TOUR DIVIDE 2014

[aschuhmann]

Damn  it Matthew! This is not what I needed to hear right now! But don't worry, I know how to fix it... My wife tells me I'm negative all the time, so I've had a lot of practice with this. I know you're prob really busy right now, so I've taken the liberty of rewriting this for you myself with a positive spin...

Gene experienced a knee problem, which should serve as a last min reminder to all that no matter how dialed your kit is (lots of emphasis on kit with all the new tech & fabbers out there), if you're not perfectly fitted to your pony, with hundreds, if not thousands, of training miles in the saddle, you can have game-ending engine trouble.

but...

I'm an avid follower of Andrew's blog, and I saw that he was having knee troubles too due to his stupidity of not having a bike fit and overtraining.   However, I think he was able to catch it early enough, and with proper rest and recuperation, a proper bike fit, and a tenacious attitude, he'll prob be able to recover and salvage his race at this point. KT tape and Vitamin I is a miracle worker as well. It's a gamble, but I think he can do it.

Go Andrew! We believe in you!
-Matthew


...Thanks Matthew! Now I feel better!  

[aschuhmann]

 p.s. If I'm out in a week and you're proven correct, I'll save you the effort and repost your original post myself, and just replace my name with Gene's...  

[Angler]

Ovando Montana is gearing up for this years Tour Divide race and for the hundreds of other cyclists jamming through town.  In a hamlet of only 50 residents it's our Big Excitement of the summer to watch the folk pedal in from around the world.  Getting everything ready: got cots for the teepee this year so overnighting is more comfortable than the gravel.  Unfortunately the Laundromat and shower/bathroom at the store hasn't completed yet due to lack of funds, but we still have fingers crossed. But the store has brought in ice cream scoops this year and not that soft stuff either.  The real stuff.   As started last year will be trying to take all the rider's photos as they come into town to post on the forum; allowing all the blue dot watchers to match faces with dots. 

Oh and fair warning.......we still have snow above 5,000 feet.  And from what the wardens say; a lot of it.  So take 'er easy and be careful on the snow field up north.

[Rob Colliver]

Re Matt's idea for the Josephine Falls trail - I walked it last summer and rode it in 2008's Trans Rockies. It is a great trail and would be a brilliant addition to the TD.

Ther has been chat about 'pro bike fit' - I just sat the bike on the turbo trainer and putzed about until it felt as comfey as the sofa. It took a while, but taught me about how to make adjustments on the trail so I could keep rolling and shunting the pain into a different spot for a day or two.

Ovando was a great place to stop and eat - really pleased they are getting ready to welcome the racers again.

[kucebags]

Sorry for another last min edit to the TD14 GPX file, but there is now a V2 of the 2014 file posted here (high-res version forthcoming): http://topofusion.com/divide/gps.php

The latest change relates to still unconfirmed conditions along the Fording Mine Rd in the vicinity of this GDMBR CA Map B cue: "11.2mi / 18km Come in immediately above water on a cliffside bench." This area slid big time in the `13 flood. It was sneakable late last summer by fording the river, but the Fording R. honks this time of year, so no way it's safely passable if the slide has not been re-benched (nearly all sources say it's not yet fixed).

Enter Josephine Falls Trail: This popular Elkford trail has been on TD's radar for a few years now. This trail heads south from Fording River Rd, exiting early from the stout pavement climb out of Elkford (exits pavement @ just 2.3mi, or so uphill from Elkford). I fully expect this bypass to be a big improvement on the 6mi pavement slog past the Greenhills Coal Mine along the existing GDMBR. The fine print: There is a 'hiking trail' connector required  (no, not like the Wigwam-Galton bushwhack) between the dead end overlook for 83ft-high J-Falls, and the upper stretches of the road described in this GDMBR CA Map B cue, "15.4mi / 24.8km Curve L onto wider, unsigned, and potentially dustier road (a sign identifying the road you’re coming off reads “Fording Rd.”) This new road also goes R, but that would require a R-hand turn of more than 90 degrees."

"This new road also goes right", is the very logging road TD riders will be ripping downhill from the J-Falls Trail connector (similar grade to the main GDMBR, it's mostly downhill). One rejoins the GDMBR proper 2 miles sooner than if the current main GDMBR was traveled but it will be a bit slower going, so I expect it to be a wash.

Here's a Google map depicting the change (basic cues to follow): https://www.google.com/maps/ms?msid=200334849650645495946.0004fa82b409b51e2c70d&msa=0&ll=49.916525,-114.907379&spn=0.144578,0.264359

Directly pulled from Parks Canada Website, as with any trail report things can change any minute or day to day. http://www.pc.gc.ca/apps/tcond/cond_e.asp?oPark=100092

This says the trail is NOT closed and fording is allowed.  I will have a staff member ride out over the next few days to test the fording potential/ discomfort level. 

Also rumor has snow still on Elk pass again will confirm this later in the week.

Stay awesome.

[Mathewsen]

That's a great update, Jason. Talk about staying awesome. Thank-you PC for trusting in users to be smart. That wouldn't necessarily be managed that way in the lower 48.

[dream4est]

If anyone wants to purchase Geronimo! Pain Cream from us and not worry about it getting to you before you leave we will be offering 4oz containers delivered to the Y in Banff. The price is $25. Paypal. Pickup will be Wed evening and all day Thursday and Friday morning. I will give you my room # info when you order. Pm me for details. Call us at 303-567-0152 at the shop 12-7mtn time if you want to pay with card.

It is my secret weapon and I usually dont talk much about it but it not only is the best chamois cream out there it is a full body pain cream, aromatherapy weapon and very antibacterial and reduces inflammation. I use no alcohol wipes, which Leila says dries out skin and is harmful. And I finish races every time with this cream. 8 for 8. One Vitamin I every 10 days I used to take 4 a day and finished 1 of 5 races in 07-09.


Thanks in advance and good luck to all. I am getting super excited cant think straight anymore!

[mtbcast]

I'll be at the start giving out stickers with the call-in number. And if you have an Android phone you can get the MTBCast app on Google Play. iPhone is pending as they haven't validated my account. Hopefully that is available before the GD! The give-aways are coming along nicely too! Cogs from Wolf Tooth, lube and cleaners from ProGold, stuff coming from Revelate Designs and more! Be sure and call in during the race as the more calls you make the more chances you'll have. The TransAm starts the week before so you'll have a few days of motivation if you check in at MTBCast and Trackleaders.

[Enzo149]

If anyone wants to purchase Geronimo! Pain Cream from us and not worry about it getting to you before you leave we will be offering 4oz containers delivered to the Y in Banff. The price is $25. Paypal. Pickup will be Wed evening and all day Thursday and Friday morning. I will give you my room # info when you order. Pm me for details.

It is my secret weapon and I usually dont talk much about it but it not only is the best chamois cream out there it is a full body pain cream, aromatherapy weapon and very antibacterial and reduces inflammation. I use no alcohol wipes, which Leila says dries out skin and is harmful. And I finish races every time with this cream. 8 for 8. One Vitamin I every 10 days I used to take 4 a day and finished 1 of 5 races in 07-09.

PM me. At least one of you has emailed Leila about this. I cant find your info. If you see this PM me.

Thanks in advance and good luck to all. I am getting super excited cant think straight anymore!

I just got my divide supply. This stuff works great. Only down side is the container that it comes in is kind of bulky & heavy. I subed out for a rubbery travel container that is lighter and takes up less space.

[mtbcast]

TD14: ITT NOBO Nat Henderson-Cox called in from Silver City!
http://mtbcast.com/site2/category/td14/

[ABfolder]

anything can happen... and I mean ANYTHING, and that's the best part.  reroutes, washouts, landslides, snow, rain, heat, hail, blood, sweat, pain, agony, fear, confusion, and the last minute "what the hell are we supposed to do now?", all this fuels my anticipation and anxiety to dive headfirst into this adventure.

You left out another possibility on that ANYTHING list:

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/wildlife-conflict-specialist-describes-jasper-grizzly-attack-1.2654545

http://www.thejasperlocal.com/exclusive-biker-describes-grizzly-attack.html

Don't forget the bear spray!

[Dillon]

Here's my "Thanks Ovando" thought of the day.  Even after coffee. 
 If there is a lot of snow at elevations over 5000 feet then there is a lot of snow.  The thought: since most people already have a tarp or tent footprint to sleep on, it might be possible to use some light rope (parachord) to wrap up your bike like a cocoon and drag it over snow.  A sled.  Use various bags to keep sharp spots from digging in, say under a pedal, and curl the front over the bike to prevent digging into the snow. Use a sleeping pad to protect your waist from the chord, shout "mush", and step out.
If you install the chord now, before you get to Canada, and practice a bit it should be easier than pushing.  Downhill it could move itself.  XC skiing experience recommends crossing the chord behind you to help the load track straight.  If you can make it work it could only involve packing 50 feet of parachord.
 If it works on flat roads, it probably won't work on drifted snow like Richmond Peak. Finally, for Australians and Texans, if you can arrange to do this at daybreak when the snow is refrozen you might be able to walk on the crust and not break through.
 Chris

[oKo]

Anyone else have trouble loading gpx file on their Etrex20 using BaseCamp? Mine will load part of the Route, not even to the US border, then freezes up. Frustrating at this stage of the game! Any tips?


Hmmmm... think I got it. Used Topofusin software instead of BaseCamp. WooHoo!

[charliekharsa]

I had the same problem last night, could not load it onto my e-trex 30.

Does anyone know of a pre race get together in Banff?

[Enzo149]

The most current file seems to be good on my 810

[oKo]

Use the TopoFusion software to load the route. Not the BaseCamp. BaseCamp worked well to load topo maps but couldn't get it cooperate with the route. TF worked just dandily.

[tanman1337]

All good and well if you don't use Mac....

[tanman1337]

Might have already been asked/answered, but just wanted to confirm. Are the two orange tracks in NM on Trackleaders Fire alternates? Are they mandatory, recommended or only there if there becomes an issue? What are the two different alternates like as far as water, gradient and such? One more question. I had heard at some point that any detours/alternate routes are only advised, but not mandatory. Is this correct?

[THE LONG RANGER]

I like the idea of wrapping your bike to create a sled! When in WY, I was looking at an inflatable tube to use as a makeshift sled for the final push out! One thing to remember though on these snow parts is that they can be irritatingly intermittent, so putting your bike in, "Snow Mode" (and then back out - as well as the weight, logistics of the system) may take more time than just trudging forth. No way would I do it for Elk Pass in Canada, or Richmond Peak (sled would slide right off of the route!). If the Pass into the Yellowstone Lodge fro Idaho was snow blocked the entire way, a sled would be reeeeal nice.

Problem is more going to be your feet. You're going to posthole, more than your bike is going to, and keeping your feet relatively dry and relatively comfortable is going to be an issue - don't underestimate the suckage it is to do this in MTB shoes. I bet Marshal is bringing his gaiters from the AZTR Getting an early start, when the snow has set overnight (hopefully) is the way to go. Those slower than the leaders will get the benefit of a trench, which usually works in your advantage. Hopefully the leaders have the courtesy of switching leads

[bpeschka]

Directly pulled from Parks Canada Website, as with any trail report things can change any minute or day to day. http://www.pc.gc.ca/apps/tcond/cond_e.asp?oPark=100092

This says the trail is NOT closed and fording is allowed.  I will have a staff member ride out over the next few days to test the fording potential/ discomfort level. 

Also rumor has snow still on Elk pass again will confirm this later in the week.

Stay awesome.

Hopefully you/your staff member will be able to provide some current info on the fordability near the bridge.  I'm leaving ITT SoBo on Friday, 6/6.   Based on the earlier posts of the construction area being closed and uncertainty of the fordability/river level this time of year, have been considering an alternate through Canmore to mile 12 of the course (Smith-Dorian Spray Rd).