Tour Divide 2013

[hruss]

Thanks! Nice to hear something positive about the seal skinz socks. I plan to try them out in the creek this weekend.

[-andy]

Hi Folks!

Just bought a plane ticket and signed the start list for the GD! (stoked and nervous). I Appreciate all of the solid info posted and hope to contribute some myself. 

Cheers!

[phil_rad]

I bought my first pair of Gore Bike Wear, gore-tex socks in 1998, and I can say that they're worth the money! Used them on countess bike trips through the Alps and on the Divide. They finally died this year so I replaced them with a new pair. They're thin and pack up small, breath ok so you can wear them all day long if the temps aren't too high. Also, rain won't run down into them from the cuffs, so you can get away with just rain shorts if you want. I also have a pair of seal skins socks but they don't fit me as well and they're kind of bulky, maybe I grabed a winter version? Don't know, but they are waterproof and warm.

[Mauro_N]

Thanks guys for the advice on the camera, Some awesome video footage there! Go Pro it is!

[sthig]

what's the coldest it gets on the TourDivide?  Are things like Pogies even something to consider (they seem impractical actually), glove recommendation?

actually, anyone got any suggestions for glove liners?  mine just don't cut the mustard

[pablito]

what's the coldest it gets on the TourDivide?  Are things like Pogies even something to consider (they seem impractical actually), glove recommendation?

actually, anyone got any suggestions for glove liners?  mine just don't cut the mustard

I'll use Defeet Merino wool gloves with a Gore windstopper over glove for this ride. Hoping never to break them out and just ride with the long-fingered mountain gloves. I am sure it is just wishful thinking and will probably stop 500 yards from the Y in Banff and put them on.

[Georg66]

I'll use Defeet Merino wool gloves with a Gore windstopper over glove for this ride. Hoping never to break them out and just ride with the long-fingered mountain gloves. I am sure it is just wishful thinking and will probably stop 500 yards from the Y in Banff and put them on.

I was using short-fingered mtb gloves all the route, and some glove-cover (gore-tex) for the northern part.

[sthig]

thanks guys. 

[kcampagna]

What is everyones take on doing the Dirty Kanza 200 this year (june 1st) Is it too close to the start of the TD or is it just some good last min training?

Thanks

[hikernks]

I asked that a couple of weeks ago on the thread about the Trans-Iowa, and the consensus was that not only was it a good idea, but would be the perfect long ride before two weeks of tapering.  In the name of transparency, however, given the location, I am somewhat biased, haha.  If you decide to come up, let me know!

[kcampagna]

ya thats kind of what i was thinking but im still 50/50 on it.  I did it last year and loved the race and i still have a few days till registration to make my mind up.   

thanks.

[sthig]

it's more cost and time prohibited for me.  I'm going to do the Heart of the South 500 (500 mile RAAM qualifier) in April, then after that it's just a lot of long miles in the saddle and making sure my gear is together. 

[bouldernick]

I'll be in Emporia and in Banff. It'll be a great time, as always, and perfect training. Hope to see you there Kevin (I checked out your Facebook page, tons of great info there! Thanks) Nick

[interzen]

Hoping to make the GD for 2013, largely as I'm a bit hacked off with long-distance road riding and fancy a challenge of a different sort.

Still waiting on whether work will give me the time off (working for a small company has its drawbacks - 5-6 weeks off is a big ask even with 6+ months notice) but all being well should be flying from the UK on June 9th. Hopefully it'll all work out as I don't yet have a Plan B

The bike is sorted, the kit list is coming together. The rider? We'll just have to wait and see ...

[LenzMan]

Hey guys, I took a GoPro 2, a still camera and an Iphone with me on my 2012 race. I have to say, the photos I look at and send out all 95% Iphone....I have a few hours of footage from the GoPro and have yet to look at it (six months later). I have made a few prints off of the still camera files, but that's it.
This year, yes - I'll be back....my plan is 2 GoPros, and maybe three (helmet, front of bike and back of bike)....overkill?? maybe....but I'm not going to be on the podium, so race and have fun is my philosophy.
I will use the Iphone for all the daily updates and social media obligations, then one I cross into Mexico and get back to the studio, take the three camera footage and craft something pretty cool. I have already been building my shot lists and having already finished the race, have a general idea of what i will see and what i want to capture on film.
So, yes, the GoPro is a great little camera, perfect in size and weight for what we are doing.....
See ya all in Banff in June!

steven
www.stevenmartine.com

[mtbcast]

Debating another trip to Banff to see the GD. That or hang out at Brush Mtn. Lodge for a bit and wait for folks to come through. Would be nice to be where I can still process audio.

[hruss]

Does anyone have any good advice for what gps to use.? I am thinking about going with the garmin 62s. I have not used any gps for guidance before, so really don't know what to go with. I am thinking something that uses batteries so I won't have to worry about charging it.

[ETURK]

Debating another trip to Banff to see the GD. That or hang out at Brush Mtn. Lodge for a bit and wait for folks to come through. Would be nice to be where I can still process audio.

Brush Mtn would be idea to capture northern and southern bounders wouldn't it? Internet? Wireless?

[mtbcast]

Brush Mtn would be idea to capture northern and southern bounders wouldn't it? Internet? Wireless?

Exactly. Though just being in Banff is so cool.

[interzen]

Does anyone have any good advice for what gps to use.? I am thinking about going with the garmin 62s. I have not used any gps for guidance before, so really don't know what to go with. I am thinking something that uses batteries so I won't have to worry about charging it.

I've narrowed my choice down to either a Garmin Dakota 20 or one of the eTrex series - both have the advantage of running on AA batteries which are available pretty much anywhere, although I'd be running mine off Lithiums and carrying a couple of sets of spares with me. I'll also be using a homebrewed navigation app on my Android phone (which also works with my GPS tracker)

Currently leaning towards the eTrex as they're relatively simple to use, which is a definite plus when your brain and your body are totally cooked