Riding the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route is quite an undertaking. Along the route, you will pass different types of road, mostly gravel, but also some tougher sections and (very) remote areas. You will also experience all kinds of different weather from heat, to (very) cold, (heavy rain), and possibly snow and hail. On top of that, you are traveling through nature, where (black and grizzly) bears, mountain lions, snakes, scorpions, spiders, and other friendly animals live.
Looking at the above summary, I agree with my family that I have to see what I can do to lower possible risks. You have to keep in mind that it is an adventure and unforeseen things will happen. How you respond on-route is one thing, however, there are some things that can be done during preparation.
1. Do not travel alone
Many persons ride the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route by themselves, which is perfectly fine and doable, but not for me. I agree with my family that having company makes things probably easier when something happens. Apart from the safety aspect I also appreciate the company from a social point of view. For me, this contributes to sharing the experience, keeping up morale, etc. Being with more than one person can also be practical in the gear list, having spares, emergency water & food, etc.
2. Be Prepared for wildlife encounters
Hopefully, wildlife can be enjoyed on the route, from a distance. However, usually accidental, this distance might be less than desired and this can lead to dangerous situations. Preparation for wildlife encounters includes reading about how to act in such situations, wearing bear spray in bear country, properly storing food and other stuff with specific odors, and making noise when passing dense sections.
3. Bring an Emergency beacon
When out there, there is usually no cell phone reception. In case of an emergency, you are on your own. Hopefully, you can work your way out of the situation (see also ‘Be Self Reliance’), but this is not always possible. In that situation, it might be very helpful to have such a locator beacon that includes an option to transmit an emergency call. Examples are a SPOT tracker or a Garmin Inreach. Especially when traveling alone this is a must-have. I will bring a SPOT tracker myself.
4. Be Self-reliant
If something might happen you are the first one to resolve the issue, you’re on your own. It is pretty useful if you have some knowledge of the bike you are using and have the knowledge, tools, and spares to perform repairs or temporary fixes yourself. Having knowledge of first-aid basics does not do any harm either, quite the opposite. When doing longer / remote stretches, make sure you take enough water & food and that you have the correct gear and clothing for the expected terrain and weather conditions. When cycling with other traffic in bad weather, make sure you are visible. Wear a rain jacket that is highly visible and use a front- and rear light on your bike. Lock your bike when parking in a more crowded area. Take it easier / fewer risks than you normally would do on the bike, do not be overconfident. Filter your water if using water from an unknown source. Look out for each other. Take care of your body, bike, and gear.
Besides all mentioned tips, I have one tip (based on tips from another blog, don’t remember which one) that maybe covers it all: make sure that today you do all you can to repeat it again tomorrow