While the training miles continue to pile up, the scope of the Tour Divide is slowly coming into focus. It’s 20+ days in the wilderness and close to 300 hours in the saddle.
I used to log 100-hour work weeks in British Columbia’s Oil and Gas Industry. I am familiar with how the brain doesn’t works when it’s completely exhausted. Comfort and uncomplicated decision making become paramount. While I’m already pushing towards the budget I had set aside for this ride, I know I still have quite the TDR shopping list to help increase my odds at success.
Tour Divide Navigation
I already have the Adventure Cycling Association maps and I’m quite adept using them; however, I recognize that after 14 consecutive 200+ km days, my mind may not be too sharp. I’ve decided a GPS is more necessity than comfort. Unfortunately, my old Garmin eTrex Vista H isn’t quite up to the task. It’s internal memory isn’t large enough to hold the official TopoFusion GPX file and there is no way to install the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route basemap.
I need a new GPS and I have it narrowed down to these two models:
The Garmin eTrex 20 GPS seems to be the gold standard of Bikepacking GPS at the moment and it’d be easy to install the essential maps and routes, as Garmin GPS’s are definitely the most commonly used products. I’m still including the Magellan eXplorist 310 in my considerations though, as I receive a 50% discount on their products. Because I would only save about $90, I am strongly leaning towards the eTrex 20.
TDR Shopping List
POC Travec Race MIPS Helmet:
MIPS is the newest technology in bike helmets and it’s multi-directional impact protection system protects riders from oblique falls rather than strictly vertical. This is a huge step forward and I’ll take the extra protection for my brain. And I’ll take it in white to attempt to keep my brain slightly cooler than a black helmet!
Mavic Scree MTB Shoes
These shoes look to be the leading choice, as they’re stiff yet sport large lugs for time out of the saddle. Coupled with a Gore-Tex liner, I’d at least be assured warm dry feet as we struggle through the snow-riddled Canadian section.
Ibex Arrivee Bib
It’s with a touch of sadness that I’ve learned Icebreaker quit making cycling clothing for 2014. I loved their half wool, half spandex bib shorts but mine are getting a touch worn out. Thankfully, Ibex is making a very similar – and in some ways superior product.
Mavic Espoir Gloves
I’m leaning towards fingerless gloves, too, despite the fact I haven’t worn a set in years. I suspect I’ll have more issue with heat in New Mexico and Colorado than I will with cold weather on the northern section of the route. Plus, I can always pack a pair of small windstopper gloves to kick off the race and either leave them behind or mail them home if I do not require the added warmth.
Gold Bond Body Powder
I know it sounds weird, but I have it on good authority from ThePlanetD that this stuff is a savior for outdoor adventures. It’ll be lighter and cleaner than carry chamois butter or bag balm.
SteriPEN Adventurer Opti Water Purifier
Yup, giardia isn’t fun.
What else would you consider a necessity for such a long ride? Leave your ideas in the comments!
I looked seriously at the eTrex last fall, unfortunately our dealer was out of stock. So I had a look at the Montana, twice the size and wg. of the eTrex, but that large screen is a winner.
I had a look at the route profile last week, some of those passes are high, which translates to cold and windy.
A small bottle of Iodine as a backup to the Steri Pen.
Whats your tool kit?
Is it acceptable to mail stuff ahead to a General Deliver address along the route? I’m thinking a chain change half way, new brake pads, fresh under wear, some food.
Kent
I was actually thinking of only Iodine. It is very unlikely to use it, as there are plenty of towns along the route. It’s a backup plan anyways. Have you used Iodine before? Effective?
It is acceptable to mail stuff ahead, but I am not going to do it. There are bike shops on route for parts, and fresh underwear are a load of laundry away! It won’t be that long of ride!
I have used Iodine (remember I’m old) I don’t like it, water taste Yukky. But then I have seen the results of not treating water which is far worse, the least of which your energy levels go to near zero. I does work effectively, there are though some alternatives out there today, check MEC.
We are off to Terrace in an hour, “River” time.
On shoes – I’ve recently switched from an ooooold pair of Sidi’s to a pair of Specialized (yeah, I know, evil) Rime’s. They’re also fairly stiff but have a Vibram sole, are lighter, and look a little less “all weather.” I like that so that I can strip them down in hot/dry but add socks, gore-tex oversocks, VBL’s, etc.
On water – I carry iodine tablets and a small bottle of bleach (two drops per quart). Emegenc packets get me some electrolytes while helping taste.
Hello! Fair enough. I actually just bought a set of Rime’s too. Grabbed them a few weeks ago and they’re a nice balance between performance and walking!
I also opted to go for the iodine tablets, as they are just so light.