Tour Divide Basics

[Jilleo]

For what it's worth, one of my coldest days on the entire Divide last year was between Beaverhead Work Station on Silver City, N.M. It was July 5. It rained all day and a had to walk a good lot of the mud. By the time I finally hit the pavement into Silver City, my hands and feet were completely numb and I was shivering so uncontrollably that I had a tough time steering in a straight line. It was what I call "Juneau cold."

So in my humble opinion, there is no southern terminus of the cold, just as there's no northern barrier for heat. I'd carry warm/rain gear the entire way.

[phil_rad]

Jill, I remember reading that on your account of last year's race, sounded pretty rough! A small piece like the nano puff doesn't take up much room and weighs only a few ounces (9 I think) so it would be worth taking along. If it's really hot then you could still mail it back.
 
Something else I have been thinking about is sleep; (again after reading Jill's writeup) falling asleep and staying asleep are sometimes a problem for divide racers. I was thinking about going to my Doctor and asking him for something, I don't want to have a sleeping pill hangover every morning. But, sleep is extremely important in an adventure like this, so... Any thoughts? 

[daveB]

I've had occasional trouble with sleep, mostly pre-big-race jitters (even for events I've done 6 times), and sometimes pounding elevated heart rate from overexertion.  Also after reading Jill's account from last year, I got a doc friend to prescribe me the generic form of Ambien, which in the opinion of a colleague of his who runs medical support for various ultras, is the only med that really works.  There is NO hangover or other side effects, at least for me.  It worked super well for me on a recent two-day event.

Doc's comments:
"I would also recommend ambien, maybe just the 5mg, with a short half life it
will give the least hangover. It is also the drug of choice for higher
altitude insomnia, as it depresses the respiratory drive the least.
if he is sleeping at high altitudes (>10,000'), I would recommned 1/2 an
acetalozamide (125mg) prior to sleeping (instead of ambien), will help to
prevent periodic breathing (and give a good restful night's slight) AND help
acclimatization - improving performance the next day."

Consult your physician, blah, blah...

[SuzM]

This might be a bit off topic, but on the TD website it was alluded to that we can expect to see clarification of the family/friends/fans visitation rules for 2010.  Has anyone heard anything else regarding this yet?     

[BobM]

Only in an email from Matthew a few months back.  There will be an FAQ added to tourdivide.org as well, but I don't know what the time frame is.

[Marshal]

About 10 weekends left for training, be lucky if I get in 7 or 8, guess I am getting antsy……

I wonder how much Canadian money I should have in my pocket for Elkford and Sparwood?

[walkre73]

As to the friends and family rule , I consider myself a friend to all racers and part of the family to . I do not see myself ever racing again but I will forever be routing on the participants . I plan on setting up camp somewhere between Medecine Lodge Big Sheep Creek and Red Rock Lakes Pass . I hope for better weather than last year . 

[JMeiser]

I wonder how much Canadian money I should have in my pocket for Elkford and Sparwood?

Depends on when you arrive and where you plan on spending the night.  Elkford has relatively full services, quite a few stayed there last year.  However, the 30 miles to Sparwood are fairly easy, with quite a bit of pavement.  In Sparwood, if you get there before 10- you'll find a gas station that is well stocked and an A&W.  Burgers, Fries, Coke, and Chocolate Shakes are standard fare.   If you stay in Sparwood there is a hotel and it is fairly pricey for one.  I think our total bill was 120-.  If you go on from Sparwood you'd better be stocked as there is nothing but incredible trails and scenery until the border.

[luckylarue]

I would think being that close to the border that US dollars would be accepted if you're in a pinch.

[nyounie]

On the money topic, how much cash should you carry in the states? Is it ever needed or does plastic always get the job done?

[phil_rad]

I would say plastic is good to have along, also some cash. In some of the bigger towns you should be able to get money from a bank teller.

I was wondering if any of you are having problems with training. I seem to be having a bad year so; sick, injuries. Sometimes I wonder if I will get in enough miles in my legs before June 11th.
 

[TonyH]

I was wondering if any of you are having problems with training. I seem to be having a bad year so; sick, injuries. Sometimes I wonder if I will get in enough miles in my legs before June 11th.
 

I was rolling along pretty nicely until this past weekend when my annual bronchitis flared up.  If these flarggin' meds don't hurry up and do their magic, I may have to miss the Texas Chainring Massacre this Sunday.     I wouldn't worry about it Phil...I bet the majority of us will have suffered some setbacks and won't be as trained up as we'd like on 6/11!

[phil_rad]

I'm glad I'm not alone.

[Marshal]

TDR training injuries….

I am currently fighting a flare up of achilles tendonitis, at lease that’s what my home did internet diagnoses indicates-- nice little ‘creaky’ knot right on/in the tendon above the heel.  I have never had this problem, ever.  Not sure what to make of it all, the injury is not painful except under certain pedal stroke pressures, it’s tempting to try to ride but I am resisting so far.

I first noticed a bit of tendon pain when I began using the aerobars.  Of course I was also increasing my mileage and had a new frame, a new pair of shoes with a new cleat position etc etc.  Then it really flared up after my last hard, long ride, the knot scared the heck out of me the 1st time I felt it with my hand after that ride.

Now I am doing the ice & rest, which is making the knot disappear, but I am sacred to death to ride/train.  Not sure how long I should ‘rest’ & then how I should re-start my training??….Haaaaa the joys of ignorance

At least I have some time to get it all sorted out………

[BobM]

I would say plastic is good to have along, also some cash. In some of the bigger towns you should be able to get money from a bank teller.

I was wondering if any of you are having problems with training. I seem to be having a bad year so; sick, injuries. Sometimes I wonder if I will get in enough miles in my legs before June 11th.
 

Hi Phil,

Things are pretty good here as the snow is melting fast, but still only doing around 30 miles/day with climbing in my first week off the trainer.  Will be stepping it up as the legs catch up with the distance.  I'm not sure how one trains for a "race" where you go 100+ miles per day for 3-4 weeks; I guess I'll just focus on increasing saddle time and make sure I throw in enough climbing.  If I can get my body used to consecutive 16 hour days pedaling then I think the miles will take care of themselves.

Bob

[elobeck]

With regard to the training, on the positive side, the energy and excitement of the first few days( and finally starting after all that prep) of the race will really help move you down the divide, and you will forget about a missed training ride opportunity. You will have aches and pains, but the term Matt Lee throws around "Inner diesel Power" is very real and does start to kick in around days 3-6, when occasionaly the legs turn over by themselves. After that it seems you're well into the race and its a lot of mental power. I found last year that training consisting of repeated climbs (of any distance) really helped take the edge off the flathead and Montana, where repeated climbing is a daily phenomenon. I also got a cold last year during training and found a week or so of not training to not really be a big deal. Do what you can, as for me, I went out in crappy weather rather than ride a trainer, that was good prep for the crappy weather on the trail. Carry on and do what you can. Perhaps all those participating in warmer climates should receive a handicap?

[SuzM]

  I wouldn't worry about it Phil...I bet the majority of us will have suffered some setbacks and won't be as trained up as we'd like on 6/11!

I think this pretty much sums it up :-).  So far (knock on wood) I've been lucky enough to avoid sickness and injury so far this year, but I won't be surprised at all if or when my turn comes around.  I'm sure we'll all be worried about having enough miles in our legs when we show up in Canada.   

Basically el nino has been kind to us here in oregon and we've had a really mellow winter.  I have a very loyal training partner who just so happens to love riding endless dirt roads, so that's what i've been up to.  We've been having so much fun, we even decided to start documenting our rides... www.velodirt.com/rides.   

[phil_rad]

TDR training injuries….

I am currently fighting a flare up of achilles tendonitis, at lease that’s what my home did internet diagnoses indicates-- nice little ‘creaky’ knot right on/in the tendon above the heel.  I have never had this problem, ever.  Not sure what to make of it all, the injury is not painful except under certain pedal stroke pressures, it’s tempting to try to ride but I am resisting so far.

I first noticed a bit of tendon pain when I began using the aerobars.  Of course I was also increasing my mileage and had a new frame, a new pair of shoes with a new cleat position etc etc.  Then it really flared up after my last hard, long ride, the knot scared the heck out of me the 1st time I felt it with my hand after that ride.

Now I am doing the ice & rest, which is making the knot disappear, but I am sacred to death to ride/train.  Not sure how long I should ‘rest’ & then how I should re-start my training??….Haaaaa the joys of ignorance

At least I have some time to get it all sorted out………

Marshall,
like I said to you before, take it easy for a while, don't start to early and when you do, don't go to hard. You already have done some serious miles so I think you will be ok.

[wdlandparker]

yeah, marshall, when the weather warms up there are always overnights in the rampart range and stuff to get lotsa miles in! 

[phil_rad]

Bivy or tent? I have a really light one person tent, http://www.sixmoondesigns.com/shop/Shopexd.asp?id=36. Lately I've been thinking maybe I should go for a bivy bag, it would take less space in my kit and is lighter but would offer less comfort/shelter. I guess it's a toss up. I would still like to hear some of your thoughts and experiences.
Thanks.

Phil