Intermediate: 5%. Some of these alternates are described below per TopoFusion. About 90% of it is on trails or tracks, while the rest is on wilderness routes. The distances covered each day depend on personal preference, but some days can have over 30km and 1,000m in elevation gain. Added High Rockies Trail-North, west side of the Spray River, Added new route through Butte including singletrack on “Big Butte”. It includes several alternate sections not sanctioned by ACA but required by the TD event, including a route that skips Rawlins, WY, instead using the town of Wamsutter for resupply. Feel free to reach out to us with any questions about the route. Visit this section to learn how to choose a route, and some insight into navigation. In the process, it climbs 200,000 feet/60,960 meters (that’s seven Everests) and ascends passes two miles (three kilometers) high. Learn More, We have ~100 routes on our worldwide bikepacking routes map. Photo by Elizabeth Morton. NOTE: This is a very long motorcycle/road biking trail. In spite of the fact that this route, associated GPS track (GPX and maps), and all route guidelines were prepared under diligent research by the specified contributor and/or contributors, the accuracy of such and judgement of the author is not guaranteed. Ovando - more dogs than people and home to the best sandwiches on the Great Divide Trail. The Great Divide Trail (GDT) is a wilderness hiking trail in the Canadian Rockies. Finally, the Great Divide Trail is not as famous as its sister long-distance trails in the United States. The Great Divide Trail is a wilderness hiking trail in the Canadian Rockies. Typically, we rode one day to each of the book’s two days. The record time to complete the Tour Divide is 13 days, 22 hours and 51 minutes and was set in 2016 by Mike Hall (see Trail Notes for a full list of records). Its southern terminus is in Waterton Lakes National Park at the Canada–US border and its northern terminus is at Kakwa Lake in Kakwa Provincial Park, north of Jasper National Park. Temporary ACA Route Road Closures forum thread for more up to date issues. Also, if places along the route experienced heavy snow that season, the rivers and streams may be much higher than normal. Anyone attempting the GDT should have experience in bushwhacking and navigation, as well as be ready for snow, rain, and fording rivers. All of this is mixed together over 1,100 kilometers (680 miles) running along the Divide of the Canadian Rockies. Add one. From there, you have the choice of two airports. This book can be instrumental to your daily planning. With amazing cycling trails for both on-road & off-road enthusiasts. Bikepacking the GDMBR requires only intermediate off-road mountain biking skills, but it is a painstaking test of endurance based on the sheer scale of the route, with over 200,000 feet (60,960 meters) of elevation gain and loss. The Great Dividing Trail Network is a pathway for walkers, mountain bikers and trail runners to central Victoria’s hidden treasures from deep gorges and fern-lined rivers to the artefacts and cultural heritage of the greatest gold rush the world has ever seen. The guidebooks and ACA maps will have accurate camping and lodging recommendations, so depending on your daily pace and number of stops throughout the day, you can plan accordingly. A View From Two Wheels The Great Divide Mountain Bike Route (GDMBR) is the most recognized and important off-pavement cycling route in the United States, if not the world. A big thank you to all the riders who submitted your photos and information. Bike the Great Divide Route, Multistate Travel the world's longest bike route from Canada to New Mexico through forest roads and a smattering of asphalt. Mostly dirt roads, a little pavement, some single track, and 100% adventure await on the great Divide Mountain Bike Route from Canada to Mexico. 1 Minute Read She was told the company was doing poorly financially, and that it was necessary to eliminate Elaine’s paycheck from the fray. Layering is a necessity, and if you are packing ultralight, consider a sleeping bag liner for higher elevations. IMBA Canada. While zealots race it unsupported in just over two weeks, anyone with true grit, good gear, and a Suze Orman-approved budget can do it in just over two months. Women: Caroline Soong – 22:09:59, Men: Ollie Whalley (R) – 16:02:54 Submit one here. Here are your Grand Depart winners since the inception of the race in 2008. Matt and Brett both rode nearly identical Surly Ogres, equipped with XT/SLX drivetrain and hydraulic disc brakes. You can rent a car, hire a shuttle, or ride. Click the link below to find out how to start. Women: Alice Drobna (SS) – 22:06:36, Men: Josh Kato – 14:11:37 The weather in Canada and northern Montana would be relatively warm and we would beat the snow in Colorado while escaping the heat of New Mexico. Its remoteness equates with spectacular terrain and scenery. Riding the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route was an amazing experience, and we hope that sharing our journey here will inspire, inform and prepare others to embark on a similar adventure! The descent towards Radium. Otherwise, it’s the occasional small town, with a limited variety of goods and services available to riders. Changes to Kanasakis Lakes Provincial Park Road instead of bike path through park. Upcoming Events. Download . Or riders can select a single state and call it a dream vacation: Montana is 20 days and 695 miles/1,118 kilometers (the majority surprisingly easy) from the wild alpine country near Glacier National Park to the big grassy basins in the south. Highlights include the Flathead Valley in Alberta, Grand Teton National Park, the Great Divide Basin in Wyoming, South Park, Boreas Pass in Colorado, Polvadera Mesa, and the Gila Wilderness in New Mexico. 2 X Jersey – one Polo, one ventilated riding jersey, Sleeping Bag: Enlightened Equipment Revelation Pro 850 Drydown Quilt, Sinewaves Revolution USB Dynamo Charging Device, Kindle – with Cycling the Great Divide Guidebook by Michael McCoy, Racks: I’d highly recommend Tubus or Racktime, Additional: 2 Seal Line Nimbus Stuff Sacks. He was getting his Salsa bike-packing bike with Jones H Bar (loop model) converted back into a regular trail bike. Women: Marketa Peggy Marvanova – 22:18:04, Jay Petervary – 2011 – 17:09:01 Need to Know: For maps and trip planning advice, visit the Adventure Cycling Association online. Their tires of choice were Maxis Ardents 2.3” set up tubeless. It is North America’s premier long-distance mountain bike route. We were unable to start at the exact Waterton National Park border due to the massive 2017 forest fire that closed the trail in this area (as of June 2020, this section is now open to hiking). BIKES: The Great Divide terrain is really hard on a tandem captain and stoker and, although there have been a few others to ride a tandem, it is NOT the cycle of choice! Photo by Elizabeth Morton. Don't get lost on the GDMBR! In this event, the race clock runs 24 hours a day and riders are allowed no outside support other than access to public facilities such as stores, motels, and bike shops. The Great Divide Mountain Bike Route (GDMBR), developed and mapped in 1997 by the Adventure Cycling Association, is approximately 2,700 miles long and is considered by many to be the birthplace of bikepacking as a sport. If you are planning to go a long way on the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route, you will depend a great deal on your gear. Tip: The Diagnus well in the GB is really easy to miss. It is published by Cycle Adventures in a series of 5 maps designed for mountain bikes (bicycles). This mountain bike primary trail can be used both directions. During our travels we woke up with frost on our tent a few times. The Great Divide Route is the world's longest off-pavement cycling route. Which Bike? Added new ACA alternate into Butte, avoiding freeway riding. Tip: Before the Great Basin, stock up properly in Pinedale… Atlantic city was completely closed when we passed through. Lael Wilcox – 2015  – 15:10:59, Men: Mike Hall – 2016 – 13:22:51 Women: Bethany Dunne – 19:02:37, Men: Mike Hall – 13:22:51 Originally published in the March/April 2009 edition of National Geographic Adventure magazine, « Previous: Climb Grand TetonNext: Kayak Lake Yellowstone », https://www.nationalgeographic.com/adventure/features/best-trips/best-american-adventures/bike-continental-divide-trail.html. To avoid an extra 200 mile ride to the airport, it is best to secure a pickup from a shuttle service. The Great Divide Trail traverses the continental divide between Alberta and British Columbia, wandering through the vast wilderness of the Canadian Rocky Mountains for more than 1100 kilometres. Added new TD-specific Fernie Alt. You will pass some small lakes as you approach the Lake O’hara Road, where bikes are not permitted. We feel the best bike for the route is a hardtail with front suspension or a drop bar adventure bike with wider tires. It was tirelessly mapped over a 4 year span, and published in 1998 by Adventure Cycling Association, North America's premiere bicycle travel organization. Weather on the GDMBR is always changing. Setting the bar for self-supported racing, the 2745 mile Tour Divide is one of the most rigorous tests of durability a bike can be put through. The Tetons, from the road to Jackson Hole. The Adventure Cycling Association has never envisioned The Great Divide to be a hard-core mountain bike trail full of single tracks. No description for Great Divide Bike Path trail has been added yet! The Great Divide Mountain Bike Route. Back road riding all the way from Canada to the Mexican border. The Bicycle Frame. Billy Rice – 2013 – Yo-Yo (NoBo & SoBo) 44:42:00 The GDT closely follows the continental divide between Alberta and British Columbia, crossing the divide no fewer than 30 times. Careful selection of equipment will pay off during the trip. 22 Great Rides Download Map. Geisinger Trail Notes: on the Geisinger trails, I realized that my seat was a little bit high because it was still set up for the Great Divide Ride, which was much less technical. Great Divide Cyclery | Bike Fittings & Demo Bikes The Right Fit When it comes to enjoying the sport of cycling, no single factor is more important than being fit to your bike correctly. Part of the Goldfields Track. When I came out of the store, I found that somebody put some money on my bike, how nice. You must login to ... More Stats for Great Divide Mountain Bike Route mountain bike route. Easy: 20%. The route has been designed to provide a riding experience primarily on very low trafficked roads through mostly undeveloped areas of the Rocky Mountains. Fly from El Paso, TX (ELP) or Tuscon, AZ (TUS). I ended up using them for a night of camping at town. The most popular bike in the field is clearly the Salsa Cutthroat, representing over 25% of the field. That eliminates the need to schlep a heavy larder or to arrange complicated food drops. Local Info. Dennis Aberson (on Aug 12, 2016) What's this? Packing a water filter is highly recommended. Women: Mary Collier – 29:17:37, Men: Matthew Lee – 17:23:45 The Great Divide Trail sits is a one mile non-motorized trail through a negihborhood at the northern tip of Joliet, Illinois. I would have hated a 26er. To avoid significant backtracking, we twice forded a massive river. Very affordable and the crew there is incredible, very knowledgable and supportive of the GDMBR. Also, see Trail Notes tab for more information on GPX and navigation. Added FR 212 detour near Kremmling, CO and the Gold Dust trail near Breckenridge. No crowds around the finish, just the Chihuahuan desert and border patrol agents. Both the guidebook and map offer a couple of route alternates. "The Great Divide" organised by Bike-Adventures LLC PO Box 423 Aspen, Colorado 81612, USA T: (+1) 970 319 3579 W: www.the-great-divide.com E: info@the-great-divide.com Wallaby Track. Cycling The Great Divide- 2e druk 2013. The Great Divide Mountain Bike Route (GDMBR) is Adventure Cycling's premier off-pavement cycling route, crisscrossing the Continental Divide in southern Canada and the U.S. We encourage you to allow yourself more time than you think for last minute errands. Read More. Men: Matthew Lee – 19:12:00 There are quite a few options for lodging through WarmShowers.org along the route. What a place to camp. Check out the route maps on this site. GDMBR Map the world’s longest wilderness ride plan your tour Great Divide Route Map Total Distance: 2,715 miles/ 4,363 kilometers Total Ascent: 161,917 feet/ 4,363 meters stay on track Navigate the GDMBR Maps Not essential, but the extra route details and background information will make your GDMBR tour more rewarding. 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