Tour Divide 2015 - race discussion thread

[jmiked72]

I've been looking at some of the information for the Tour Divide. I see a figure of a net 200,000 feet climbed during the event. Is this correct? This seems incredible. Assuming riding a 15-day race, riding 14 hours a day, and a difference of zero at the end (considering the difference in altitude between Banff and Antelope Wells is about 200 feet), that's something like an average of 13,000 feet altitude gain in a day.

If you assume and average equal time climbing and descending, that works out to 7 hours a day in which to climb 13,000 feet, or ~1850 feet an hour. Obviously, some days will have more climbing than others, but I find this to be remarkable.

I've been watching the Tour de France off and on this week, and I have to wonder how they can call it the toughest bike race in the world (other than ignorance). Those guys have ambulances, doctors, dozens of support staff, sponsors, and bikes that weigh next to nothing. I'd like to see one of the TdF mountain climb specialists try the TD. Maybe they would do well, maybe not. Unfortunately, the TdF starts only a week or two after the TD ends, so it's unlikely to ever happen.

In either case, I'm in awe of the riders in both events. I'm 72, have a bad knee, and max out at about 20 miles of trail riding at a time. My dream would be to be 30 years old again with good knees and ride the TD, racing or not.

[sfuller]

I've been looking at some of the information for the Tour Divide. I see a figure of a net 200,000 feet climbed during the event. Is this correct? This seems incredible. Assuming riding a 15-day race, riding 14 hours a day, and a difference of zero at the end (considering the difference in altitude between Banff and Antelope Wells is about 200 feet), that's something like an average of 13,000 feet altitude gain in a day.

This year I had around 184,000 feet based on my GPS. Over 25 days, I had a one day high of over 13000 feet of gain, and a low of around 4500 feet.

[Erik]

I'm 72, have a bad knee, and max out at about 20 miles of trail riding at a time. My dream would be to be 30 years old again...

I bet half of the 30 year olds couldn't ride 20 miles. In fact, I know it.

You should look into electric assist. Prices and capacity have come way down. With a cheap mid-drive and a triangle battery pack, you could more than triple your range. That opens up a lot of options in terms of routes, terrain, range, etc.

I know the purists here probably don't like e-bikes, but who cares if it opens up some options for people to get out on their bikes.

20 at 72 is impressive. Keep riding man!

[Gramps]

I'm 74 and average 25mpd/1650 elev on a regular training loop; double the values twice a week. I've started TD in 2012 and 2013 with DNF's(took spills and returned home to heal). The biggest difference is that I'm training at essentially sea level; I envy the folks that train in the mountains of Colorado. I would appreciate input on nobo vs sobo. I've started slowly increasing distance & elevation with a century being longest. I have 1 year to get this old bag of bones ready for my final go at TD. Any recommendations for a sub 30 day run would be appreciated.

[jmiked72]

I bet half of the 30 year olds couldn't ride 20 miles. In fact, I know it.

You should look into electric assist.

20 at 72 is impressive. Keep riding man!

It's probably not as impressive as it sounds. I didn't say how long it takes to go the 20 miles. 

[kiwidave]

I would appreciate input on nobo vs sobo.

I've been looking at the same option, and NOBO hits the Gila very early and the big climbs and high altitude also very early. SOBO gives a bit more time to acclimatise to the altitude and build into the big climbs. In terms of weather, it seems that NOBO has a better chance of avoiding thunderstorms and fires in NM and snow in the north.

Good luck with 2016 - third time lucky I hope.
 

[Erik]

I'm 74 and average 25mpd/1650 elev on a regular training loop; double the values twice a week. I've started TD in 2012 and 2013 with DNF's(took spills and returned home to heal). The biggest difference is that I'm training at essentially sea level; I envy the folks that train in the mountains of Colorado. I would appreciate input on nobo vs sobo. I've started slowly increasing distance & elevation with a century being longest. I have 1 year to get this old bag of bones ready for my final go at TD. Any recommendations for a sub 30 day run would be appreciated.

Yea Gramps, you're the other guy on here who impressed the heck out of me.

I'm in my early 40's and every time I've spilled was due to upper body fatigue or just outright lack of upper body strength training. I never see it coming, but as soon as my hands are off the bars and the wheel is going somewhere it shouldn't, I have a surprisingly long time to think it over while I'm waiting for the ground to say hello. I would get with a well qualified physical therapist over the off season. I think they are more qualified than personal trainers. Just explain to them what you want to do and let them show you how.

I'm curious what your two prior injuries were on your previous attempts.

I'd also look into the latest motocross, BMX, Cyclecross body armor type clothing. It's not really armor. Just thin flexible kelvar and other high tech fabrics that might make the difference in staying in the race or leaving due to a rock cutting a gash in your hip. Anything that could minimize the damage from a spill.

I'd also look into special tires. Ask around on here with some of the top racers. I think it would be best to maximize for traction as opposed to rolling resistance. It's just a split second of slip that can catch you off guard and end your race.

Oh, and acclimation. How long did you give yourself to acclimate to the altitude in your last attempts? You might need a lot more time. A lack of oxygen will definitely effect your reaction times. Spend a couple months if you have to.

I wish you the best of luck in 2016.

[MikeI]

I've been looking at the same option, and NOBO hits the Gila very early and the big climbs and high altitude also very early. SOBO gives a bit more time to acclimatise to the altitude and build into the big climbs. In terms of weather, it seems that NOBO has a better chance of avoiding thunderstorms and fires in NM and snow in the north.

Good luck with 2016 - third time lucky I hope.
 

For me, going North, Fleecer Ridge was a serious pain to get up, and the route up in Wyoming and Idaho is westward trending so you tend to catch a bit (lot) of headwind in the later afternoons.  But getting down to Del Norte from Indiana Pass was an absolute pleasure ( counterbalanced by a terrible climb out of Radium to get up the hill toward Steamboat ).  Polvadera Mesa in NM wasn't a problem at all going north ( downhill again ) ...  I also thought the route from Helena to Lincoln would be a lot easier going north.  As others mentioned if you aren't accustomed to elevation, starting in NM could be a big problem .. you are at 7000 feet right outside of Silver City and tend to stay high and then go much higher above Cuba and onto the Brazos .. end of the day, Banff and AW are about the same elevation bit of a wash.

[Gramps]

Thanks KiwiDave, Erik and MikeI for the inputs.  2012 was a snow year, I carried 3L water plus in a back pack; to high a center of gravity--sliding around in snow/mud--and your on the ground (5 times). Injuries 1 shoulder 2 elbows--lesson learned--nothing on my back now. I'd trained hard so no problems with the usual knees or tendons or stamina. I have a new Ti bike carry 4+less weight overall and have lost 12 lbs. I have tubless maxxis lust tires on stans Z arch rims (they have served me well). 2016 plan is to AMTRAK to Whitefish and ride to Banff to help acclimation. I can achieve 4-5000 foot training here in Washington but not the higher altitude required.  THANKS again for all recommendations.

[Mikebike]

I finished the 2015 TDR in 21 days and now that it has been over 3 weeks I have a question.  How long does it take for a 52 year old to recover.  I was signed up to do Boulder Ironman Aug 2, but I just don't have the energy.  Not to mention my achilles have all flared up everytime I go out for a training run.  I have decided to not do the IM and take it easy.  I suspect my legs, body, mind and spirit have all thrown down on me and have said enough is enough.  What say you oh wise ones??

[mtbcast]

#‎TourDivide15‬ - Lindsay Shepard called in from Pinedale!

http://mtbcast.com/site2/category/td15/

[kiwidave]

How long does it take for a 52 year old to recover.

http://lwcoaching.com/recovery-time-required-for-ultra-endurance-racing/

From Lynda Wallenfels:

Full recovery from these races can take 2-6 months! Volume of sleep deprivation is a large part of the fatigue accumulated. A loose rule of thumb is to start with 2-4 weeks for recovery then add one day to recovery time for every hour of sleep missed during the event. Scheduling one multi-day self-supported race per season is reasonable. Racing more than one of these events per season puts you in the manic category ;-) I do know a few of those guys…

[sfuller]

I finished the 2015 TDR in 21 days and now that it has been over 3 weeks I have a question.  How long does it take for a 52 year old to recover.  I was signed up to do Boulder Ironman Aug 2, but I just don't have the energy.  Not to mention my achilles have all flared up everytime I go out for a training run.  I have decided to not do the IM and take it easy.  I suspect my legs, body, mind and spirit have all thrown down on me and have said enough is enough.  What say you oh wise ones??

Rest and recovery will be your friend. It will probably take a few months to fully recover. I've scheduled no races through the end of the year, and plan on just riding my bike for the sheer enjoyment of it and to catch up on all of the riding time with friends that I missed over the last two years.

[Krampus Snail]

I agree with those who suggest sobo for those who live at sea level. You have a few days (or a few WEEKS if you're a tourist like me) at the lower elevations before having to go over 8000 feet.

As to the spills, maybe this is the non-racer in me speaking, but almost all the ride is on non-technical fire roads and pave. If you're crashing, what if you just dial it back on the more technical sections? Whatever speed gains you get by pushing it are not worth the increased risk of crashing.

Probably most of the women racers have less upper body strength that you do. The difference in upper body strength between men and women is large.

[flyboy]

Rest and recovery will be your friend. It will probably take a few months to fully recover. I've scheduled no races through the end of the year, and plan on just riding my bike for the sheer enjoyment of it and to catch up on all of the riding time with friends that I missed over the last two years.

Hear, hear. I am just starting to feel a bit normal but am still sleeping very deeply. Riding with mates and the kids is my priority for the rest of the year.

On another note, I have started putting my experience in this year's race down in print. I would like to thank all of you whom I met, either in Banff or out on the trail for making my Tour Divide race such a special experience and helping create a memory that will last forever..or until alzheimers kicks in. 
My words begin here - http://dave-livingthedream.blogspot.com.au/2015/07/where-to-start-epic-tale.html

[Yann___k]

...and helping create a memory...

How the start looked like on the Trackleaders, you can use it.

[mtbcast]

‪#‎TourDivide15‬ - Lindsay Shepard called in from Breckenridge!

http://mtbcast.com/site2/category/td15/

[Blackhound]

I have not ruled out a nobo run in 2019 when I will be 60 and live at sea level.  IF it happens I would fly to NM and spend ~2 weeks in Silver City to get used to the altitude before heading North probably 2 weeks after the GD - and take a chance to check out the section to the Sapillo camp ground when not wrecked.  Hopefully miss the NM storms and get good trails in the North.

[Angler]

Ovando is back with this little tidbit on a rider / racer out of the norm.  Please meet Adam Gianforte, a 22 year old out of Bozeman Montana riding a UNICYCLE  on the Divide Trail.  He is only the 4th uni rider attempting this and is trying to beat the current 77 day record.  Currently he is on day 13.  Spent the night in Ovando and became quite the celebrity before heading off to Lincoln this afternoon.  He is riding against Human Trafficking. You can check him out on crowdrise.com/unicycle and #uniforjustice.  Ovando wishes him Good Luck.  He was a great guest while here.

[Marshal]

Recovery for me seems to be a bit easier than some have discribed
I am climbing a bit faster on some training routes and plan to do a few local races, no multi day, we will see how it goes when it's a race vs a training ride.  I would say that I felt less fatigued at the end this year than in 2010 and that probably is why I feel back to normal faster