Tour Divide 2017 Race Preparation

[Christopher R. Bennett]

Hi All,

Megan Dunn has done the starter's list for the race. Here's the link to the form. Please sign up so I can harass you to contribute to the Cordillera!

https://goo.gl/forms/et4PCGwFivVDXsNC2

[bakerjw]

I'm working on a set of elevation profiles and cues, and though perhaps they won't be of any use to others,  I figured I would attach a sample.
If it's useful to anyone, I'd like to feel it's available.
Main purpose is NOT for navigation,  it's simply to get an overall idea of distances and elevation changes between resupply locations.

Someone had some elevation charts that I used last year. They were a tremendous help. As you know, daily targets flex and schedules slip. With a chart showing distances and elevations, you can plan on where to stay for a couple of days ahead. While climbing Whitefish Divide, I started having some knee issues and knew that if I made Whitefish, the next day would likely be a low mileage day. looking at the chart, I saw that I could likely make Ferndale and hold off on the climb until the day after.

So much of doing this as a race is about being able to adapt on a daily if not hourly basis.


AHA!!!. Here is one of the links. This is modified from the originals.
http://www.bikepacking.net/forum/ultra-racing/2016-tour-divide-preparation/msg83301/#msg83301
Remember... Third time's a charm!

[kiwidave]

AHA!!!. Here is one of the links. This is modified from the originals.
http://www.bikepacking.net/forum/ultra-racing/2016-tour-divide-preparation/msg83301/#msg83301

Shane Wighton's profiles are stellar.

Original Data is here: http://imgur.com/a/FI1bj

Note: Holland Lake is not marked accurately - it is 15 miles further than where Shane marked it.

[THE LONG RANGER]

Just a heads-up from this neck of the woods: there's been construction in Frisco, which impacts the bike path you travel on, on your way to Breck. The construction may be ongoing, as they have just a few more days (literally) before the white stuff starts coming down in earnest in the area. No doubt that there will be detours in place, but if you're running off the cues, they'll be ever so slightly off. Since there's no turns once you get out of Frisco, I don't think anyone will get lost, but FYI. Fancy new underpasses await you!

[jthops]

I realize there has been plenty of past discussion on the topic of bear spray. I know there are people who would never venture out on the TD route without it, and there are those who would never carry the extra weight. I'm still trying to decide what's best for me. With that said, has anyone come across a smaller version? The smallest I've seen is a 7.9oz canister. In the past I have carried a small (35g) Sabre mix of pepper spray and tear gas (sprays a stream 12-15ft), which is good for smaller animals and self protection, but probably not so much for bears. Thanks-

[Flinch]

I've worked outdoors for a lot of my life. With bears and without. Been on the TD route twice. Saw 4 grizz and one black bear. Given a choice of an elephant gun or spray, there is still one piece of kit I would never be without:

Bear Spray

This is not the place to save weight. Personal pepper spray won't work - doesn't shoot far enough, and wrong formula. I carried Mace as a law enforcement officer, and none of it sprayed as far or forcefully as bear spray. If you have to spray a bear, you save your life, maybe your riding companions, and that of the bear's. Most bears that physically encounter humans are hunted down and destroyed. Imagine your thoughts about saving less weight than a spare inner tube when a bear is charging you, "Thankfully I weigh less, thus can run faster!" (never run from bears!!!) Oh, and keep it where you can grab it - not in a pack or bag.    I carry the 12 oz.

That be my humble, but correct, advice. 

A bear 'intensity' map is at: https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&oe=UTF8&t=h&msa=0&msid=200334849650645495946.00047e45e4239031f00c3&start=0&num=200&sll=46.7248,-112.807617&sspn=1.269004,2.221985&z=7

I posted an old list 'O' critters and advice on my blog - so check it out.

Glen

[Lederman]

Question regarding tire width: The Cordillera lists tire makes and model but I have not seen a size breakdown. I have spoken with TD veterans that say 2.1 is the slimmest they would consider. I have some 2.25 Vittoria Mezcals on recommendation from a respected TD veteran and friend. Although my favorite gravel bullet-proof tire is the Schwalbe Mondial. Currently I have a 47mm Mondial with over 2,000 miles on it and it does not show wear. They make a 50mm. The MTB tires seem lite and flimsy compared to the 800 gram tank tread that is the Mondial. After all that here's the question:

Is it a "no brainer" to go with a 2.1+ tire even if it might not have the durability of the 2.0?

Is anybody on here a fan of the Mondial and why or why not would you use it on the TD?

Thank you.

[jthops]

Considering size, weight, durability, rolling resistance, and overall performance; you can't go wrong with the Maxxis Ikon 2.2. I love it, and I've had great experience with it on dirt and gravel over many years. Just my $.02.

[kiwidave]

Is it a "no brainer" to go with a 2.1+ tire even if it might not have the durability of the 2.0?

What is your target time and what forks? Tubeless?

Craig Stappler posted this a few years back: "I ran the lightest tires that I thought would be reliable. Specialized 1.95 s-works renegade for the front, 460 grams. Specialized 2.0 s-works fast track for the rear, 500 grams. .... I was around 22 psi." I think from memory he had front suspension.

I did 25 days on a 650b with 2.35 Ikons. Loved them - smooth, no hand issues, no punctures, same tires still on the bike. 22psi front, 26 psi rear. I went 2.35 as a number of riders who had them loved them, and a number of riders with 2.2's said they'd upsize to the 2.35's - for the hand issues/comfort.

[Lederman]

Thank you for the replies. My goal is sub-25 days, tubeless tires, rigid. I forgot about hand concerns, I guess anything to aliviate vibration is the way to go. I'm so happy with these Mondials i thought maybe they would be okay for the entire TD even though only 2". I'll continue to rethink this.

[Pivvay]

I ran 2.2 Ikons at low pressure. If even consider the 2.0s if there was ever a next time. I really think my time in the aerobars is a bigger factor for no numb hands than tire size but then again I ride rigid exclusively and am very well adapted. I also run bar ends.

[Adam Alphabet]

Thank you for the replies. My goal is sub-25 days, tubeless tires, rigid. I forgot about hand concerns, I guess anything to aliviate vibration is the way to go. I'm so happy with these Mondials i thought maybe they would be okay for the entire TD even though only 2". I'll continue to rethink this.

While I've not (yet) done the divide I've got extensive touring/riding miles on both tires in all sorts of conditions/terrains.

The biggest thing between the mondial (50mm) and an ikon in either 2.2" or my preferred 2.35" isn't the width but more the volume, which in turn creates a far more comfortable ride, especially seated over long days.

The mondials are low volume, generally 'hard' tires which are great for smoother road surfaces, mellow gravel, etc.. Their low volume and hardness though made them skittery and uncomfortable on looser, chunkier gravel especially fast descents. On dirt I found them to just slide around far more than a proper mountain tire. Less predictable and ultimately less safe once the conditions get more challenging.

The ikons have relatively good wear life, are way higher volume creating a plusher ride, have good rolling characteristics for gravel, dirt and even pave and are just, again in my opinion a far more capable tire. I've used in hard mountain biking conditions as both a front and rear tire; North Shore, Squamish, Colorado for trail riding. They slide and get loose when pushed in that context but that's far outside of what you'd find anywhere on the divide.

Of course these are just my findings and my opinions but if I were to suit up for an effort in 2017's divide the 2.35" ikon 3c/exo/tr would be my lead choice.
Good Luck in your experimentation!

[bakerjw]

Bear Spray

This.... It is one place to not skimp. Some areas were wide and spacious and the odds of an encounter were slim. But there were areas where the chances of a surprise encounter were high and it was always readily handy, i.e. not strapped down somewhere but close at hand.

I know most have seen this, but here it is again. If you are surprised, this is the kind of response time that you can expect. 34 seconds in.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SLMa5-n2OVc

[jthops]

I appreciate the responses on the issue of bear spray - I really do. However, I wasn't asking if I should take it. I'm well aware of the risks, how bear spray works, and I've spent plenty of time in bear country. I was simply asking if someone has come across bear spray in a smaller container than the 7.9 oz. If so, let me know. Thanks-

[NelsonC]

Hi All,

Megan Dunn has done the starter's list for the race. Here's the link to the form. Please sign up so I can harass you to contribute to the Cordillera!

https://goo.gl/forms/et4PCGwFivVDXsNC2

Chris, or others, could you provide a link to the start list?  I am having trouble finding it and would like to keep up with who & how many are signing up.
Thanks!

[bikelite]

https://goo.gl/forms/et4PCGwFivVDXsNC2

starter list

[eec]

https://goo.gl/forms/et4PCGwFivVDXsNC2

starter list

But is there a way to see all the names on the start list? This link takes me to the form to fill out my own name, but I can't see the actual list.

[Pirahna]

But is there a way to see all the names on the start list? This link takes me to the form to fill out my own name, but I can't see the actual list.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1SlZyqb4CMYfnAitaiD3RdlFHQHTt4uhW0-Qy8SO26Ns/edit#gid=24721170

[eec]

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1SlZyqb4CMYfnAitaiD3RdlFHQHTt4uhW0-Qy8SO26Ns/edit#gid=24721170

Thank You!

[Sandstorm]

Unfortunately I couldn't make the starting line this year due to work obligations. Next year I will be set up better!

I am wondering how many riders were on a 1x configuration at this years race? anyone have any info on that?

Thanks!