He mentioned an issue with his knee in one of the last calls. According to the SPOT points, he spend the last night in/at the hospital in Helena.


-- sigma7

Banff Airporter takes bikes too, probably the easiest (and cheapest way) to travel from Calgary to Banff.


-- sigma7

I can't believe that the weight of the Mountain Equipment Helium is right. The total weight of the ME Helium 250 is over 600g, according to the ME site (which sounds OK to me, my ME Helium 400 is a bit under 800g). The weight of my sleeping system (as used in 2011) is 1930g.

TaR ProLite 3 Short w/ Stuff Sack	425
EXPED Bivy Bag eVENT/PU w/ Stuff Sack	670
NORDISK Salo +9°/+5°/-10°	835

In 2013, I'll use the ME Helium 400 (rated +4°/+1°/-16°). A bit warmer, and less bulky. The sleeping system above was a bit too cold (in 2 or 3 nights with temperatures below 0°, in August). I'll probably use a lighter bivy bag; a tent is not required. (IMHO)


-- sigma7

The Place Cafe, WY   132   Sec. 2   71,5

The Place Cafe might be still closed. It was closed in 2011. I've been told is was closed in early 2010.


-- sigma7

seriously?

Yes.

I removed it, must have fallen out of my top bag. I didn't leave anything in the wood.

Probably. I've found it about a meter 'behind' the tree shown in the picture. I've carried the sticker to the next town.


-- sigma7

Stephen, I've found your sticker on the ground, about 3 weeks later

http://www.flickr.com/photos/sluttyduck/5983139272/#


-- sigma7

In June 2012 I'm going to line up at the "Grenzstein-Tropy".

Same for me. See you there.


-- sigma7

Worst case scenario you're stuck with a single speed, hopefully in a good ratio.

you can change the gears with an 8mm open-end wrench (on the disc brake compliant EX version). I didn't have any problem with my Rohloff IGH since more than 30.000 miles.


-- sigma7

Finally, it's a decision each one must made. I plan to race the TD in 2013, using the Rohloff IGH.


-- sigma7

Is the energy suck from the dynamo noticeable?

No. I believe, that fully loaded mean the Rohloff IGH sucks energy. Yes, a bit. Anyway, I love my Rohloff IGH. I rode the Great Divide with my Rohloff IGH equipped 26" MTB. I meet a racer from UK, we rode several hours together. While his bike was faster on the downhills (probably due to race tires and 29") we climbed with the same speed. I meet him in northern NM, where he had already replaced his rear tire 2 times, the front tire 1 time and the chain (XTR) 2 times. I died not changed tires (Marathon Extreme, used before the start) or chain (Campagnolo Record 9s). I strongly believe that the reliable, but a bit heavier, strategy is bottom line not slower compared to the light and replace strategy.


-- sigma7

... racing at home the www.Grenzsteintrophy.de

I'll race the GST next year.


-- sigma7

I've used an Rohloff IGH on the GDMBR (Banff to Abiquiu), with a Campagnolo Record C9 chain. I've tensioned the chain once, took less then 10 minutes. I meet a racer around Canon Plaza, he had replaced the chain twice; which takes some time too.


-- sigma7

I'm using an Exped Bivy Bag (the eVent only version) since more then two years. Reliable, but heavy.


-- sigma7

Is there away around this section?

I've forded at 17th July, took less then 10 minutes.


-- sigma7

I'm in Russ' Montana High Country Lodge right now, where I arrived yesterday. Unfortunately, my left knee hurts. I've decided to take a rest day and drop of the race.

I'll continue heading south, at a more relaxed pace - enjoyed by the scenery and the people.


-- andre

Wow!, Good luck and bring plenty of batteries for that Garmin.  How many points is it capable of storing daily before you have to download it somewhere in town with a cable?

I'm in Butte, MT at the outdoorsman right now. Rob is a really nice guy! It's incredible hot the last few days, this really slows me down.

The Garmin 62s I'm using has virtually no limits in number of points stored. My one is equipped with an 16 GB card.


-- andre

[carry a SPOT GPS tracker or other brand of GPS logger/tracker]

Hi Sigma,

Are you not trying for an "official" time, or are you carrying another type of tracker?  From the TD website re: ITT-Divide:

An Individual Time Trial (ITT) is the earliest form of Divide racing....
 
Abide by TD Rules, carry a SPOT GPS tracker or other brand of GPS logger/tracker, and finish in no more than twice the standing course record (17days x 2) to be eligible for the same Divide racing General Classification that ranks group racers. Contact us for more info.

I'm carrying a Garmin, following the track (2011 v2) provided on topofusion.com. I'm recording my ride.

I'm in Sparwood right now, still fighting with jetlag.


-- sigma7

I've been arrived in Banff. I'll start my ITT tomorrow, probably at 7.00. I'll not carry a SPOT, sorry.


-- sigma7

Just placed my order for the book.

Me too. Both volumes. Together with Jill Homer's Be Brave, Be Strong.


-- sigma7

I just assembled a gpx file of the route we followed from Hachita to Tucson.

Thank You, Amy!