Tour Divide Basics

[BobM]

Oh, Yeah!!

Went for a ride today but I'm just not motivated to do any of my local routes - I wish we were starting tomorrow so I could stop obsessing about all the little details that I know will be meaningless once we start.

Bob

[phil_rad]

Not sure about everybody else but i wish it would start tomorrow so i can just quit thinking about what to take with me and just worry about left foot, right foot, repeat.

Me too!! 

[elobeck]

Anyone know of a bike computer model/make that specifically allows one to manually enter a number in the trip distance or odometer slot?

[daveB]

VDO X2
http://www.cycleparts.de/en/produkte/fahrradcomputer/x2/funktionen/index.php5

You can manually change the odometer whenever you want.  It also has a "Navigator" function, which is essentially a second trip meter that you can change on the fly; it can also count up OR down.  Pretty handy to be able to change the daily trip meter to match cues when you're off for whatever reason.  I have a model C3, which at the time was their cheapest model with that function.  I think that the X2 fills that niche now.  $40 on Amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/VDO-X2-Bicycle-Computer/dp/B0021QNI28

[elobeck]

Thx, I'll check it out. Although doing a lot of math last year kept me awake....

[jimfab]

Everybody

It is getting closer every day now, not fast enough.... I had more second thoughts about gear after checking out Rhino's sweet sleep set up and spent more money at REI today.... Although i know it is worth it, i may be bankrupt before the 11th. Oh well, it is worth it. Anyway..... I want to check out the Ride the divide movie in Banff on the 10th, but i am already concerned about bike security. Anybody know anything about locks, safety ect... Will the Y keep an eye on em for us? Anybody taking some kind of lock with them? I can't friggin wait to get started! Also... anybody else booked on the 10.18 PHX to YYC US airways or on the 1500 transport to Banff on the 9th?

Rock on- Jim

[phil_rad]

I'm bringing this http://www.eaglecreek.com/accessories/security_id/TSA-3-Dial-Lock-and-Cable-41028/, it won't stop someone who's determined to steal my bike but it should slow people down. I won't leave my bike unattended in a bigger town, I'll take it in the store or into my motel room with me.
I'm on the transporter at 1230, if all goes well with my flight and getting through the gauntlet of immigration and customs.

[jimfab]

Thanks Phil

I think I may try to throw something like that together... it would be cool to be able to use a spare shifter cable since i will be carrying one anyway.....HMMMMMM.... ill work on it.... my luck i would loose the key or forget the combo to the lock  . I guess i will see you at the Y then.

Rock on- Jim

[BobM]

I made the exact same thing out of 3/32" aircraft cable from the hardware store (I already had the luggage lock).  I'm not too worried about a real bike thief in the places we will be stopping, I just want to eliminate "impulse shopping" i.e. heave the bike in the back of the pickup and drive off.

Anyone else planning on TTing the course down towards Elkford/Sparwood pre-race?  I will be heading down-course on Monday the 7th (barring unforeseen circumstances) and returning to Banff Tues and Weds.  Living at 1,000 feet I figure a little acclimation wouldn't hurt.

Bob

[sluttyduck]

I never worried about my bike getting stolen(except when I was in Calgary).  Jacob, Per, Trevor and I left our bikes outside of grocery stores in Helena and Butte with out any issues(biggest cities).  But that might have been a strength in numbers sort of thing.
Most restaurants were a piece of cake since they usually had windows where we could keep an eye on things.

But
If it's something you are going to worry about, by all means bring a lock.  This is a mental race more than anything.  Do what makes you feel comfortable.
Trust me.  I'm a neurotic person myself  

[scott-australia]

Thanks to all who have posted in this thread.  It's very informative for someone like me who is just getting into bikepacking and the idea of doing the TD.

[jmarshall312]

Hey all,

Sorry to revive an old thread but I have an equipment question.  It is my understanding that most of the TD route is not terribly technical.  It looks like there is a good deal of gravel, hard packed dirt, and even some paved sections.  My go to bike is a MAP randonneur 650b with 42mm slick tires and fenders.  Is it insane to attempt the TD with this setup?  I ride gravel and dirt all the time on this bike and it handles those conditions really well.  If only ~5% of the route is technical I would probably be comfortable 'underbiking' in those cases.  I think the biggest threat would be snow.  Do any bikes besides fat bikes do any better in snow or is it always a matter of grit and get through it?  Would running fenders be a big mistake.  My bike is designed with solid fender clearance but would i still likely find myself in a bad situation with an abundance of mud?

I know that these are high level questions and likely different people would have different opinions but is anyone aware of people finding success on the TD with a randonneur bike?

Thanks for your guidance!

Jason
Chicago

[Marshal]

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

[ewoklake]

Last year a rider running 40c tires on a cross bike crashed out on day one and the other rider I ran into riding a similar set up was having a hell of a time on the downhills. Do yourself a favor and go with wider tires. Your wrists and a maybe additional body parts will thank you.

[Erik_A]

Some inspiration:  http://theradavist.com/2015/06/the-2015-tour-divide-race-grand-depart-in-banff/#1
and
http://bikepackersmagazine.com/2016-tour-divide-rigs/