Tour Divide: SoBo or NoBo?

[andrew k]

thought i would resurrect this thread.

I just took a quick look at Ashley Benns times - about 28.5 and 29.5 days sobo and 27.5 days nobo.

any new opinions on nobo?

Nobo is more appealing with the exception that banff is about 300 miles west of AW and winds are predominantly from the west.   

[aarond]

Could be a bad fire year in nm this year.  Heading novo might reduce the risk...

[Payton MacDonald]

I loved NoBo! One advantage if you're riding in June is that the weather may be more favorable. That was my gamble and it worked beautifully. It will still be hot in NM, but not as bad as in July. And then by the time you get to Montana most of the snow has melted and the passes are more feasible.

I was glad to not have as many people. I was after solitude. That may or may not appeal to you, but you'll still meet lots of fascinating people on the trail and you may end up riding with them if pacing is good.

As for logistics, I flew to El Paso and then pedaled over to Columbus from there, which is 80 fast miles. If you're doing the race and want to leave from Antelope Wells you could take two days to pedal from El Paso over and then down. It's a good way to get warmed up!

Have fun, it's the ride of a lifetime . . . I still think about it every day . . .

[andrew k]

Payton-
  How were the winds going north?

thanks

[Payton MacDonald]

The head winds were pretty bad in the Basin, but otherwise mixed. Tailwinds are a blessing and a joy and not to be counted upon!