Tour Divide 2013

[Mauro_N]

Is there going to be a lottery for next year?

[Foster]

http://www.powerball.com/pb_home.asp

Yeah, click the link to buy a ticket.  Odds aren't that great tho. Just mess in, who knows.

[Cosmo K]

I'm not sure how you have a lottery for an event that isn't classified as a race but an ITT, has no formal sign up process, has no fee to start and is done on public lands.  I was to start this year but was hit by a truck (actually, a trailer of a truck) a few weeks before the start which took me out.  I'll be there next year come hell or high water...or more likely high snow   

Also, look at the spread of this years race...there's 100 people spread over 1000 miles.  I don't see that as having much impact.  Maybe the first couple of days.  If this becomes an issue, you could start a faster group one day and a slower group the next.  Pretty simple resolution.  Train and don't worry about a lottery...IMO it will work it's way out.

[RyanWriter]

I'm in! I've been thinking about it seriously for the past couple years, but haven't been sure how I could make it work. Eventually I decided that it'd keep getting pushed out unless I just decided to go for it. My wife is supportive of the attempt. At this point I'm planning to head NoBo. This next year should be interesting, training and getting together all the gear necessary. Hopefully it all comes together.

[sthig]

I've been methodically getting my gear and bike together.  I've also been training like crazy for 2013. 

very excited and been a lot of fun watching this race!

[mosibiker]

i've been planning on going back after a failed 2010 attempt, and 2013 is looking likely. 

Red Duck - I am a pdx'er as well. 

Close to PDX in McMinnville.  Have not "officially" declared but looking heavily at departing for 2014, keep me updated on your preparations / progress.  I would like to do some gear testing with elevation in MH forest area.  Either of you hitting the "Reveal the Path" screening at Clinton St. Theater tomorrow? I just got tickets yesterday and can't wait.

[sthig]

Hey I've had a conversation with someone who says it's paramount I make it out to Salida and ride that section of the TDR to get used to the altitude.  Is this absolutely necessary?  I'm in the southeast...we've got the Apps where I train on climbs and endurance and getting out to Col would be rather costly.

Thoughts?

[RyanWriter]

Hey I've had a conversation with someone who says it's paramount I make it out to Salida and ride that section of the TDR to get used to the altitude.  Is this absolutely necessary?  I'm in the southeast...we've got the Apps where I train on climbs and endurance and getting out to Col would be rather costly.

Thoughts?

I've wondered about training for the climbs and altitude myself since I live near sea-level. I think I might do this: http://www.redmondcyclingclub.org/RAMROD/RAMROD_course_information.html as a training ride. 10,000 feet of climbing over 152 miles (plus the ride to get to the route and back). I wouldn't be doing it as a part of the event, but it seems like a few attempts before the Tour Divide would be useful.

[mbeardsl]

Hey I've had a conversation with someone who says it's paramount I make it out to Salida and ride that section of the TDR to get used to the altitude.  Is this absolutely necessary?  I'm in the southeast...we've got the Apps where I train on climbs and endurance and getting out to Col would be rather costly.

Thoughts?

If you read back in the past years' threads you'll find lots of advice. Almost all of it says that you will acclimate as you ride, especially if you start in Banff as its low altitude allows you to get used to it by the time you reach the big mountains.  It takes a couple days to get used to it anyways, so going out 3 months in advance will nothing for you expect discourage you most likely.  You could always sleep in an altitude tent for the 1-2 weeks pre-race if money isn't an issue... 

Drink lots of water and descend to lower altitude if you are feeling terrible are the other 2 important tips that come up often.

[mbeardsl]

The lottery also comes up every year.  Start in AW if you are worried (I would anyways), or leave a couple days early/late.  No way to stop someone from riding the route whenever you want, but there would potentially be a way to limit who is tracked if that matters to you.  I doubt that will ever happen but who knows.

[chriskmurray]

The lottery also comes up every year.  Start in AW if you are worried (I would anyways), or leave a couple days early/late.  No way to stop someone from riding the route whenever you want, but there would potentially be a way to limit who is tracked if that matters to you.  I doubt that will ever happen but who knows.

+1.  You will always be able to ITT and there is always the option of starting in AW and working north, it seems the course is equally as difficult either way from what I have read.  My wife gave me the go-ahead for 2013 so if my body and bank account are up to it I will likely be starting in AW next June.

[Georg66]

Hey I've had a conversation with someone who says it's paramount I make it out to Salida and ride that section of the TDR to get used to the altitude.  Is this absolutely necessary?  I'm in the southeast...we've got the Apps where I train on climbs and endurance and getting out to Col would be rather costly.

Thoughts?

One of my typical preparation rides for TD 2012 was the following:

In Heidelberg, Germany, the biggest climbs are 500m (1550 feet). I have an ideal practice loop, 22 miles, 1000m elevation (2 hills), which I was riding up to 4 times a day, taking some food and drinks between them.
Friends of mine participated for 1 or 2 loops, so I was only riding alone for the last loop.
I started with one loop, 50% of TD baggage, and increased every two weeks. At the end, I could ride 4 times with 75% of baggage.

It was very important for me, to figure out, how I felt after (!) such a day, and often I did some similar riding the next day, also the third day (but not so much elevation).

However, you can not really practice for TD, but you can (and should) go there really prepared.

It was also very good to know, that the elevation distance during TD is not that high compared to my practice loops, and indeed, during the TD race I only went once for more then 4000m elevation (Breckenridge to Sargents).

One issue, that I was not practicing (but which I knew from my mountaineering experience), was the altitude. But I never got problems with that, since I started in Banff and got to there 4 days before the start

[Pizzaz]

Hey there... another declaration of intent Any other Aussies out there planning on lining up?

Plan is to go single speed (belt) - mechanically challenged so go for gear that should just keep working

Training wise have done lots of 24hr solos, 100km races and the odd 100 miler with a 6 day effort at the Great Southern Brevet in NZ but doing the odd multi-dayer as well.

Major parts of the gear are more or less sorted (planning to Bivy rather than tent, sleeping pad and bag sorted, bike should arrive sometime between now and Jan - custom Blacksheep)

Most importantly... got permission from the other half so see y'all at the Grand Depart!

[Endurance Junkie]

Had so much fun this year I'll go ahead and put my name in the hat for 2013 !

[BobM]

I will be in Banff on whatever day the Grand Depart is set. The decision to race carries with it some implicit, permanent, and much-needed changes in lifestyle. I'm 42; 16 years and 80 pounds past my last sub-3:00 hour marathon. I've lost 18 pounds so far and my mileage continues to climb. To further cement my noob status I am a lifelong roadie who will be taking delivery of a Gunnar Rock Tour in July to begin learning the art of MTB. At this point you may be considering trying to talk me out of racing the GDMBR. Please do not bother. I will hit my weight. I will log the miles. I will sort my kit. I will scour the route. I will see you there. Check my progress at http://seanbrinker.blogspot.com.

Very little MTB riding on the route - it's almost entirely roads (although the term "road" is a stretch for some parts) so don't sweat the lack of experience - your roadie skills will serve you just fine with whatever dirt/gravel riding you can get in over the next several months.   You will, however, need to practice your bear shouts.  I used "Coming through, bear; don't need any bears!" but a simple "WHOOOOOP" works just as well.

Bob

[seabrin]

Very little MTB riding on the route - it's almost entirely roads (although the term "road" is a stretch for some parts) so don't sweat the lack of experience - your roadie skills will serve you just fine with whatever dirt/gravel riding you can get in over the next several months.   You will, however, need to practice your bear shouts.  I used "Coming through, bear; don't need any bears!" but a simple "WHOOOOOP" works just as well.

I've got the shouts down. I do some night riding and occasionally surprise wildlife that wanders on the road. Bears present a different concern than just tacoing my front wheel. I find that '80s and '90s music sung at high volume is pretty effective. Thanks for the info on the terrain. I was imagining all sorts of technical, rocky singletrack. And I have to admit that I've gotten a little addicted even with the limited options in central Ohio.

[DenisVTT]

Bears present a different concern than just tacoing my front wheel. I find that '80s and '90s music sung at high volume is pretty effective.

Try Celine Dion! Those bears are Canadians. They know, and they will run away!   

[mbeardsl]

bike should arrive sometime between now and Jan - custom Blacksheep)

Don't count on that. When did you order or when did they say it would be ready?
STAY ON THEM to be done before NAHBS or you're looking at April.

[pablito]

I'm in for 2013. Riding my first section from Lima MT to Flagg Ranch WY this weekend if anyone cares to join. Although I wont be over night. Just trying to log a 150+ mile day and test equipment.

Has anyone considered riding a monster cross style set up? I have the possibility of riding one with some fatty tires. Lots of frame bag room and fast rolling. Just not sure if I will regret it if I get into nasty loose anywhere on the trail. Thoughts?

[pablito]

Very little MTB riding on the route - it's almost entirely roads (although the term "road" is a stretch for some parts) so don't sweat the lack of experience - your roadie skills will serve you just fine with whatever dirt/gravel riding you can get in over the next several months.   You will, however, need to practice your bear shouts.  I used "Coming through, bear; don't need any bears!" but a simple "WHOOOOOP" works just as well.

Bob

Could a monster cross bike work for the whole route? Nice fat tire with drop bars and no suspension?