El Paso Antelope Wells

[tuhduhvuh]

Hello!   I have been reading all the information here on the Tour Divide,  it's so helpful to have so many share their knowledge. 

I am really hoping to do the tour this summer, just trying to pull together gear and determine if I am up for the challenge. 

Because of work and logistics, it seems that my best option is Northbound, ITT . 

I was wondering if anyone had experience  with getting from El Paso to Antelope Wells?   I see there is an "inside passage" highway (I.E.  not the interstate) but it's still about 170 miles and maybe that's not a great place to be riding.   

I'm sorry if this info is posted somewhere else,  but wondered if there are thoughts on getting from El Paso to AW to start the race , for late June?

[bpeschka]

If you're talking about riding, you can leave El Paso via Sunland Park and Santa Teresa (NM) getting on Hwy 9 across the southern border, through Columbus to Hachita then South on 81 to Antelope Wells.  This path is at least 25 miles shorter than going across I-10 then south to Hachita and Antelope Wells.

Hwy 9 is paved nicely, not too much traffic.  Traffic is mostly cross traffic from Mexico, plus there are plenty of Border Patrol types.  There are no stores after Santa Teresa until Columbus.  Then nothing again on down to Antelope Wells and back up to Separ.  There are intermittent reports of water at Hachita, depending on who you find at home.

Anywhere down that way there's potential to encounter smugglers of illegals or drugs.  That's not limited to Hwy 9 and includes Hwy 81 to Antelope Wells.

http://tinyurl.com/klbmv4f

[tuhduhvuh]

Thanks for the information, that's helpful.

Coming from Canada,  I guess I'll have to determine if landing in El Paso, assembling the bike, then riding to Antelope Wells is a good way to start the Tour!   

This does help with decision making.

Tom

[MikeI]

When are you going to AW ??  Think a couple of us are driving over from Tucson early on the morning of the 13th for the obligatory photo op and northbound Le Grande Departe

[tuhduhvuh]

I am still trying to figure out NOBO or SOBO.  I'm a teacher here in Canada,  last day is actually the 14th of June.  I do have permission to take the Friday off so I could make the SOBO GD.   But there are some issues with getting home and timing.  So I thought NOBO, but will have to be ITT.
Lots of stuff to think about besides the actual ride!

Thanks for the info!

Tom

[mathieu]

Maybe you could phone one at the bottom of this list what they charge for a shuttle from El Paso to AW.
I am not sure where Juan More Time shuttle is located, but he did bring riders to El Paso.
http://www.adventurecycling.org/default/assets/File/Routes_Maps/pdf/GD_shuttle.pdf

[tuhduhvuh]

Thanks, great advice!    I should know within the next week or so what my plans will need to be (SOBO or NOBO),  then I can make some better decisions.   The only way I can do the Grand Depart is SOBO,  which I think would be a great part of the experience, to be there with all the riders,  but I'm committed to do the ride either way,  so if logistics dictate NOBO,  I'll do that.  But then, sadly,  I can't start with the other riders....

Thanks again for your reply,  I had seen that file but forgot about it.  There is so much information scattered all over the place.....

Tom