Tour Divide 2018 Race Preparation

[Iowagriz]

Snow appears to be melting fast in Montana.  66 degrees at 4pm at Lake McDonald in Glacier Park. The snow on Big Mountain Ski area in Whitefish has been melting quickly, but it is south facing.  http://skiwhitefish.com/webcams/

Snotel at Graves Creek outside of Eureka is approx 950ft below the Whitefish Divide Summit, melted 30 inches since 5/1. https://wcc.sc.egov.usda.gov/reportGenerator/view/customSingleStationReport/daily/500:MT:SNTL%7cid=%22%22%7cname/-29,0/WTEQ::value,WTEQ::median_1981,WTEQ::pctOfMedian_1981,SNWD::value,PREC::value,PREC::average_1981,PREC::pctOfAverage_1981,TMAX::value,TMIN::value,TAVG::value?fitToScreen=false

Racers will likely still have snow at the summit thru that pass and Red Meadow but not as much as I was expecting.  Maybe similar to last year?

[clancy]

Snow Melt = Big MUD, but good luck to all the SO Bounders

[bouldernick]

I'm a big fan of Shimano because of their long bearing life. The mud thing doesn't bother me. You can snag a brand new pair of M520 for less than $30. A set of XT's, with better bearings, will run you $60-70 online.

[WatermelonSugar]

Anyone use the Xpedo M8 ti pedals? Is lightweight titanium a good idea for long rugged hauls like the Divide?

I thought about ti spindles but then heard too many stories about them shearing off so decided to stick with steel. I'm a fan of shimanos too never had any trouble with them in the mud

[g_aranda]

The last big item I have to purchase is a GPS communicator. I'm looking at the Spot Gen3 or the Garmin InReach Explorer +. Cost aside does anyone have any feedback on the Spot Gen3 or Garmin InReach Explorer +?

[bouldernick]

I’ve only used SPOT trackers and with great results. The annual fee is a bit pricey but it’s cheap insurance and you need something for the race. Otherwise you can rent one for TD. SPOT also has a new device with texting, etc. but I haven’t tried it. 

[Woodland]

I'm looking at the Spot Gen3 or the Garmin InReach Explorer +.

I think the big difference is that with the SPOT Gen3 you cannot send custom texts from the field. With InReach you can.

With the SPOT gen3 you set up messages before you leave home which you can then send from the field (you can set up two different messages: one that gets sent with a push of the OK button, and one that gets sent from the Custom button). They can not be customized in the field.

A quick look at findmespot.com shows the SPOT X unit which clearly allows custom texting.

[bakerjw]

FWIW I love my InReach. Their plans suck but it has always worked great for me. I'll head out and my wife will text me a few hours later letting me know that she has found where I'm riding on the map.

[SlowDave]

I have been using the in reach for a couple of years now.  The device I have seems cheaply made but it hasn't failed.  As noted their plans suck.  They are designed to up sell you and it works.  I think I am paying $58 per month.  It reminds me of what a plumber once told me "You know you priced the job right when the customer squeals but still writes a check".

I spend a lot of time in areas with no cell reception and I am often alone.  Being able to communicate with home on a daily basis is well worth the price. 

[Woodland]

Nobo ITT on route on the TD18 tracker...

[clancy]

Yea! Excited to see TD on trackleaders, looking forward to seeing the rest of us on the list.

[bakerjw]

Is there an "official" route yet?

[ScottM]

Is there an "official" route yet?

No, not yet.  Some portion of the High Rockies trail is going to be included.  I believe that's the only change, but I could be mistaken.

[clancy]

word is, GPX and trackleaders link to be out tomorrow 5/29, just in the nick of time

[Angler]

Howdy All!
Angler reporting for duty.  Still hoping to photograph riders as they come thru Ovando.  Same old thing as in the past several years.  Anything new or changes I should be aware or questions, comments or concerns?

And while I have your attention, may I thank Adventure Cycling and all you cyclists for making Ovando Montana the 2018 Montana Community of the year by the Governor for tourism and recreation.  It was being cycle friendly that did it for us.  And we are and probably always will be the tiniest town to receive it. 

Thanks folks and here is to another great adventure!

[bon]

Howdy All!
Angler reporting for duty.  Still hoping to photograph riders as they come thru Ovando.  Same old thing as in the past several years.  Anything new or changes I should be aware or questions, comments or concerns?

And while I have your attention, may I thank Adventure Cycling and all you cyclists for making Ovando Montana the 2018 Montana Community of the year by the Governor for tourism and recreation.  It was being cycle friendly that did it for us.  And we are and probably always will be the tiniest town to receive it. 

Thanks folks and here is to another great adventure!

Angler you definitely deserve it!! Thank YOU for all you do for the cyclists who come through your beautiful community!

[ScottM]

Angler you definitely deserve it!! Thank YOU for all you do for the cyclists who come through your beautiful community!

Hear hear, thanks Angler and Ovando -- what an oasis for divide travelers.

Nothing new to be aware of this year that I can think of.  Should be plenty of exhausted, muddy and/or frozen masses heading your way in a couple weeks.

[Angler]

Thanks Guys!
And yes this may turn into a very interesting adventurous year.

Just heard from an ITT'er in Banff who is quitting that entire slice of the trail and driving down to Ovando to start.  Says the weather and the snow to come was too reminiscent of TDR16 when hypothermia was the name of the game.

Let me know if there is anything I can do for you prior to the start and beyond!

Cheers!

[clancy]

Hey Angler, I will be coming northbound. looking forward to Ovando, I rode southbound in 2016 and you and your town were great. Thanks for all the help and support you give us.

[Angler]

Awesome!  We'll be here for ya.  When are you leaving for NOBO?