TDR 2012

[krefs]

Curious about the snow, eh Pete? Here's the best one for the southern Canada section that I've come across. It looks snowy up there!

http://bcrfc.env.gov.bc.ca/data/asp/realtime/asp_pages/asp_2c09q.html

[candrus]

Snow conditions near Banff are even more interesting.  Sunshine Village Ski Resort is at 5400 feet in elevation and has 8 feet of snow, which is much more than they usually have this time of year (http://www.environment.alberta.ca/apps/basins/DisplayData.aspx?Type=Figure&BasinID=14&DataType=4&StationID=SUNS).  Isn't Elk Pass at 6400 feet? 

[THE LONG RANGER]

Elk Pass seemed so small, compared to every other pass on the route - a snow slog up that would be inconsequential in the big picture - and there's 1 1/2 months left before the GD.

If the Flathead is still buried - oh boy, then the fun starts - last year, snowline was at around 4500' - kind of incredible. My advice would be to go for it. Even in the worst conditions, you'll have plenty of time from Sparwood to make it to Butts Cabin and a good night's sleep. AND if Flathead is buried, you know the first half of Montana is, as well. It's going to be quite a surprise to hit all that, and then be in drought conditions, starting in CO. Except the drought conditions seemed to have abated recently and we're already getting monsoon weather 'round here...


BWAHAHAHAHA! It's gonna be whomever has the simplest setup and the legs to power it, to abate attrition and pedal for the win!

[KootenayB]

A quick non-scientific local's perspective on the Elk and Flathead areas in Canada is that there is still a lot of snow here.  Ski hill had similar huge snowpack as last year - about 12 ft base now and 35 ft of snowfall this year - but overall it looks like a bit less in the valleys and lower slopes than this time in 2011.

Guessing that snow will be less of an issue in Canada this year than last, but certainly more than usual.  But as I say each year, weather over the next several weeks is the key to how much snow will be on the ground come mid June.  Can keep everybody posted if you wish.

[phil_rad]

  Can keep everybody posted if you wish.

That would be great! Thanks!

[pbasinger]

Thanks for the links.
Now I'd like to know why the panicking over snow hasn't started here yet.

[Georg66]

Thanks for the links.
Now I'd like to know why the panicking over snow hasn't started here yet.

... because we can't change it anyway ... :-)

[phil_rad]

Thanks for the links.
Now I'd like to know why the panicking over snow hasn't started here yet.

I've been "watching" the AZT ;-) but you're right why hasn't anybody said something about the snow? Maybe because will all think (hope) it'll be mostly gone come June 8th. Or what Georg said, can't change it, why worry?  

Looking at the weather forecast for Banf; fairly warm and sunny for the next few days with temps above freezing. :-)

[elobeck]

Thanks for the links.
Now I'd like to know why the panicking over snow hasn't started here yet.

because you are breaking trail??

[siattc]

We do not have to carry as much water when we are trudging through snow.

[Foster]

... because we can't change it anyway ... :-)

It is what it is...what can you do?  haha

[phil_rad]

Anybody know of a GPS track for the route; with new sections, Golddust trail and CDT section in NM?

[Foster]

Anybody know of a GPS track for the route; with new sections, Golddust trail and CDT section in NM?

I don't but that would be really nice as I plan to navigate the entire route by GPS and only have maps as a backup. 

So what are these new sections you are talking about? 

[Georg66]

I don't but that would be really nice as I plan to navigate the entire route by GPS and only have maps as a backup. 

So what are these new sections you are talking about? 

As far as I can see, the topo fusion site http://www.topofusion.com/divide/gps.php and especially the TourDivide2011_v2.gpx contains the CDT part in NM. Please correct, if I am wrong.

I will do it the other way, navigate via cues and map, take gps as a backup ...

[BobM]

Anybody know of a GPS track for the route; with new sections, Golddust trail and CDT section in NM?

Golddust trail is not in the Rules as of now - don't know if Matthew plans to update the site before Grand Depart.

[phil_rad]

I don't but that would be really nice as I plan to navigate the entire route by GPS and only have maps as a backup. 

So what are these new sections you are talking about? 

I thought that the Golddust trail after Boreas pass was a new section along with the CDT section before Silver City, NM. I'll be using cues and GPS together.

Can anybody verify what is the "Official Route" for 2012? Would be good to know. 

[Foster]

Question-Can you guys give me some recommendations on aerobars?  I am going to get some for the divide for sure, but there many to choose from. Looking at the profile design brand and there are many different designs and configuration.  Looking for something that is simple to mount onto my current carbon bar.  Any bits of info would help out.

[Foster]

These ones seem to be very light and simple for mounting.  What are peoples experience with this companies mounting system?  Is it durable and will it hold up for 3000 miles?

http://www.profile-design.com/profile-design/products/aerobars/magnesium-aerobars

[THE LONG RANGER]

I believe I use this model:

http://www.rei.com/product/796329/profile-t1-viper-aero-bars

I picked it out, as you're able to change the forearm pad's fore/aft position, instead of having it fixed near your handlebar. To me, it was a lot more comfortable to have them quite a bit back from where you'd have them on a road/tri bike. You can see this illustrated on Kurt's setup:

http://salsacycles.com/files/blog/Kurt_Front_Setup.jpg



You may/may not like the bar's shape itself, a lot of people like the S-shape better.

[BigPoppa]

http://www.syntace.com/index.cfm?pid=3&pk=349

These things freaking rock. Light, comfy, and durable as hell. If they can carry my 230 rear end across the divide, they can carry you!