Tour Divide Basics

[BobM]

I've been looking around for a parts supplier that I could call if I need a part overnighted to God-knows-where, Montana.  Does anyone know of a good, reliable supplier with a large in-house inventory and (preferably) 24/7 service?   Thanks!

Bob

[Marshal]

I've been looking around for a parts supplier that I could call if I need a part overnighted to God-knows-where, Montana.  Does anyone know of a good, reliable supplier with a large in-house inventory and (preferably) 24/7 service?   Thanks!

Bob

I do not know of a good 24/7 parts supplier as I do not work in the bike biz.  However I have arranged with my LBS http://www.teamtelecycle.com to act as my 'emergency only' go-to source for bike repair stuff.  Paul, the owner also agreed to let me call him at home if needed.  If he does not have an item in stock he knows how to get it, either from a supplier or even an other local bike shop.  Of course I arranged to pay for any shipping cost etc etc when I get home.  Plus Paul knows my bike and what I am doing so I think this is the best overall back up plan for me.  Hopefully I dont need to call him in the middle of the night!

Suppport your favorite LBS!!

[SuzM]

www.universalcycles.com 

i have frequented this sight far too often in recent months!  mostly because they are in Portland where i live, so i can pick stuff up and not pay shipping, but they also have a ridiculous variety of items in stock and they process orders really quickly and are very easy to work with....

[trebor]

One thing i haven't seen discussed thus far.... Contact lenses.

Any veterans use them? If so, what was your care strategy?

[Carney]

No personal experience on the divide, however on a 2 month touring trip I simply used a small contact case, a small solution bottle, a real small camping mirror, and a small bottle of hand sanitizer with no complains.

[daveB]

Just make sure that the hand sanitizer has evaporated completely, otherwise...owie zowie!

[Carney]

The hand sanitizer burn isn't as bad at the "oh crap, I forgot I just ate jalapeno chips" burn

[phil_rad]

I'm still waiting for the new Canada map from ACA, it might not get here in time, so. What to do? I have the cues for the Flathead reroute but I still need the ones from Banff to Sparwood, anyone out there that can mail them to me?

[SuzM]

Phil - check the TD website under Resources, and DIY Cue Sheets I think it's called.  There is an email for the contact person at ACA, they will email you the files for whatever you need.  I still need to get the updated Canada ones as well.

On another topic - i'd like to hear any thoughts about physical ailments and how other TD hopefuls deal with them.  Long story short, a few weeks ago i was riding home from work and another bike commuter (!) crashed into me at high speed.  My knee has not been the same ever since, even after taking 2 weeks off with no exercise other then walking the dog.  It's been extremely frustrating to say the least.  My physical therapist says I probably just have a contusion, but it remains to be seen how quickly it heals.  My plan is to start riding on it again this weekend, and see how it responds.  It is looking like it will be a last minute decision whether or not i show up in Banff.  This is obviously a question that only I can answer, but I just wanted to share my situation with those who will understand just how disappointing this might be.... so what's worse, not go to banff at all or potentially have to drop out if my knee blows up?  Part of me thinks that I already have the time off work so I should say the hell with it and go anyway :-) 

I know this thread is supposed to be about tactics and logistics and all that, but I'd love to hear about anyone else's unforeseen challenges.  It might help me quit feeling sorry for myself :-) 

Sue

[phil_rad]

Thanks Sue for the tip. Sorry to hear about your injury, that totally sucks! Only you can decide whether or not your ready for the race but since you have the time off already, what the heck, give it a shot. Whats the worse that can happen? Get eaten by a bear? Just kidding. If your knee is not hurting all the time then show up for the start, take it easy for a few days, enjoy the beautiful scenery and see how things develop. You never know, maybe it will all work out and you'll make it to AW. If not then at least you tired and it might be a good experience anyway.
Hope to see you in Banff.

Phil 

[SuzM]

Thanks Phil, that's kind of what i'm thinking right now as well.  Thanks for being so encouraging! 

[phil_rad]

You bet! 
I felt that way in March, I had a few health issues and I was pretty down about it. At the time I thought , my tickets booked I'm going regardless!

Take it easy, don't try to do too much right now, you'll get the chance come 11 of June. 

Phil

[elobeck]

Caution to all TD racers: I talked to a bike tourist today in Kremmling who was sick with food poisoning from the Mexican restaurant there. This is not the first case of bad food from this locale I have heard about either. FYI. Eat there if you have an iron stomach.

[afie]

www.universalcycles.com  

These guys burned me before the 2007 GDR - they guaranteed me delivery of a tyre in 5 days to Eureka, it took longer, I started and rode to Steamboat with a cut sidewall.

Caution to all TD racers: I talked to a bike tourist today in Kremmling who was sick with food poisoning from the Mexican restaurant there. This is not the first case of bad food from this locale I have heard about either. FYI. Eat there if you have an iron stomach.

Best mexican I have ever eaten

[EMathy]

On another topic - i'd like to hear any thoughts about physical ailments and how other TD hopefuls deal with them.  Long story short, a few weeks ago i was riding home from work and another bike commuter (!) crashed into me at high speed.  My knee has not been the same ever since, even after taking 2 weeks off with no exercise other then walking the dog.  It's been extremely frustrating to say the least.  My physical therapist says I probably just have a contusion, but it remains to be seen how quickly it heals.  My plan is to start riding on it again this weekend, and see how it responds.  It is looking like it will be a last minute decision whether or not i show up in Banff.  This is obviously a question that only I can answer, but I just wanted to share my situation with those who will understand just how disappointing this might be.... so what's worse, not go to banff at all or potentially have to drop out if my knee blows up?  Part of me thinks that I already have the time off work so I should say the hell with it and go anyway :-) 

Hi there!

I'm not training for the 2010 edition, but for the 2011 race. Regardless, I am with you on the unforseen injuries. I got hit by a car on my way back home from work back in January. My right shoulder still isn't at 100%. To go from riding 4+ days a week to nothing was one of the most frustrating things ever. I've just started to get back on the bike. It's both exhilarating and anger inducing all at once! I'm stoked to be riding. At the same time, the 4.5 months of lost training shows. My training partner, who is on track to do the XC course of the Downieville Classic in a sub 3 hour pace, is dropping me at will. I'm blowing up on climbs I feel I shouldn't be.

In your case, with a knee? I'd say a few things. If you haven't had a good bike fit done with a specialist, do so. It'll help your knee a ton! When you're cleared to get back on the bike, do long, slow, low stress miles. Spin eassssyyyyy. Maintain your base fitness without stressing that joint! Big efforts will blow it up.

I don't know what to tell you about racing this year. Knees are a lifetime commitment. Once they are hosed, they never come back 100%. If it's really bad? Aim for 2011. The Tour Divide course will still be there. I'll buy you a beer in Banff before we roll for Mexico!

[SuzM]

Emathy - thanks for the advice.  if 2010 doesn't happen i will see you in banff in 2011 for sure!

not to self - avoid Mexican place in Kremmling, check.   

[firetwofire]

Hello; first post but long time reader.
I want to start by saying good luck to all the 2010 riders; I’ll be watching your tracks. I will be doing the ride in 2011 and cant freaking wait.
Any ways reason for the post, I just bent my WTB All Mountain 29 rims and was looking for some advice on replacements. Tubes vs. No tubes, Weight vs. Light weight. I have read a lot of reviews but they are very 2 sided (one person loves them and another person hates them) but none of these reviews are coming from people that have completed the TD. Please keep in mind these will be the wheels that take me the short 2745 miles come June 2011.

Thank you all for all the previous post a lot of really good info
Josh

[BobM]

Just took a peek at the start list this morning and see that a fellow name of Matthew Lee has signed up.  All you folks who have sights set on a win had better go back and review your kit and strategy again  .

See you all in Banff!

Bob

[EMathy]

I was wondering if he was going to race this year! It was kind of odd not to see him on the start list. Then again, everyone needs a break sometimes, you know?

More power to him! Does anyone know if he's racing for Cannondale again this year?

[jimfab]

Everyone

Not sure if everybody knows, or if it has ben mentioned yet but i am sure there are others like me who just found out, but there is a new map at ACA for the new Canadian section Map # BC-209-10 the old one was -08. I knew about the route change and had a link to the notes from ML, but i just found out the map was ready and available at ACA. I am sorry if this has ben mentioned already, i thought i had read somewhere that there was going to be a new map, just could not remember where ( i am a little slow i guess ). Only 2 weeks left and i am getting excited. Not sure about everybody else but i wish it would start tomorrow so i can just quit thinking about what to take with me and just worry about left foot, right foot, repeat.

Cant wait to meet you all in Banff

rock on- Jim