Tour Divide Basics

[Marshal]

I was curious as to how you vets keep your hydration bladders free from mold? I have the experience that after a while mold starts to grow in the tubes and bladder. Do you just throw it away and buy a new one? I was thinking of taking along the little cleaning brush and some cleaning tabs.

Arr arr arr 1st 2010 post

You might…..Learn to enjoy the added flavor or start with a clean balder and only put water in it.  Carry a bottle(s) for mixing sport powders, Pepsi, juice ect etc

Arr arr arr 1st 2010 post

[phil_rad]

Happy new year!

I put only pure water in my bladders, a couple of times I put in Nuun tabs but they don't funk'm up.

Which in your opinion is the best bladder, msr or camelbak. How much water capacity will you take?

[Pivvay]

Pure water only in my bladders, mix in bottles. That's the reason I like at least 1 water bottle in my kit, it does duty for filtering, coffee, juice, gatorade, etc etc. On the road sometimes I carry another throw away one.

Bladders...MSR dromlite (red) if it's going in a frame bag. Platypus if it goes in the pack. The platys are so light and relatively durable you can carry 3 3.5 L ones for the weight of one MSR. Camelback bladders are heavy!

[Mathewsen]

On basics, many haven't had a chance to read Eddy Clark's printed story on `09 TD in the 9/09 Mountain Flyer so here goes in pdf: http://tourdivide.org/files/Tour%20Divide%20by%20Eddy%20Clark.pdf

It's 2010 now, and easier to ask forgiveness than permission so TD reproduced it --until or when MF asks it be removed.
It contains good fodder for better notions of 'basics', as does the `09 media coverage list: http://tourdivide.org/dividenews/td09_press_coverage

[rcktfanatic]

On basics, many haven't had a chance to read Eddy Clark's printed story on `09 TD in the 9/09 Mountain Flyer so here goes in pdf: http://tourdivide.org/files/Tour%20Divide%20by%20Eddy%20Clark.pdf

It's 2010 now, and easier to ask forgiveness than permission so TD reproduced it --until or when MF asks it be removed.
It contains good fodder for better notions of 'basics', as does the `09 media coverage list: http://tourdivide.org/dividenews/td09_press_coverage

Thanks for posting!

[SteveW]

In the MF article Eddie quoted me in The Basin, ".... a lot of people hate it, but I love it.” I just wanted to point out I was referring to The Great Divide Basin stretch, not the whole race.

I’ve read racer accounts and heard racers talk about the Basin as something to fear. I feel most concerns of the Basin are built on preconceptions - If you think you’re going to suffer and hate it, you probably will. Take an open mind.

I like open and dry places, semi-arid or desert, as much as the mountains; they are equally beautiful to me, and each provides challenges of a different kind. I’ve made one crossing of Australia by bike east to west, and it draws me back to make the more challenging north to south through the middle sometime. Race anyone? Darwin to Melbourne? (Anyone else been thinking about big ITTs/races on other continents?)

I don’t think The Basin is anything to be afraid of. It can certainly be a little more unforgiving if you’re water and calorie calculations are a bit out, but if you’re really worried, don’t go crazy and overstock, but just take a little more than you expect you need. Most likely by that time in the race your Divide shopping skills will be refined enough to know exactly what you need.

My suggestion is that before you start out on TD, don’t make plans to tackle any sections, like the Basin, in a special way anticipating you’ll face extreme weather that you’re uncomfortable with. For example, some tackle the Basin in the night, expecting it to be super hot and they won’t cope. Making a plan in advance in anticipation of hot weather, and then it turning out to be cool weather could cost you a lot of time. Always expect the best until the situation is immediately in front of you. Get on with assuming you can ride, and only when it really does become too much for you, adapt. You’re tougher than you think, certainly once in Divide mode.

Also conditions change quickly on the course, hour to hour, day to day, and year to year. I wouldn’t take too much climate and terrain information from rider reports that are based on a moment in time and their personal perceptions. Instead try and gain accurate information direct from the maps and other primary sources.

[Marshal]

Open question to multiple divide racers. 

I’m pretty sure I have seen pictures that show some racers used a sus seat post (Thud Buster, or other type seat post suspension) one yr but not other years.  Why?

[Mathewsen]

I’m pretty sure I have seen pictures that show some racers used a sus seat post (Thud Buster, or other type seat post suspension) one yr but not other years.  Why?

The short answer is, 'taint' necessary (esp. if you can leave the backpack at home). I went from a Scalpel to an HT for `05 and thought a Thud would soften things up. It did. I thoroughly enjoyed my time on them (3x), with the exception of cracking one somewhere btwn Rawlins and Steamboat in `06.

Alas, they are heavy.
Plus, any way you can simplify/eliminate points of failure, `tis good. It's another one of those grand tour leaps of faith. your lower back will answer the call of duty.
If going the HT route, think Ti posts if made in your seat tube diameter.

[Pivvay]

long 27.2 seatposts give a heck of a lot more than 31.6 posts. Never used a Thud Buster though.

[Mathewsen]

I just wanted to point out I was referring to The Great Divide Basin stretch, not the whole race.

10-4 Wilko. We know you're a lover.
There's a couple other story glitches too, like comparing TD course record to the border-to-border record, but in general Eddy did due diligence with facts and I liked his approach. His pics are excellent. I recall he worked hard for many of them. In the pg.44, strangely-lit night time pic of me eating dinner just b/f bed, he hung a remote strobe-type flash up above in the branches. I was so tired at the time i thought he was going to a lot of trouble, but the end product is pretty pro.

I feel most concerns of the Basin are built on preconceptions - If you think you’re going to suffer and hate it, you probably will.

great point. this applies to other stages of the course as well. There was a near-death dehydration a few years ago in NM but in general people seem to be getting better about management (mental and physical).

Making a plan in advance in anticipation of hot weather, and then it turning out to be cool weather could cost you a lot of time. Always expect the best until the situation is immediately in front of you. Get on with assuming you can ride, and only when it really does become too much for you, adapt. You’re tougher than you think, certainly once in Divide mode.

Well said. I used to struggle with these 'negative' expectations in the moments entering huge rainstorms. i wanted to power on, but also tried to convince myself that total muck and drive train decimation always lay in waiting; that stopping would improve things. eventually i learned that rarely was destruction the end result. that i was always batter off irrevocably determined not to alter my pace no matter what the weather hardship, until i was literally off the bike, reduced to pushing.

Race anyone? Darwin to Melbourne? (Anyone else been thinking about big ITTs/races on other continents?)

The answer is yes. If you establish the double-dares, peeps will challenge them (eventually). One toughy to international draw (ie merging hemispheres) is the relatively seasonal nature of racing fitness/attitude. I've heard tell of 1,000mi dirt tracks in Patagonia, and other parts of SA seem ripe for the next logical step: Unsupported expedition MTB 'racing'.

[JMeiser]

long 27.2 seatposts give a heck of a lot more than 31.6 posts. Never used a Thud Buster though.

I used one this year, with a backpack, it was comfortable, but was it necessary?  Don't know the answer to that one.  I can tell you it developed a nasty squeak in the 'dry' south that was quieted with a squirt of spray lube in Cuba.  I'd likely opt for a titanium post on future rides.

[JMeiser]

I like open and dry places, semi-arid or desert

Keep in mind Steve's a Brit... this is likely the only time throughout the year he sees the sun:)...I would agree with his views though, the Basin is a big hurdle that can(and did) take alot out of you mentally and physically.  My biggest problem was a cold night's sleep out under the stars.  What an incredible view of the sky though, no light pollution to muck it up.

Racers do tend to make plans on how they will attack sections rather than take it as it comes and arrive at a decision in the thick of it.  This 'could' get you in trouble if you are unprepared, but the conditions will rarely, if ever get that extreme.  It's definitely hard to ride into a storm that you can see coming and know what it' going to do to road conditions, but waiting it out will only cause delays.  Occasionally you'll get lucky and duck in for food during a storm.  You'll occasionally be unlucky and leave a cafe into a storm. 

[Chauncey Matthews]

HI guys- first post here- great info on this thread.

One thing I haven't seen addressed anywhere is transportation to the race. I assume most are flying into Calgary, but what gets you to Banff? I'm assuming there are busses, but I'd like to make sure.

Also, how did you handle shipping? Big $$$ to take the bike/gear on the plane so I was thinking of using UPS. Is there a "go to" shop in Banff that would be good to ship my bike to?

[robinb]

HI guys- first post here- great info on this thread.

One thing I haven't seen addressed anywhere is transportation to the race. I assume most are flying into Calgary, but what gets you to Banff? I'm assuming there are busses, but I'd like to make sure.

Also, how did you handle shipping? Big $$$ to take the bike/gear on the plane so I was thinking of using UPS. Is there a "go to" shop in Banff that would be good to ship my bike to?

Calgary is the closest major airport. There is a shuttle service from the airport to wherever you choose to stay in Banff.  http://www.banffairporter.com I think it's about $50 CAD.

For local shops, Jason at The Ski Stop has been a great supporter of the race.  He organized the pre-race BBQ last year.

http://www.theskistop.com/

[Mathewsen]

One thing I haven't seen addressed anywhere is transportation to the race. I assume most are flying into Calgary, but what gets you to Banff? I'm assuming there are busses, but I'd like to make sure.
Also, how did you handle shipping? Big $$$ to take the bike/gear on the plane so I was thinking of using UPS. Is there a "go to" shop in Banff that would be good to ship my bike to?

Chauncey, welcome aboard the 2010 start list. Be sure to share with us your rig when you finish crafting it. You'll be the 1st person to join Rick Hunter in taking DIY Divide racing to Nnth degree. I see RobinB, first (tentative) Banff local to race TD has chimed in with some goods above.

Travel resources: TDdotOrg has a section under "Resources". Some of the advice might be a bit outdated as 'best deals' is a fluid concept.

Things not likely to change (and listed in proper order): Banff Airporter is the best shuttle service, the Ski Stop is still the official TD bike shop (ask for 'new' co-owner Jason kucey), the Elk & Oarsman is the offical TD Bar, where Kokanee flows as cold as the Bow river, and Banff YWCA lodge is still the offical hostel. Book with Donna Hemmings and tell her you're with TD. We have a block reserved. TD STRONGLY recommends arriving no later than Wednesday 6/9. Time flies once you get there. ...and Banff's a spectacular world heritage site with lots to see + a nice public sulfur hot springs right in town. There is a locals-hosted cookout Thursday 6/10, however there is not a pre-race meeting. Please attend to all rules clarifications, etc. before you leave for Banff. There will be no geeking out on rules at the cookout. Rig-coveting and beer drinking only.

Shipping: Ski Stop will receive your bike. Problem is, customs is quite sketchy for timing. Jason can tell you many stories of touristas' bikes tied up in red tape. One `09 start lister missed the grand depart due to problems. If it were me, I would not trust this method. Flying w/ bird in hand is safer. I break my bike into two boxes and fly for cost of normal luggage. It's the way to fly w/ bike anymore. pay YOURSELF to be proficient at removing your fork from your frame, boxing those together, wheels separate. All your gear can go in these boxes as well. For readers other than Chauncey (NM local who will probably ride home), consider how you can plant like boxes in Deming or Lordsburg, NM on the back end. The logistics of long trail end-to-end racing seem like a bitch but with a bit of planning, its smooth *enough*.

Flight info in travel section on TD site is also fluid. For international (non-North American) racers, an open-jaw ticket is still probably the best advice. During domestic sales on 1way tickets you may have luck saving even more purchasing separate legs. Either method, you still have to schedule your return flight far enough in advance that 'making that date' is a crap shoot.

I encourage other fellows of successful 'Antelope Wells escape' to share their experiences on extrication. They're often colorful, trail magical and almost worthy of a separate thread.

[kaparzo]

does anyone have suggestion for getting in touch with the folks at carousel design works...?  I've tried a few emails with no luck. 

[daveB]

For information on flying with a bike, see:
http://www.ibike.org/encouragement/travel/bagregs.htm

It may not be 100% up to date, so be sure to check the fine print of relevant airlines.

On escaping Antelope Wells...
Does anyone have useful (non-magical) personal experience about shuttles from AW to, well, anywhere along I-10 or El Paso?
Amtrak's I-10 service has first-come-first-served bike racks for traveling with an unboxed bike, and won't accept boxed bikes.  Does anyone know how many spots exist in that train's rack, and what the odds are of one being available?

[Pivvay]

does anyone have suggestion for getting in touch with the folks at carousel design works...?  I've tried a few emails with no luck. 

Call or email Eric at Epic?

[sherpaxc]

I hate giving bad press but I've had the same issue.  As someone who has a seatpack and a handlebar bag and has recommended him to many people around here, I was somewhat upset that even I didn't get a call back for a frame bag after leaving a message and waiting patiently for him to reply.  I finally just gave up.  I'll be either making my own or going with Eric.  Eric has been great to chat with over email the few times I've asked him questions.

[bmike-vt]

not to derail further - but epic eric was very responsive via email with my setup - and even altered my seatbag at the last minute when i double checked some measurements. i think the longest i waited for a return email was 3 days (but it was over a weekend - and i hope and assume that eric was out slaying some trail or riding some coast or something equally epic.)