Tour Divide 2013

[chainagent]

Hi

I have a question concerning training. I live in Denmark, Europe and it is flat like ****!!!

Do you guys think it is even possible training for the massive hour-long climbs on the tour, when the highest point in Denmark is 170 metres...?

Hi,

you've got flat terrain, that's right but you have the wind. Don't underate the wind. Nothing is as annoying as riding in strong headwinds. The training effekt is nearly the same like riding up a mountain. One positiv effect is that makes you mentally strong. I'am talking from first hand.

            Michael

[Madsen]

you've got flat terrain, that's right but you have the wind. Don't underate the wind. Nothing is as annoying as riding in strong headwinds. The training effekt is nearly the same like riding up a mountain. One positiv effect is that makes you mentally strong. I'am talking from first hand.

I appreciate your quick response and I will definately take in your advice about seeking out the windy days.

How can you claim Denmark is flat when it is home to Himmelbjerg - "Heaven Mountains".  In fact it is the perfect training ground for the Wyoming winds - all those trees at a permanent 45 degree angle in Jutland :-)  Train hard and give it a go. If you want some winter practice my Danish wife would welcome you to her Bed and Breakfast in New Zealand (www.cats-pjamas.com).

It says it all when you name a 147 metre hill Heaven Mountain.... But I'll take in your advice about the wind. Thanks

[chainagent]

Hello,

a question from my side. What does the term "informal camping" mean? I saw the symbols on the maps that the TD-Route is peppered with informal campsites. I guess this isn't an official camping site, but more or less a forest glade, meadow or something else with no service? Or the other way round - is it someting like an official "wild camping" site?

              Michael

[chriskmurray]

I appreciate your quick response and I will definately take in your advice about seeking out the windy days.
 

It says it all when you name a 147 metre hill Heaven Mountain.... But I'll take in your advice about the wind. Thanks

If it was me I would be doing some intense intervals up that hill, it is certainly long enough for that.  I am in no way an expert but from what I have read you should never underestimate the importance of training with high intensities even for endurance racing.

[BobM]

Hello,

a question from my side. What does the term "informal camping" mean? I saw the symbols on the maps that the TD-Route is peppered with informal campsites. I guess this isn't an official camping site, but more or less a forest glade, meadow or something else with no service? Or the other way round - is it someting like an official "wild camping" site?

              Michael

Yep, it's a nice place to camp that is on public land but has no amenities (outhouse, firering, etc).  Just a nice spot to lay it down.

[sthig]

Anyone find out about the Y and it's booking?  Is this something I should already be reserving?

[sthig]

Actually I just called and booked a room in the 8-10 dormitory.  They were really nice and I guess all I need to do now is book that plane ticket.  Wow, can't believe I'm moving forward on this. 

I guess I should go train for 30-45 minutes today and get ready

[BobM]

Actually I just called and booked a room in the 8-10 dormitory.  They were really nice and I guess all I need to do now is book that plane ticket.  Wow, can't believe I'm moving forward on this. 

I guess I should go train for 30-45 minutes today and get ready

Yep, 30 minutes and you're good to go! 

[sthig]

I'll do 31 for good measure

[Mental-Miles]

Hi,

the Google-Doc only lists SoBo-Riders, and they are only 7 all together ... well, there are rumors about a second start date due to the overcrowded Grand Depart ... where to get details? Tourdivide.org does not answer.

For Biz-reasons I have to start earlier: So is anyone interested in starting 7th of June at Banff?

Cheers

MM

[BobM]

Hi,

the Google-Doc only lists SoBo-Riders, and they are only 7 all together ... well, there are rumors about a second start date due to the overcrowded Grand Depart ... where to get details? Tourdivide.org does not answer.

For Biz-reasons I have to start earlier: So is anyone interested in starting 7th of June at Banff?

Cheers

MM

Any day other than the GD day would be an ITT, even if a lot of people leave then.  Just go to the Google sign-up and list your ITT date and time.  It sounds like several people are looking at the 7th.

[kcampagna]

I agree, never too late to start planning for the 2013 TD.

We may as well start putting our names on 'paper'. I've adapted last year's Google Docs spreadsheet that was done by Denis for 2013. It is here:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AnV6xT65HkPRdFRTWGUyNTRnWGNrNkZsbVVPNTViNkE

One entry so far. The kiwi who is hoping 3rd time lucky.

signed

[kcampagna]

Actually I just called and booked a room in the 8-10 dormitory.  They were really nice and I guess all I need to do now is book that plane ticket.  Wow, can't believe I'm moving forward on this. 

I guess I should go train for 30-45 minutes today and get ready

Did they offer any "TD" specials?

[sthig]

they didn't offer me one, no

[Georg66]

Hello,

a question from my side. What does the term "informal camping" mean? I saw the symbols on the maps that the TD-Route is peppered with informal campsites. I guess this isn't an official camping site, but more or less a forest glade, meadow or something else with no service? Or the other way round - is it someting like an official "wild camping" site?

              Michael

From my this year's experience, the informal camp sites were not official ones. In most cases it was a suitable "spot" to camp. You will find quite a lot of good places which are not mentioned as informal camp grounds, on the other hand, some of the informal grounds were not good ones (e.g. mosquitos at a lake near beaverhead in NM)

[woody]

I'm just adding myself to this thread so I get the updates.

Thanks,
Woody

PS I hope to be at the GD on June 14th, 2013

[sthig]

Hope to see you there, woody!

[Christopher R. Bennett]

The subject has come up before about using rechargeable batteries with SPOT GPS. The Energizer Ultimate Lithium batteries are really hard to find during the race.

I have just run a test with the PowerEx 950 mAh AAA batteries (available from http://www.amazon.com/PowerEx-Ready-950mAh-Rechargeable-Batteries/dp/B004NPE3AG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1348711327&sr=8-1&keywords=imedion+aaa). These are the highest rating AAA's I could find.

The good news is that they work fine with the new model Spot GPS. The bad news is that they only last 23 h. After about 4 h the light on the spot flashes red but it kept on sending for another 19 h.  So for racing not worth it. But for training definitely recommended.

[sthig]

little concerned about the lith batteries too - I had a tough time finding them on the TNGA and I started (stupidly) with near drained batteries.

I don't know if Dollar Tree is along the way of the Divide (the stores) but the Dollar Trees in little outskirt towns (read: gas station, one red light) of Georgia started carrying liths...selection is slim, but they carry them.

[Foster]

I figured that I would use about 40 lithiums throughout the race.  So I bought them all on Amazon and carried them from the start.  Never had to worry about buying batteries and I saved lots of money.  It was also nice when s set died, as things would lighten up throughout the ride.