Tour Divide 2013

[NathanM]

If you want to ride from Calgary To Banff then Route 1A: along the Bow Valley Trail looks to be the better way with less traffic and more scenic views.
its around 120km
I considered it this year but with a late arrival I took the easy option with the Banff Airporter.
Next year im planning to ride Calgary to Banff.

[robinb]

Banff is also surrounded by Provincial Park; the first 10km of the GDMBR has ample primitive camping spots. It's curious that the Y has so little lodging left - or, are you talking simply single rooms? Staying at the dorms in 2011, it felt like, without the TD people, the place was empty.

Yes there is primitive camping spots just 3mi into the GDMBR (cross bridge to east side of the spray river and backtrack .5 mi) just be sure to get a backcountry pass from the parks office first - about $6.

As for availability at the Y this year - this years grand depart start may be the same weekend as the Banff Bikefest, a 4 day road stage race. If so, then indeed getting rooms may be a challenge.

[BobM]

Yes there is primitive camping spots just 3mi into the GDMBR (cross bridge to east side of the spray river and backtrack .5 mi) just be sure to get a backcountry pass from the parks office first - about $6.

As for availability at the Y this year - this years grand depart start may be the same weekend as the Banff Bikefest, a 4 day road stage race. If so, then indeed getting rooms may be a challenge.

UH-OH, Robin's right:

http://www.banfflakelouise.com/Area-Events/Festivals/Summer/Banff-National-Park-Bike-Fest

[stappy]

I think riding to Banff makes a lot of sense. Living in Calgary that's how I get to the race. It's a nice warm up, shake down etc, about half a TD days ride, beautiful views, easy surfaces. Around 130 km/ 80 miles from NW Calgary, riding the 1A to Banff. It rakes about 5 hours at a steady pace on a road bike. 10 hours would give time for an easy pace on a loaded TD bike, and a stop in Canmore for a late lunch. I've offered to ride people out the past two years and would love to meet anyone who wants to do it this year. In 2011 I took Kevin Cunniffe and Martin Wimpenny. I'd like to head out on the Wednesday, have Wednesday evening and all of Thursday in Banff. We'd start with breakfast at our local cafe, bike path with some single track out to Cochrane, coffee at another usual cyclist pit stop, 1A to Canmore, lunch, goat creek trail to Banff.
Craig.

[hikernks]

I thought about doing that, but the earliest I can get to Calgary is 2:30 Wed afternoon, and I am planning on starting Thursday around noon.

[ron]

Craig, I'm in for that. For real, that's just too good to pass up. (I'll just have to not get dropped too badly on my ss.)

[stappy]

If anyone is interested in riding out from Calgary, pm me over the coming months. I can help out with any questions you might have on bike shops and last minute stuff in Calgary.

http://www.bowcycle.com/bc12/
http://www.calgarycycle.com/
http://www.mec.ca/AST/ContentPrimary/Services/Stores/Calgary/Rentals.jsp

[THE LONG RANGER]

Always interesting read about the history of the area you're riding through,

http://basementgeographer.blogspot.com/2012/10/tragedies-of-crowsnest-pass-part-i.html

http://basementgeographer.blogspot.com/2012/11/tragedies-of-crowsnest-pass-part-ii.html

[JeffM-VT]

Hi everyone...  I'm new to bikepacking.net and this is one of my first posts.  I did the AML (Allegheny Mountain Loop) race a couple of weeks ago and loved it.  Looking forward to doing the CTR, ATR, GNTR, etc. at some point

I'm committed to doing the Tour Divide in 2013 and booked my flight yesterday to fly into Calgary late on Monday night June 10th (best deal using frequent flier miles).  I'm thinking of spending the night in the airport and then biking to Banff on Tuesday.  Would love to have others join me on the ride if it worked into their schedule.

I haven't figured out how I will get my bike there yet.  It looks like it will cost $200 to bring on my flight (as considered oversized luggage - United is expensive for that) so I'm considering having my bike shipped to Calgary (or Banff if that makes more sense).  Does anyone have any suggestions for the least expensive way to get my bike from Vermont to Calgary?

Also - while in Banff I plan on camping (likely at Tunnel Mountain NP campground right in town pretty much).  The price is per site so would love to share with other cyclists to save money if anyone is interested.  I'll be trying to save money wherever possibly while doing the TD as to me that will be part of the game.  I expect that this will get very expensive otherwise.

Thanks in advance for any feedback that anyone can provide!  Good luck to everyone with preparation, etc.

Jeff Mullen
Richmond, VT
jeffmullen@gmavt.net

[BobM]

Hi everyone...  I'm new to bikepacking.net and this is one of my first posts.  I did the AML (Allegheny Mountain Loop) race a couple of weeks ago and loved it.  Looking forward to doing the CTR, ATR, GNTR, etc. at some point

I'm committed to doing the Tour Divide in 2013 and booked my flight yesterday to fly into Calgary late on Monday night June 10th (best deal using frequent flier miles).  I'm thinking of spending the night in the airport and then biking to Banff on Tuesday.  Would love to have others join me on the ride if it worked into their schedule.

I haven't figured out how I will get my bike there yet.  It looks like it will cost $200 to bring on my flight (as considered oversized luggage - United is expensive for that) so I'm considering having my bike shipped to Calgary (or Banff if that makes more sense).  Does anyone have any suggestions for the least expensive way to get my bike from Vermont to Calgary?

Also - while in Banff I plan on camping (likely at Tunnel Mountain NP campground right in town pretty much).  The price is per site so would love to share with other cyclists to save money if anyone is interested.  I'll be trying to save money wherever possibly while doing the TD as to me that will be part of the game.  I expect that this will get very expensive otherwise.

Thanks in advance for any feedback that anyone can provide!  Good luck to everyone with preparation, etc.

Jeff Mullen
Richmond, VT
jeffmullen@gmavt.net

Beware shipping your bike - a couple of years ago a rider missed the Grand Depart because his bike got held up in customs - no worries about that if you take it on the plane.  You might want to re-check United.  At least last year it was $100 for an oversized bike box so long as the weight was below a certain amount.

Bob

[JeffM-VT]

Thanks Bob...  You're right.  It looks like I misread and it will only be $100 to bring my bike on the United flight.  Not too bad though probably better on some other airlines.

I started to look into shipping and it looks like it would be more than $100.  I'll also definitely feel better having the bike on the plane with me.

Anybody up for riding from Calgary to Banff on Tuesday, June 11th?  And sharing a campsite in Banff on T,W and TH nights?  Though I'm guessing that many of you will be doing the TD with either a bivy sack or a tarp set up.  I'm going with a small 1 person tent as I like the extra space and protection from the elements if we hit much bad weather.

[ron]

Anybody up for riding from Calgary to Banff on Tuesday, June 11th?

Hey Jeff, just up the page a bit you'll see Stappy's very generous offer of a group ride from Calgary to Banff on Weds the 12th, if your schedule can accommodate it. I'm doing that ride and surely others will sign up as well.

[JeffM-VT]

Thanks Ron...  Yeah - I would love to do the ride with a group on Wednesday.  Sounds like fun.

But with my flight coming in on Monday night, Tuesday seems to make the most sense for me.  Unless I can find someplace inexpensive to stay in Calgary on Tuesday night.  Might be fun to see Calgary for a day.

Jeff

[ETURK]

Slightly off topic ...

I'm editing Volume 4 of the Cordillera which is on experiences from the 2012 Tour Divide race.

If there is anyone who participated and would like to contribute it is not too late! Drop an e-mail to chris [at] lpcb.org and I'll tell you what to do. You can join such noteworthies as Ollie and Estzer who have provided great stories, as well as quite a few from people like myself who didn't make it to the end...

For for those of you who promised me something and haven't finished ... consider this another not so gentle reminder  We want to have it out next month so it can become the best possible Christmas present for a Tour Divider. Of course it also helps the late David Blumenthal's daughter's education fund as that is where all the proceeds go.

Thanks so much for all who make this possible!

[ETURK]

I would like to informally announce (assuming my son stays healthy, to be brief he has a condition that could take my extended vacation away) then you will see me at the start of the 2013 Tour Divide!

 

[pro_out]

I would like to informally announce (assuming my son stays healthy, to be brief he has a condition that could take my extended vacation away) then you will see me at the start of the 2013 Tour Divide!

 

AWESOME ETURK, I will be watching. 

[Cosmo K]

Just a post so I can get updates...

[JohnP]

I'm running out of excuses not to do this 2013. Sub'd to thread....

[ryansigsbey]

Signed up!  See you all on the 14th!   

[Snowbd2u]

I should be good to go this year. Had our second child last July so didn't want to cut it too close. Really excited. In VA if any one  wants to do some training trips. I'm a ss guy so might be slow on the uphills!