Issue link: https://bluemagazine.uberflip.com/i/25126
HOW TO RIDE YOUR OW~ DIVIDE Do the whole thing on your own, or ride a chunk. Here are some suggestions on how to do it. People have been known to ride it in 18 days, but about 10 weeks is more like it. Buy a set of six maps, featuring elevation profiles, topography, food stops, bike shop locations, camping suggestions and a narrative from the Adventure Cycling Association. A guidebook, Cycling the Great Divide, designed to accompany the maps, is written by route architect Michael McCoy (The Mountaineers Books, $14.95, softcover). Contact the ACA at 800-721-8719, www.adventurecycling.org. But trailers are gaining popularity, and not without reason. As long as you pack your gear low in the trailer, weight distribution is no problem. You won't have to equally pack your bags so the weight balances. The possibility of "low rider"bags getting caught in your wheel is gone. Using a trailer gives you the flexibility to carry more. We used trailers as an experiment and found they handled well despite adding the potential of one more flat tire per rig. Most riders use the B.O.B Yak Plus Trailer (www.bobtrailers.com). A handlebar bag is a good spot for maps, a bandanna, mosquito repellent, bear spray or sunscreen. Plastic trash bags make good laundry bags and help to waterproof your belongings. Motels do exist on the route, but they are few and far between. Camping predominates the overnight scene on the trail. Bring a tent, sleeping bag and sleeping pad. Sweet dreams! -Grocery stores -Food stores to gas stations-beware of the dust on the cans -Truck-stop restaurants Green chili tortilla omelettes, great burgers and fries WATER: If streams run dry you could be getting water from cattle tanks, so hold on to that filter. Be sure to have at least three water bottles! CAMPING ESSENTIALS: Water filter system, collapsible water container, portable stove, mess kit, flashlight, spare batteries and matches or lighters. Carry a first-aid kit. Sewing kits are helpful. CLOTHING: Consider two pairs of cycling shorts, a riding shirt, a non- riding shirt, riding tights, two pairs of socks (send more to a post office along the way), underwear (same as socks), one pair of long pants, shorts, a fleece top, raingear/windbreaker, non-riding shoes like sport sandals, a helmet, a fleece hat, riding gloves, fleece gloves and overmitts. KEEPING CLEAN: Underarm deodorant is essential! So is environmentally friendly, biodegradable soap. A soap dish that doesn't accumUlate soap scum or break at the corners will make your life easier. Weight-conscious riders can use a washcloth instead of a towel. TOOLS & SPARE PARTS: Consider carrying spare tubes and a spare tire. Duct tape fixes almost everything, except relationships! A patch kit, tire irons, Allen wrenches, pumps, lubricant and spare chain links are musts. Have your bike tuned up before you go. If you use a trailer, take extra cotter pins. ACCOUTREMENTS: Computer, camera, CD player, binoculars, musical instruments. THE WEIGHT OF YOUR GEAR WILL FLUCTUATE DEPENDING ON THE AMOUNT OF WATER. FOOD AND ACCOUTREMENTS YOU CARRY. AIM FOR NO MORE THAN 50 POUNDS. This is a very personal matter. Thru-bikers might have a dilemma about the use of saddlebags versus trailers. Both work. Riders who use saddlebags know what to expect and must develop a good system of carrying their gear with them (ie: kitchen, food, clothing and tools in four separate bags). Bags are less likely to cause technical problems: there's no worry of a flat or a bent or broken cotter pin (the piece that attaches the trailer to the bike). If you use a trailer bring plenty of extra cotters. 38 THE BIG CITIES: If you miss the city life, or enjoy "Griswold-esque" side trips, here's a list of cities where you can stop to stock up: -Helena, MT, the capital. Population: 28,306. -Butte-Silver Bow, MT, a little bigger, but not the capital. Population: 33,994. -Lincoln, MT, the home of the Unabomber. Population: 657. -Bannack, MT, interesting ghost town. Population: 12. -Steamboat Springs, CO, ski country. Population: 8,729. -Frisco, CO, the beautiful Summit County. Population: 2,767. -Platoro, CO, interesting old mining town. No full-time residents. -Cuba, NM, great Mexican food. Population: 991. OR, GO WITH A GROUP The Adventure Cycling Association runs four group trips along the Divide. Groups generally consist of 10 to 14 riders and two leaders. The Great Divide Expedition-the real deal-begins June 19 in Roosville, Montana, and ends 75 days later on August 29 in Antelope Wells, New Mexico. You will be carrying your own gear and riding anywhere from 20 to 60 miles a day-averaging 45-over the 2,468 mile route. This is for advanced riders only. The total price of the trip is $2,800 which includes three meals daily (excluding the first day), camping fees and a shuttle to Tucson, Arizona, at the end of the trip. IF YOU ARE NOT UP FOR THE ENTIRE ROUTE, ACA OFFERS THESE SHORTER ALTERNATIVES: GREAT DIVIDE ALPINE COUNTRY Date: August 18 to August 27 Starts: Steamboat Springs, CO. Ends: Salida, CO Total Miles: 245. Avg Daily Miles: 36 (range: 25 to 47) Difficulty: Advanced Price: $800, includes three meals daily (excluding first day), motel on first and last days, camping fees and shuttle to Steamboat Springs. GREAT DIVIDE GOLD COUNTRY Date: July 28 to August 3 Starts: Helena, MT. Ends: Dillon, MT Total Miles: 197. Avg Daily Miles: 34 (range: 20 to 45) Difficulty: Advanced/Intermediate Price: $700, includes three meals daily (excluding first day), motel on first and last days, camping fees and shuttle to Helena. GREAT DIVIDE RIVER COUNTRY Date: July 21 to July 26 Starts: Holland Lake, MT. Ends: Helena, MT Total Miles: 170. Avg Daily Miles: 34 (range: 20 to 45) Difficulty: Advanced/Intermediate Price: $650, includes three meals daily (excluding first day), motel on last day, camping fees and shuttle to Holland Lake.