2016 Tour Divide Preparation

[SlowRide]

Once you've loaded the track using "where to" just switch back and forth using the back button and selecting "map" and "trip computer" from the main menu. The track should stay loaded on the map when you go back to it, it should not have to be loaded every time you navigate away from "map" to other selections in the menu.

[Mike McElveen]

Thank you, SlowRide!  Works perfectly.

[BobM]

The Flathead descent trail seems also to be shared with the creek, so some racers seem to take some trainers for this section.

Any opinions as to the pros/cons of taking a set of trainers for this early wet section to ditch at Eureka? With my luck I'd take the spares but drop my cycling shoes in the water.

[tonydc]

On my tour down sealskin socks ( waterproof) the knee high wool ones with my keen waterproof low hikers-were magical on my flat pedals. The only shoes I used on and off the bike. I had toe shoes for camp and sleeping. I'm in Calgary if any budget minded types need advice locally, a pick up. Maybe a room and shuttle to banff. I've had peeps stay the past few years. 🤓

[GregMay]

In other news, flights booked. See you all in June.

[phil_rad]

In other news, flights booked. See you all in June.

Awesome! Did you book the shuttle too or are you going to ride to Banff? What day are you flying in?

See you in June!

[GregMay]

Riding over, it's not that far and it'll help settle my body clock for the shift over. I get in on the Tuesday evening.

[Rob Colliver]

I'm heading out around 20th April and going to have a few weeks in Fernie getting used to some altitude and spending time tuning up the bike with the guys at Straight Line bikes in Fernie.
I'm starting a couple of days early so I don't get caught up in the race to the Boulton shop.

[BobM]

I'm heading out around 20th April and going to have a few weeks in Fernie getting used to some altitude and spending time tuning up the bike with the guys at Straight Line bikes in Fernie.
I'm starting a couple of days early so I don't get caught up in the race to the Boulton shop.

I highly recommend starting a day or 2 early - it definitely changes one's perception of the race to be alone rather than in a group of 150 or so riders.  Keep in mind, though, that you will be riding alone for most of the race since you will be out of sync with the rest.  Those the same speed as you will always be 2 days behind and those who are faster will be passing you, so at least for the first half or so you will not be able to keep pace with those who catch you.  Could be a good or bad thing depending on your perspective.

[dream4est]

IMO there is no "race" to the Boulton Creek Trading Post its like half of a day at most to there they jack up the prices for the racers and it doesnt make any sense to get more than water there. Even if one stops short of Elkford like at say the cabin its not any difference really to just carry a whole 1 days food from the start. Dont give Boulton the satisfaction of getting $3 for a Coke that was $1.50 the day before. 

[BobM]

IMO there is no "race" to the Boulton Creek Trading Post its like half of a day at most to there they jack up the prices for the racers and it doesnt make any sense to get more than water there. Even if one stops short of Elkford like at say the cabin its not any difference really to just carry a whole 1 days food from the start. Dont give Boulton the satisfaction of getting $3 for a Coke that was $1.50 the day before. 

I'm surprised to hear that a Provincial Park would stoop so low.  I found the prices to be high, but in line with park stores that I have been to in both Canada and the States.

[cmn529]

Does anyone have a listing of resupply stores along the route? As I was starting to put together a cue sheet for resupply spots and bike shops, utilizing the maps, interwebs, notes, etc. I thought I'd ask the lazy question and see if anyone wanted to share their list or had one from previous years.

[kiwidave]

For Bike shops, this thread is a good starting point.

http://www.bikepacking.net/forum/ultra-racing/good-bike-shops-close-to-the-gdmbr-route/

[Bash Aweigh]

You can look at the track leaders site to see how consistently a signal gets out on the GDT.

I've been using it in Patagonia, Its been patchy but much better as I head North.

For only tracking with no SOS function, I purchased a Spot Trace for $100 (100% refunded after activation) from West Marine: After checking in 5 boxes one came with a plastic bracket that it clips into: I use additional velcro and have it mounted upside down: its very secure.

[BobM]

You can look at the track leaders site to see how consistently a signal gets out on the GDT.

I've been using it in Patagonia, Its been patchy but much better as I head North.

For only tracking with no SOS function, I purchased a Track for $100 (100% refunded after activation) from West Marine: After checking in 5 boxes one came with a plastic bracket that it clips into: I use additional velcro and have it mounted upside down: its very secure.

What is a "track"?  Is it produced by Spot?  I couldn't find it at the West Marine website.

EDIT:  I think I found it - a "Trace" by Spot.  Does trackleaders support that technology the same as the regular Spot trackers?  The lack of a 911 button would bother me a bit.

[pyerger]

Does anyone have a listing of resupply stores along the route? As I was starting to put together a cue sheet for resupply spots and bike shops, utilizing the maps, interwebs, notes, etc. I thought I'd ask the lazy question and see if anyone wanted to share their list or had one from previous years.

Google-( pale spruce),  some where on that site, there is a list of all the resupplies,campgrounds,bikeshops distances, miles, elevation, on pdf form. I printed it out and used it last year.

[cmn529]

Google-( pale spruce),  some where on that site, there is a list of all the resupplies,campgrounds,bikeshops distances, miles, elevation, on pdf form. I printed it out and used it last year.

Awesome, thank you!  And for the bike shop thread!

[kiwidave]

How do we make payments for campgrounds in the remote areas?

[BobM]

How do we make payments for campgrounds in the remote areas?

If not staffed they usually have a fee station with envelopes and some sort of secure drop box.  Best to have some cash with you.

[SlowRide]

Does trackleaders support that technology the same as the regular Spot trackers?

Scott/Matt made Trace an option for rentals from Trackleaders for both the AZTR and CTR last year so yes, SPOT trace should be supported. That being said I am not affiliated with Trackleaders so if you need an absolutely official answer I'd drop Scott/Matt an email.