Correct!

You can change the colour on the 30x which is a newer model. So not sure if it’s a feature of the 30 or a feature of the updated version.

If you need a basemap you can get one here for free http://garmin.openstreetmap.nl/

You shouldn’t have to do anything when you swap batteries. Once you turn it back on everything should load as you had it and will continue tracking from where you left off. No need to save.

1. Maybe 30-40 hours with Lithiums. Much less for alkalines. Maybe 20. Make sure you go to Setup > System and then select the appropriate battery type. It makes a big difference to getting the most out of battery life.

2. Not really much way to extend life except keep the backlight down/off. Maybe only using GPS only and not Glonass? I’ve never bothered with the Glonass on the etrex but have heard it can use extra battery life on other devices. I like to have mileage, average speed, stopped time, elevation, time of day on a seperate data screen and then have the elevation plot in the data field for the map screen. Theres a way you can set it up to cycle through screens with the back button. From memory it’s something like Setup > Page Sequence, and then remove menu and have Map and Trip Computer. Then you should be able to flick between with one button and forget about using that stupid joystick while you’re riding. To access the menu, you then double press on the Menu button.

3. You can either select the Track file and show on map. Or you can go “where to?” And navigate off a track that way. I think Gadds file runs southbound though. So you’d have to flip it with a gpx editor if you wanted to actually “navigate” off it and not just “show on map”, this would give you the elevation profile. It won’t beep at you if off course though.

4. Yes. Exactly. You can save the track at the end of each day if you like too. Then it will give you the option to reset data fields or you can opt not to if you want to keep cumulative counts running.

You follow the highway on a gravel service road for a bit and then a pretty mellow gravel climb over elk park pass. Lots of cows and open meadows.

Thanks for the update Stefan

Thanks Joe!

Well it’s only a few days till the GD, looking like a fast group of riders lining up this year.

Josh Kato and Lael will obviously be up there. Josh Ibbett on his rookie run but with 2 TCR and and an Italy Divide wins under his belt is no stranger to racing for the win. Kim Raeymaekers has been busy the last few years on Trans Am, Indy PAC and Silk Road and Kai Edel with Trans Am, Indy Pac and a second place finish at Northcape-Tarifa. Both could be contenders although For Kai it will his first off-road ultra. Sofiane is back after a 3rd place finish in 2016 on a cross bike in 16:00:25. Who else to watch? There’s a fair few others with 15 day goals listed on the unofficial spreadsheet

 Hey guys, do people carry water filters? I know there is many options for resupply, just wondering what peoples experience has been in the past with the hydration program.

I actually carried both tabs and a Katadyn BeFree filter. Tabs are so light and and quick and easy to use, that’s what I did 98% of the time. But the filter is great for situations where you’re filtering mirky water. Additionally if you’ve run out of water and finally find a source, the filter allows you to drink at the source rather than have to wait a further 30 mins before you can drink, and means a can “camel” a decent amount while at the source too.

Anyone have experience with the Ardent Race and the AZT as opposed to the full Ardent tire?

Not Arizona specific, but I’m just about to pull a 2.2 Ardent Race off the front of my bike after 7000km. 4500km of that was TD last year. For reference the TD miles were probably the tamest terrain they saw. They’ve mostly  seen a lot more rugged and rocky trails since then.

I ran a Specialized Power last year and it was great. The shorter nose really helps with setting up aerobars because you don’t have to compromise on your normal riding position. I used to run Fizik Arione’s and found to be comfortable on the aeros I had to tilt the nose of the saddle down to get it out of the way, which meant it was down a little more than I would like in the regular position and potentially shifted more weight onto my hands. The Power is short enough that you can set the position how you want it for normal riding and then it stops before pointing far enough up to get in the way in the aero position

I’m pretty sure last year Gareth was also on 32:16 and Bailey was on 40:20. So same thing.

i was thinking pants could be nice to be able to get up and ride with until warm or keep moving late at night with if it's really cold and/or wet.

Makes sense. Quite a smart idea!

Oh yeah. I guess there’s a few small things I might have missed. Yes to spoke wrench. A small 4000mAh cache battery to charge off dynamo. Cables for iPhone, micro USB, mini USB for etrex (didn’t use), and for the exposure helmet light. No extra sealant. Just put a lot in before I started. First aid kit was minimal. Some strips of KT tape, 2 small gauze pads, neosporin, steri strips, couple band-aids, backup ibuprofen.I think that’s about it.

I don’t think my minimalist kit caused me to suffer. A few moments of discomfort. Most of those were attributed alone to my stupid rain pants, which I’ll admit were a mistake. But I think a 50g heavier pair would have solved a lot of that

https://enlightenedequipment.com/torrid-apex-pants-custom/

150gm. Not bad!

I’ve got a mate making me an apex half bag to pair with my puffer jacket. Should be ~180g and probably offer a bit more warmth than pants.

I second the BeFree filter. I use the 1L version, there’s also a 3L and the bags are made for Katadyn by Hydrapak. So you could buy another Hydrapak bag to match the size of your bladder so you only had to fill once.

Etrex is probably the way to go. You’ll get 3-4 days of racing in a set of lithiums. So should be fine to start with a fresh set in the unit and only one set of spares. You can always buy a set of alkilines along the way to top you up if needed. They’ll probably only last 36 hours or so though (and you do need to change battery type in the settings!). Been I while since I’ve used rechargeable NiMH batteries but they get about the same life as Alkaline.

1. alloy
2. Nope
3. No. My sleeping bag lived inside my bivy and that went straight into my bar bag
4. Backup GPS was my phone. Had the route loaded on Maps.me.
5. I didn’t love the waterproof socks. In the future I’ll just use bread bags. Thinner and lighter. It’s what I’ve done in the past.
6. Just some topeak mtb hand pump.
7. I think I started with 24 rear, 22 front. I weigh ~70kg
8. Yeah they definitely did. I didn’t size up shoes but I did utilise the BOA closure a lot in the second week of my race to back off the pressure on my foot if I was on a flat section and then tighten back up for climbing.
9. I mean I only sat down to eat at a table 3 or 4 times. If I ever ordered subway I took it to go and ate while I packed my bags, or while riding, or put it in a bag for later. 3 nights in hotels. A couple nights in camp toilet blocks, otherwise on the side of the road.  

Looks like Stefan is saying it will be either the last or second last Sunday in July.

1) I can’t really speak to the Lauf as I’ve never tried one. But I’d be running rigid again if I went back. Sounds like maybe going rigid but sizing up your front tyre to a 2.35 could be a good option. Keeps things simple but gives you a little bit more rubber to dampen the trails. I also would recommend a good carbon bar. Carbon is incredible for reducing road-chatter compared to aluminium. Just use some electrical tape to protect the bar from bag rub from feed bags, handlebar bags etc

2) I love the Power. I actually switched to it only a few months out and was nervous about making such a change so late but it was that good I had no hesitation with sticking with it. I think it’s especially good if you run aero bars as with the short nose there’s less to get in the way, and means you don’t have to told the saddle down further than ideal to compromise between the two positions. (Which was a complain of Mike’s against aero bars)

3) there’s a third bottle mounted under my down tube. So I had 2.7L capacity. Through montanta it was cold and wet so was mostly only carrying 2L at a time. Through the Basin and the Gila I added an extra 1L Gatorade bottle. I had some bungee cord wrapped around the back of the aero bars and used that to strap down the extra bottle. I never ran out of water but I was also moving at a good pace. If you’re moving slower you made need more. What sort of time are you aiming for?

4) To me, yes. I wouldn’t even think about attempting the Divide without them. Yes. They are heavy, ~500g but being able to get the weight of your hands is so crucial to me. Especially if you’re saying that you’re concerned about hand numbness. I think aero bars are going to do more to reduce that than a Lauf. I’m not sure the pads with no extensions would really work. Part of having the extensions to hold on to is allowing you to maintain that position but still having enough control to negotiate rocks and potholes in otherwise smooth roads.

5) All. The. Time. I love them. Again if you’re worried about hand numbness, the more positions for your hands to be in the better. Each different position is going to relieve pressure off different parts of the hand.

6) No. But again, that’s part of moving fast. Mostly I was refuelling only in gas stations so wasn’t leaving the bike long and was never far away. Only went into one supermarket. And I think only 3 or 4 restaurant meals.

Can’t help you with Mike’s list but here’s what bike and gear got me to Antelope Wells in a decent time this year. 37lbs all up before food and water.

https://overlandarchive.com/2018/04/01/giant-xtc-divide/