The Odyssey Continues

Since finishing the Divide in 2013, it has been a whirlwind of home activities, work changes and a lot of trail building.  Rob, Ken, John and I have been working to complete a new trail called "The Odyssey" at the Canmore Nordic Centre.  I was up there tonight and working away at yet another section and just enjoying being out there.  It has turned out to be a beautiful trail - hand crafted with hope and love.

One of the things that brings me great joy is being outside, in the wilderness and listening to the sounds - inside and outside, as they are never far apart.  I hope people enjoy "The Odyssey" - it's where we all want to be, even for the briefest of moments.

I am leaving Parks Canada in 2017 after a lifetime of adventure and growth.  I wish I could keep on but keeping on means moving on.  So, I am planning on goin' back to the "Divide"  and then on to more adventures and excitement.  I am going to ride that long road and wish for you!  It brings me great joy.





Ben Thompson on "The Odyssey"

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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