Got it done. Found a route to track converter thingy online and now have 6 tracks ready to go.
See you all in Tyndrum.

Hi, I'm getting all exited about this ride too.
Finally having found some time to look into the gpx file and getting all frustrated, mostly about my lack of interest and knowledge in electronic gadgets. I'm owning a Garmin Vista Hcx and after finally haven gotten used to using tracks throughout the years... and this file turns out to be a 'route' instead?
so, what is the difference between both and is there a way to turn this 'route' into a track?
I know that my gps can hold 20 tracks of 500 track points but what about a route with 2800+ waypoints?
Anyone who can show me the light?

As this is coming up pretty soon now, it's more then time to start getting things sorted.
Is there somewhere where I can find FREE maps to put on my GPS for Scotland or do the locals think I can get away with just the track on the screen?
Midges... how bad can they already be that time of the year?
I'm sure I'll come up with more questions as the time comes nearer.

My hat is off to Jay in that he truly believes this race has more meaning ridden solo.

If you start on your own how can it be a race?

Ok, this has my interest too, especially the alfine 11.
Area54, be sure to post some pics of those bikes when they are done.

Hope everyone else's training is going well.

Training? I knew I was forgetting something.

Revisiting this thread and getting thoughts.  I'm putting a big, big gear for a 50 miler race - depending on how it goes, I may just leave it on for the next few races.  So I'm prepared for "omg, are you crazy!?" and "hell no!" but 22 x 46 <-- too big for the Tour Divide?

It all depends on how much you want to walk I guess.
But if that's the gear you are comfortable with then you're in for the win... unless you mean 22 in the front and 46 in the back, in which case it will take you a long time to leave Canada.

Nice post!
Can't wait to see this bike being build up. I looked at the frame and thought: "roadbike'. 
One question: Where do you find cranks that long?

Belgium too. Brussels.

Singular Gyphon set up as a 1 x 10 with Retro Shifter
Received new seat bag from 12Wheels, perfect size for day trips. Greg was great to work with and bag is top notch
Early Christmas present of custom Head Badge from Jennifer Green Custom jewelry

Do I see that right, does the Gryphon now has eyelets for a rack in the back? It didn't used to but if so, the bike just became that much more interesting to me. Riding a Swift already and loving it.

Awesome videos! 
It must have taken forever to shoot all this footage. Love the 'head in the water' scenes. It was also nice to see that you are overtaking all those transalp racers on that downhill.

links didn't work for me but a little search in youtube revealed the following:

part 1:

Hauptkamm Teil 1 - Alpencross 2012 (Transalp)

part 2:

Hauptkamm Teil 2 - Alpencross 2012 (Transalp)

Also, some of your older videos are great efforts too. Can't wait for next years videos. 

Seems like I'm in too. 

I've heard very good reports about the strength of the Freeload racks, certainly up to the task.  Besides that, the load becomes a good bottom out damper against the saddle

I really hope 'Colorado Cool Breeze' will honestly report back here with how this worked on trails where you would a long travel bike like that for.
It actually looks dangerous to me. Imagine hanging behind the saddle on a steep downhill and all of the sudden get 'kicked' in the butt by a drybag that's pushed up by the suspension going through it's travel. Not good!

Just don't forget to leave the gun at home if ever you would have interest of exploring another country. 

I think 'the tortoise' has too much time on his/her hands and needs to get the bike out and go for a ride of his/her own.

Nice read.
I personally would never leave on a ride like this without a chaintool though. A broken chain/derailleur is always a possibility and ride ending without a chaintool. You didn't need it BECAUSE you brought it, karma! 

This thread needs more pictures! No one with pictures from the start?

Race kings are very fine, fast rolling tires, perfect for the tdr and the like. I'd personally go for the 2.2 as they measure smaller then they claim, just like Jeff says and he knows as I believe he's sponsored by them.
I run the 29er version on a bike and don't hesitate to take it out on the non-technical trails in the local forest on one day and do a century road ride the next day (or often a century forest ride). I just add/loose some air and pedal away.

Really nice! 

Can you share some of your logistics. How did you get to the start and make it back home? Easy to get food (obviously water was no problem)? I'm all ears.

Tandems are an accepted category in the TD. You can argue about the definition of 'solo' I suppose, but I think one starts picking nits at this point. And as someone said previously, all lawyer-speak should be banned outright. So I think it's safe to say "two people and two bikes" and "two people and one bike" are not the same thing.

I was not seriously trying to start 'a tandem as solo/team' discussion here, sorry if you thought I was.
But wait... that actually proves the point I was trying to make there!
Words (or rules) are up for interpretation by the reader. Lets just keep the negative thoughts off this forum and give the folks who rode (or are still riding) this race the respect they deserve. There is no need to start arguments about wether or not someone should be relegated from this race, we already have the Tour de France for that!