Okay. Can I iron out a few details in one post? I am a newbie to the TDR and bikepacking in general, but have plenty of tours. I've been riding more miles this year in preparation for this race, but I've got a few gear questions I cannot solve:

1. Has anyone used a spot connect for tracking before?
2. What is the usual light setup for riders? My bike lights require carrying an extra charger, which is annoying to say the least.
3. What's the split on running tubeless vs tubes? Big advantage either way, or is the fact we,re riding more gravel than trail mean thorns aren't as big of worry?
4. Jones h bar vs straight bars with aerobars? Thoughts?
5. Anybody convert an XT cassette to run a custom 42 tooth cog? Results?
6. Are bike shops along the route (I know there are a few good ones) all gonna stock the basics like bb7 pads, chains, and solid tires?


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Alright getting deeper into this thread and previous threads and such.

Is the gpx file  "TourDivide2012_v2.gpx"  (or file "TourDivide2012_v2_10k.gpx" pre-simplified to 10k points) at www.topofusion.com the file being used for 2014?

Thanks in advance and sorry for the barrage.

I've been wondering the same thin about the 2012 GPX file!


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I'm curious what conditions I might find on the Oregon 3 Rivers Trail in early May? Has anyone ridden there this early?

Hello! I'm looking to sneak in a TDR training ride on the Oregon 3 Rivers Route in early May. I recognize that it'll be a touch early but why would I worry about something as trivial as snow? There is bound to be lots on the Tour Divide anyway.

Route: http://www.bikepacking.net/bikepacking-routes/oregon-three-rivers/

Probably riding May 2 or 3 onwards but I am flexible by a few days.

Cheers!

In response to EndoAgain asking about SPOT units. Has anyone used a Spot Connect for the TDR? Thoughts??


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I think they have harness's in stock if you email them.


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Take the Cross Check! I think you can squeeze on some 45mm rubber?


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Writer/photographer for destination marketing!


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I was thinking of running a Knard 3.0 up front, but that thing is a pig.  There's no way you could get me to push that thing around for 3,000 miles.

Looking at the 2014 lineup, more than a few of us intend to push that knard along. I find it fast for its size. At 16psi, I can roll it along at 30km/hr on smooth sections plus I can bowl over any rough sections. I guess we'll see.


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I was totally going to forgo aerobars. Hadn't even considered it. Then I cleaned out my shed today and found a set of Oval triathlon aerobars from an old triathlon bike I rebuilt and sold for my sister.

I tossed them on my Krampus and went for a ride.

Wow. Talk about a great instant feel! Cannot imagine riding TDR without at this point but I'll keep playing with their adjustment...

Okay, thanks for the clarification on PO boxes.

I am now curious about navigation. I have all the maps and the 2012 gps files. It seems there were no changes for last year. What's the go for 2014? Too early to make it official? Or am I looking in the wrong spots for updated gps files?

I know I read on the badly outdated TDR website that posting stuff to PO boxes isn't allowed. Something to do with giving foreign riders an equal opportunity?

But as I read packing lists and look through these forums, it seems common practice to have things waiting on route?

I'm just curious what the deal is on shipping parts or fuel (thinking some caffeine laden hammer fuel perpetuem might be handy) to a waypoint is? Has this common consensus changed?
 
Cheers!

Hey, cool!  Now you can slide for another month! 

I figure I'll ramp up the miles now that the Great White North is isn't quite so watery, buy why risk faded colours??

Honestly though, been preparing for months and months. So excited my wife finally got annoyed with me talking about the TDR that she figured out I needed to get it out of my system.

im 94,3% sure that im gonna use my knard 3.0 120tpi om my krampus for the TD this summer.. arnt sure how wise it is, but i really love the flow and comfort of the tire...
Any thougths?! will I get mad over the heavy tire going up the small hills over there ?!

I've been thinking Kramous as well. Are you sticking as a 1X10?
I've been

It's what, two months away and I just need to sort my kit, ride myself into shape and colour coordinate my clothing 

To point out my own error, it's 3 months away! Plenty of training miles to be had 

I think I'm officially all in for a South Bound TDR this year. See you all in Banff!!

How many people ride northbound? It sure would make my logistics easier, as I live just North of Banff and could really subscribe to the race home theory, but it just seems all the cool kids are racing south. 

It's what, two months away and I just need to sort my kit, ride myself into shape and colour coordinate my clothing