Probably trying to get the mud out of their cassettes! Hopefully things dry out soon. Sorry the photo is so big. Love the smiles in spite of the situation. They encompass the spirit of the Divide!

https://www.instagram.com/stories/direct/3126261046272353984_259966139/

Lars is that your IG account? It comes back private with one photo.

Looks like the 3 leaders are holed up in a small structure.

The Basin can be a beast if it rains. I know of a few riders who had an extra day added to their efforts as they couldn't get through the peanut butter mud. Always exciting and unpredictable out on the Divide!

17 riders over the age of 60 this year. That's pretty darn cool!

If my counting was correct. 71 riders under the pace mid afternoon Tuesday (day 5). There is a long way to go, but that is a solid group during lots of rain.

Sent from my SM-S908U using Tapatalk

Very solid!

Anyone know what happened to Andrew Kulmatiski, now listed as scratched?  He was making a quick NOBO run and in the top ten overall for quite awhile.  Looks like he spent the night in Horca after fighting through Carson NF all day yesterday.  There was considerable slushy snow 2 weeks ago when I pushed my bike through most of it. 

BTW, I'm still recovering with Enteritis and on 2 antibiotics.  Feeling much better now.

Thanks, Tom

Glad you're on the mend, Tom!!
Andrew ended up with a bad stomach issue so he scratched.
Also -  Ted King said on IG he is getting checked out at the hospital from a bad bout with nasty stomach issues. Wishing him a full recovery as well!

And fog - despite its potential dangers - is my favorite way to ride.  It's so quiet...just you and the sound of the chain spinning over the gears.  I love it.

Anyways...back to our normal programming...

Agreed. I have some GoPro footage riding through the fog, coming off of Whitefish Divide in '16. So serene!

Love the Angler's Webcam. Fog will make for a beautiful sunrise out on the course!

Looks like Ullrich has a cabin for the night, maybe catching up on a few zzzzz!

He's got to need it! He'll be the better for it, I have no doubt. Really enjoying watching DOTs!

I'm amazed at how little stopping time and sleep these guys are getting!

Indeed!  MTB Cast is one of the best assets for us dot watchers.  I wish more riders took advantage of it.  I love it...and I have to add that I miss the calls from our departed friend Hal Russell.
All the best!

I miss Hal's calls too. They were the best!

Great call-ins! Thanks for hosting them!

Solid! Go Peter!!

Riders you are among the few who get to experience ~2,745 miles of some of the most beautifully rugged terrain the trails have to offer! So wonderful! Although the trail may feel like a stranger in the beginning, I guarantee it will feel like a friend in the end.

Give your all, treat the trail with respect, and the trail will give back to you. When the going gets tough - and I guarantee at some point it will - whether it's from weather conditions, trail conditions or the conditions of your mind or body - remind yourself of why you signed up to be out there; why you started, and what your motivation was to finish. For most of us, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity. This may your first, your last, your second or even your tenth time on the route. Whichever it is, it will be like no other time before. That's one of the wonderful things about the Divide - it dishes up something new, something spectacular, and something beautiful every single time!

This Friday you get to not just dream it, but to actually live the story you wish to tell. Leave everything you've got out there and you'll come back with more than you started with. But most of all - don't forget to enjoy the ride! You GET to ride your bike! Best of luck to you all! Stay safe and we will be cheering on your DOTS until every last rider has finished!!

If you've reached out to them directly and don't hear back in time, I would think you could use 2019 or 2021 gpx until this year's file is released, then switch it out. Just a guess.
Wishing you a fantastic adventure!

For early starters:

Looking for advice:
Per the Unofficial Starters list, George Whalen is starting South bound tomorrow, 5/12.

I am planning the first leg of my Yo-Yo attempt starting 5/20 North bound.

If I don't receive any word from Matthew Lee or Scott Morris prior to my planned start, what GPX should I use?

Thanks, Tom

Fernie & Banff are looking good but curious about Galton Pass.

After the last couple of summers riding 90% of the route (twice now ...) at a decent touring pace (80-90 a day avg.) I am going to shoot for 21 days or so. I think my knowledge of the route will result in having minimal concerns/unknowns with what's up the road, my kit/equipment, or figuring out efficient resupply. Hoping that allows me to focus more of my energy on keeping my head right, putting in the hours each day, and the best recovery I can muster. 21 days may prove to be ambitious but that is the goal.

If 80-90 feels like touring, a 21 day finish seems like a good goal for you. Previous experience is a plus to, IMHO. I'll be cheering your DOT.

I'm in but still need to send the LOI in. I need to get over this Christmas cold I picked up but then there is lots of fat-biking and skinning going on the agenda for the next few months, along with a bit of trainer time for more structured stuff. Can't wait for June 9th!

Aside from the cold, all the good stuff, Dave!  What's your finish goal?

I do have a fat bike so that's been great for actually getting outside, but it's also the bike I'm using  (swapping out for 29" wheels), and I'm getting antsy to get that all built up for Tour Divide mode! Will probably start swapping in new components in April or May and hope I don't forget anything. Getting really excited!

I seriously miss that excitement!!