Now that the 2012 race blog entries are finally complete, I can move on to the 2013. I learned a lot about the race and myself last year and have decided to make a few changes to my set-up. First the bike:
Having wheels built:
Stans Arc rims.
DT Swiss 240 hubs
Trying the WTB Nano's (going tubeless but using the regular tire, easier to get on)
Going with a Shimano Pro rigid carbon fork. Had my suspension locked out last year most of the time. When I had it on I was hitting my luggage in the front. I think the weight saving is worth it.
Getting a new frame bag from Scott at Porcelain Rocket with a 3L bladder on the top section.
Trying to eliminate taking a back pack
Avid BB7 mechanical brakes. switching from the hydraulics. Had problem after a crash last year. needed a bleed kit which I didn't bring and do not want to carry.
Other Gear Changes:
Z pack sleeping bag. Lightest warmest I can find with good reviews
Likely the Gore Phantom Rain jacket with removable sleeves
Garmin Etrek 30 - takes AA batteries. Best way to go. I got stuck waiting to charge things last year.
Shoes TDB
Rain pants debatable
Gore socks.
A string to tie my mittens together in my coat. Lost two pairs last year :)
Blackburn
Thursday, 24 January 2013
Wednesday, 23 January 2013
Tour Divide 2012 - Day 5-10
Lets see if I can end my 2012 journey in one post. Need to start looking ahead to 2013.
Sputter, sputter, stop, repeat seemed to be the theme of my last few days on the divide and ultimately I decided I was heading for 32 days at this pace and I did not have that much time to spend out here with family and work obligations. Butte seemed to be the last town that was easy to get home from so in the end I decided to save my knowledge, time, budget, equipment and the sanity then bury my ego and pride to focus on a solid run in 2013, and bailed in Butte. I wasn't interested in "touring" and I wanted to finish in a competitive time. it really sincerely hurt, almost physically, to quit but I think it was the right call, even in hindsight. So here are the last few days...
Day 5
Pain, really bad. Made it up the hill to breakfast where I think I ate everything on the menu. Then across to the gas station where I found Adam and crew stocking up. It was nice to start out with someone. Again, knees were bad! a few miles in my "braving the pain" was wearing out and I fell back a little from the others. As I did I noticed Adam had dropped his map, and as he was within screaming distance I yelled ahead. When I handed him the map I told him that I found one of my booties on the road the night before. His friend then informed me that he had the other. He had picked them up in Elkford and then lost the one I found last night. Weird. Happy for the bootie reunion, we continued chatting and I mentioned my knee pain and told them I may have to quit. He noticed my seat height and recommended changing it. I was overjoyed to receive this bit of help and very embarrassed that my lack of experience was being exposed on something I felt every rider should know. I defaulted to the joyous emotion when I noticed instant relief as I started riding again. I lived to ride another day. Thanks for losing your map Adam!
After about 30 miles I hit Ferndale then headed of route toward Bigfork. The seat adjustment was helpful but I decided that I needed to let my knees recover a bit so I took a room at Timbres Motel. Hated taking a short day but I thought at that time that I could make up a day of riding given a little recovery. Did laundry, slept, iced the knees and found a brand new bike shop that had just opened the day before. Montana Adventure Sports. I really needed that shop too. I had been riding with out a computer and needed some brake adjustment. So happy to have found a computer. One less stress when I can actually use the map cues now. 2013, I am downloading the GPS track!
Day 6
Some nice pavement to start out with and then another climb. I walked a bit to help the legs that were feeling mildly improved. My mood was good until the rain started messing with me again. Rain, gear on, stop raining, gear off, leave gear on when not raining, sweat while climbing, take gear off, continue climbing, pouring rain, repeat. Like a wilderness water torture. It really started playing with my mind. The next several miles were very slow. With the rain comes mud and lots of it. Tight single track played with my nerves as I plugged through with bear spray in one hand screaming at the sky and trying to decide if it was better to be wet from rain or from sweat. Then it didn't matter. Everything was wet again and very muddy. I struggled down a long freshly graded (soft and muddy) road to a junction with a paved section of highway. The map said food and shelter 2 miles off route. All I could do was dream of getting warm and finding a place to stay out of the rain. Not to be. Motel was closed. Ate at the local steakhouse/bar in my muddy spandex while I debated my next move. Only option was to get the Holland Lake Lodge. I was so cold and wet and wanted to crash so badly that the extra miles were worth it. I was so glad I decided to push on! It was like the Shire. Peaceful, comfortable and lots of good food. Christian did my laundry, lent me a hose to wash the bike and made me breakfast and sandwiches to take with me. I will be back there for sure.
Day 7
Holland Lake seemed to temporarily heal me. I felt so much better. I took to long to get moving though. I guess I was too comfortable. Comfort is the enemy in this race I discovered. Climbed up Richmond Peak, one of my favourite sections, and found Bruce from Iowa pushing through. I was encouraging to see another rider as it made me feel I was still in a race and gave me an extra boost of urgency. I chatted with him for a bit and then continued on walking several hours as the snow covered trails traversed what seemed like a 45 degree slope. I lost the trail for a while and had to bushwhack with my bike to find the trail. It was the first time I really felt lost. Didn't enjoy that much, but the views were incredible! The decent was awesome, past the loggers and down to Ovando. I was feeling really strong actually. It was a little late to be pushing to the town of Lincoln, and I was completely out of food, so Ovando it was for the night. Great little town but no cell service or public phones, I really wanted to speak to my family. Off to sleep early so I could be up and out at 4 am.
Day 8
Sometimes, I am my own worst enemy. Got up at 4, packed up, reviewed my maps on the table and then went to pack the bike not realising that the door locks behind me. I was locked out, staring at my maps through the window. So much for the early start. B and B owner doesn't live on sight. Waited until about 530 until I went across the street to knock on doors to find the owner. Lucky it was the first house I tried. 545 back on the road.
Another short day. First pass was clear of snow. That was encouraging. Rather uneventful day except the knees were sore again. Stopped in Lincoln and looked ahead on the map.. I did not want to push to Helena that night and I did not want to camp in between on the pass so I decided to enjoy Lincoln for a few hours and hang out with several riders that were collecting there. I knew I was turning this into a tour and that was starting to eat at me a little. Lincoln was a town full of great people.
Day 9
Actually got off to a nice early start. Freezing cold but it felt good to be riding. It was my goal to catch Michael Mel and Tyson who rode through Lincoln as I waited there. I knew they would be camping and I maybe able to leave early enough to catch them if they got a late start. Chasing someone was very motivating for me. Flew down the paved highway into Helena, killed a Pizza Hut and kept on moving. Hoping to make Basin, to get back on my 100 mile plus a day goal. Made it to Park Lake campsite and had to make a choice, push in the the dark through Lava mountain or suck out again and camp here. I camped. Glad I did. I was offered a roast beef dinner from a family camping beside me! Huge score for a hungry racer. As it turns out Lava mountain was a beast. I never would have made it over at night. As well it turns out that Michael, Mel and Tyson pushed over a few hours before I did and got to Basin late only to discover that the restaurant was closed and no place to sleep.
Day 10 and 11 THE END (of the first chapter)
Woke up and got another early start. It was nice to feel I was getting into a rhythm. Pushed over the beast that is Lava mountain and its down to Basin. Restaurant was open. Another big breakfast and then off to Butte. Easy riding along an old railroad line and then the map shows several miles of FLAT PAVEMENT! What a treat. I was looking forward to that for a while. Pavement was great, Wind was not. I could barely stay on the bike. Extremely strong headwind. Cresting over on the interstate towards Butte I was literally blown into the ditch. The ride down on the interstate shoulder between the guardrail and the right lane was very scary with the high gusty winds. What was supposed to be a fun few miles was a huge challenge. I made it to Butte ready to get my new brake pads at the Outdoorsman and ride on. Turns out Outdoorsman is closed on Sundays. Note to future riders, get to Butte before Sunday. So I sat in a Quiznos across the street and called home. Told Sharon that I needed this bike shop, that I needed some company and I was sad it was Fathers Day and I missed my kids. I asked her to search the logs of a few past riders to see how much time I could make up on the last half of the route. I needed to prove that 28 days was still doable. It wasn't. Unless I turned into superman over night. I was at an emotional low. She found Michael, Mel, and Tyson and they were in Butte! I had caught them! That was a bit of a pick me up. I flew over to the hotel they were staying at and we arranged to have dinner. I knew that if I booked a room it could be the end of my race but I hoped that being with the other racers would pick me up. I had to wait for the bike shop anyways. Dinner was good. Sleep was good and as I prepared for the day, I knew. Michael Mel and Tyson walked passed me in the lobby expecting me to ride out with them but I needed to go to the Outdoorsman. And I knew. Rob at the shop was great trying to convince me to keep moving, but I knew. I was ready to stop. I really didn't want the clock to stop, but I wanted to finish and even if I stayed I would have had to leave at 28 days and that wouldn't have done it. Heartbreak. Unsure of my knees, my lack of time to finish, my decreasing budget, my limited knowledge of my bike, my failing spirit and the fact that I was in a town that was easy to get out of meant it was time to pack it in. I will be back to race again.
Sputter, sputter, stop, repeat seemed to be the theme of my last few days on the divide and ultimately I decided I was heading for 32 days at this pace and I did not have that much time to spend out here with family and work obligations. Butte seemed to be the last town that was easy to get home from so in the end I decided to save my knowledge, time, budget, equipment and the sanity then bury my ego and pride to focus on a solid run in 2013, and bailed in Butte. I wasn't interested in "touring" and I wanted to finish in a competitive time. it really sincerely hurt, almost physically, to quit but I think it was the right call, even in hindsight. So here are the last few days...
Day 5
Pain, really bad. Made it up the hill to breakfast where I think I ate everything on the menu. Then across to the gas station where I found Adam and crew stocking up. It was nice to start out with someone. Again, knees were bad! a few miles in my "braving the pain" was wearing out and I fell back a little from the others. As I did I noticed Adam had dropped his map, and as he was within screaming distance I yelled ahead. When I handed him the map I told him that I found one of my booties on the road the night before. His friend then informed me that he had the other. He had picked them up in Elkford and then lost the one I found last night. Weird. Happy for the bootie reunion, we continued chatting and I mentioned my knee pain and told them I may have to quit. He noticed my seat height and recommended changing it. I was overjoyed to receive this bit of help and very embarrassed that my lack of experience was being exposed on something I felt every rider should know. I defaulted to the joyous emotion when I noticed instant relief as I started riding again. I lived to ride another day. Thanks for losing your map Adam!
After about 30 miles I hit Ferndale then headed of route toward Bigfork. The seat adjustment was helpful but I decided that I needed to let my knees recover a bit so I took a room at Timbres Motel. Hated taking a short day but I thought at that time that I could make up a day of riding given a little recovery. Did laundry, slept, iced the knees and found a brand new bike shop that had just opened the day before. Montana Adventure Sports. I really needed that shop too. I had been riding with out a computer and needed some brake adjustment. So happy to have found a computer. One less stress when I can actually use the map cues now. 2013, I am downloading the GPS track!
Day 6
Some nice pavement to start out with and then another climb. I walked a bit to help the legs that were feeling mildly improved. My mood was good until the rain started messing with me again. Rain, gear on, stop raining, gear off, leave gear on when not raining, sweat while climbing, take gear off, continue climbing, pouring rain, repeat. Like a wilderness water torture. It really started playing with my mind. The next several miles were very slow. With the rain comes mud and lots of it. Tight single track played with my nerves as I plugged through with bear spray in one hand screaming at the sky and trying to decide if it was better to be wet from rain or from sweat. Then it didn't matter. Everything was wet again and very muddy. I struggled down a long freshly graded (soft and muddy) road to a junction with a paved section of highway. The map said food and shelter 2 miles off route. All I could do was dream of getting warm and finding a place to stay out of the rain. Not to be. Motel was closed. Ate at the local steakhouse/bar in my muddy spandex while I debated my next move. Only option was to get the Holland Lake Lodge. I was so cold and wet and wanted to crash so badly that the extra miles were worth it. I was so glad I decided to push on! It was like the Shire. Peaceful, comfortable and lots of good food. Christian did my laundry, lent me a hose to wash the bike and made me breakfast and sandwiches to take with me. I will be back there for sure.
Day 7
Holland Lake seemed to temporarily heal me. I felt so much better. I took to long to get moving though. I guess I was too comfortable. Comfort is the enemy in this race I discovered. Climbed up Richmond Peak, one of my favourite sections, and found Bruce from Iowa pushing through. I was encouraging to see another rider as it made me feel I was still in a race and gave me an extra boost of urgency. I chatted with him for a bit and then continued on walking several hours as the snow covered trails traversed what seemed like a 45 degree slope. I lost the trail for a while and had to bushwhack with my bike to find the trail. It was the first time I really felt lost. Didn't enjoy that much, but the views were incredible! The decent was awesome, past the loggers and down to Ovando. I was feeling really strong actually. It was a little late to be pushing to the town of Lincoln, and I was completely out of food, so Ovando it was for the night. Great little town but no cell service or public phones, I really wanted to speak to my family. Off to sleep early so I could be up and out at 4 am.
Day 8
Sometimes, I am my own worst enemy. Got up at 4, packed up, reviewed my maps on the table and then went to pack the bike not realising that the door locks behind me. I was locked out, staring at my maps through the window. So much for the early start. B and B owner doesn't live on sight. Waited until about 530 until I went across the street to knock on doors to find the owner. Lucky it was the first house I tried. 545 back on the road.
Another short day. First pass was clear of snow. That was encouraging. Rather uneventful day except the knees were sore again. Stopped in Lincoln and looked ahead on the map.. I did not want to push to Helena that night and I did not want to camp in between on the pass so I decided to enjoy Lincoln for a few hours and hang out with several riders that were collecting there. I knew I was turning this into a tour and that was starting to eat at me a little. Lincoln was a town full of great people.
Day 9
Actually got off to a nice early start. Freezing cold but it felt good to be riding. It was my goal to catch Michael Mel and Tyson who rode through Lincoln as I waited there. I knew they would be camping and I maybe able to leave early enough to catch them if they got a late start. Chasing someone was very motivating for me. Flew down the paved highway into Helena, killed a Pizza Hut and kept on moving. Hoping to make Basin, to get back on my 100 mile plus a day goal. Made it to Park Lake campsite and had to make a choice, push in the the dark through Lava mountain or suck out again and camp here. I camped. Glad I did. I was offered a roast beef dinner from a family camping beside me! Huge score for a hungry racer. As it turns out Lava mountain was a beast. I never would have made it over at night. As well it turns out that Michael, Mel and Tyson pushed over a few hours before I did and got to Basin late only to discover that the restaurant was closed and no place to sleep.
Day 10 and 11 THE END (of the first chapter)
Woke up and got another early start. It was nice to feel I was getting into a rhythm. Pushed over the beast that is Lava mountain and its down to Basin. Restaurant was open. Another big breakfast and then off to Butte. Easy riding along an old railroad line and then the map shows several miles of FLAT PAVEMENT! What a treat. I was looking forward to that for a while. Pavement was great, Wind was not. I could barely stay on the bike. Extremely strong headwind. Cresting over on the interstate towards Butte I was literally blown into the ditch. The ride down on the interstate shoulder between the guardrail and the right lane was very scary with the high gusty winds. What was supposed to be a fun few miles was a huge challenge. I made it to Butte ready to get my new brake pads at the Outdoorsman and ride on. Turns out Outdoorsman is closed on Sundays. Note to future riders, get to Butte before Sunday. So I sat in a Quiznos across the street and called home. Told Sharon that I needed this bike shop, that I needed some company and I was sad it was Fathers Day and I missed my kids. I asked her to search the logs of a few past riders to see how much time I could make up on the last half of the route. I needed to prove that 28 days was still doable. It wasn't. Unless I turned into superman over night. I was at an emotional low. She found Michael, Mel, and Tyson and they were in Butte! I had caught them! That was a bit of a pick me up. I flew over to the hotel they were staying at and we arranged to have dinner. I knew that if I booked a room it could be the end of my race but I hoped that being with the other racers would pick me up. I had to wait for the bike shop anyways. Dinner was good. Sleep was good and as I prepared for the day, I knew. Michael Mel and Tyson walked passed me in the lobby expecting me to ride out with them but I needed to go to the Outdoorsman. And I knew. Rob at the shop was great trying to convince me to keep moving, but I knew. I was ready to stop. I really didn't want the clock to stop, but I wanted to finish and even if I stayed I would have had to leave at 28 days and that wouldn't have done it. Heartbreak. Unsure of my knees, my lack of time to finish, my decreasing budget, my limited knowledge of my bike, my failing spirit and the fact that I was in a town that was easy to get out of meant it was time to pack it in. I will be back to race again.
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