Riding The Tour Divide

Yesterday I mentioned that the Tour Divide mountain bike race had gotten underway. The epic event features more than 70 riders attempting to cycle the length of the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route, which covers 2745 miles between Banff, Alberta, Canada and Antelope Wells, New Mexico. Over the past few years, the race has grown into quite an event, with the riders dealing with weather and challenging trails, while going completely self supported in the race.

Last week, prior to the start of the race, the Outside Blog posted an interview with Kurt Refsnider, who is one of the riders currently out on the trail. Refsnider is considered one of the favorites to win the race, having finished second back in 2009 in his inaugural run of the Tour Divide. Since then, he has earned plenty of experience in endurance mountain biking races and seems poised to make a run at the top podium spot.

In the interview, Kurt talks about the challenges of the Tour Divide, citing the distance and route, but saying that the self supported nature of the event is what really sets it apart from other long distance races. He also talks about his goals for this year's race, how he has prepared for it, and more. Of particular interest for many, like myself, is the gear that he is carrying with him and the bike he is riding along the way.

For those who are new to the Tour Divide, or just want more insights into the event, this is a good interview. I have a ton of respect for these riders, most of whom simply ride for the fun and adventure of it. This is one very challenging race, and it takes a special person to be able to complete it.

Good luck to all the racers! Enjoy the view!

2011 Tour Divide Mountain Bike Race Is Underway!

The 2011 Tour Divide mountain bike race got underway last Friday with 68 riders setting out from Banff, in Alberta, Canada, and another 15 starting in Antelope Wells, New Mexico. Those riders will now ride the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route end-to-end, covering more than 2745 miles (4418km) in the process.

Over the past few years, this race has continued to grow in popularity and participation. It is a test of both skill and stamina, as the riders must cover the trail in a completely self supported fashion, meaning they have to take all of their gear and supplies with them along the way. They can, of course, pull off the trail and resupply, but otherwise they have to be self sufficient along the way.

The route itself has the distinction of being the longest off-pavement cycling route in the world, with much of it being a series of loosely affiliated trails that interconnect with one another. In recent years, those affiliations have gotten a bit stronger, but there are sections that are still quite challenging to navigate depending on the current conditions.

Have just returned from Aspen, Colorado this weekend, I can also tell you that there are sections of the Rocky Mountains that still have a good deal of snow in them. The racers may have to deal with that as they go along as well, and while the weather is warming, it may be sometime before all the passes are easy to cross through. In fact, a blog post on the race website this morning indicates that there are number of detours already in place thanks to the continued snow conditions. Those conditions should improve as the riders head south, but it may be some time before they completely escape the powder.

Stay tuned for updates, as it generally takes a few weeks before the race is won, and longer for all the riders to reach the finish line.