TOUR DIVIDE 2014

[Mauro_N]

Hey guys, I was just wondering when is it considered "too late" to finally throw my hat into the ring for 2014? I have been trying to see if it would even be a possibility of taking the allotted amount of time off of work. I was just curious logistically, when is it too late? As far as getting the plane ticket/hotel up in Banff?

I rode this year, I booked flights from the uk in late Feb/ March and a room in Banff  Y in may I think. So its never to late to book things in.

[BobM]

Hey guys, I was just wondering when is it considered "too late" to finally throw my hat into the ring for 2014? I have been trying to see if it would even be a possibility of taking the allotted amount of time off of work. I was just curious logistically, when is it too late? As far as getting the plane ticket/hotel up in Banff?

If you have the money for last minute tickets, it is never too late.  The Y will fill up fast, but there are other options including camping.

[tanman1337]

Ok awesome! Thanks guys!

[Snowbd2u]

This might be a stupid question, but with regards to shipping bike vs having on the plane? Cheaper or better? And spray for yogi the bear and alcohol for stove. Can those things be found up there? Not sure you can bring that stuff on the plane.

[ron]

This might be a stupid question, but with regards to shipping bike vs having on the plane? Cheaper or better? And spray for yogi the bear and alcohol for stove. Can those things be found up there? Not sure you can bring that stuff on the plane.

Good questions...
--fly with your bike since having it get caught up in Customs would suck,
--bear spray is available in the outfitter on the main drag in Banff (an easy walk from the Y, or anywhere you'd be staying, really)
--and I'm sure alcohol is just as available given the stores there, but I'd recommend a re-think of whether you really want to carry a cook kit. Even if ultralight (pepsi can stove, Ti pot or Fosters can, etc), it's still not needed and I don't think many folks run them. Hot coffee in the morning *would* be rad, but that's just extra motivation to get to the next town stop quicker..

(I lived in Charlottesville for a long time, btw. Love Va!)

[BobM]

This might be a stupid question, but with regards to shipping bike vs having on the plane? Cheaper or better? And spray for yogi the bear and alcohol for stove. Can those things be found up there? Not sure you can bring that stuff on the plane.

I'm with Ron on all counts.

1)  A few years ago a guy shipped his bike and had the pleasure of watching the Grand Depart while waiting for the bike to clear Customs.

2)  Bear spray is available at several places in Banff; I went comparison shopping and the price was pretty much the same everywhere.

3)  They have a hardware store so alcohol should be available, but I would not want to lug any extra weight up those hills and mountain passes.  There are plenty of places to get hot food along the route.

[Bluechip]

I had heard somewhere that carrying bear spray across the US/Canada border was a problem.  Is that the case?  I will be northbound if that matters.

[BobM]

I had heard somewhere that carrying bear spray across the US/Canada border was a problem.  Is that the case?  I will be northbound if that matters.

Heading South I had it in my frame bag and didn't mention it, so no problem!

[chainagent]

I had heard somewhere that carrying bear spray across the US/Canada border was a problem.  Is that the case?  I will be northbound if that matters.

Was heading also south. I had it directly visible on the top tube. No issue at all! Maybe at 11:30pm the officer on duty was as sleepy as I was.

[tanman1337]

I had asked quite awhile ago, but I'm going to ask again because I saw a different answer recently... What day is the Grand Depart? I think someone said the first week in June when I first asked, but now I saw it is the 13th?

[Spaghetti89]

Second Friday in June - 13th

[BobM]

I had asked quite awhile ago, but I'm going to ask again because I saw a different answer recently... What day is the Grand Depart? I think someone said the first week in June when I first asked, but now I saw it is the 13th?

From the Rules page:

"    When:  All summer long...however, an informal common start date known as the 'grand depart' traditionally kicks off the season 2nd week of June from both termini."

So, the 13th it is!

[SlowRide]

I had asked quite awhile ago, but I'm going to ask again because I saw a different answer recently... What day is the Grand Depart? I think someone said the first week in June when I first asked, but now I saw it is the 13th?

excerpt from TDR Website:

"Divide racing may be challenged at any time, however, TD emphasis is on a 2nd Friday in June (southbound) 'grand départ'."

This would mean June 13th this year.... Friday the 13th no less.

[ron]

I too had my bear spray visible (in a holster thing between my Spot pouch and seat bag) and the border guys didn't give a hoot..

[tanman1337]

Cool Thanks Guys!

[Bluechip]

Good news about the border crossing.  Another question.  What would be a good location to pick some bear spray up when traveling northbound?  Or should I just have it from the start?

[BobM]

Good news about the border crossing.  Another question.  What would be a good location to pick some bear spray up when traveling northbound?  Or should I just have it from the start?

Where do you plan on meeting the bear? 

Supposedly Pinedale is the southern limit for the grizzly.  I don't worry about black bears, but then again, we have them in our woods.

[bpeschka]

I had heard somewhere that carrying bear spray across the US/Canada border was a problem.  Is that the case?  I will be northbound if that matters.

Here's what Customs and Border Patrol has to say about bear spray, including a mention of the Canadian rules:

{QUOTE}
Can I bring bear spray into the U.S.?

It is permissible to bring bear spray into the U.S., however, bear bangers (with explosive) are not permitted.

NOTE:  Bear repellent is not considered prohibited in Canada if the label of the container indicates specific use against animals only and pest control provisions are met. For more information visit Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA).
{END QUOTE}
from: https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/878

[THE LONG RANGER]

Happy New Year, everyone! Good luck with all your personal Tour Divide goals!

[jehsohn]

Happy New year everyone also! So i am planning on not using GPS and have been working on editing and formatting my cues. Bob and James have been very helpful with advice and tips. I guess I am fishing for any other tips/advice on formatting and editing the cues or any other pertinent advice about using cues on the route. I am an experienced navigator from an adventure racing background and have never used GPS. I really don't want to use any electronic devices but I figure a computer to navigate and a phone to keep in touch with the fam is necessary. Oh yeah also a light too. Thanks in advance!
J