TOUR DIVIDE 2014

[cobbnat]

Attention all family members and blue-dot stalkers!  The "Race in Progress" bulletin board is now open: http://www.bikepacking.net/forum/index.php?topic=10540.0

[crazylarrybanff]

Hello to ALL TDR riders !
Yahooo!
You've decided to challenge your self! Bravo! Kudos to each and every one of you!  

I try and help ANY & ALL the Tour Divide riders every year.
However...times are pretty rough for me this year.
~ So, Feel Free to tap on my window at back building of YWCA; 2nd window PARKING LOT SIDE back building near bike rack; the one with the little fan in it; tap on it....ANY Tour Divide Rider is welcome !   I will try to help anyone as best as I can with information.
My room is packed with 28 boxes and a Bob Trailer & bike hangs from ceiling. Boy! Do I wish I owned a Bed & breakfast! LoL

***Doesn't look like I will be able to go (again) this year. CRaP-O !!! BIG TIME! Its hitting home that hard times with NO money has left little funds for powders and training time.

 I had my heart into leaving this year (that was the plan since last year with mom having Cancer and passing on but then, family problems arose) Dang!!! ...a very stubborn disruptive brother not willing to sign off on various estate accounts has left me without money...money I was naturally counting on; due to his controlling ways of using moms accounts to bargain and control me. Its just not going to happen. I AM a Free spirit!
This is my present Story of what was suppose to happen last year...and I am STILL working on making it happen.
http://crazylarry.ca/today-i-ride-for-you-riding-for-mom/ (remember needs editing)

 Anyways, that's the story for those thinking I was coming for sure. Last year, mom passed away of Cancer, the 3rd day RIGHT after Grand Dept. Sad but allowed me to be with the TDR riders as she knew it meant a lot to me. Thanks everyone for understanding.
If money does come in or a FAST job happens; I WILL do the TDR during the summer; Quite possibly the Yo Yo from North to South to North! Way to go Bill Rice for the World Record of South to North to South! GREAT effort!!!  

LOOKS like the Grand Dept is a RAINY Start ! I compiled some links for everyone to notice.
The bridge taken out by the floods I believe will be repaired in time. I will post a picture for ALL to see.
My Youtube Channel is bearhugstoyou

EMAIL for Crazy Larry = crazylarrybanff@gmail.com

I would LOVE to hear your letters of intent to me! ok!?  
I can't find where anyone has posted any??? So ....FOR A START in traditional ways, to me is GREAT!  

Thought I'd post a couple Weather Links along route: (*June 10th.2014)
Rocky Mountain Weather DOES & CAN change! Its the mountains....where it raining on one side the valley...it may not on the other! That weird/different.

Banff ~ http://www.theweathernetwork.com/weather/canada/alberta/banff
Canmore ~ http://www.theweathernetwork.com/weather/canada/alberta/Canmore
Kananaskis Recreation Area ~ (*along the route) http://www.theweathernetwork.com/outdoors/parks/caab0620
Elkford B.C. ~ http://www.theweathernetwork.com/weather/canada/british-columbia/elkford


I'm trying to get together my underground (*for TDR only!) Question & Answer Session.

***Key Point: I do this strictly out of my love and respect I have for amazing riders that come here from ALL parts of the world.
I have NO affiliation or represent anyone from ACA or intend to. I love cyclist.
I AM no racer!
But.....
  I very much love 'each' and 'respect' every one of you for challenging your selves doing something so EPIC!
 I have done this Question Answer Session the last few years for the Tour Divide Riders held at the Elk & Oarsmen Bar - as you travel downtown 1st Cross walk immediate left side; you'll see the balcony. Simply put > You ask a question / Someone else answers it ...usually a veteran there!
Everyone loves the meeting...a chance to meet your fellow cyclist under one roof and swap stories and share your ways!

Meeting Time is > 5pm = usually everyone stays for 2 hrs then its BEDTime! *Right!?  
Location Elk & Oarsmen Restaurant Bar
https://www.google.ca/maps/preview?ie=UTF-8&fb=1&gl=ca&q=Elk+%26+Oarsman+Restaurant+%26+Pub&cid=16743920434904350230&ei=fYeWU7KiCMThoATp1oDwCA&ved=0CIgBEPwSMAs

http://www.tripadvisor.ca/LocationPhotoDirectLink-g154911-d780562-i75815303-Elk_and_Oarsmen_Pub_Grill-Banff_Banff_National_Park_Alberta.html

See you ALL here in Banff!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=38aFf2we2c0

[chainagent]

Hi,

I would like to wish all riders of the annual TD the best for the upcoming challenge. Don't forget - The hardest part is not the physical fitness that you've trained for - it will be the mental battle you're not able to train for!
Have a safe trip!

        Michael

[mtbcast]

TD14: Bill Peschka called in from outside Columbia Falls with a tip to get around one of the slides on the Whitefish Divide.

http://mtbcast.com/site2/category/td14/

[Snowbd2u]

Bike is packed up with gear and I'm ready to roll! Epic indeed! Leaving tomorrow and amped to get on the trail! See everyone soon enough!

[Marshal]

TD14: Bill Peschka called in from outside Columbia Falls with a tip to get around one of the slides on the Whitefish Divide.

http://mtbcast.com/site2/category/td14/

nice tip--especially if anyone hits the area after dark

wonder if Bill will get to/over Richmond Peak today, that's the particular snow pass that I dread just a little bit, will be interesting to see how long it take him

[BobM]

nice tip--especially if anyone hits the area after dark

wonder if Bill will get to/over Richmond Peak today, that's the particular snow pass that I dread just a little bit, will be interesting to see how long it take him

I was wondering the same.  If he tries to make it all the way at the pace he's been going, he could hit the nasty part around dark.  On the other hand, if he stops at Holland Lake he could find frozen snow on that side slope.  It'll be interesting to see what he does.

[SlowRide]

Colorado Crew has arrived in Banff, we just got back from a group ride(Andrew Schuhmann, Les Handy, Jefe Branham, Michael docherty, and myself). The Spray river is definitely fordable right now, Andrew hopped in and the deepest spot was just over knee deep. Construction workers said if they aren't around, which they won't be if it's raining, to just cross the bridge. Crossing the bridge is simple enough, it's in tact other than about 15 feet at the far side which has a plank catwalk built for the construction workers. Spray River trail is in decent shape up to the bridge, a few puddles and mud/soft spots but easily rideable.

[mtbcast]

TD14: Nat Henderson-Cox called in from Steamboat Springs!

http://mtbcast.com/site2/category/td14/

[Gimmearaise]

Thanks for the update SlowRide, I'm rooting for you all.

Does anyone know fastest northbound times, men and women?

Thanks,

NB

[JRA]

Best of luck to y'all.
I'll be watching with envy.

[mtbcast]

TABR14 – Day 4 and TD14 ITT True Up! Trans Am Bike Race Day 4! We true up the calls from the Trans Am and calls from Tour Divide ITT'ers!

http://mtbcast.com/site2/category/podcasts/

[kucebags]

Good Morning Dividers you should all be within striking distance of Banff by now or at least on route.
My team at SOUL Ski and Banff are fans of what you all are about to embark on and are happy to host a BBQ for you all Thursday Night.  It is not a glamorous feed but it will be a great opportunity for you all to meet in one place now that there are so many of you and staying in many places having out grown the YWCA.

The details are simple:
When - 5pm
Where - The Banff rec grounds,  Less than 1km from the YWCA, There are two covered picnic shelters beside the local Basketball court, plenty of space for bikes and people, 
From the YWCA - go past the bridge(do not go over) merge to your right past the Indian trading post (you should go in and see the legendary Merfish) and coast on your bike for 300meters to the picnic shelters.
From the north side of town, go over the bridge turn right, and follow the above directions.

What do you need to bring?

Beverage of your choice and we will provide food - (Basic burgers)
it is more a place to meet other riders, locals and share a few stores and contain the nervous twitch in one place. 

Friends, family and support who got you here are of course welcome and encouraged to come.

See you all Thursday afternoon, should you need anything even just a coffee drop in to the shop and say hi.
Cheers
Jason Kucey and SOUL Ski and Bike

[mtbjones]

Crossed Whitefish divide and red meadow lake today. About 12 avalanche to cross going over Whitefish. 3.5-4 miles snow hike-a-bike over red meadow. Brutal!

[mtbcast]

Just got into Bannf! Got a call in from Lindsay today and about to post one from Bill Peschka.

http://mtbcast.com/site2/category/td14/

[fastmtnbiker33w]

ATTENTION NOBOs!  Tim Hinderman and I are headed to Big Hatchet (at the big turn in the road south of Hatchita) tomorrow night.  There is a BLM sign there for the wildlife refuge area or whatever it is.  I think it's about 35 miles north of AW.  We'll camp there and wake at the asscrackofdawn and head to the start for the 6 am petite depart.  Join us if you'd like.  We'll be easy to spot in a Caribou slide-in truck camper on a brown quad cab dually GMC.

[mtbcast]

#TD14 – Jason Snell called in from Banff http://mtbcast.com/site2/category/td14/

[mtbcast]

TABR14 – Day 5 and TD14 ITT True Up!

http://mtbcast.com/site2/category/podcasts/

[crazylarrybanff]

Same as in years past ~ Annual Question & Answer Session
         Sign in Book provided *print clearly! eh!?

  ALL TDR riders, family, friends
Elk & Oarsmen Restaurant Bar
5 pm - Thursday
....at 1st Cross Walk > Look for Crazy Larry's balloons!  

            Fun times sharing experience stories and GREAT ideas & Race Updates !
 
*Free - Crazy Larry's famous Rice Krispy Square desert; energy plus + take one with you!
*15% Off ALL Food bills !  (*Elk & Oarsmen Tribute to the riders)  

Host: Crazy Larry! You TDR buddy/friend
Special Guests: Joe Polk = the guy who takes ALL your calls!
And a Mystery Call-in!

* Pleases - Stay in touch ok gang!? www.crazylarry.ca - comments
Helping you where ever I can.

You are ALL amazing people / Cyclist "extraordinaire" !
The fact that your even going to do this tour/race is a testament to the person you truly are!
And for that....I Thank You! ....for being that person.
Billed as the toughest race in the world so....
Keep it safe ~ Enjoy 'your' ride; its personal.
MTB Cast call-ins (*with yours truly Joe Polk receiving each call )= 888-866-4491

I wanna hear ALL the call-ins UpDates of what's going on...they seriously cheer me up! Say hi and let me know how any weather conditions are bugging you. Be funny. Be serious...just call in when you can. As I can not come this year. Dang!
What worked? What didn't work? And the why's?
Bear / Cougar sightings CALL in! I LOVE it !!!

AS in years past...
Anything you wish to leave behind ...I will leave a hockey bag to stuff...in dining room area at YWCA where you had your bikes put together.
Anything you wish for me to send back to an address: Simply leave an address; appropriate money stuffed in a pocket with the type of delivery you wish re: Priority/Regular etc. In case, if we don't talk before you leave. I'll send it...That's NO problem as in years past with other racers.
We're truly ALL on the same team.
That is why the camaraderie is so high in such an Amazing challenging enduring Epic Race of a Life-Time!

Tidbit: We have been known as the cleanest racers going in the world! Go figure! Its all because of you!
And my heartfelt Thanks for that eh!?> Your wonderful for leaving No trace!  

Everyone's has an Everest.
Every one's Everest is so special!
*Enjoy 'your' 'Epic' ride.
From Crazy Larry

[Enzo149]

Will the tour divide headquarters be releasing there statement on the out bridge? Whether its proper race etiquette to forge or cross using the bridge. Both options are easily doable.

With the bridge being so close to the start & the volume of racers going through. I think it would be important to do what is the races best interest.  Not to tarnish its image & access to the trail.

Thank you to everyone for there hard work behind the scenes allowing us to be in Banff right now preparing for the greatest bike race in the world.