for middle of the packer TD racers were the convenience stores tapped out?

[Payton MacDonald]

I'm planning on doing the TD this year, but still not sure if it will be an ITT or GD.  One concern I have about the GD is that now that the race is getting bigger and bigger, if I'm in the middle of the pack (likely) the convenience stores will be tapped out by the time 70+ riders have already rolled through.  Is that a genuine concern or am I over thinking it? Did that ever happen to those of you who finished it in the last few years?  Thanks,

[scooteremu]

Good question. Looking to do the same in a couple years. I have to push myself to get back by the 2nd of July (son's birthday) so I need to push at the front. My guess is that the middle to the back packers will just have to look to make do with other nutrition options since I am guessing the popular ones(pizza, candy bars) are the first to go. Lets hear what the one's with experience say though.

[aaron w]

I'm a middle packer from 2012...  I too was a bit worried about stores being depleted but didn't have a problem at all.  In most cases you couldn't really tell other racers had been through.  One of my concerns was being able to get the batteries I wanted (lithiums) for my gps and lights.  I ended up just stocking up in a couple places and then even though I was carrying a bit of extra weight I didn't have to worry about some tiny convenience store being sold out.  And hey, this is the USA, the stores will *never* run out of candy bars.   

[Iowagriz]

As someone that grew up in Columbia Falls, MT (near Whitefish, and on the route); you should never had to worry about the lack of food in these areas. Montana is a popular tourist destination during the summer and from the border south to Butte and beyond is a popular driving route.  So places like Seeley Lake might seem out of the way to most of you, but they are prepared to support much more than the TD riders.  I'd be highly surprised if you couldn't find something that would work.

[chainagent]

No issue this year. I was also in the middle of the pack as I reached Boulton Creek Trading Post. They had still enough for the next 70 racers behind me. The same in Elkford. The only issue could be if you realy need a Motel room to dry out or for whatever reason - this could be tricky, but latest after Sparewood the field is as streched as chewing gum and this problem is history.

          Michael

[Marshal]

Ever sense the movie came out, with the resulting increase in GD participants this question/concern pops up each year. 

I think Michael sums it up –Boulton Creek Trading Post might not have your favorite snack item but there will be food & drink available.  Same with Elkford’s convenience store, the hot items might be gone but there will be food. 

Sparwood’s convenience store closes at 10:00pm so many mid pack racers will not arrive in time to hit it up on day 1.  But after Sparwood the field is so stretched, ..ha-..like chewing gum.. a store being bought out of food is simply a non-issue.   (note: a very few re-supply points have very limited selection and you will have to compromise your normal food choices)

And like Michael says, hotels might be a concern on day 1, but lots of racers cram into rooms if/as needed. 

The real concern imo with re-supply is summed up with: Knowing the location, hours of operation and maybe their type of offering if you have special needs. 

And finally having a workable backup plan if you are forced to skip a planned re-supply point.

[hikernks]

From what I've heard, the Boulton Creek Trading Post doesn't exist anymore, because it got destroyed by floods.  Maybe see if you can find someone who rode the route in Aug, or if a local can chime in.