Tour Divide Basics

[Jilleo]

I'm with Chris. iPod is key. I had two and a plug-in charger. I never had too much trouble keeping the 4 GB one charged. One of my pods also had AM/FM radio, although I could never get any reception every time I tried it, even at night, when AM is supposedly far-reaching (could have been a crappy device, however, but I think non-XM radio is pretty much nonexsistent in most places on the route.)

Having access to 1,500 songs was enough for me though. I definitely didn't have it going constantly, but fairly often. Lifesaver when you end up spending 2+ weeks all alone, especially when you are extra tired or sick, the silence tends to drive me into weird head spaces. Don't let the pod haters talk you out of it! :-)

[Pivvay]

I had about 1000 songs and that was plenty for me. It was funny when Garth Brooks would be followed by Petey Pablo or Rage followed by Avril. Always a laugh and a smile. I even listened to the occasional techno though I know nothing about the genre. Most of my music was standard fare but some comedy (SNL skits like Celebrity Jeopardy) also got me laughing at random. I don't want people to think the route is terribly boring or anything either. It's just that there aren't a lot of people out there to chat with and not much time to chat when there are and 18-24 hours a day is a long time to think about well, everything.

[Mathewsen]

I'm actually a fan of the cue and map - esp having looked at some of ACA's road roues I imagine the extra info is well worth their weight.

I haven't purchased the GD maps yet as I'm still too far out.. Do the base maps change much? Would it matter if I put them on my Xmas list - or will they likely be so out of date come 2012 that I'll end up buying them again?

in the td.org>resources>route info section there is a page about DIY cue narrative: http://tourdivide.org/cue_narrative

i highly recommend taking the time to do this style of "road book", using it instead of ACA maps. Of course, TD's party line is certainly that everyone who races the GDMBR should buy the maps and mac mccoy's guidebook to support ACA's diligence in keeping the info updated. consider it your entry fee.

i formatted the version pictured to autoscroll so i could fit as many cues onto each sheet as possible. i also abbreviated many words, removed kilometer data and enlarged the font 200% as the maps cues are very difficult to read on the fly. i was able to reduce most maps down to a few cue sheets per map side (a and b). if you photo copy the service data off each map plus have your own cues, there's really no reason to carry the maps. their profiles are worthless and they rarely show non-route side-roads/forks for reference. i have been asking ACA to create throw-away cue sheets for years but they just don't see the merits -as us racers do- in going fast, so they consider the hinderance of stopping at every intersection to open up/refold 15 panel maps part of the "process". i have half a mind to market, sell a system that integrates to cycoactive barmap OTG map case but i wouldn't want to rob anyone of the DIY fun of it all.

FYI: regarding the canada map, do not buy this map yet if you plan on racing the full Divide route as the TD Flathead reroute from `09 is becoming the official main ACA route for 2010 and a revised map will be issued. If you want the Flathead cues in the meantime, find them here: http://docs.google.com/View?id=dgjmpj64_0gzmj6jfc

[Pivvay]

Matt,

The profiles certainly aren't worthless anymore, they might have been in the past but now they're reasonably accurate. I always did a check of them before the next section and they were excellent for determining high points and guesstimating speeds.

[Majcolo]

I have also thought about a little AM radio, talk radio and such??

30 seconds of talk radio is enough to ruin any ride, no matter which end of the political spectrum you reside on. Check out podcasts instead. There are tens of thousands out there on any subject. iTunes is a great place to start, but there are many other sources. Also, I *love* audiobooks on long rides. Audible.com is a great place to start for those, and is usually cheaper than iTunes.

[bmike-vt]

this is going to be a tough one for me when i get there... music, books, or no? haven't used anything on my long brevets (up to 600k distance) - and the only time i did ride with an iPod plugged into my ear i spent more time fussing with the earbuds than actually riding / listening.

hmm. audiobooks do sound like a good option though. i could brush up on my long forgotten german, or maybe try japanese. surreal, for sure.

[Mathewsen]

Matt,
The profiles certainly aren't worthless anymore, they might have been in the past but now they're reasonably accurate. I always did a check of them before the next section and they were excellent for determining high points and guesstimating speeds.

OK. If they have been made more detailed since `07, that's great. I just felt (circa `07) that they fail to capture the difficulty of the climbing -and thus speed guestimates- between low and high points (read: the myriad rollers). If a rider does use them, my sense is they too could be imaged, reduced/combined onto a single half sheet of paper. for very detailed profiles of the climbing, you can study the major ones on the td.org route geographics page: http://tourdivide.org/route_geographics compliments of scott m. and andreas vogel

retro: regarding commercial svcs listed on the ACA maps, they can come and go with the wind so just b/f embarking, i highly recommend confirming existence and/or hours of biz with those services you KNOW you will be relying heavily on, particularly b/c TD overlaps seasonal hourly changes in mercantiles and diners. For example, Pie Town, NM is the last hurrah before Mimbres--or more likely Silver City (~200mi). As has been demonstrated in past racer-call-in's from there (read: crushed spirit, no resupply), it is critical to know the (odd) hours of the only two businesses for resupply there.

[JMeiser]

I carried the maps, gps, and made cue sheets.  In hindsight this was ridiculous, I know.  After day one, in the Sparwood hotel, I ditched the cue sheets and just used the maps after noting where the changes to the route were from the addenda.  If I was to do it all over, I'd carry the maps and possible ditch the GPS. 

I did not use GPS for navigation, but as my cyclocomputer.  I did this after reading/listening to all of the failures other racers have had.  It worked well, but I would weigh the weight the penalty if carrying maps and GPS. 

I've put together a TD "IF" list in the last few weeks while preparing for a presentation I gave on bikepacking at our local outdoor store.  I don't think it is appropriate to share.  Each racer/rider needs to make their own decisions about what will work for them.  There are so many variables to take in on personal preferences, goals, etc... I learned a lifetime of lessons that immediately changed my plans on the TD and has changed my BP approach since. 

I shipped home over 5lbs. of stuff that was unnecessary IMO, like a second pair of riding shorts.  I've got another 5lbs. to easily get rid of on my "IF" list.  I can drop more weight by making some choices to accept more risk and rely on the resources along the trail, things I didn't fully know before the trip.  As time to test and dollars allow I'll continue to cut away at the weight while still maintaining most of the luxury.

[Marshal]

I carried the maps, gps, and made cue sheets.  In hindsight this was ridiculous, I know.  After day one, in the Sparwood hotel, I ditched the cue sheets and just used the maps after noting where the changes to the route were from the addenda.  If I was to do it all over, I'd carry the maps and possible ditch the GPS. 

I did not use GPS for navigation, but as my cyclocomputer.  I did this after reading/listening to all of the failures other racers have had.  It worked well, but I would weigh the weight the penalty if carrying maps and GPS. 

I've put together a TD "IF" list in the last few weeks while preparing for a presentation I gave on bikepacking at our local outdoor store.  I don't think it is appropriate to share.  Each racer/rider needs to make their own decisions about what will work for them.  There are so many variables to take in on personal preferences, goals, etc... I learned a lifetime of lessons that immediately changed my plans on the TD and has changed my BP approach since. 

I shipped home over 5lbs. of stuff that was unnecessary IMO, like a second pair of riding shorts.  I've got another 5lbs. to easily get rid of on my "IF" list.  I can drop more weight by making some choices to accept more risk and rely on the resources along the trail, things I didn't fully know before the trip.  As time to test and dollars allow I'll continue to cut away at the weight while still maintaining most of the luxury.

Why not just go with a GPS and condensed map/cue info?

Ahhh…you have this ‘list’ but you won’t share?   There should be a new rule---no online banter about secret lists……

Now I will be forced to re-study all/any posted TD pictures of your gear, re-read and re-listen to all your TD comments and make wild deductions…or you could just offer your list to the highest bidder??

Actually figuring out one’s personal preferences is not only important imo it’s also ½ the off-season fun.  Then comes testing one’s choices & that’s my idea of TD ‘training’.

[JMeiser]

Glad you share that same view of training.  It's not a 'secret list,' just not something for general consumption.  There's a ton of information out there to help racers and even more each year.  Imagine the torment John S., Mike C., and Pete B. went through those first couple of runs. 

[JayP]

In 07' I made cues by going to the copy store with the maps. Copy and enlarged the verbal cues, cut them out, stratigically taped them on to another sheet utilizing both sides, recopied, trimmed off excess, highlighted all the turns, and labeled apropriately to the maps. It was very easy and fairly mindless to follow. I carried the maps and would look at more of the details and the bigger picture while I was dining, taking maintance break, and before shut eye. You must always be planning and changing your planning along the way to be most effeicient and prepared for your next move. Chess game...
Also, never looked, studied, or had any type of plan before this line up. The start of the ride was pretty much the first of any real paying attention to the maps and that is when the game begins. The more you try and plan off the maps before this ride the more you might be disappointed, spend your time preparing with your fitness and your choosen kit. Spend the time on the trail preparing your next move and being engaged with the route, maps and cues.
I liked this system so much I used it again in 09'. The problem with tandem is paying attention 100% all the time, the concentration and focus gets interrupted with all the fun of having company.
Never used a GPS and won't again.

[Mathewsen]

It's not a 'secret list,' just not something for general consumption.

I appreciate an open source approach. There is still sooo much to do/learn/suffer on the bike, in the race. prep's mental game pales in comparison. no reason to cock-blok

Imagine the torment John S., Mike C., and Pete B. went through those first couple of runs. 

inaugural GDR my kit alone weighed ~25lbs. Last year my bike + kit weighed ~34lbs

You must always be planning and changing your planning along the way to be most efficient and prepared for your next move. Chess game...

The adventure racer in you gets off on that! TD is definitely an AR.

The problem with tandem is paying attention 100% all the time, the concentration and focus gets interrupted with all the fun of having company.

I have to again publicly give you a proverbial arse-slap for mixing things up tandem. ultra racing needs twist as much as the next genre.

Never used a GPS and won't again.

I love it when you use the word again when speaking of TD.

[Marshal]

More Basics….

Best way to deal with saddle sores? ….(no secret lists I hope)

In my mind saddle sores come in three varieties

1)   irritated hair follicles, ingrown and such
2)   irritated skin, chaffing, rubbing redness etc
3)   bruised sit area, deep soreness, not surface related

What’s the best way to deal with each?  But especially #1, my personal nemesis.

(Haaa…..I would gladly trade my drop or two of Indian heritage and resulting high cheek bones for less European body hair)

[Pivvay]

I've got no secret methods Marshall. I just ride right through them and keep them clean and dry when off the bike. I've never (knock on wood) had one that didn't go away fairly quickly or kept be off the bike in intolerable pain.

Lots of saddle time keeps them away overall and the ones on the Tour Divide just sort of resolved themselves by the border.

[JMeiser]

Sheesh... There's soo much information here:  http://eojmeiser.blogspot.com/ about my kit in photos and words.  There's no secret lists and at 20lbs. my kit wasn't light my any means (add another 5 for gear on my body.  M.Lee is dialed at 34lbs., is it safe to say dry? 

I learned a good lesson from K.Ref in those first few days after getting some serious chafing despite prolific use of Chamois cream.  He was applying antibiotic ointment at night to help the skin maintain moisture and heal while sleeping.  I wasn't in major pain, but had discomfort that had me sitting gingerly.  So, at night, when I would change into a second pair of shorts (boxers when I reached Helena) I would apply ointment and be oh so much better in the AM. 

Another tip that seems obvious now... I had better results and comfort applying chamois cream to my shorts and rubbing it in, as opposed to directly on the skin. 

[Marshal]

Hey just funning about secrets and all……sorry if that didn’t come across right….

Oh, and I just found the other thread about clean shorts and saddle sores, ditto ditto. 

Basically for skin irritation I have a pretty good ‘clean & heal’ routine using wipes and lantiseptic type med that works well for redness and general irritation.  And while I carry some, I don’t really seem to need much if any chamois cream & such.  While generally effective for typical skin irritation all the usual chamois creams seem to have zero effect for my particular sore type.

Not to be TMI and all, but I sometimes get one or more hair follicle issues, sometimes even after a single ‘all day’ ride.  And once one develops it usually just gets worse over time.

Anyone do anything ‘specific’ for hair follicles type problems? 

[JMeiser]

It comes across just fine, I don't take it personally at all.  No matter how much information you mine, no matter how much preparation you do, your plans will change out on the trail. 

When I was staying at the Banff Y Hostel the couple of days before the race I shared a room with a number of other racers/riders.  It was incredible to see who had trained and who had not.  Would you know what I mean if I said that I could tell who was going to finish and who wasn't?  Do not underestimate the mental needed to finish the Divide and make sure that you have a network of friends and family holding you accountable for finishing.   

[Marshal]

Sweet Dreams

I am internally debating my sleep system.  Bivy, Bivy +, Tarp, even a light Tent.  I am familiar with the +/-  of each, depending on needs and goals. 

However, part of my sleep system thought process revolves around how many chances I might have for a hotel room, cabin etc. 

Assuming one does not greatly over or under extend daily effort --Percentage wise how often can one expect a shot at a ‘room/roof’ vs camping 

I know it’s a nebulous question with many variables, but any thoughts, comments?

[Jilleo]

Hotels - if you're gunning for the typical 100+ miles a day routine, the answer is most every night. I'm almost ashamed to admit that I only camped four nights in 24. I intended to camp a lot more often, but I started to really crave comfort to the point were I was willing to stop early or go late into the night to get a hot shower, clean clothes and a bed.

You can also be super fast and sleep indoors every night - John Nobile times his races so that he never has to sleep out. He doesn't even carry camping gear, just an emergency bivy. Of course, this strategy involves a lot of planning, quite a bit of confidence in your own abilities, a few off-route stops and the occasional 200+ mile day.

It's also true that hotel stops tend to suck up a lot more time than camping. I was never more efficient than when I woke up to a 33-degree morning, ate a handful of chocolate covered espresso beans for breakfast and packed up my bike. I tended to dawdle a lot in hotels, especially if they had a washer/dryer or one of those waffle-making buffets.

[rcktfanatic]

What if by vacation restrictions I can only do "half" the TD. Should I start in Banff and ride for 2 weeks, see where I end up? Or, Start in the middle somewhere and ride to NM? I have a buddy that I have been training with and he plans on riding this year, I however have had to change jobs and will be limited on my vacation hours.

Thoughts??