Tour Divide Basics

[riverfever]

The first time I was using the iodine tablets and the neutralizer. The second time was after I got home from the CTR 2 years ago. I was using Klearwater. I had never heard of it before but it was recommended and I was able to find it online. I used an MSR filter in 2009 and was fine.

[BobM]

I am sure my sub 2 lbs of sleeping system does not slow me down, and oh boy what a level of security, safety, and another way of leaving an open ended strategy along the way.

Hey JP,

I don't expect you to give away specifics, but does the 2lb include bivy, bag, and pad?

Bob

[Pivvay]

You can easily have a COMFY and WP sleeping system for 2lbs. 1lbs bag(take your pick), 6oz bivy (Montbell), 8oz pad (Neoair).

Light but bringing actual gear would be 11oz quilt, 6oz bivy, 1oz CCF pad. If you're bringing some sort of insulated jacket I've got a 8oz 3/4 quilt that works too.

Feel free to add/substitute a tarp for those who don't like a bivy only system. I haven't found a workable long term bivy for lighter than the Montbell 6.3oz bag cover. You can also use just a tarp instead of a bivy and wrap it around you burrito style if you don't want to/can't pitch it for some reason.

[BobM]

Hey Chris,

Is that a misprint or do you really have a one ounce closed cell foam pad?  If so, what dimensions?

Bob

[Pivvay]

20x40...it's 1.25oz if you want to get picky (which I usually am, haha)

[BobM]

Hi All,

So, the consensus on my question about the dangers of the trail seems to be that the rider him/herself is the biggest danger, especially when tired, bored, or otherwise not fully engaged.

Another thing I have wondered about is bike security.  I'm pretty paranoid about leaving an unsecured bike when I shop at a convenience store, etc, but I can't imagine a weight-conscious rider bringing a big u-lock or heavy cable.  Do most folks just trust to luck?  Thanks for all the info!

Bob

[Pivvay]

I think you've got the dangers pretty well nailed. The bears are out there and take precautions that make you personally comfortable but don't excessively worry otherwise.

I've never brought a lock. I keep the bike within eyesight, a safe distance or in places I feel comfortable (inside lodges/motels). A lot of times you can bring them into grocery stores if you ask a kid working there to nicely keep an eye on it for 5 minutes quickly explaining it's your lifeline. I think Kurt did lock my wheel to his bike at the store in Pinedale but that store was busy in a town I generally felt uneasy in and we stuck out like sore thumbs. I sleep right next to it (and my food) on the trail with maybe some ghetto hanging in CA/MT.

A lot people carry one of those super mini cable locks. Sure they could be snipped in seconds but you're worried about a crime of opportunity on the trail, not a real bike thief. Probably a good idea to carry one if you're going to go into more grocery stores.

With all your bags and junk show on the bike, you don't look like you're out for a Sunday stroll. Most people (but not all sadly) realize that something is up and they shouldn't mess with a bike like that.

[BobM]

Thanks Chris,

That's exactly what I thought.  My worry is more some bored kid than a real thief who could get past a lock in 10 seconds anyway.  I had a friend who used a black plastic chain - weighed an ounce or so but looked real from any kind of distance.

Bears - we have black bears all over the place around here, but moose actually worry me more when I meet up with them in the woods.  The bears want nothing to do with me.  I realize grizzlies are a bit more touchy than blackies, but I figure if they really wanted to stalk and attack humans, bear bells and whistles would be a Very Bad Idea.  I figure on just making plenty of noise in thick cover, near streams, or approaching blind corners.

Bob

[phil_rad]

After getting all of my gear together, I've realized that my camera and charger have to stay at home. The charger and cable are just way too big. I want to take a decent camera though, one that takes batteries that I can buy at gas stations. Any suggestons?

[BobM]

Hi Phil,

There are hundreds of choices.  When I bought my camera a few years back I had 2 requirements:  AA batts and fits in a pocket.  I got a Canon PowerShot A520.  Won't break the bank and takes video clips as well as still shots.

Bob

[bmike-vt]

be sure you are comfortable with the controls... 1 handed too.
many digicams offer menu screens for fine tuning, setting up shots, etc.
find one that has easy access to the types of photos you want to take, and make sure you can do most of it 1 handed.

a former pro photog friend who has moved to small digital likes canon sx100IS for bike / hike / ski.


his is from 1-2 years ago - so the model may have been updated...

i was looking at the smaller AA canons... but i've dropped and lost my sd500 many a time - i'm looking at something a bit larger with a better handle...

[phil_rad]

After shortening the charging cable I think I'll go with my trusted Casio Exilim. It's fairly small and light and I know how to use it one handed.

One other question; I'm running ZTR 355 29er rims, could these be too light for the TDR? So far they've held up very well.

Thanks for everyone's input. 

Phil

[Pivvay]

One other question; I'm running ZTR 355 29er rims, could these be too light for the TDR? So far they've held up very well.

I ran the same rims this past year and they held up just fine. I'm in the 155lbs range and packed light mind you but I didn't consider them near the limit or anything. Much stronger than the 26er Stan's Olympic rims I ran before.

[phil_rad]

Right now I weigh 174 lbs. come summer I'll be down to 169 -167. I've never had any issues with stans wheels, either 26er or 29er. So I think I will be okay.

[phil_rad]

I'm trying to decide if I need to take along a thicker insulating layer like a down vest or sweater. Actually I'm looking at the patagonia nano puff pullover. Would something like this be necessary?

[daveB]

I have and will be bringing my Patagonia nanopuff.  Its really warm and light, great for in camp/town when its cool, or to extend bag warmth on the odd nippy night.  And on the bike I'd be happy with it at 15F.  Love it.  I had a very similar Mountain Equipment Coop (Canada) pullover for years and loved that too.

[Marshal]

I'm trying to decide if I need to take along a thicker insulating layer like a down vest or sweater. Actually I'm looking at the patagonia nano puff pullover. Would something like this be necessary?

Short answer -- imo yes

I have always carried a minimalist mont-bell down vest on my multi-days and will have it for the TD.  It is a key part of my sleep system but I also occasionally wear it while riding.  Mostly in the morning till warmed up and sometimes after a rest stop that lasted long enough to chill me.

And in a way it’s a ‘feel-good’ item in the sense that if bad/cold conditions are coming my way it’s nice to know I can dig out the vest as a super warm ‘extra’ layer.  I rarely need to do so but psychologically it’s nice to have it handy.

I have debated getting a minimalist ‘jacket’ to replace my ‘vest’ but haven’t on the theory that as long as my core is warm I will get by.  During the 2009 CTR, after a early morning, long fast gravel road descent (similar to expected fast TD road conditions) I could have really used a full down jacket!!

[phil_rad]

OK, I'm convinced.

Thanks guys!

[SuzM]

I also have a synthetic Patagucci puffy that I will be bringing on the TD, but I tend to get cold really easily, especially while sleeping.  I figure i can always mail it home if I find I am not needing it.   

[Marshal]

This brings up one of my TD questions.  It’s sort of a rhetorical question on my part but would it be worth it to start with some heavier ‘warmer’ clothing items and mail/exchange some of them around Rawlins/Steamboat? 

On the other hand I already know there is lots of potential for cold-elevation conditions all the way to at least Cuba so I am leaning to just going with my best guess at the most min/lightest kit that would still be sufficient to get me the whole way without any pesky mail stops/drops.

Ahh decisions decisions….