i am planning on doing it!
oooh. also, is there a viable GPX file available for this route yet?

we had a good conversation about this at the lodge and i agree,
any use of your phone is a personal decision, just like taking more time at a stop or grocery (or checking leaderboard when you have access to a computer).  when you use it, take time to charge it etc, it is a trap and those who are involved in using their phone will have to take the trappings that come with it. 

The Tour Divide was my first bike packing/ultra race and I ran into some pretty substantial issues that made my progress less than ideal through the beginning.

Knee pain plagued me majorly, this was entirely a result of lack of riding a 45lb bike in any manner of solid training prior to starting.  I worked through this by elevating my feet whenever i could, taking advil and massive amounts of stretching during breaks and before sleep and before starting.

Foot discomfort/dryness...i really wish i had brought along shoe covers/gore socks or seal skins...some sort of way to insulate and keep my feet more dry than they were.  I was lucky to not have any foot issues, but i really missed these items.

i did adjust my cleats at one point during the ride and noticed an improvement in my achilles and knee comfort.

also, TOE NAIL CLIPPERS! my toe nails grew crazy fast haha, it seems stupid, but they were uncomfortable, unsightly and sites for potential rub/blisters etc until i was able to trim them.

Saddle sores were just a part of life, using chamois creme was the only solution, the day would start off very tender and sore and eventually my body would just tell my ass that it was going to have to stop hurting because there was no choice but to sit on it.

while most people know this, avoid using a backpack.  it is crushing.  it isnt too heavy in the morning when you start off, but after you have drank down your bladder-full of water, it gets light and comfy and you fill it up again later in the day and it is absolutely crushing on the body and soul.  Do everything you can to equip yourself without having to carry gear on your person.

Keeping a positive attitude, believing that it will get better and simply pushing on even if you are literally pushing, was the best thing i had on my side...I also realized that mental breakdowns are a part of this experience...they have to happen.  
I did take an early day in Lima to get an early start the next day that really did a lot to recharge my batteries and my soul.

biggest thing is to listen to your body and when i ever do the TD again, i will keep the same mindset of not going crazy fast out of the gate, there is a lot of time to make a lot of ground and I still dont think the first 2 days are the place to make these huge moves (unless you are going for the record obviously)

have fun everybody!

Louis here,
I am finally home after my journey and i must say, while i grossly underestimated what would be required of myself to complete this race and my time was not competitive...i did my absolute best and anyone who has a slight bit of interest in trying this race, absolutely should.  I faced every emotional demon on this course and constantly confronted myself on a day  to day basis in order to keep plugging along and the sensation of personal success i derived from it is immeasurable despite the 30+ days it took me to finish (1030am June9th).  
congrats to everyone who took a stab at this and finished or scratched, it took a lot of courage to even attempt it.  As for the people along the route, thank you for making this exactly what it is.  the route is beautiful and immense, but the people you meet along the way are the only reason the Tour Divide is worth doing.

A big shout out to Iron Mel Liebling, Tyson Fahrenbruck, James Hodges and Aaron Hershberger as well as a big thanks to Matthew for the killer spaghetti and breakfast burritos and most of all the inspiration and insight that all of these people provided me along the route.

James Hodges will be passing out rental units in the "tour divide" room (great room near lobby) at the Y lodge at 5 pm today. Otherwise please attempt contact James to obtain your device. Happy riding everyone!

It wasn't for a lack of trying. The greyhound site is wholly unhelpful, as is their telephone number. The number listed for the station in lordsburg is incorrect (should be area code 575). That said, I called the hotel across the street and they were helpful. And FYI the station exists, tickets, is active and is closed on Sunday's (despite grehounds website)

Hey everyone, i am having a heck of a time figuring out how to locate/catch a bus (greyhound) in either of these cities for the terminus of my TD attempt.  The number on the greyhound site does not work, and i guess i am just hoping to figure out a way to get home haha.  any help would be greatly appreciated.

is lordsburg a better bet to catch the bus home than Deming NM?

well, after a 400+ mile 4 day outing, i am feeling more prepared...but i am substantially nervous. 
arriving in banff on Tuesday.  See you all there...did i mention im nervous. haha.

what topofusion maps (if any) would be most recommended for the etrex 30 for the TD..or is the basemap with the GPX file substantial enough

does anyone have a recommendation for any extra maps to purchase/download from topofusion for the etrex30?

despite the hate, running a set up i got for free...slat six rear and small block 8 in the front...just gonna hope for the best i suppose

i am so on the fence because im betting there are about 48 other people assuming the same thing 

are any of you shipping your bear mace/co2 cartridges? i think im going to do this tomorrow...or will i be more wise just to buy these things in Banff?

haha, i was not nervous about the route until reading through this. yikes.

stephen, PM sent

does anyone carry any kind of shoe/sandal/fivefingers for camp/long hike-a-bikes etc or do you just stay in your cycling shoes for the whole trip?

hey murf how is that bar working out? any chance you want to sell it? hah

on sale at best buy for 60 dollars w/ free shipping 
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/SPOT+-+SPOT+2+Satellite+GPS+Messenger+-+Silver/9511012.p?id=1218116795825&skuId=9511012&cmp=RMX&ref=06&loc=01&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=9511012

yessir!
check the ultraracing forum