[beyond expectations]

From personal experience the Highland Trail 550 has more technical riding than the AZT or CTR.  Its also a lot wetter, even in a dry year.  That said its low elevation and mild temp with easy water and food resupply . 
For pure wow factor the HT 550 was beyond expectations for this American rider.

I would highly recommend it go on any multi-day racer's bucket list. (Note: as the field size is limited you need some demonstrated multi-day finishes to get on the start list--so the quality of GD starters is a bit higher than what you might see in the AZT or CRT)

This question comes up over and over.  A few will disagree but the consensus is a 2.1 size mountain bike tire is about ideal.  Bigger is ok, smaller is just asking to get beat to death.  Yes you can run a narrow tire--yes yes yes--it has been done--but you will be slower overall and risk additional damage to all three contact points-hands, feet and bum.

Fenders are a nice touch in the rain but will clog with mud if you get rain in the many sections with clay in the soil. Best to not run true fenders but a down tube mud guard and fork brace flap will not clog and will keep most of the spray off.  A high style rear fender will not clog to badly but is prone to getting in the way and/or banged around

Note: non technical basically for the TDR route means little single track -- but if you are planning to race at speed then even a double track jeep trail becomes technical.

Do it smart and run a mountain bike size tires, you will not regret doing so.

Best of luck--have a good run

Marshal

My take on altitude acclamation for the TDR
IMO it's only a issue if you insist on using a low elevation "pace" at a higher elevation
What I mean is if you slow your pace to match the elevation then acclamation is a small factor
I see this all the time where a rider coming to Colorado from lower elevation simply does not adjust their pace to fit the 'oxygen' level
They use the word 'acclamation' but really they were just pushing to hard
Not to say you don't aclamate but really is a small factor in a long multi day event like the TDR

Recovery for me seems to be a bit easier than some have discribed
I am climbing a bit faster on some training routes and plan to do a few local races, no multi day, we will see how it goes when it's a race vs a training ride.  I would say that I felt less fatigued at the end this year than in 2010 and that probably is why I feel back to normal faster

My experience of Orange Peel is that you would be unwise to rely on them having the tyres you want. Better to bring your preferred replacements to Banff and post them ahead to Steamboat.

There are 5 or 6 bike shops in Steamboat--if one doesn't have the tire you want chances are an other will, after a couple of calls to verify Orange Peel lent me a loaner bike so I could ride over to another shop for a set of leg coolers.............

In hotel room--Achilles is now 'squeaky' and bumpy as well as swollen
Any way it could improve? Ice elevation as we speak
Any other suggestions?

This thread has been so helpful! Thanks everyone for the input. Anybody staying at SameSun Backpackers Lodge? I arrive June 9.  

Three questions (TD rookie here!):

(1) Are aerobars a TD must? (I tried to run them on the Colorado Trail but never used them [not comfortable]; but CT had a lot more single-track. I am just not used to aerobars, and so if I know I'm probably not going to use them, it seems I should ditch them. ??)

(2) I am using a Garmin eTrex30, a Garmin 800 GPS (backup), an Exposure Diablo helmet light, and a Planet Bike AAA battery charged bar mount light (backup). My plan is to have a ton of AAA lithium batteries and cue sheets on my iPhone (keeping my iPhone OFF, except in emergencies). I will also have a couple AAA battery powered USB chargers (to power the backup Garmin and the Exposure light). I'm not sure about bringing the maps (leaning toward "no"), as they are bulky/heavy, and I will have two GPS units (with routes uploaded), plus cue sheets on the iPone. I think I want to opts for no paper maps and no paper cue sheets and no batteries other than AAA batteries. My question is this: do I have enough backups in this electronics/navigation system? (I've thought through a number of ideas, and this is what I settled on; I just wanted to double-check it with the vets out there!)

(3) Is the official start time (on June 12) 10 am? Is it okay to start earlier?

Thanks!

Sarah

Are aerobars a TD must?--not if you are not planning on using them much.  It does take time to get use to them and its a bit late to try to accomplish that at this point.  From what you said I would leave them.  
(note: been using mine in all my training and like the nice 'rest' position they provide and unlike the CTR,the TDR route has miles of aerobar friendly terrain.

Maps?--no reason to bring them if you have a GPS system nailed, you obviously have plenty of backup, I assume you know each GPS unit inside out?  The maps are bulky and don't have much/any off route detail.  And they won't help much with navigation unless you have printed cues on your handlebars and a cycle computer and 'practice' with this rather cumbersome navigation method.  

Note: I see comments all the time on this forum about GPS users with their 'head down and blindly following a line', that's a total crock.  Once proficient with the GPS you spend a lot less time with your 'head down' than if reading cues, constantly checking an odometer and probably stopping several times a day to dig out and double check a map.  Ha, a GPS frees you to keep your head up and experience the surrounding terrain much better than blindly following cues.

I checked into getting a card about 2 weeks ago as I will not be flying up. 
But felt it was way to late to make it happen.  You have to mail in your regular passport and then wait for the process to occur.......I wasn't willing to mail away my passport and then hope the gov got everything done and back to me in a timely manner...

Inkerpok, you are essentially in a pressurised can when in an aeroplane and that bear spray WILL get recirculated again and again if it leaks. You can imagine what it will do to everyone in that can. Especially the drivers....why risk it?

MD, is the 10 000 point file detailed enough? That is only ~2 points per kilometre(~3 per mile). Is it worth breaking down the full sized file into smaller portions or am I just overthinking this? I don't want to miss some of those TD gems where you ride along a muddy trail just metres(yards) off the side of a nice paved road.

from 1st hand experience--10,000 point file is more than sufficient detail for the TDR route.  You will NOT miss a turn due to file size. 

Side note: Sections that are overlaid on a map and in essence drawn by hand & then transferred to a gpx file (not sure if this applies to any of the new sections) are the ones that can be confusing.  Even then, if you know how to use a trail style GPS a hand drawn track is usually no more than a minor inconvenience at worst.

With limited (but some 1st hand knowledge) of area/roads--my perspective on Rawlins Re-route section is:

Atlantic City to Wamsutter-- 95 miles of public road thru generally 'fast' desert terrain, w/less than 4000 ft of climb, excluding unexpected delays no water re-supply should be needed for this section

Love’s are major truck stops—will have wide variety of all re-supply items (excluding bike parts), expect faster, more efficient pit stop than in Rawlins

Wamsutter to Brush Mtn Lodge: this section looks routine but might be 'interesting', will need to study up on section miles 43-62

well I see we now have our official 2015 GPX track, the 2 re-routes look pretty routine from a big picture point of view.............http://topofusion.com/divide/gps.php

thanks ML & SM for all the work you guys put into the TDR !!!!

10:30pm and it looks like Billy is on his way

Go BR...........

Can a tire be too light for someones weight?

What would be the max weight of a rider for a 620g tire?

A 620g tire is a fairly light (29er) tire and might not be the most durable choice for a large racer but I would have no idea of it's weight rating.

And I really don’t know, but I think bike manufactures do have some type of 'max weight ratings' for complete bikes--frame, rims, tires etc--of say 230lbs to 300lbs.
  
So a large person with a heavy load of gear could conceivable exceed a manufacture's recommended weight rating (be it frame, tire, rim or complete bike)  

If you fall into this range I would educate myself by talking to a couple of reputable local bike shops and solicit more than one opinion.  Then one could select a frame/tire/rim combination that aligns with their new knowledge.  

Regarding tire choice: I once went through the maps and added all paved sections on the main route longer than 5 miles. I came to a surprising total of 673 miles, i.e. close to 25% of the total route. This is much more than most 'official' sources, e.g. Wikipedia, have it.

And once you add all the graded, relatively smooth gravel roads you can see why even a fast rolling ‘touring’ tire might make more sense than a classic mtb tire.  Some have gone down that path but……On the other hand tire volume/cushion is right up there with speed as a key tire characteristic.  Many will be fully rigid and each year some will suffer from hand/nerve damage.  So even with the relatively ‘smooth’ route, the long daily hours make tire volume, fit/position and glove/grip padding all important considerations.  When I add it all up I always come back to the WTB Nano--center line for fast roll and good size for volume. Now if they only had a better sidewall durability reputation...........

more tires tires tires....

I run Specialized all the time, Fast Track’s, Ground Control’s, Renegades etc 

I like them overall and especially how they mount up just right, not to tight not to loose and also how they quickly seal with stans

In fact I just did the Stagecoach 400 and my TDR shake down on a renegade/fast track combo

Of course the only tires I have had sidewall cuts on were also Specialized--AZT750 and a casual trail ride.  Point being you tend to cut the side walls of the tires you run the most-- more miles= more sidewall cuts

For the CRT, AZT Stagecoach etc I picked what I thought made the most sense for the dominant trail conditions.  And for any route with a lot of techy single track roll speed is almost meaningless as a key feature. 

But for the TDR roll speed is a much ‘bigger’ factor, in fact imo it’s the biggest factor --if you are going for a PR-- so I have chosen the tire I think rolls the best. 

End the end tires are always a compromise between their particular strengths and weaknesses, just like every other gear choice.

Good luck and here’s wishing everyone has zero tire issues!!!!!!!!!

Tires tires tires…..Nanos are just plain wrong for the TDR, anyone who uses them will naturally have side wall failure on gravel roads, yup it says so right here on the WTB web site….

This is the #1 tire choice for Tour Divide, the longest mountain bike race in the world stretching from Canada to Mexico along the Rockies.  It features an elevated centerline that rolls effortlessly on hard surfaces, numerous micro knob working edges providing lateral traction and predictability, and a voluminous casing designed to go the distance.  It is no wonder why the Nano is ultra endurance mega athlete Jay Petervary's favorite tire.

I will be rocking nanos, just like 2010, as they just roll so incredibly fast compared to any other tire I have tried………

but darn and big gulp and knock on wood……….wont I feel like an idiot when the sidewall goes as it surely will…..

guess I might carry something like this as my 1 luxury item… http://www.maxxis.com/catalog/tire-274-121-maxxlite

Okay, thanks for the info!

That would be an interesting top ten to view....
(actually,  just read it on your blog...  i had read this last year,  really well written and entertaining! but I had forgotten)


I remember being somewhat frustrated, but I like walking, and I was warm,  so I was "happy".....

I appreciated many of your blog comments,  I am trying hard this year to NOT under-estimate the mental challenges of the ride.

Hope things are going well for everyone as we close in on the start date.

And for those of you starting soon on an ITT,  I truly hope it's a great experience and everything goes as you plan/hope.

Tom

humm, lets see--the TDR is done on mtn bikes-- and this section of route is one of the few that actually is best done on a mtn bike.  Really its not a big deal, 'if' you ride a mtn bike on any local single track this will be a walk (ya I know..) in the forest......

TDR Shake Down Run

Open invite to anyone who would like to join me on a pre TDR shake down ride:

When:
Depart this Friday, May 8th (leave GJ sometime around 11:00am to noon)
Return May 11th, Monday (return to GJ sometime in the morning, around 10:00am)

Where:
Depart and Return: Grand Junction Colorado.  
Route is flexible but general plan is to travel:
•   GJ to Loma TH then follow some or all of the Kokopelli trail to Moab.  
•   Moab to La Sal UT and on to Bedrock (mix of pave & and dirt)
•   Bedrock to Dolores / San Miguel Rivers confluence to Hwy 141 to Gateway
•   Gateway to East Creek/Paradox Trail, Paradox trail to Grand Junction
Route can be shortened or extended as time and desire allow.


This is meant to be a TDR training ride so the general intent is to ride a sustainable, long-steady pace each day, possible into the night.   On the other hand I plan to take rest stops when I get the urge and spend extra re-supply time at Moab and Gateway, have a good meal and maybe some ice cream etc.  

Main resupply points are Moab and Gate way, with ‘possible’ resupply at La Sal I arrive during biz hrs (and Bedrock if the store is still in business)

If you are interested PM me

Marshal

edit--fixed date typos

GPX file for 2015 TDR Grand Depart:

Shortly before the Grand Depart, on this web page: http://topofusion.com/divide/gps.php,  I am expecting Matthew and/or Scott to post up the most current GPX file that all 2015 riders are expected to adhere to.

Scott, Matt, would either of you care to comment?

I'm glad someone else expressed anxiety about not knowing exactly what the race route is. I've been kind of embarrassed to ask and have been watching for something clear to come out before I freak. The closest I've found is the topofusion files linked from the tourdivide.org website that are labeled Tour Divide 2014 "official". I have the maps and understand that the race doesn't follow the main ACA route all the time, but I don't have a complete picture of what the race route is.

I glad to hear that Matthew will be sending out some emails, I'll be on the edge of my seat waiting for those. Thanks for all the great info that everybody provides here.

Unless this yr is different than all other years--Keep watching topofusion for a official (ML endorsed) '2015' TDR GPS Track. 

Again, unless the established protocol changes, Matt will post up "his" pre-depart changes to the TDR route on this site shortly before the start. 

In the end this will be the only route that counts if you plan to adhere to the TDR format.