchange rate IS in the US$ favor?

[luas]

 [/quote] Consider mailing your passport back to you, but perhaps consider doing it via registered mail. It'd be a heck of thing to have to replace.

Thanks for the advice. No passport might make it a bit tricky to get back to Australia ... ;-)

[kato]

Are there card facilities in the smaller towns - or is it cash only most of the way? Does anybody have security issues with carrying cash whilst on the bike? Thanks for any help. Saul

Don't forget some cash for Brush Mt Lodge and The Toaster House.  Both places won't charge you but donations are highly appreciated and cash is the only way to do it at either place.

Oh, and also if you camp in the various excellent town organized locations in Ovando they appreciate donations.

[THE LONG RANGER]

Good point Perhaps put a photo copy of your passport in a safe place, just in case things get REALLY lost, and it's time to beg and plead at the consulate

[Inkerpok]

Can you fly with bear spray in your checked luggage? Or do I have to buy it in Banff?

[jcluddite]

Can you fly with bear spray in your checked luggage? Or do I have to buy it in Banff?

can't fly with bear spray. you will need to bring your ID with you in Banff when you go to buy it. Canmore has a number of locations that sell bear spray too.

[daveinbanff]

bear spray is avail in banff in LOTS of stores,   dont worry about that.   $40-$50 CND.

[mtbcast]

Scott M - This is Mrs. Bluechip.  We're about 2 hours from Deming, NM and my husband is starting the Tour Divide 2015 NOBO in Antelope Wells, NM as ITT tomorrow morning.  How do we add him to the TD 2015 trackleaders page?  Given that he is starting early Sunday...I would really like to get him added today.  Any help would be appreciated! 

Give your husband the MTBCast number: 888-866-4491. He's welcome to call in updates.

[Inkerpok]

bear spray is avail in banff in LOTS of stores,   dont worry about that.   $40-$50 CND.

Can you fly with bear spray in your checked luggage? Or do I have to buy it in Banff?

Thanks guys, and I just found this on Counter Assault's website (bear spray manufacturer):

11. Can I carry Counter Assault onto an airplane?

FAA regulations do not allow transportation of more than 4 ounces of pepper spray packed in your luggage. You may call us for local dealers in the area you are going or we can drop-ship to your destination.

[mtbcast]

Look for bear bangers too. A couple of guys got them last year and took them out for a test shot. They said they were very loud.

[dream4est]

I saw a ton of rules violations last year. A third of the field had no clear understanding of how to behave.

You cannot:
Draft. this means you, guy who thinks riding 6 inches behind the buddy you came to the race with is NOT drafting.
Plan to share gear before hand with your riding partner. Partners are lame anyway. This is a solo race. Man up!
stay at a friends house along the route.
have a shop owner deliver a new frame and rebuild your bike in a hotel room
skip the CDT
miss a section cause its muddy
beg private landowners for lodging and food and water
beg hikers or drivers for food and water

That is the short list. I cant remember all of them. Read the rules people. Cheaters really suck.

[Rorr]

When I was doing triathlons the drafting rule was two bike lengths, any thoughts on that? I know the start is going to be really crowded but after things thin out.

[dream4est]

My .02
I think the spirit is side by side or race, so you would be correct at least 2 lengths, side by side or pass.

[Mikebike]

I have a Garmin Oregon 650T.  I have been trying to upload the 2015 route and have been running into a snag.  I was able to upload the 2014 route with no problem, but the new route will not upload properly.  I am a mac user and utilize basecamp to interface.  I install the new route into base camp and then into the device and everything look good until I unplug the unit and go into it to review the route.  What I get is only the first 705 miles from Banff.  I have deleted, reloaded, updated, reloaded, etc... and still no joy.  It always only uploads that first 705 miles.  Anyone else familiar with this problem and have any solution.  Thanks.

[ewoklake]

Sorry for the niave question but, where is the 2015 route available for download?

[SlowRide]

I have a Garmin Oregon 650T.  I have been trying to upload the 2015 route and have been running into a snag.  I was able to upload the 2014 route with no problem, but the new route will not upload properly.  I am a mac user and utilize basecamp to interface.  I install the new route into base camp and then into the device and everything look good until I unplug the unit and go into it to review the route.  What I get is only the first 705 miles from Banff.  I have deleted, reloaded, updated, reloaded, etc... and still no joy.  It always only uploads that first 705 miles.  Anyone else familiar with this problem and have any solution.  Thanks.

Mike, you might make sure you are using the reduced 10,000 point file(TourDivide2015_v2_10k.gpx). If using the full resolution gpx file the Garmin may be having issues due to too many waypoints. If you need me to have a look let me know.

Sorry for the niave question but, where is the 2015 route available for download?

Here: http://topofusion.com/divide/gps.php


Also, a logistics note... I noticed yesterday that the Clark Store just started their summer hours and are now open 6:30am-8pm instead of 7-7 and also that Clark Stote ice cream season has begun!

[Mikebike]

Mike, you might make sure you are using the reduced 10,000 point file(TourDivide2015_v2_10k.gpx). If using the full resolution gpx file the Garmin may be having issues due to too many waypoints. If you need me to have a look let me know.

I think I got it SlowRide.  Not real sure exactly what I did different, but it finally loaded up.  The file shows less than 2700 miles though.  I guess due to the reroute.  Thanks

[MDSeaburg]

Flyboy, et al,

I had trouble downloading the detailed file to my Garmin eTrex 30. It only accepted the first 700 miles or so. Then I downloaded the 10,000 point file without trouble. All 2648.7 miles, there for the riding.