The Best Phone Call Ever and the Best Reception ever at the Calgary Airport

On Sunday July 7th 11:30pm, I finished the Tour Divide as I rolled up to the Antelope Wells border crossing.  4200kms, lots of adventures and many stories later, it was a great moment and a fitting end to a very fulfilling journey.   It was raining heavily as I pulled up to Antelope Wells.  I had Peter's rain jacket on and was totally fine - pretty comfy actually.  I took shelter under the Customs building and started getting organized for the trip home.  My first call was home and Ben picked up right away.  He said "Congratulations George, you made it - well done, you were killin' it over the last few kilometres."  What a great call! I also had lots of other  texts and calls as many were watching my progress on Trackleaders - thank you.

With no one around the Customs building, I bivied under the shelter and prepared for the trip home.  Michael picked me up at 6:30, we were in El Paso at the Crazy Cat Cyclery at 11:00am.  I was showered and wearing new clothes by 1:30pm, Burger and Beer at 2:00pm (using Alistair's and Ken's money they gave me), bike taken to FedEx at 3:00pm, and then I walked over to the airport and caught a 6:30 flight that I had just booked on points.  I was in the Calgary Airport at 11:50pm and this is where Val and Scott and Deb met me.  What a fantastic welcome home!  Scott made the banner and I was so happy to see them.






 

On the Divide, one learns much about many things and those that touch and connect with your life.  An adventure and a journey for sure, and I am so grateful for  the support and encouragement from all of you and most importantly from Val and Ben.

Antelope Wells

The journey is over. I rode into the Border Crossing at 11:29pm. It was a long stretch last night that started with a sandstorm and ended with a headwind and rain. I kept laughing about it - what else can you do? It's the Tour Divide.

Slept under the Customs Building to keep dry and get ready for my pickup. Michael is bringing the old Caddy from Silver City and will drop me in El Paso. El Mariachi will go the bike shop in Silver City and they will box and ship it to me by UPS.

It's been great fun coming up with Blog posts and I will do one more when I get home. As I sit here waiting, this journey may be almost done. We all have journeys in us. This one was special for me and I thank everyone for their support and encouragement

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El Falcone and El Mariachi

Wow - where to start... Left Pie Town on Friday and about 50kms out, my left pedal came loose and then off. Somewhere, the bottom bracket screw came out and then my pedal loosened as it is needed to keep the pedal on the hub. Splines were ok so I one legged it and hiked back to Pie town. I caught a ride into Albuquerque and Ryan at Performance Bikes stayed late and fixed El Mariachi. A day lost but better than trying to rig a half baked solution that could have left me stranded in the wilderness.

Back on the bike yesterday and I got to do the Gila Wildernness section as it reopened on Friday evening. This section is beautiful and embodies the Spirit Divide. After camping out last night, I finished the section and got to Silver City and am having breakfast at Vicky's. Met Kathy and Peter's friend - Jeff at the Gila bike shop. He helped me organize a shuttle from Antelope Wells to El Paso tomorrow. Gila bikes will box my bike and send it home.

Glad to be on the last stretch but sad it is coming to an end. Looking forward to seeing Ben and Val!

Picture of rock canyon where a falcon was squawking and chasing me out. The Gila wilderness was home to Geronimo and his family. El Falcone.

Ok - off to AW - more anon.

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Long on Spirit

A short post as I am making a run for Pie Town after covering 100kms from Pueblo Pintada this morning. Had a good bivy on the Rec Centre porch.
This was a recommendation from a Navajo woman we met last night. She said could see I was traveling with a strong spirit.

Had an emotional morning as I traveled down to Grants. Peter was totally with me and thoughts of our friends, Laura and Bill and Thomas, who lost Andrew last year. I have the amulet for good luck and to remember those families who have lost children.

I also carry a Smiling Buddha from a good friend. It is a great reminder to be positive.

On a funny note, I got stuck in the Grants 4th of July parade festivities. In these parts, I think I was mistaken for a real skinny clown on a hobo bike.

Pic of standard New Mexico road.

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Through the Wilderness

Left Platoro and made it 210 kms to El Rito late last night. Bivied on the college campus last night and made it to Abiqiu this morning. I got caught in a horrendous hail storm about 7:00pm last night.

After getting my rain gear out I made it to Sylvia's store in Canon plaza. Lifesaver - she was waiting for me and after a few snacks, I moved on with Ron and Jean-Louis. We had our pepper spray at the ready when we went through Vallecitas - crazy dog village.
No major incidents but those dogs were on our heels.

A bunch of reroutes due to fires - don't be alarmed if I am off the track. Pics of hail on the ground and one Sylvia.


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UnicyCle the Divide

Went through Silverthorne, Frisco and Breckinridge last night. Popped over Boreas Pass this morning and into South Park. It does exist and when I stopped, there must have been 200 Harleys parked around. We compared bikes and shot the breeze for a bit.

Rolled into Salida and had some work done on my bike. Pizza at Moonlights was served by Gracie. She rode the whole route on a unicycle! Took her two and a half months. I have a picture with her on my other camera. She may post one from her phone on the forum.

Some serious off road motor bikers bought us beer at the pizza joint. I met them above Salida on the way down into town. Pretty big day. Marshall pass at some astronomical height is on for tomorrow. Salida is the place to go in Colorado. Off the beaten path and very funky.

This pic is from a few days ago in Wyoming.


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What does a Hungry biker eat?

How about 2 world famous breakfast burritos, large choc shake, 2 pepsi, brownie and a coffee. Still can't decide what to do for dessert. For tonight, I will carry 6 litres of water, 2 big sandwiches, salt and vinegar chips, cherry tart and then breakfast will be 2 sausage and eggers with another cherry tart. Yummy!

I am in Kremmling eating and rehydrating at the "Big Shooter" restaurant. The family who owns it are big X-ctry skiers. The picture is of the ceiling - definitely a nordic theme. Who would guess - in the middle of Colorado.

BTW - some big climbs here, the next few are over 10000 feet with the highest at 12000. Definitely getting my climbing groove back. I will be worthy of my Wednesday night bike night nickname - "The Tiny Peruvian Hill Climber".
Had an amazing camp at Lynx pass last night. At 9500 feet, the stars were amazing and it was a beautiful night with cool temperatures and no mosquitoes.

I think Prentice pulled the plug last night. We had an emotional moment outside of Steamboat - a really nice young man from New York. An IT technician and part time bike messenger. I want him to come to Canmore and rip it up.

Ok that's it for now - places to be and hills to climb.

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Yahoo I am in Colorado

Hanging at Brush Mtn Lodge - 2 dinners, and drinks and a big hug from Kirsten. She yelled and cheered as I came in the yard. Beautiful valley after a crazy hard day finishing the Wyoming basin with a headwind all the way.

Kirsten and Greg are the hosts here. This is the coolest lodge ever. Just looking at the skyline and listening to the elk and coyotes.

Big climbs tomorrow, into Steamboat for my mail drop and a new tire.

Picture of Greg - host at Brush Mountain Lodge.


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The Perfect River

After my last post, I rode by this perfect white water river and I could just hear our Peter down in the Canyon. This would be Kayak heaven! It's the Warm River in Idaho.

Made it to Flagg Ranch in the dark that night and then on Sunday it was 2 big passes (Towgatee and Union) - both of them are around 9700 feet. I bivied just below Union Pass at around 8000 feet and was joined by a North Bounder. Yesterday was a full on sufferfest to Pinedale against the wind. In the afternoon, the wind was at my back and I covered more ground and camped up high. It rained and got quite cold last night so I decided to push for Rawlins and a motel room to dry ut the gear. Just came through 280 km of desert today - crux of the ride as there are no services or water resupply spots.

Fantastic trip so far and thanks to Val and Ben and Zeke for taking care of the Canmore end. I am sure there will be plenty left to do when I get home.

Crazy throw back in time this morning at Atlantic City. Had b-fast at the Grubstake Bar and Saloon. Watched some Bonanza while I ate my Steak and Eggs. Couple of guys walk in and leave their rifles leaning at the door. Very interesting place.

Off to Colorado tomorrow and my mail drop at Steamboat Springs. Yahoo clean shorts.

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Moving on

After a few hours of indecisiveness last ight about the situation in Canmore. I left Lima and got to 6000 feet and bivied for the night by the Red Rock National Wildlife. Water in Camelbaks was frozen when I got up. Saw 5 moose as I cycled through the reserve. Truly one of the most beautiful places anywhere.

Pushing on once I refuel and do some bike mtce. Hopefully the headwinds will abate at some point.

Here is a picture looking back at the Refuge.


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Alpine Wildflowers

Left Helena this morning - a bit late and feeling not so great. It's 5 hours of climbing so I went into spin mode and pushed up the steeper climbs. Seem to be moving back and forth with the same group of folks. North Carolinians, Kiwis, young Peter and Ezra and Chris from Vancouver.

Rolled into Butte around 5:30 and needed my bike worked on. Rob Leipheimer and his crew obliged graciously. The Aero Bars came loose and we needed to shim them up. Also adjusted gears and looked the bike over.

Decided to stay in Butte to refuel and rehydrate as it continued raining.

Here is a picture of a TD Rider going through the meadow at around 8000 feet with beautiful Alpine Wildflowers.

Making a push tomorrow to get further south so updates will be more sparse.


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This is America

What a great day today in Montana - sun, rain and the requisite lightning.

Stopped in Ovando this morning on our way over to Lincoln and then on to Helena. Beautiful country and super friendly people. I took a picture of the Ovando sign. In case the pic is not sharp enough, it says "population about 50, Dogs about 100" The two old timers in th General Store were the funniest characters.

Had a few navigation issues but managed to get back on track. One of them took us to the most amazing lookout. Who knows what waits around the corner or in this case, at the top of the hill.

Hopefully, down to Butte and south tomorrow.

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Lightning on Richmond Peak

Made it to Sealy Lake over 3 passes and a crazy lightning storm. One of the strikes hit just u above on the slope and started a forest fire. Really hot today so it's about energy management.

Here is a shot of classic Montana restaurant decor from the Hungry Bear restaurant

We stopped for an hour to have a few cokes, a Hungry Bear Burger and some ice cream. Fuel for the climb up Richmond Peak and in to Sealy Lake


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A River runs through it

Great day today - 2 passes with a little bit of snow. Camping out in Ferndale tonight. Saw lots of fly fishers today. The picture is from Red Meadow pass. Night night.

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Eureka!

Left Sparwood a bit late this morning but the siren call of Coal Miner's breakfast was too much. Shorter day distance wise 195Kms but harder than yesterday. Flathead pass, Cabin Pass and Galton pass before diving down to the Roosville border and then into Eureka. Felt pretty good today - got a little dehydrated but I managed. Tomorrow I will carry even more water.

Beautiful - stunning country with lots of bear scat but only a couple of guys saw the real deal. Here is a shot of El Mariachi at the World's biggest dump truck in Sparwood.


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Escape from Elkatraz

After a double ejection off El Mariachi coming down Elk Pass, I made it to Elkford at around 6:00. Not too worse for wear - a good gash on my knee and I landed in a creek and got pretty wet. Fixed the gash with Tenacious tape. Seems to be ok tonight. Of course it was rainy and cold in Elkford so I had a pizza and kept on going to Sparwood and got in around 9:30.

Tomorrow is a big day if I want to get to the border.
After coming down Elk Pass I ran into a herd of horses. I stopped and they all came and hung out with me. Here is a pic. More anon.

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Multiplying and Dividing

I had the opportunity to visit the Grade 3 classroom of a good friend of ours today at Elizabeth Rummel School in Canmore.  What a hoot and great grounding before embarking on this adventure.  Lesley Reid's class is fantastic - asking about the distances, where I will sleep, and just being interested in the bike.  Why is it called the Great Divide?  Answers Greg - if a rain drop falls on the western side of the Divide it flows to the Pacific Ocean.  If it falls on the Eastern side, it ends up in the Atlantic... so went the questions and fun.  I completely unpacked my bike and showed them everything. 

Eventually, I climbed into my Bivy Sac and the kids timed me from waking up to being fully packed to go.  A respectable 5 minutes. 




They will be checking in on me every morning to see if I have moved or not... no pressure.  Go Grade 3 ERS - Ms Reid's Class - you rock!

The last big ride - links to the Tour Divide

Can't believe the ride starts in 5 days!  Feeling pretty good - a little nervous about the whole deal but I think that is healthy.  I did my last big ride yesterday and it was a fantastic day.  I rode from here in Canmore to Moraine Lake and back - 210kms with some good climbing.  I have attached some pics from the day.   BTW - the Moraine Lake road is an amazing downhill ride.  Smooth pavement with few cars - an hour up to the lake, and 12 minutes down.

Here are some links for your TD viewing pleasure

Track the race 
Rules –race org
Discussionforums  go under forum and ultra racing.  Tour Divide 2013 has been the forum for participants to coordinate stuff.  When the race starts there will be a new forum for those watching and who want to comment or commiserate. 
Call ins from Racers - mtbcast.com
Oh yeah,  my personal spot page – pretty good map layer if you want to see what is happening.

If you want to see more, check out the Movie "Ride the Divide".  It's on Netflix.

Looking back at Canmore - 6:30 am



Valley of the 10 peaks

Moraine Lake

Been there - going back in 10 days

Took El Mariachi for a two day mountain dance on the weekend.   Left our house in Canmore at 6:15am on Friday, rode to Banff and that is where I picked up the Great Divide route.  From Banff, the plan was to follow the Divide route to Elkford, BC - 176 km south.  It was raining as I left Canmore and pretty much rained all day - even though the optimistic me kept thinking it would clear up.  It was about 8 hours from Banff to the top of Elk pass and that was a bit of a sufferfest with the rain and cold temps.   With all of the rain, trails get softer and it just sucks the energy out of each pedal stroke.

Here is a picture of the bike with all the gear loaded up on top of Elk pass (in the rain).

From Elk Pass it's about 76km to Elkford.   With a few stops to warm up and eat, I made it into Elkford around 8:30pm in heavy rain and cold temps - a total of 14 hours on the bike.  Instead of a potentially deadly cold bivy, I pulled out "Mr. Credit Card" and checked into the only real hotel in Elkford.

I was greeted by the nicest man who happened to playing saxophone when I arrived.  His name is Jay and he looks and acts like Mr. Miyagi from the Karate Kid movies.  After a comical hose down in the parking lot - courtesy of Jay, I washed off my bike and gear before storing it in the hotel office overnight.

Saturday morning was better for weather and after a "Hungry Man" breakfast at the Race Trac Cafe, I retraced my route to Canmore.  On the way back into town, I was thinking - "Been there, get to do it again".  Pretty stoked about that!

If you are interested in what's on the bike for gear, here is my Gear List.
Cockpit bag - food, sun glasses, reading glasses, camera
Handlebars - bike computer, GPS, Light
Aero Bars - I have the route descriptions in a water proof E-Case - flips out of the way
Under Handlebars - Waterproof bed roll holding ThermoRest, Bivy Sac and Sleeping bag
Frame Bag - 3 L bladder with water, repair kit, 2 tubes, lube, bug repellant, passport, wallet and some food
Gas Tank (under the seat) - extra set of cycling clothes, first aid kit, personal kit, and a windbreaker.
Deuter Race Exp Air backpack (not in the picture) - 3 L water bladder, down vest in waterproof stuff sack, food, sunscreen, chamois cream, bear spray, empty water bottle and spare batteries.

I was wearing rain coat, rain pants, kneekers, merino wool hat, helmet and gore tex socks. If it warms up, this gear goes into the Gas Tank.  That's it for gear.

Taking it on the Road

Just a quick update about the overnight training ride.  Planning to leave tomorrow morning from here in Canmore and head out on the Tour Divide trail and see how far I can get.  Plan to camp out tomorrow night and then ride back to Canmore on Saturday.

Here is a link to my Spot  tracking page  http://share.findmespot.com/shared/faces/viewspots.jsp?glId=0CUmxLimFyOj4Z8qaPPq08nK5a4rXdBe4

Everything is packed up and ready to go for the morning.  Toss in a few sandwiches and I will be good to go.

Here is the rig in the garage.

Training and thinking

I was out for a training ride with a good friend (Andy Harris) on Monday and we
covered a good portion of the route from Banff to Mt. Shark. The trails
are dry and in good shape. Recently, the mtn bike rides are getting
longer. So far my biggest day on El Mariachi has been 120 kms. Combo of
trails, roads, fire road and a little pavement. The bike feels really
good. I have the odometer dialed in to the cue card mileage and Ben helped
me set up a very cool map holder. All while he was half asleep on Sunday
morning - that boy is a genius.

Training - since April 12, close to 2300 kms on road and mtn bike. The
seat is getting hardened. Soon I will be a hardass... This coming weekend
will be a bit casual then ramping up to June 1 and 2 when I will ride to
Elkford and back - snow permitting. I will turn my Spot on and provide a
link to the tracking website - follow along or not.

Thinking - I usually wake up about 5:00 am and after thinking about Peter
for a few mins, my mind turns to the ride. Envisioning my daily routine while riding the Divide, I imagine rolling out of my bivy sack, packing up my gear, grabbing a yummy power bar and getting under way.  I know it's going to be harder than that - but that's the vision.  The hard part will be caffeine withdrawal.  I may have to go into training for that event.

From a training ride a few weeks ago, here is a picture looking up the Cascade valley near Banff. Water is flowing, sun is shining and the trails are drying out.

 

Style it!

After a great week in Ottawa (thanks to Diane and Brian for a great dinner and leaving me in pretty good shape) and Quebec City, it has been back to riding, riding and more riding.  The weather has been fantastic so that has been making things a bit easier.  I rode up the Gap tonight (a couple of times) and then went into Kananaskis Country and checked out Goat Creek Trail.  The route leaves Banff and goes right through the parking lot in the picture and continues on down the road.  The trails are starting to look good - another few days and the Goat Creek trail will be nice and dry.  Let's hope for continued warming - still lots of snow on the high passes.

Tonight - I dropped into the Reclaimer on my way down from the Gap.  It really brought back some great memories of building that trail with friends and especially of Peter.  We would build a section and Peter would be helping out and making great suggestions.  As always, he was our test pilot.  In retrospect, not a great plan as Peter could ride anything and make it look easy.  Needless to say - made it down the Reclaimer in one piece with great memories.  If you want to get stoked - here is my fave biking video.  Peter riding the Goblin - kind of like the Reclaimer but scarier and steeper.  I asked him about his lack of elbow pads - he forgot them. 
Style it!

Quebec City Salut

Tough to keep up the training this week as I am in Quebec City and Ottawa on a work
gig.

Eating is fantastic...training consists of walking to dinner.

Home tomorrow and time to do the hill climbing weekend. I took El Mariachi
for a 4hr ride on Sunday. Sweeeettt! Rides like a dream. Pretty stoked
for the ride and the experience. Props to Blaine Nester for helping me out with the gear list and his experience.  The last little pieces are coming together.

A bientot!

Inspiration

From April 1st - 13th, Ben and I were in Italy.  Toured the Ferrari Museum and Factory and then went for a 7 day ski touring trip in the Ortler Group. 
This is young Ben at the Ferrari Museum. You have to go to this place, it is one of the most amazing and cool museums I have ever been in.  Needless to say - we loved the whole experience, including getting from Milan to Maranello by train.

It was back to Milan for some sightseeing and then we were in the Italian Alps for 7 days of ski touring with our Guide - Marc Ledwidge. 


Climbed lots of peaks and did some bigggg runs.  We started at the Branca Hut and spent 3 nights there before traversing over Mt. Pasquale and over to the Pizzini Hut.  The skiing was fantastic, the company was super fun and the Italians know the food, wine and beer thing.  Sleping at 9000 feet, with most days spent climbing peaks over 12000 feet, it was actually awesome training for the Tour Divide.  Here we are on top of Mt. Pasquale - Ian, Jack, Greg, Ben and Marc


Naively, I expected warm weather and opportunities to get some long rides in when we got back home.  Hmmm - I did ride to work all week with most mornings starting out at -10.  I did a 4.5 hr ride yesterday and the attached picture is of frozen Lake Minnewanka in Banff.  We need to get some serious warming happening before June 14th.  Ben and I were out ski touring in the Kananaskis Country today - great winter conditions.  Funny enough, we crossed the Tour Divide trail a few times - like I said, we need some warming conditions soon.

So - about the inspiration...  Yesterday was freezing when I was out doing my ride as evidenced by the pic.  On my way home, the wind was ferocious from the North East and I was having a bit of a suffer fest.  Thought I had frozen my feet, my hands were like clubs but I was ok.  In September, our older son Peter died in a kayaking accident out near Whistler.  One of his many hare-brained ideas was to pack up his bike, pull along his kayak and paddle all the rivers to which he could cycle.  When I think of Peter, especially when things are tough, his spirit is inspiring and I physically get a warm glow.  I imagine him smiling and being part of the action.   I believe the TD will be his way to see all the spots he could have gone.  Know that he will be with me all the way as he is with so many of his friends and family.

Training and the New Bike

Stoked for the ride...  with lots of snow still on the ground here in Canmore, I am hoping we get some serious warming happening.  I have been doing lots of Cross Country Skiing as we wait for the snow to melt out and we can get on our bikes.  It was - 15 Celsius this morning at the Canmore Nordic Centre when I snapped this picture.  I have been getting out for 2-3 hour skis and then spending some quality time on the trainer in the garage.  Gorgeous day here today with forecasts of warmer temps coming... yahoo.

The mountain in the background is Rundle.  If you draw a straight line and go about 20kms - the start of the Great Divide Route is right there.



Oh yeah!  The new bike is a Salsa El Mariachi Ti - pretty sweet.  Light but strong enough to see me through this adventure.  I would like to keep it in our bedroom but that wouldn't go over very well - for so many reasons.  The roads were somewhat dry around Town this afternoon so I took it for a ride.  Kind of like a baptism - the fire part will be sure to come later.

Ben and I are off for some shenanigans in Italy on April 1st after he is finished at the XC Nationals.  Visiting the Ferrari Factory and Museum and also spending 7 days of Ski Touring in the Alps.  All part of the Tour Divide high altitude training program. 

A Journey

March 14th today and it's cold and snowy here in Banff.  It's 3 months to the start of the Tour Divide on June 14.  As I prepare for this ride and do the ride, I plan on updating this blog as often as possible.   In June 2008, I happened to be in the Banff Post Office and saw 3 guys who were getting ready to do some serious riding by the look of their bikes. I talked to one one of the guys (I believe it was Matthew Lee) and he told me about the Tour Divide. Ever since that day, I have followed the race and the characters around it.  Here's the plan - I ride my bike to work on June 14th, forget to turn right and keep on going to Mexico. This is the year!

The Tour Divide follows the Great Divide from Banff, Alberta to Antelope Wells, NM (on the border with Mexico).  It's 2688.46 miles or 4326.70kms and 172,000 feet of climbing.   Lots of things to do and prepare but my first order of business is to go check out the new bike this evening.  The guys at Rebound Cycle are putting this awesome machine together. 

Here is a picture from high noon today looking towards the Tour Divide Start - let's hope for some finer weather in June. 

For the background picture, I chose a shot from Canyon Dam on the Spray Lakes.  The Great Divide Trail goes right along here.  It was taken last August on one of the most beautiful evening bike rides I have ever done.