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Travel: WWR BikePacking
Day 40: Cycling to Whitefish for our flight back home
EvE Jun 17, 2024
Today we cycled from the Stillwater Lake Campground via Whitefish to the Lasalle RV Park. We had clouds all day, it was chilly and cold at times, and after setting up the tent it started to rain. We rode on non-paved roads until Whitefish, from there it was paved. Riding statistics: on Monday, June 17, 2024, day 48 on the route, it took 07:31h (04:39h moving time), between 6:50 and 2:21, to cover 70.11674 km (43 miles), including 728 m (2389 ft) elevation gain, with an average speed of 15.0 km/h (9.3 mph), while reaching a maximum speed of 48 km/h (29.8 mph). During this ride the average temperature was 8 °C (46 °F) with a minimum of 2 °C (36 °F) and a maximum of 14 °C (57 °F).
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Travel: WWR Bikepacking
Western Wildlands Route
Admin Jun 17, 2024
“The 2,700-mile Western Wildlands Route (WWR, formerly known as the Wild West Route) offers bikepackers a non-technical riding experience through the vast expanses of wild and public lands in the Intermountain West. Nearly 70% of the route is on public lands - 18 National Forests, 6 National Parks and Monuments, and 4 areas with Bureau of Land Management National Conservation Lands designation.”, according to Bikepacking Roots. This route took us 12 days, 8 hours, 40 minutes, and 9 seconds of cycling time to cover 4312 km (2679 miles), including 47660 m (156372.46000000002 ft) elevation gain, with an average speed of 15 km/h (9 mph), reaching a maximum speed of 63 km/h (39 mph) on Saturday, June 1, 2024. During cycling, there was a minimum temperature of 0 °C (32 °F) on Thursday, May 30, 2024, and a maximum temperature of 50 °C (122 °F) on Friday, June 7, 2024.
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Travel: WWR BikePacking
Where am I?
EvE Jun 17, 2024
Do you want to know where I am? So do my family and friends. Riding the Western Wildlands Route is a multi-week adventure, often without any connectivity for days. I bought myself a SPOT tracker for its SOS capabilities. However, it also provides tracker options. The tracker option of my SPOT device is configured to send my location every 10 minutes (when moving). My progress is plotted in a blue line, and a marker shows my last known location. The grey line is a projected route that I downloaded from the Internet during my preparations.So it might not exactly reflect the route I will be riding.
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Travel: WWR BikePacking
Day 39: Reaching the end of the WWR
EvE Jun 16, 2024
Today we cycled from the Tobacco River Campground to the Canadian border, and from there to the Stillwater Lake Campground on our way to Whitefish. The day was clouded. In the morning there was a partial blue sky in the east, but it did not reach us. We clouds, some rain, some hail, and some sun today. In the morning we rode paved roads to the border and Eureka. A little after Eureka we rode on gravel and double-track.
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Travel: WWR BikePacking
Day 38: The end of the summer weather
EvE Jun 15, 2024
Today we cycled from the Kilbrennen Lake Campground to the Tobacco River Campground 18mm before the Canadian border. The day started completely clouded, and as forecasted, the rain started at 10:30. After 13:00 it became better again with one or two short rain showers. We rode non-paved for most of the day, only a few kilometers on paved roads. Riding statistics: on Saturday, June 15, 2024, day 46 on the route, it took 10:00h (06:48h moving time), between 6:51 and 4:52, to cover 113.30819 km (70 miles), including 1469 m (4820 ft) elevation gain, with an average speed of 15.0 km/h (9.3 mph), while reaching a maximum speed of 48 km/h (29.8 mph). During this ride the average temperature was 10 °C (50 °F) with a minimum of 6 °C (43 °F) and a maximum of 21 °C (70 °F).
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Day 37: A deli at the perfect location
EvE Jun 14, 2024
Today we cycled from our dispersed campsite at the Noxon Reservoir to the Kilbrennen Lake Campground. We had blue skies with a few clouds. The road surfaces were a mixture of paved and non-paved. Riding statistics: on Friday, June 14, 2024, day 45 on the route, it took 10:00h (06:48h moving time), between 6:51 and 4:52, to cover 112.50171 km (70 miles), including 1419 m (4656 ft) elevation gain, with an average speed of 17.0 km/h (10.6 mph), while reaching a maximum speed of 48 km/h (29.8 mph). During this ride the average temperature was 25 °C (77 °F) with a minimum of 12 °C (54 °F) and a maximum of 42 °C (108 °F).
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Travel: WWR BikePacking
Day 36: The campsite that was not there
EvE Jun 13, 2024
Today we rode from the City Limits RV Park in Wallace to a dispersed campsite at the Noxon Reservoir. We had blue skies all day. We rode a quarter of the distance on a quiet paved road and the other half on non-paved (gravel, double-track, loose sand, etc). Riding statistics: on Thursday, June 13, 2024, day 44 on the route, it took 10:47h (07:49h moving time), between 6:01 and 4:49, to cover 106.41236 km (66 miles), including 1710 m (5611 ft) elevation gain, with an average speed of 14.0 km/h (8.7 mph), while reaching a maximum speed of 43 km/h (26.7 mph). During this ride the average temperature was 21 °C (70 °F) with a minimum of 3 °C (37 °F) and a maximum of 35 °C (95 °F).
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Travel: WWR BikePacking
Day 35: The Hiawatha Trail
EvE Jun 12, 2024
Today we cycled from our dispersed campsite on the Olympian Trail to the City Limits RV Park in Wallace. We had blue skies all day. A little bit of a breeze which felt chilly sometimes. We road non-paved all day, except in the town of Wallace. Riding statistics: on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, day 43 on the route, it took 11:02h (07:53h moving time), between 6:56 and 5:59, to cover 97.756 km (60 miles), including 1208 m (3963 ft) elevation gain, with an average speed of 15.0 km/h (9.3 mph), while reaching a maximum speed of 44 km/h (27.3 mph). During this ride the average temperature was 21 °C (70 °F) with a minimum of 4 °C (39 °F) and a maximum of 42 °C (108 °F).
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Travel: WWR BikePacking
Day 34: Back to the original route
EvE Jun 11, 2024
Today we cycled from the Kreis Pond Campground to a dispersed campsite on the Olympian Trail between St Regius and Haugan. The morning started cloudy, but after a few hours we had lots of sunshine. We rode non-paved most of the day, except between Superior and St Regius. Riding statistics: on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, day 42 on the route, it took 11:02h (07:53h moving time), between 6:56 and 5:59, to cover 110.79423 km (68 miles), including 1501 m (4925 ft) elevation gain, with an average speed of 14.0 km/h (8.7 mph), while reaching a maximum speed of 48 km/h (29.8 mph). During this ride the average temperature was 25 °C (77 °F) with a minimum of 8 °C (46 °F) and a maximum of 46 °C (115 °F).
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Travel: WWR BikePacking
Day 33: The detour continues
EvE Jun 10, 2024
Today we cycled from the Angler’s Roost RV Park in Hamilton to Kreis Pond Campground between Missoula and Superior. We had clouds and sun all day. A little bit of rain when riding out of Missoula. We had a lot of paved roads, but ended the day on gravel. Riding statistics: on Monday, June 10, 2024, day 41 on the route, it took 11:01h (07:50h moving time), between 7:00 and 6:02, to cover 140.5233 km (87 miles), including 672 m (2205 ft) elevation gain, with an average speed of 18.0 km/h (11.2 mph), while reaching a maximum speed of 46 km/h (28.6 mph). During this ride the average temperature was 24 °C (75 °F) with a minimum of 10 °C (50 °F) and a maximum of 35 °C (95 °F).
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Day 32: Again a huge detour because of snow
EvE Jun 9, 2024
Today we cycled from the Spring Creek Campground to Angler’s Roost RV Park close to Hamilton. The day started with sun and dark clouds, which changed to blue skies with a few clouds, and later to very threatening clouds, followed by rain showers and lightning, and finished with threatening clouds and some light rainfall. We cycled on paved roads all day. Riding statistics: on Sunday, June 9, 2024, day 40 on the route, it took 11:38h (07:29h moving time), between 6:35 and 6:14, to cover 137.331 km (85 miles), including 1235 m (4052 ft) elevation gain, with an average speed of 18.0 km/h (11.2 mph), while reaching a maximum speed of 53 km/h (32.9 mph). During this ride the average temperature was 26 °C (79 °F) with a minimum of 12 °C (54 °F) and a maximum of 42 °C (108 °F).
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Travel: WWR BikePacking
Day 31: From creek to creek to river
EvE Jun 8, 2024
Today we cycled from our dispersed campsite at Morgan Creek to Spring Creek campsite. We had blue skies all day, sometimes a little breeze, but it was welcome. We only rode on gravel roads today. Riding statistics: on Saturday, June 8, 2024, day 39 on the route, it took 11:38h (07:29h moving time), between 6:35 and 6:14, to cover 111.37019 km (69 miles), including 832 m (2730 ft) elevation gain, with an average speed of 17.0 km/h (10.6 mph), while reaching a maximum speed of 43 km/h (26.7 mph). During this ride the average temperature was 26 °C (79 °F) with a minimum of 5 °C (41 °F) and a maximum of 43 °C (109 °F).
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Travel: WWR BikePacking
Day 30: More snow, and difficult climbs
EvE Jun 7, 2024
Today we cycled from the basic Eightmile Campground between Stanley and Challis to a dispersed campsite at Morgan Creek. We had blue skies, with some friendly clouds all day. We rode almost all day on gravel roads and double-track. Only in Challis we rode on pavement. Riding statistics: on Friday, June 7, 2024, day 38 on the route, it took 11:38h (07:29h moving time), between 6:35 and 6:14, to cover 79.21935 km (49 miles), including 1731 m (5679 ft) elevation gain, with an average speed of 11.0 km/h (6.8 mph), while reaching a maximum speed of 59 km/h (36.7 mph). During this ride the average temperature was 27 °C (81 °F) with a minimum of 1 °C (34 °F) and a maximum of 50 °C (122 °F).
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Travel: WWR BikePacking
Day 29: The Salmon river and ghost towns
EvE Jun 6, 2024
Today we cycled from the dispersed campsite 45km after Ketchum to the basic Eightmile Campground between Stanley and Challis. We started the day with blue skies, during the morning dark clouds formed and started to chase us, in the afternoon it was overcast, with threatening clouds before dinner, and it ended with some clouds and sun until the sun disappeared behind the mountains. We rode mainly on non-paved roads, except for a couple of kilometers in the morning and 20km out of Stanley.
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Travel: WWR BikePacking
Day 28: The Harimann Trail
EvE Jun 5, 2024
Today we cycled from our dispersed campsite 25km before Bellevue to another dispersed campsite 45km after Ketchum. We had blue skies all day, sunny, warm day. Most of the day we have cycled on gravel roads, double-track, single-track, a a bit on pavement. Riding statistics: on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, day 36 on the route, it took 11:38h (07:29h moving time), between 6:35 and 6:14, to cover 100.55701 km (62 miles), including 1241 m (4072 ft) elevation gain, with an average speed of 13.0 km/h (8.1 mph), while reaching a maximum speed of 37 km/h (23.0 mph). During this ride the average temperature was 26 °C (79 °F) with a minimum of 6 °C (43 °F) and a maximum of 48 °C (118 °F).
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Day 27: That poor snake
EvE Jun 4, 2024
Today we rode from the Mountain View RV Park to a dispersed campsite 25km before Bellevue (just before a large climb). The weather was great again, blue skies, with only a few clouds, warm temps, strong winds. Most of the day was on non-paved, a section at Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve was paved highway. Riding statistics: on Thursday, January 1, 1970, day 35 on the route, it took 07:01h (06:03h moving time), between 6:36 and 1:38, to cover 0 km (0 miles), including 0 m (0 ft) elevation gain, with an average speed of %!f(int=0) km/h (%!f(int=0) mph), while reaching a maximum speed of 0 km/h (%!f(int=0) mph). During this ride the average temperature was 0 °C (0 °F) with a minimum of 0 °C (0 °F) and a maximum of 0 °C (0 °F).
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Day 26: Lava country, and rain
EvE Jun 3, 2024
Today we cycled from our dispersed campsite 30km after Blackfoot to the Mountain View RV Park in Arco. We had threatening clouds all day, got rained on for about 45 minutes in total, had again super strong winds, and a little bit of sun in the late afternoon. Except for riding into town, we only got, sometimes difficult, double-track. Riding statistics: on Monday, June 3, 2024, day 34 on the route, it took 07:01h (06:03h moving time), between 6:36 and 1:38, to cover 82.47265 km (51 miles), including 599 m (1965 ft) elevation gain, with an average speed of 14.0 km/h (8.7 mph), while reaching a maximum speed of 34 km/h (21.1 mph). During this ride the average temperature was 14 °C (57 °F) with a minimum of 11 °C (52 °F) and a maximum of 19 °C (66 °F).
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Travel: WWR BikePacking
Day 25: Idaho grasslands, and a brutal headwind
EvE Jun 2, 2024
Today we rode from the simple Sagehen Flat campground to a dispersed campsite 30km after Blackfoot. Today we got a cloudy day but also a (less warm) sun was shining. The road surfaces today were paved and non-paved 50/50. Riding statistics: on Sunday, June 2, 2024, day 33 on the route, it took 11:07h (08:16h moving time), between 6:51 and 5:59, to cover 119.49895 km (74 miles), including 841 m (2759 ft) elevation gain, with an average speed of 14.0 km/h (8.7 mph), while reaching a maximum speed of 60 km/h (37.3 mph). During this ride the average temperature was 23 °C (73 °F) with a minimum of 8 °C (46 °F) and a maximum of 32 °C (90 °F).
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Travel: WWR BikePacking
Day 24: Entering Idaho
EvE Jun 1, 2024
Today we rode from our dispersed campsite near the Smokey Canyon Mine to Sagehen Flat campground between Soda Springs and Blackfoot. The day started with blue skies but soon clouds formed above the mountains, there seemed to be rain behind us, but we only got threatening clouds in the afternoon, and eventually friendly clouds with some sunshine to end the day. We have cycled mostly on gravel and some double-track.
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Travel: WWR BikePacking
Day 23: The snow got us again
EvE May 31, 2024
Today we rode from the North Eden campground in the Bear Lake State Park to a dispersed campsite 1km after the Smokey Canyon Mine, and 3km before the top of a pass. We mostly cycled on gravel today. The weather was a clear blue sky all day, plus a bit of a sometimes chilly wind. Riding statistics: on Friday, May 31, 2024, day 31 on the route, it took 11:07h (08:16h moving time), between 6:51 and 5:59, to cover 100.68347 km (62 miles), including 1531 m (5023 ft) elevation gain, with an average speed of 12.0 km/h (7.5 mph), while reaching a maximum speed of 53 km/h (32.9 mph). During this ride the average temperature was 22 °C (72 °F) with a minimum of 4 °C (39 °F) and a maximum of 39 °C (102 °F).
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Day 22: Wyoming, Utah, Wyoming, Utah
EvE May 30, 2024
Today we rode from the Phillips RV Park in Evanston to the North Eden campground at Bear Lake. Today we had beautiful weather with blue skies and a few clouds. We did have the colder wind again. The road surface was mainly on gravel and double-track, and some pavement. Riding statistics: on Thursday, May 30, 2024, day 30 on the route, it took 12:17h (08:45h moving time), between 6:44 and 7:02, to cover 140.11634 km (87 miles), including 1108 m (3635 ft) elevation gain, with an average speed of 16.0 km/h (9.9 mph), while reaching a maximum speed of 57 km/h (35.4 mph). During this ride the average temperature was 19 °C (66 °F) with a minimum of 1 °C (34 °F) and a maximum of 28 °C (82 °F).
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Day 21: Wide open Wyoming
EvE May 29, 2024
Today we rode from the Cottonwood campground in the Rockport State Park, Utah to the Phillips RV Park in Evanston, Wyoming. We had blue skies with friendly clouds all day. The road surfaces we cycled included pavement, rail-trail, and gravel. Riding statistics: on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, day 29 on the route, it took 07:27h (05:44h moving time), between 6:50 and 2:18, to cover 99.14885 km (62 miles), including 845 m (2772 ft) elevation gain, with an average speed of 17.0 km/h (10.6 mph), while reaching a maximum speed of 46 km/h (28.6 mph). During this ride the average temperature was 24 °C (75 °F) with a minimum of 7 °C (45 °F) and a maximum of 34 °C (93 °F).
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Day 20: Difficult roads and another detour
EvE May 28, 2024
Today we rode from our dispersed campsite east of Strawberry Reservoir to Cottonwood Campground in the Rockport State Park. We had lots of sunshine, but also some threatening clouds. Road surfaces were difficult double-track, pavement, gravel, and a path used by wildlife. Riding statistics: on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, day 28 on the route, it took 12:01h (08:03h moving time), between 6:39 and 6:40, to cover 122.32888 km (76 miles), including 1709 m (5607 ft) elevation gain, with an average speed of 14.0 km/h (8.7 mph), while reaching a maximum speed of 59 km/h (36.7 mph). During this ride the average temperature was 25 °C (77 °F) with a minimum of 3 °C (37 °F) and a maximum of 42 °C (108 °F).
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Day 19: Meeting Anna and John
EvE May 27, 2024
Today we rode from the campground in the Palisade State Park to a dispersed campsite 15km east of Strawberry Reservoir. We had blue skies with a few clouds all day. We mostly rode a paved road, and a short difficult single-track. Riding statistics: on Monday, May 27, 2024, day 27 on the route, it took 12:01h (08:03h moving time), between 6:39 and 6:40, to cover 140.42627 km (87 miles), including 1165 m (3822 ft) elevation gain, with an average speed of 17.0 km/h (10.6 mph), while reaching a maximum speed of 51 km/h (31.7 mph). During this ride the average temperature was 27 °C (81 °F) with a minimum of 8 °C (46 °F) and a maximum of 47 °C (117 °F).
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Day 18: A beautiful valley
EvE May 26, 2024
Today we rode from the RV Park in Antimony to a campground in the Palisade State Park. We had blue skies with some clouds all day. We started on pavement, at noon back on off road surfaces, and in the late afternoon we did some more on pavement. Riding statistics: on Sunday, May 26, 2024, day 26 on the route, it took 12:06h (08:45h moving time), between 7:04 and 7:11, to cover 150.28266 km (93 miles), including 871 m (2858 ft) elevation gain, with an average speed of 17.0 km/h (10.6 mph), while reaching a maximum speed of 43 km/h (26.7 mph). During this ride the average temperature was 23 °C (73 °F) with a minimum of 2 °C (36 °F) and a maximum of 36 °C (97 °F).
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Day 17: Detour because of the snow
EvE May 25, 2024
Today we rode from a dispersed campsite close to Bryce Canyon National Park to a dispersed campsite on the Aquarius Plateau. Oh no, we did not make that. We ended the day at an RV Park in a small community. The weather started great with blue skies. In the afternoon that changed to clouded, and then rain. We were supposed to have a gravel and double-track all day, but eventually the afternoon was paved.
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Day 16: Memorial Day Friday, few camp spots
EvE May 24, 2024
Today we rode from Kanab to a dispersed campsite 10km before Bryce Canyon National Park. We started the day with blue skies, in the afternoon there were clouds, no sun, but the sun returned in the late afternoon. The first 40km was on a paved road. The rest of the day on a gravel road (with sometimes a layer of 1 to 5cm of really fine grained sand. Riding statistics: on Friday, May 24, 2024, day 24 on the route, it took 10:24h (08:03h moving time), between 7:07 and 5:31, to cover 100.11641 km (62 miles), including 1514 m (4967 ft) elevation gain, with an average speed of 12.0 km/h (7.5 mph), while reaching a maximum speed of 44 km/h (27.3 mph). During this ride the average temperature was 24 °C (75 °F) with a minimum of 15 °C (59 °F) and a maximum of 38 °C (100 °F).
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Day 15: Entering Utah
EvE May 23, 2024
Today we rode from our dispersed campsite near the Vermillion Cliffs to a motel in Kanab. We had blue skies all day, and the damn wind again. The road was paved for the first 10km, follow by gravel, good and bad, and the last 20km was also paved. Riding statistics: on Thursday, May 23, 2024, day 23 on the route, it took 12:17h (07:41h moving time), between 5:56 and 6:14, to cover 102.68534 km (63 miles), including 1094 m (3589 ft) elevation gain, with an average speed of 13.0 km/h (8.1 mph), while reaching a maximum speed of 39 km/h (24.2 mph). During this ride the average temperature was 27 °C (81 °F) with a minimum of 13 °C (55 °F) and a maximum of 35 °C (95 °F).
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Day 14: More Red Rocks
EvE May 22, 2024
Today we rode from the dispersed campsite on the Navajo territory to another dispersed campsite near the Vermillion Cliffs. We had blue skies all day, and wind. The road surface was in the morning good gravel, mainly double-track. In the afternoon we had a paved road along the Vermillion Cliffs. Riding statistics: on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, day 22 on the route, it took 12:17h (07:41h moving time), between 5:56 and 6:14, to cover 126.44569 km (78 miles), including 1167 m (3829 ft) elevation gain, with an average speed of 15.0 km/h (9.3 mph), while reaching a maximum speed of 54 km/h (33.6 mph). During this ride the average temperature was 26 °C (79 °F) with a minimum of 6 °C (43 °F) and a maximum of 39 °C (102 °F).
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Day 13: Cycling around the Grand Canyon
EvE May 21, 2024
Today we rode from the dispersed campsite close to Grand Canyon National Park to another dispersed campsite on the Navajo territory after Cameron. Today with blue skies to start and end the day, during the day we had some clouds. Overall warm but not too warm. Most of the day we rode on a paved road, except for a few kilometers where we entered Grand Canyon National Park, and the Navajo territory.
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Day 12: Single-track on the Arizona Trail
EvE May 20, 2024
Today we rode from a dispersed campsite north of Flagstaff to another dispersed campsite just outside Grand Canyon National Park. Today we mainly had overcast, it started an ended with additional sunshine between the clouds. There was also an very strong wind, with powerful gusts, all day long. The roads were not easy today. Some difficult trails with rocks, dried clay, gravel, and single-track. Riding statistics: on Monday, May 20, 2024, day 20 on the route, it took 10:38h (08:34h moving time), between 6:05 and 4:43, to cover 109.45044 km (68 miles), including 1354 m (4442 ft) elevation gain, with an average speed of 13.0 km/h (8.1 mph), while reaching a maximum speed of 46 km/h (28.6 mph). During this ride the average temperature was 20 °C (68 °F) with a minimum of 12 °C (54 °F) and a maximum of 29 °C (84 °F).
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Day 11: Passing Flagstaff
EvE May 19, 2024
Today we rode from a dispersed campsite at the top of Schnelby Hill north of Sedona to another dispersed campsite north of Flagstaff. We had blue skies all day, however, because of the elevation and wind it was never too warm. We had some rough roads today, combined with nice gravel roads and a little pavement. Riding statistics: on Sunday, May 19, 2024, day 19 on the route, it took 10:58h (07:01h moving time), between 5:52 and 4:51, to cover 89.60821 km (55 miles), including 1276 m (4187 ft) elevation gain, with an average speed of 13.0 km/h (8.1 mph), while reaching a maximum speed of 43 km/h (26.7 mph). During this ride the average temperature was 22 °C (72 °F) with a minimum of 5 °C (41 °F) and a maximum of 34 °C (93 °F).
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Day 10: The beautiful but challenging Schnebly Hill
EvE May 18, 2024
Today we rode from the Sunrise Resort RV Park close to Happy Jack to a dispersed campsite at the top of Sedona’s Schnebly Hill. We started with blue skies, had some clouds during the morning, and ended the day again with a clear sky. The road surfaces today were either paved or very rough off-road. Riding statistics: on Saturday, May 18, 2024, day 18 on the route, it took 11:40h (08:40h moving time), between 6:14 and 5:55, to cover 103.63061 km (64 miles), including 1280 m (4200 ft) elevation gain, with an average speed of 14.0 km/h (8.7 mph), while reaching a maximum speed of 48 km/h (29.8 mph). During this ride the average temperature was 28 °C (82 °F) with a minimum of 5 °C (41 °F) and a maximum of 47 °C (117 °F).
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Day 09: The Mogollon Mountains
EvE May 17, 2024
Today we rode from a dispersed campsite north of Young to the Sunrise Resort RV park. We had blue skies starting the day, some clouds during the day, and again a clear sky in the evening. The road surface was mainly gravel, some double-track, and very little pavement. Riding statistics: on Friday, May 17, 2024, day 17 on the route, it took 11:40h (08:40h moving time), between 6:14 and 5:55, to cover 117.42279 km (73 miles), including 1502 m (4928 ft) elevation gain, with an average speed of 14.0 km/h (8.7 mph), while reaching a maximum speed of 45 km/h (28.0 mph). During this ride the average temperature was 23 °C (73 °F) with a minimum of 8 °C (46 °F) and a maximum of 33 °C (91 °F).
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Day 08: Higher elevations
EvE May 16, 2024
Today we rode from a dispersed campsite at the Salty River to another dispersed campsite 15km north of Young. The day started with blue skies, later clouds, sometimes dark clouds in the mountains, and some rain in the evening. The road surfaces was about 50/50 paved vs non-paved. Riding statistics: on Thursday, May 16, 2024, day 16 on the route, it took 11:29h (08:16h moving time), between 6:27 and 5:57, to cover 89.88381 km (55 miles), including 2341 m (7681 ft) elevation gain, with an average speed of 10.0 km/h (6.2 mph), while reaching a maximum speed of 56 km/h (34.8 mph). During this ride the average temperature was 25 °C (77 °F) with a minimum of 17 °C (63 °F) and a maximum of 33 °C (91 °F).
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Day 07: Swim and camp with kind locals
EvE May 15, 2024
Today we rode from our dispersed campsite in the Pina Mountains to a dispersed campsite at the Salty River. We again had hot weather with barely any clouds. The road surface, yeah, a barely rideable double-track with rocks and loose gravel, to nice gravel, and also pavement. Riding statistics: on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, day 15 on the route, it took 11:29h (08:16h moving time), between 6:27 and 5:57, to cover 68.73069 km (42 miles), including 1215 m (3986 ft) elevation gain, with an average speed of 12.0 km/h (7.5 mph), while reaching a maximum speed of 54 km/h (33.6 mph). During this ride the average temperature was 29 °C (84 °F) with a minimum of 13 °C (55 °F) and a maximum of 38 °C (100 °F).
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Day 06: An oasis in the middle of nowhere
EvE May 14, 2024
Today we rode from a dispersed campsite 12km after Oracle to another dispersed campsite in the Pina Mountains on our way to Globe. We, again, had a hot day, I think even hotter than the previous days, and with less wind because of the mountains. The road surface varied between excellent gravel, paved, bad gravel, and riverbed. Riding statistics: on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, day 14 on the route, it took 11:29h (08:16h moving time), between 6:27 and 5:57, to cover 109.8604 km (68 miles), including 1335 m (4380 ft) elevation gain, with an average speed of 14.0 km/h (8.7 mph), while reaching a maximum speed of 49 km/h (30.4 mph). During this ride the average temperature was 36 °C (97 °F) with a minimum of 16 °C (61 °F) and a maximum of 46 °C (115 °F).
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Travel: WWR BikePacking
Day 05: Mount Lemon up and down again
EvE May 13, 2024
Today we rode from the Molino Campground on Mount Mellon to a dispersed campsite 12km after Oracle. The weather started as previous days, all blue skies with later some scatteres clouds. The road surface started with a paved road to the top of Mount Mellon and from there changes into off-road, varying from easy and comfortable to very rough. Riding statistics: on Monday, May 13, 2024, day 13 on the route, it took 11:29h (08:16h moving time), between 6:27 and 5:57, to cover 94.35344 km (58 miles), including 1871 m (6139 ft) elevation gain, with an average speed of 11.0 km/h (6.8 mph), while reaching a maximum speed of 49 km/h (30.4 mph). During this ride the average temperature was 28 °C (82 °F) with a minimum of 13 °C (55 °F) and a maximum of 44 °C (111 °F).
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Travel: WWR BikePacking
Day 04: Tuscon again
EvE May 12, 2024
Today we rode from our dispersed campsite north of the Cascabel Community Center to the first campground (at 1400m). Weather same as previous days. The road surface not so much. This difficult and challenging conditions. Riding statistics: on Sunday, May 12, 2024, day 12 on the route, it took 10:53h (07:53h moving time), between 6:19 and 5:13, to cover 79.70318 km (49 miles), including 1454 m (4771 ft) elevation gain, with an average speed of 11.0 km/h (6.8 mph), while reaching a maximum speed of 44 km/h (27.3 mph). During this ride the average temperature was 30 °C (86 °F) with a minimum of 11 °C (52 °F) and a maximum of 42 °C (108 °F).
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Travel: WWR BikePacking
Day 03: Gates, gates, and more gates
EvE May 11, 2024
Today we rode from Thombstone to a dispersed campsite 8km north of the Cascabel Community Center. The weather was similar to previous days, blue skies all over and a bit of wind. The road surfaces included paved (but not as much as previous days), gravel, loose gravel and sand, double track with pinned bushes at the sides and in the middle. Riding statistics: on Saturday, May 11, 2024, day 11 on the route, it took 10:53h (07:53h moving time), between 6:19 and 5:13, to cover 121.31688 km (75 miles), including 650 m (2133 ft) elevation gain, with an average speed of 15.0 km/h (9.3 mph), while reaching a maximum speed of 46 km/h (28.6 mph). During this ride the average temperature was 31 °C (88 °F) with a minimum of 12 °C (54 °F) and a maximum of 41 °C (106 °F).
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Travel: WWR BikePacking
Day 02: The official route
EvE May 10, 2024
Today we rode from Sierra Vista to Thombstone. The weather was similar to yesterday, blue skies and winds from the south. Road surfaces were plenty today, a mixture of paved roads, good and bad gravel roads, single track, loose sand, and rolling hills. Riding statistics: on Friday, May 10, 2024, day 10 on the route, it took 08:15h (05:30h moving time), between 7:50 and 4:05, to cover 89.20321 km (55 miles), including 622 m (2041 ft) elevation gain, with an average speed of 16.0 km/h (9.9 mph), while reaching a maximum speed of 56 km/h (34.8 mph). During this ride the average temperature was 32 °C (90 °F) with a minimum of 19 °C (66 °F) and a maximum of 40 °C (104 °F).
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Travel: WWR BikePacking
Day 01: We are on our way
EvE May 9, 2024
Today we rode from Tuscon to Sierra Vista. The weather was beautiful, a blue sky throughout the day. All roads were paved roads, some with busy traffic some quit. Riding statistics: on Thursday, May 9, 2024, day 9 on the route, it took 11:27h (07:52h moving time), between 7:33 and 7:24, to cover 131.3488 km (81 miles), including 1209 m (3967 ft) elevation gain, with an average speed of 17.0 km/h (10.6 mph), while reaching a maximum speed of 50 km/h (31.1 mph). During this ride the average temperature was 29 °C (84 °F) with a minimum of 22 °C (72 °F) and a maximum of 37 °C (99 °F).
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Travel: WWR BikePacking
Traveling to Tucson, Arizona, United States
EvE May 8, 2024
Today is the first day of the entire trip. Traveling from home all the way to Tuscon, Arizona. A long day so that we can start our cycling trip tomorrow! This morning I’ve set my alarm clock at 7am. Of course I was already awake, as I usually already am. I had all the time to get up and prepare. For our convenience, we already put the bike box on the car’s roof yesterday evening. Around 8.15 we (Karin, Stijn, and myself) were all ready to leave.
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Travel: WWR BikePacking
Arranging our flights
EvE Apr 19, 2024
After my bike companion Fons and myself decided that we should go for it, it was time to start arranging the more formal things. For example plane tickets. For my previous trip to cycle the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route, I asked for help from a travel agency to arrange my ticket. My reason for that is that I could also ask for their help when I required a reschedule for the trip back home. So, this time I got again in contact with the same travel agency and explained them my new plans. Unfortunately, they immediately informed me that they will not arrange any airline tickets anymore that includes a bike. They had to disappoint some customers in the last two years and therefore decided to stop offering that. Seems like the airlines are making it more difficult these days. Bummer!
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Travel: WWR BikePacking
Bike & Gear changes
EvE Mar 1, 2024
I have started the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route with only 3 days / 2 nights of bikepacking experience. And that was mainly for testing some bags, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and the tent I bought. I based my decision on reading a lot of experiences from others and thinking about what might work for me. Nevertheless, I am still happy with the decision in bike & gear I made. I had no issues during my ride and would not mind using the same setup again. However, I am making some changes compared to the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route setup. Mainly because of convenience and luxury.
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Travel: WWR BikePacking
Another bike adventure?!?
EvE Feb 6, 2024
Short answer: yes. Before riding the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route, I already wondered how I would be thinking about these kind of adventures after my return. Would it be a ’never again’, or would it somehow attract me to do something similar again? Although I was really looking forward to riding the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route, I had no clue how much I would like it. Already a couple of minutes after arriving at Antelope Wells at the end of the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route I was regretting that the adventure had come to an end. I immediately envisioned how it would be if we could continue riding. Normal life called, and the both of us had to get back home. After my return people already started to ask about any future plans. I already had a route that I found attractive, but I kept it to myself for a while. Eventually that little seed started growing and I somehow wanted to assess the feasibility of a new adventure. I do realize that we had no real issues during our Great Divide Mountain Bike Route. So, for any new adventure there is a chance for more bad weather, more mechanical issues, more physical issues, etc. We’ve even seen it with others on our previous ride.
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Travel: WWR BikePacking
What is the Western Wildlands Route?
EvE Jan 1, 2024
“The 2,700-mile Western Wildlands Route (WWR, formerly known as the Wild West Route) offers bikepackers a non-technical riding experience through the vast expanses of wild and public lands in the Intermountain West. Nearly 70% of the route is on public lands, including 18 National Forests, 6 National Parks and Monuments, and 4 areas with Bureau of Land Management National Conservation Lands designation. Riders will experience the incredibly remote mountains of western Montana and central Idaho, the desolate beauty of southern Idaho’s Snake River Plain, endless vistas from Utah’s high plateaus at 10,000 feet elevation, the canyon country of Navajo Nation and Grand Canyon region, and the towering Sky Islands and low Sonoran Desert of southern Arizona.
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Travel: GDMBR BikePacking
Day 43: Are we already there?!?
EvE Sep 12, 2022
Today we rode from Hachita, New Mexico, US to Antelope Wells, New Mexico, US. Sunny weather with no clouds. Road conditions include a paved road only. Highlights of the day include reaching the endpoint of the route. Riding statistics: on Monday, September 12, 2022, day 43 on the route, it took 04:59h (03:45h moving time), between 7:27 and 12:26, to cover 73.15971 km (45 miles), including 158 m (518 ft) elevation gain, with an average speed of 19.0 km/h (11.8 mph), while reaching a maximum speed of 30 km/h (18.6 mph). During this ride the average temperature was 28 °C (82 °F) with a minimum of 21 °C (70 °F) and a maximum of 37 °C (99 °F).
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Travel: GDMBR Bikepacking
Great Divide Mountain Bike Route
Admin Sep 12, 2022
“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. This route is defined by the word “remote”. Its remoteness equates with spectacular terrain and scenery. The entire route is basically dirt road and mountain-pass riding every day. In total, it has over 200,000 feet of elevation gain. Nearly 2,100 miles of the route is composed of County, Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and Canadian provincial unpaved roads.”, according to the Adventure Cycling Association.
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Travel: GDMBR BikePacking
Where am I?
EvE Sep 12, 2022
Do you want to know where I am? So do my family and friends. Riding the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route is a multi-week adventure, often without any connectivity for days. I bought myself a SPOT tracker for its SOS capabilities. However, it also provides tracker options. The tracker option of my SPOT device is configured to send my location every 10 minutes (when moving). My progress is plotted in a blue line, and a marker shows my last known location. The grey line is a projected route that I downloaded from the Internet during my preparations. So it might not exactly reflect the route I will be riding.
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Travel: GDMBR BikePacking
Day 42: Snakes and other creepy animals
EvE Sep 11, 2022
Today we rode from Silver City, New Mexico, US to Hachita, New Mexico, US. Sunny weather with little clouds (some cloud coverage in the morning). Road conditions included paved road, gravel roads, and dirt roads. Highlights of the day include the dirt road with snakes, and the scenery change to desert. Riding statistics: on Sunday, September 11, 2022, day 42 on the route, it took 11:32h (07:57h moving time), between 7:44 and 7:16, to cover 126.87533 km (78 miles), including 705 m (2313 ft) elevation gain, with an average speed of 16.0 km/h (9.9 mph), while reaching a maximum speed of 45 km/h (28.0 mph). During this ride the average temperature was 28 °C (82 °F) with a minimum of 18 °C (64 °F) and a maximum of 38 °C (100 °F).
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Travel: GDMBR BikePacking
Day 41: Cycling in the dark
EvE Sep 10, 2022
Today we rode from Beaverhead Work Center, New Mexico, US to Silver City, New Mexico, US. Sunny weather with some clouds. Road conditions included New Mexico gravel roads and paved roads. Highlights of the day include our evening ride into Silver City. Riding statistics: on Saturday, September 10, 2022, day 41 on the route, it took 11:26h (08:00h moving time), between 7:26 and 6:53, to cover 135.36905 km (84 miles), including 2352 m (7717 ft) elevation gain, with an average speed of 13.0 km/h (8.1 mph), while reaching a maximum speed of 48 km/h (29.8 mph). During this ride the average temperature was 25 °C (77 °F) with a minimum of 7 °C (45 °F) and a maximum of 39 °C (102 °F).
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Travel: GDMBR BikePacking
Day 40: These roads were killing us
EvE Sep 9, 2022
Today we rode from Valle Tios Vinces Campground, New Mexico, US to Beaverhead Work Center (firebrigade center), New Mexico, US. Same weather as yesterday, often sun, but not too hot. Road conditions included mainly New Mexico off road such as gravel, loose sand, rocks, and washboarded road. Highlights of the day include seeing the forces of nature at the Bursum road. Riding statistics: on Friday, September 9, 2022, day 40 on the route, it took 11:26h (08:00h moving time), between 7:26 and 6:53, to cover 111.14051 km (69 miles), including 649 m (2129 ft) elevation gain, with an average speed of 14.0 km/h (8.7 mph), while reaching a maximum speed of 36 km/h (22.4 mph). During this ride the average temperature was 27 °C (81 °F) with a minimum of 9 °C (48 °F) and a maximum of 38 °C (100 °F).
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Travel: GDMBR BikePacking
Day 39: The best Pie ever, not?
EvE Sep 8, 2022
Today we rode from Joe Skeen Campground (25km after Sargents), New Mexico, US to Valle Tios Vinces Campground (45km after Pie Town), New Mexico, US. Not as sunny weather as other days, there was some overcast (which was appreciated) and a few raindrops during our second part. Road conditions included paved roads, and for the large part New Mexico gravel roads. Highlights of the day include being back in (smaller) mountains and forests.
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Travel: GDMBR BikePacking
Day 38: Yes, forests again …
EvE Sep 7, 2022
Today we rode from Chaco Trading Post (GDMBR Chaco Alternate), New Mexico, US to Joe Skeen Campground (25km after Sargents), New Mexico, US. Sunny weather all day. Road conditions included paved roads only. Highlights of the day include making mileage, visiting Grants, and our evening campground. Riding statistics: on Wednesday, September 7, 2022, day 38 on the route, it took 11:26h (08:00h moving time), between 7:26 and 6:53, to cover 148.01977 km (92 miles), including 950 m (3117 ft) elevation gain, with an average speed of 19.0 km/h (11.8 mph), while reaching a maximum speed of 51 km/h (31.7 mph). During this ride the average temperature was 30 °C (86 °F) with a minimum of 13 °C (55 °F) and a maximum of 40 °C (104 °F).
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Travel: GDMBR BikePacking
Day 37: The last day in the forest?!?
EvE Sep 6, 2022
Today we rode from dispersed campground 22km before Cuba, New Mexico, US to Chaco Trading Post (GDMBR Chaco Alternate), New Mexico, US. Sunny weather with little clouds. Road conditions were perfect, only paved roads. Highlights of the day include the scenery change from the last forests and mountains to more desert and ‘flatter’. Riding statistics: on Tuesday, September 6, 2022, day 37 on the route, it took 12:32h (09:59h moving time), between 7:22 and 7:56, to cover 102.78905 km (63 miles), including 654 m (2146 ft) elevation gain, with an average speed of 20.0 km/h (12.4 mph), while reaching a maximum speed of 55 km/h (34.2 mph). During this ride the average temperature was 31 °C (88 °F) with a minimum of 11 °C (52 °F) and a maximum of 47 °C (117 °F).
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Travel: GDMBR BikePacking
Day 36: Running out of daylight
EvE Sep 5, 2022
Today we rode from Abiquiu, New Mexico, US to dispersed campground 22km before Cuba, New Mexico, US. Sunny weather with little clouds, thunderstorms building up in the afternoon (no rain for us). Road conditions mostly very difficult. Highlights of the day include riding a 20km climb on the most difficult road so far, pitching tent in forest before Cuba (probably last forest of the route). Riding statistics: on Monday, September 5, 2022, day 36 on the route, it took 12:32h (09:59h moving time), between 7:22 and 7:56, to cover 102.41821 km (63 miles), including 2225 m (7300 ft) elevation gain, with an average speed of 10.0 km/h (6.2 mph), while reaching a maximum speed of 34 km/h (21.1 mph). During this ride the average temperature was 28 °C (82 °F) with a minimum of 11 °C (52 °F) and a maximum of 41 °C (106 °F).
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Travel: GDMBR BikePacking
Day 34: New Mexican roads …
EvE Sep 4, 2022
Today we rode from Informal Campground, New Mexico, US to Abiquiu, New Mexico, US. Sunny weather all day. Road conditions included paved roads, gravel roads (good and bad). Highlights of the day include the changing scenery, our stop for the night (Retreat at the River). Riding statistics: on Sunday, September 4, 2022, day 35 on the route, it took 09:29h (07:36h moving time), between 8:21 and 5:51, to cover 107.94803 km (66 miles), including 1228 m (4029 ft) elevation gain, with an average speed of 15.0 km/h (9.3 mph), while reaching a maximum speed of 45 km/h (28.0 mph). During this ride the average temperature was 27 °C (81 °F) with a minimum of 5 °C (41 °F) and a maximum of 43 °C (109 °F).
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Travel: GDMBR BikePacking
Day 33: The highest pass on the route
EvE Sep 2, 2022
Today we rode from a cabin at the base of the climb to Indiana Pass, Colorado, US to Horca, Colorado, US. Sunny weather with very little clouds. Road conditions included gravel roads only. Highlights of the day include climbing Indiana Pass, meeting trail angels and their support. Riding statistics: on Friday, September 2, 2022, day 33 on the route, it took 11:17h (06:27h moving time), between 7:23 and 6:40, to cover 96.62368 km (60 miles), including 1660 m (5446 ft) elevation gain, with an average speed of 12.0 km/h (7.5 mph), while reaching a maximum speed of 43 km/h (26.7 mph). During this ride the average temperature was 26 °C (79 °F) with a minimum of 9 °C (48 °F) and a maximum of 39 °C (102 °F).
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Travel: GDMBR BikePacking
Day 32: Kevin’s Cabin
EvE Sep 1, 2022
Today we rode from informal campground 8km before the top of Canero Pass, Colorado, US to a cabin at the base of the climb to Indiana Pass, Colorado, US. Sunny weather with little clouds. Road conditions included paved roads, gravel roads, and jeep tracks. Highlights of the day include climbing Canero Pass, the jeep tracks after La Garita, and the cabin were we will stay for the night. Riding statistics: on Thursday, September 1, 2022, day 32 on the route, it took 11:17h (06:27h moving time), between 7:23 and 6:40, to cover 95.15808 km (59 miles), including 991 m (3251 ft) elevation gain, with an average speed of 15.0 km/h (9.3 mph), while reaching a maximum speed of 47 km/h (29.2 mph). During this ride the average temperature was 27 °C (81 °F) with a minimum of 3 °C (37 °F) and a maximum of 49 °C (120 °F).
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Travel: GDMBR BikePacking
Day 31: No formal campground today
EvE Aug 31, 2022
Today we rode from Tomichi Creek Trading Post (Sargents), Colorado, US to informal campground 8km before the to of Canero Pass, Colorado, US. Sunny weather with some clouds. Road conditions included paved roads and lots of gravel roads. Highlights of the day include climbing Cochetopa Pass and the ride up to our informal campground. Riding statistics: on Wednesday, August 31, 2022, day 31 on the route, it took 09:02h (07:04h moving time), between 7:52 and 4:55, to cover 112.22083 km (70 miles), including 1260 m (4134 ft) elevation gain, with an average speed of 16.0 km/h (9.9 mph), while reaching a maximum speed of 45 km/h (28.0 mph). During this ride the average temperature was 27 °C (81 °F) with a minimum of 11 °C (52 °F) and a maximum of 38 °C (100 °F).
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Travel: GDMBR BikePacking
Day 30: Salida
EvE Aug 30, 2022
Today we rode from Salida, Colorado, US to Tomichi Creek Trading Post (Sargents), Colorado, US. Sunny weather with little clouds. Road conditions included paved roads and different sorts of gravel roads (smooth & difficult surfaces). Highlights of the day include having a lunch break on Marshall Pass and meeting all kinds of different people. Riding statistics: on Tuesday, August 30, 2022, day 30 on the route, it took 07:42h (05:03h moving time), between 9:26 and 5:08, to cover 67.09585 km (42 miles), including 1125 m (3691 ft) elevation gain, with an average speed of 13.0 km/h (8.1 mph), while reaching a maximum speed of 40 km/h (24.9 mph). During this ride the average temperature was 32 °C (90 °F) with a minimum of 20 °C (68 °F) and a maximum of 44 °C (111 °F).
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Travel: GDMBR BikePacking
Day 29: A downtown visit
EvE Aug 29, 2022
Today we rode from Hartsell, Colorado, US to Salida, Colorado, US. Sunny weather with little clouds. Road conditions included some paved roads and good gravel roads. Highlights of the day include a very good a long downhill, and the town of Salida. Riding statistics: on Monday, August 29, 2022, day 29 on the route, it took 09:34h (05:05h moving time), between 7:27 and 5:03, to cover 81.45383 km (50 miles), including 785 m (2576 ft) elevation gain, with an average speed of 16.0 km/h (9.9 mph), while reaching a maximum speed of 47 km/h (29.2 mph). During this ride the average temperature was 30 °C (86 °F) with a minimum of 5 °C (41 °F) and a maximum of 43 °C (109 °F).
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Travel: GDMBR BikePacking
Day 28: The knee says NO
EvE Aug 28, 2022
Today we rode from Silverthorne, Colorado, US to Hartsell, Colorado, US. The day started with sunny weather, eventually overcast, and later thunderstorms (we have not been rained on today). Road conditions included paved roads and gravel roads. Highlights of the day include Boreas Pass (one to second highest peak on the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route). Riding statistics: on Sunday, August 28, 2022, day 28 on the route, it took 09:16h (07:14h moving time), between 9:06 and 6:22, to cover 111.22728 km (69 miles), including 1191 m (3908 ft) elevation gain, with an average speed of 15.0 km/h (9.3 mph), while reaching a maximum speed of 47 km/h (29.2 mph). During this ride the average temperature was 21 °C (70 °F) with a minimum of 11 °C (52 °F) and a maximum of 34 °C (93 °F).
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Travel: GDMBR BikePacking
Day 27: Radium
EvE Aug 27, 2022
Today we rode from Radium, Colorado, US to Silverthorne, Colorado, US. Sunny weather with afternoon thunderstorms. Road conditions included easy gravel roads and paved roads. Highlights of the day include climbing Ute Pass. Riding statistics: on Saturday, August 27, 2022, day 27 on the route, it took 11:02h (07:32h moving time), between 7:18 and 6:20, to cover 115.86983 km (71 miles), including 1764 m (5788 ft) elevation gain, with an average speed of 14.0 km/h (8.7 mph), while reaching a maximum speed of 49 km/h (30.4 mph). During this ride the average temperature was 18 °C (64 °F) with a minimum of 3 °C (37 °F) and a maximum of 35 °C (95 °F).
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Travel: GDMBR BikePacking
Day 26: This water will make you glow
EvE Aug 26, 2022
Today we rode from Steamboat Springs, Colorado, US to Radium, Colorado, US. Sunny weather with clouds, and thunderstorms. Road conditions included gravel roads for most of the day (few kilometer of paved roads). Highlights of the day include seeing some of the rock formations. Riding statistics: on Friday, August 26, 2022, day 26 on the route, it took 11:02h (07:32h moving time), between 7:18 and 6:20, to cover 100.5791 km (62 miles), including 1539 m (5049 ft) elevation gain, with an average speed of 13.0 km/h (8.1 mph), while reaching a maximum speed of 43 km/h (26.7 mph). During this ride the average temperature was 19 °C (66 °F) with a minimum of 8 °C (46 °F) and a maximum of 32 °C (90 °F).
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Travel: GDMBR BikePacking
Day 25: Bike maintenance
EvE Aug 25, 2022
Today we rode from Brush Mountain Lodge, Colorado, US to Steamboat Springs, Colorado, US. Sunny / overcast weather. Road conditions included mainly gravel roads, and jeep tracks. Highlights of the day include Brush Mountain Lodge. Riding statistics: on Thursday, August 25, 2022, day 25 on the route, it took 10:38h (06:12h moving time), between 7:28 and 6:07, to cover 79.04021 km (49 miles), including 1004 m (3294 ft) elevation gain, with an average speed of 15.0 km/h (9.3 mph), while reaching a maximum speed of 51 km/h (31.7 mph). During this ride the average temperature was 24 °C (75 °F) with a minimum of 17 °C (63 °F) and a maximum of 33 °C (91 °F).
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Travel: GDMBR BikePacking
Day 24: Brush Mountain Lodge
EvE Aug 24, 2022
Today we rode from the Teton Reservoir Campground 16km south of Rawlins, Wyoming, US to Brush Mountain Lodge, Colorado, US. Sunny weather with clouds. Road conditions included paved roads and gravel roads. Highlights of the day include Brush Mountain Lodge!!. Riding statistics: on Wednesday, August 24, 2022, day 24 on the route, it took 10:38h (06:12h moving time), between 7:28 and 6:07, to cover 115.04163 km (71 miles), including 1695 m (5561 ft) elevation gain, with an average speed of 14.0 km/h (8.7 mph), while reaching a maximum speed of 71 km/h (44.1 mph). During this ride the average temperature was 30 °C (86 °F) with a minimum of 5 °C (41 °F) and a maximum of 43 °C (109 °F).
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Travel: GDMBR BikePacking
Day 23: A&M Reservoir
EvE Aug 23, 2022
Today we rode from the A&M Reservoir in the Great Basin, Wyoming, US to the Teton Reservoir Campground 16km south of Rawlins, Wyoming, US. Sunny weather with clouds, rain + hail shower in the afternoon. Road conditions were easy today and included a good gravel road but mostly paved roads. Highlights of the day include sunrise at the A&M Reservoir, sunset at the Teton Reservoir, and laundry ;). Riding statistics: on Tuesday, August 23, 2022, day 23 on the route, it took 10:38h (06:12h moving time), between 7:28 and 6:07, to cover 116.73153 km (72 miles), including 696 m (2284 ft) elevation gain, with an average speed of 19.0 km/h (11.8 mph), while reaching a maximum speed of 45 km/h (28.0 mph). During this ride the average temperature was 29 °C (84 °F) with a minimum of 15 °C (59 °F) and a maximum of 58 °C (136 °F).
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Travel: GDMBR BikePacking
Day 22: Desolate and remote
EvE Aug 22, 2022
Today we rode from Atlantic City, Wyoming, US to the A&M Reservoir in the Great Basin, Wyoming, US. Very sunny weather with some clouds (and we appreciated that). Road conditions included different kinds of gravel only. Highlights of the day include the remoteness and large open landscapes. Riding statistics: on Monday, August 22, 2022, day 22 on the route, it took 09:46h (08:00h moving time), between 7:44 and 5:30, to cover 127.13008 km (79 miles), including 1040 m (3412 ft) elevation gain, with an average speed of 16.0 km/h (9.9 mph), while reaching a maximum speed of 52 km/h (32.3 mph). During this ride the average temperature was 29 °C (84 °F) with a minimum of 12 °C (54 °F) and a maximum of 38 °C (100 °F).
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Travel: GDMBR BikePacking
Day 21: Respect our flag or piss off
EvE Aug 21, 2022
Today we rode from Pinedale, Wyoming, US to Atlantic City, Wyoming, US. Sunny weather with thunderstorms in the afternoon. Road conditions included paved roads and gravel roads. Highlights of the day include sleeping in a nice cabin. Riding statistics: on Sunday, August 21, 2022, day 21 on the route, it took 12:18h (09:03h moving time), between 8:10 and 8:29, to cover 141.51888 km (88 miles), including 1304 m (4278 ft) elevation gain, with an average speed of 16.0 km/h (9.9 mph), while reaching a maximum speed of 50 km/h (31.1 mph). During this ride the average temperature was 22 °C (72 °F) with a minimum of 14 °C (57 °F) and a maximum of 31 °C (88 °F).
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Travel: GDMBR BikePacking
Day 20: Union Pass
EvE Aug 20, 2022
Today we rode from an informal campground at the base of the climb to Union Pass, Wyoming, US to Pinedale, Wyoming, US. Sunny weather with clouds, thunderstorms/rain in the afternoon. Road conditions were hard steep climbing on rough gravel roads. Highlights of the day were the distant views after climbing the top before Union Pass. Riding statistics: on Saturday, August 20, 2022, day 20 on the route, it took 10:24h (07:18h moving time), between 8:52 and 7:16, to cover 136.75444 km (85 miles), including 1273 m (4177 ft) elevation gain, with an average speed of 15.0 km/h (9.3 mph), while reaching a maximum speed of 45 km/h (28.0 mph). During this ride the average temperature was 21 °C (70 °F) with a minimum of 4 °C (39 °F) and a maximum of 33 °C (91 °F).
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Day 19: Impassable when wet
EvE Aug 19, 2022
Today we rode from Colter Bay, Wyoming, US to an informal campground at the base of the climb to Union Pass, Wyoming, US. Sunny weather with little clouds, later changing into rain and thunderstorms (our first real rain). Road conditions included paved roads, and different gravel roads. Highlights of the day include the Tetons! Riding statistics: on Friday, August 19, 2022, day 19 on the route, it took 10:24h (07:18h moving time), between 8:52 and 7:16, to cover 103.98943 km (64 miles), including 1566 m (5138 ft) elevation gain, with an average speed of 14.0 km/h (8.7 mph), while reaching a maximum speed of 47 km/h (29.2 mph). During this ride the average temperature was 24 °C (75 °F) with a minimum of 8 °C (46 °F) and a maximum of 48 °C (118 °F).
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Travel: GDMBR BikePacking
Day 18: The three teats
EvE Aug 18, 2022
Today we rode from Buffalo Campground, Idaho, US to Colter Bay, Wyoming, US. Sunny weather with little clouds, thunderstorms (no rain) end of afternoon. Road conditions included some paved roads, gravel roads, jeep track, and some single track. Highlights of the day include riding the Yellowstone Branch Line Trail, getting towards and into the Tetons. Riding statistics: on Thursday, August 18, 2022, day 18 on the route, it took 11:36h (08:36h moving time), between 7:18 and 6:54, to cover 144.11586 km (89 miles), including 1367 m (4485 ft) elevation gain, with an average speed of 17.0 km/h (10.6 mph), while reaching a maximum speed of 57 km/h (35.4 mph). During this ride the average temperature was 28 °C (82 °F) with a minimum of 12 °C (54 °F) and a maximum of 47 °C (117 °F).
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Travel: GDMBR BikePacking
Day 17: Hello Idaho!
EvE Aug 17, 2022
Today we rode from Upper Red Rock Lake Campground, Montana, US to Buffalo Campground, Idaho, US. Sunny weather with little clouds. Road conditions included great gravel roads and very little paved roads. Highlights of the day include single track riding in Idaho. Riding statistics: on Wednesday, August 17, 2022, day 17 on the route, it took 11:18h (08:07h moving time), between 7:01 and 6:19, to cover 69.35467 km (43 miles), including 437 m (1434 ft) elevation gain, with an average speed of 16.0 km/h (9.9 mph), while reaching a maximum speed of 53 km/h (32.9 mph). During this ride the average temperature was 30 °C (86 °F) with a minimum of 16 °C (61 °F) and a maximum of 39 °C (102 °F).
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Travel: GDMBR BikePacking
Day 16: Ralphs, Ralphs, Ralphs !$$$!
EvE Aug 16, 2022
Today we rode from an Informal Campground 35km after Grant, Montana, US to Upper Red Rock Lake Campground, Montana, US. Very sunny weather with no clouds. Road conditions included gravel roads and little paved roads. Highlights of the day include 100 miles on the bike in one day, and riding through a beautiful canyon. Riding statistics: on Tuesday, August 16, 2022, day 16 on the route, it took 11:18h (08:07h moving time), between 7:01 and 6:19, to cover 165.94805 km (103 miles), including 1224 m (4016 ft) elevation gain, with an average speed of 17.0 km/h (10.6 mph), while reaching a maximum speed of 47 km/h (29.2 mph). During this ride the average temperature was 26 °C (79 °F) with a minimum of 1 °C (34 °F) and a maximum of 42 °C (108 °F).
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Travel: GDMBR BikePacking
Day 15: O Water, where art thou?
EvE Aug 15, 2022
Today we rode from the 4th of July Campground, 12km after Wise River, Montana, US to an Informal Campground 35km after Grant, Montana, US. Sunny weather with no clouds. Road conditions included a paved road section and gravel sections. Highlights of the day include the scenery change from mountains/forests to hills/sagebrush. Riding statistics: on Monday, August 15, 2022, day 15 on the route, it took 11:18h (08:07h moving time), between 7:01 and 6:19, to cover 127.46254 km (79 miles), including 1262 m (4141 ft) elevation gain, with an average speed of 17.0 km/h (10.6 mph), while reaching a maximum speed of 53 km/h (32.9 mph). During this ride the average temperature was 27 °C (81 °F) with a minimum of 2 °C (36 °F) and a maximum of 43 °C (109 °F).
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Travel: GDMBR BikePacking
Day 14: Butte
EvE Aug 14, 2022
Today we rode from Butte, Montana, US to the 4th of July Campground, 12km after Wise River, Montana, US. We had very sunny weather with little clouds. Road conditions were included paved roads and gravel roads in good condition (besides some washboarding). Highlights of the day include the changes in scenery and passing Fleecer Ridge. Riding statistics: on Sunday, August 14, 2022, day 14 on the route, it took 11:18h (08:07h moving time), between 7:01 and 6:19, to cover 107.40892 km (66 miles), including 1770 m (5807 ft) elevation gain, with an average speed of 13.0 km/h (8.1 mph), while reaching a maximum speed of 44 km/h (27.3 mph). During this ride the average temperature was 28 °C (82 °F) with a minimum of 8 °C (46 °F) and a maximum of 50 °C (122 °F).
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Day 13: Easy day to Butte
EvE Aug 13, 2022
Today we rode from Basin, Montana, US to Butte, Montana, US. Sunny weather with some clouds, a heavy rain shower + thunderstorm in the morning. Road conditions were definitely OK (a fine gravel road all the way). Highlights of the day was that it was really shorter day. Riding statistics: on Saturday, August 13, 2022, day 13 on the route, it took 06:39h (04:01h moving time), between 9:03 and 3:42, to cover 58.12718 km (36 miles), including 745 m (2444 ft) elevation gain, with an average speed of 14.0 km/h (8.7 mph), while reaching a maximum speed of 47 km/h (29.2 mph). During this ride the average temperature was 27 °C (81 °F) with a minimum of 14 °C (57 °F) and a maximum of 38 °C (100 °F).
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Day 12: An ‘easy’ day
EvE Aug 12, 2022
Today we rode from Helena, Montana, US to Basin, Montana, US. Sunny weather with clouds, a few drops, and thunderstorms surrounding us at the end of the day. Road conditions were brutal (gravel, lots of difficult jeep tracks). Highlights of the day include the scenery, the difficult tracks, and concurring the 3rd pass of this day. Riding statistics: on Friday, August 12, 2022, day 12 on the route, it took 09:30h (06:40h moving time), between 10:37 and 8:08, to cover 68.73482 km (42 miles), including 1672 m (5486 ft) elevation gain, with an average speed of 10.0 km/h (6.2 mph), while reaching a maximum speed of 49 km/h (30.4 mph). During this ride the average temperature was 31 °C (88 °F) with a minimum of 21 °C (70 °F) and a maximum of 44 °C (111 °F).
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Day 11: Slowly-but-steady
EvE Aug 11, 2022
Today we rode from Lincoln, Montana, US to Helena, Montana, US. The day started with mist, however, within two hours it was full on summer again with high temperatures. Road conditions included a few paved roads, lots of different gravel roads, but also lots of difficult double track / jeep track. Highlights of the day include climbing 3 passes that crosses the North American Divide, the changing scenery, and checking into our first motel..
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Day 10: Seeley Lake
EvE Aug 10, 2022
Today we rode from Seeley Lake, Montana, US to Lincoln, Montana, US. Clouded day with sometimes a bit of sun, 10 drops of rain. Road conditions included gravel roads, paved roads, jeep tracks, lots of washboarding. Highlights of the day include sceneries from the passes, changes in scenery between forests and farmland, clouds. Riding statistics: on Wednesday, August 10, 2022, day 10 on the route, it took 10:16h (07:28h moving time), between 7:55 and 6:11, to cover 111.24043 km (69 miles), including 1284 m (4213 ft) elevation gain, with an average speed of 15.0 km/h (9.3 mph), while reaching a maximum speed of 47 km/h (29.2 mph). During this ride the average temperature was 29 °C (84 °F) with a minimum of 16 °C (61 °F) and a maximum of 48 °C (118 °F).
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Day 09: More remote than the Flathead
EvE Aug 9, 2022
Today we rode from a dispersed campsite, Montana, US to Big Larch Campground at Seeley Lake, Montana, US. Very sunny weather again with little to no clouds. Road conditions included much gravel roads, some jeep tracks, some paved roads, and some single track. Highlights of the day include getting out of a long forest road and see the mountain scenery again, and a single track downhill near the edge of the mountain.
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Day 08: That poor dog
EvE Aug 8, 2022
Today we rode from Columbia Falls, Montana, US to a dispersed camping spot 10km after Cedar Creek Campground, Montana, US. Very sunny weather with no clouds at all. Road conditions include paved roads, and different types of gravel road. Highlights of the day include a dog. Riding statistics: on Monday, August 8, 2022, day 8 on the route, it took 10:57h (07:58h moving time), between 7:32 and 6:30, to cover 114.14151 km (71 miles), including 1527 m (5010 ft) elevation gain, with an average speed of 14.0 km/h (8.7 mph), while reaching a maximum speed of 42 km/h (26.1 mph). During this ride the average temperature was 29 °C (84 °F) with a minimum of 12 °C (54 °F) and a maximum of 42 °C (108 °F).
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Day 07: Downhill to the lake
EvE Aug 7, 2022
Today we rode from Red Meadow Campground, Montana, US to Columbia Falls, Montana, US. Very sunny weather with no clouds, warm at moments. Road conditions included gravel roads and paved roads. Highlights of the day include downhill from Red Meadow, scenery around Whitefish Lake, eating at a sports bar. Riding statistics: on Sunday, August 7, 2022, day 7 on the route, it took 09:36h (07:59h moving time), between 8:27 and 6:03, to cover 66.80069 km (41 miles), including 419 m (1375 ft) elevation gain, with an average speed of 19.0 km/h (11.8 mph), while reaching a maximum speed of 48 km/h (29.8 mph). During this ride the average temperature was 20 °C (68 °F) with a minimum of 3 °C (37 °F) and a maximum of 50 °C (122 °F).
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Day 06: A view on Glacier National Park
EvE Aug 6, 2022
Today we rode from Eureka, Montana, US to Red Meadow Campground, Montana, US. Very sunny weather with little clouds and 10 drops of rain. Road conditions included paved roads, gravel roads, and gravel road with sharp edgy rocks. Highlights of the day climbing Whitefish pass and Red Meadow Pass, camping at Red Meadow Campground. Riding statistics: on Saturday, August 6, 2022, day 6 on the route, it took 09:36h (07:59h moving time), between 8:27 and 6:03, to cover 98.98257 km (61 miles), including 1615 m (5299 ft) elevation gain, with an average speed of 12.0 km/h (7.5 mph), while reaching a maximum speed of 45 km/h (28.0 mph). During this ride the average temperature was 24 °C (75 °F) with a minimum of 15 °C (59 °F) and a maximum of 46 °C (115 °F).
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Day 05: Entering the US of A
EvE Aug 5, 2022
Today we rode from Harvey Campground in the Flathead Valley, British Columbia, Canada to Eureka, Montana, United States. Again sunny weather with little clouds. Road conditions included mainly gravel roads and some paved roads. Highlights of the day include a 12+ mile downhill in one go, and reaching the US border. Riding statistics: on Friday, August 5, 2022, day 5 on the route, it took 08:33h (06:41h moving time), between 7:22 and 3:56, to cover 131.91483 km (81 miles), including 1093 m (3586 ft) elevation gain, with an average speed of 17.0 km/h (10.6 mph), while reaching a maximum speed of 64 km/h (39.8 mph). During this ride the average temperature was 25 °C (77 °F) with a minimum of 2 °C (36 °F) and a maximum of 48 °C (118 °F).
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Day 04: The Grizzley highway
EvE Aug 4, 2022
Wait, did day four not end happy at Butts Cabin? Unfortunately not. The wildfire, of which we saw the smoke, would mess up our planned stay at Butts Cabin and force us to use an alternative road out of the Flathead area. Riding statistics: on Thursday, August 4, 2022, day 4 on the route, it took 08:33h (06:41h moving time), between 7:22 and 3:56, to cover 91.12108 km (57 miles), including 979 m (3212 ft) elevation gain, with an average speed of 14.0 km/h (8.7 mph), while reaching a maximum speed of 39 km/h (24.2 mph). During this ride the average temperature was 22 °C (72 °F) with a minimum of 13 °C (55 °F) and a maximum of 30 °C (86 °F).
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Day 03: A short day to Sparwood
EvE Aug 3, 2022
Today we rode from Elkford, British Columbia, Canada to Sparwood, British Columbia, Canada. Again we could enjoy a nice sunny day, not as warm as the days and that is all OK. Highlights of the day include seeing hot springs, saw a whole lot of cows and calves, nice single track. Riding statistics: on Wednesday, August 3, 2022, day 3 on the route, it took 04:56h (03:45h moving time), between 8:00 and 12:57, to cover 46.66458 km (29 miles), including 434 m (1424 ft) elevation gain, with an average speed of 12.0 km/h (7.5 mph), while reaching a maximum speed of 45 km/h (28.0 mph). During this ride the average temperature was 22 °C (72 °F) with a minimum of 6 °C (43 °F) and a maximum of 35 °C (95 °F).
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Day 02: The first long climb
EvE Aug 2, 2022
Today we rode from Boulton Campground, Alberta, Canada to Elkford, British Columbia, Canada. Again sunny weather with little clouds. Fortunately not as warm as yesterday. Mostly gravel roads, but some challenging (including hike-a-bike) single/jeep tracks. Highlights of the day Elk Pass and meeting other persons on the Divide. Riding statistics: on Tuesday, August 2, 2022, day 2 on the route, it took 10:10h (07:25h moving time), between 9:07 and 7:17, to cover 85.37697 km (53 miles), including 981 m (3219 ft) elevation gain, with an average speed of 14.0 km/h (8.7 mph), while reaching a maximum speed of 51 km/h (31.7 mph). During this ride the average temperature was 26 °C (79 °F) with a minimum of 11 °C (52 °F) and a maximum of 45 °C (113 °F).
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Day 01: Leaving Banff
EvE Aug 1, 2022
Today we rode from Bannf, Alberta, Canada to Boulton Campground, Alberta, Canada. Sunny / hot weather. Highlights of the day include the scenery. Lowlights was the distance, it was more than planned for a first day. Riding statistics: on Monday, August 1, 2022, day 1 on the route, it took 10:10h (07:25h moving time), between 9:07 and 7:17, to cover 94.53778 km (58 miles), including 1326 m (4351 ft) elevation gain, with an average speed of 13.0 km/h (8.1 mph), while reaching a maximum speed of 52 km/h (32.3 mph). During this ride the average temperature was 28 °C (82 °F) with a minimum of 19 °C (66 °F) and a maximum of 38 °C (100 °F).
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Travel: GDMBR BikePacking
Preparation day in banff
EvE Jul 31, 2022
The map below is zoomed into Banff, Alberta, Canada, and it includes two markers. The one in the top right corner is my camping spot (Tunnel Mountain Village I campground – E4) for the two nights in Banff National Park. The marker at the bottom is the Fairmont Banff Springs motel where I will start the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route on Monday, August 1st.
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Travel: GDMBR BikePacking
Traveling to Banff, Alberta, Canada
EvE Jul 30, 2022
Today is the start of my adventure, finally. After many preparations and looking forward for a long time, the time has come to leave home and head towards Banff in Alberta, Canada. In two days I will start riding the Great Divide Mountain Bike Ride, starting in front of the Fairmont Banff Springs hotel. But before that, I first needed to get there. Going to Schiphol It was 6am when our alarm clock woke us up. We had decided that Karin and the kids will bring me to Schiphol. There was construction work being done at the railtracks somewhere between Eindhoven and Schiphol. We thought that was too much of a hassle and risk with all the long queues in Schiphol at the moment. Yesterday, on Friday evening we already put the bike box on top of the car. Now that we’re with the four of us it does not find inside the car anymore. Since I needed to be at Schiphol at 8:30am the family decide to make it a day at the beach once they have dropped me of at Schiphol.
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Bike and Gear list
EvE Apr 1, 2022
For riding the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route you definitively need a bike and gear. These are available for any budget. As often, the budget will mainly decide upon quality, weight, and size. I have tried to re-use as much as possible but definitely had to buy quite some stuff. The items listed on this page are based on my criteria and decisions. Other persons might come to other conclusions.
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Bike transport
EvE Apr 1, 2022
When riding the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route, you’ll definitely need a bike ;). Renting is not an option, and neither is buying one local. You’ll want to have the bike upfront so that you can get used to it, make it comfortable, and get the correct bags, tools, and spare parts. So, the bike has to come along. In my case along on the plane (Amsterdam > Calgary) and shuttle (Calgary > Banff).
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Maps, maps, maps, ...
EvE Apr 1, 2022
Today (May 9, 2022) I received the Canada + US map sets of the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route. It was a bit of a wait because they have been out-of-stock for a while over here in the Netherlands. But after several weeks, they arrived at the shop which sells them here in the Netherlands, which is FietsVakantieWinkel. Although I have read a lot about the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route, and bought quite some gear in the past couple of months, receiving these maps makes things (again) more real. It is less than three months from departure and I am getting more each and every day.
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Route alternates
EvE Apr 1, 2022
When you are exploring the route for the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route then you will see that for certain sections there are alternate routes defined. I explored these alternates now so that I am well aware of my options during the ride so that I am better able to make decisions on which alternates to take and which to skip. Since I am riding the route SOBO (South-Bound; from North to South) I will list the alternates below in this order as well.
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Safety and Security
EvE Apr 1, 2022
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.
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Training and Preparations
EvE Apr 1, 2022
Cycling the distance of the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route, while gaining a massive amount of elevation, through good and bad weather, and loaded with gear seems like quite a challenge. Of course, there are other factors like overall fitness, average pace, and most important (I think) the number of hours in the saddle each and every day. I got asked if I already have training schedules and how I will train for this adventure. To be honest, I have no schedule at all. I will continue with my regular rides with my bike friends. Considering the fact that I already have good overall fitness, I expect that I mainly need to train my bottom and hands/wrists, the main contact points during daytime riding. My saddle and handlebar will replace my office desk and chair for many weeks.
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Transport and Logistics
EvE Apr 1, 2022
Before you can start riding the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route you need to go to ‘the starting point’. Wherever that may be, depending on personal choices. In my case, the starting point is Banff, Alberta in Canada, where I will start riding South-Bound. So, my bike, gear, and I need to get to Banff. Since I live abroad, I will be flying to Calgary. Although I already booked quite some family holidays to the US myself (flights, rental car, accommodations, etc.), this time it feels different. I need to make sure the bike is confirmed (both ways). I prefer a direct flight on my way to Calgary to minimize issues with the bike (damages, loss, …). The date for the return flight is an estimate, I need some flexibility for change (preferable date/time and also departure airport). In short, I would like a professional to look into this. I hope this makes things easier for me, and they might be able to help with other parts of the journey (shuttle to Banff, accommodation in Banff, or alternatives). So I decided to make use of the services of a travel agency.
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Planting a little seed
EvE Mar 30, 2022
After buying my first mountain bike in 2012, I saw the movie Ride the Divide. This movie follows the participants of the 2008 edition of the Tour Divide, a time-trail event on the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route. A little seed was planted in my head. I loved the idea, not the racing, but touring such a route. I always loved being in nature when visiting the US for our holidays. Exploring the US by bike sounded ideal (faster than by foot, slower than by car). Not much later I explored more-and-more details on the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route (GDMBR) and dreamed about the amazing experience it must be to ride this route.
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Weather and Route direction
EvE Mar 30, 2022
Due to the nature and length of the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route, careful attention must be paid to the travel direction (North-Bound vs. South-Bound) and the time of year (usually between June and October) for riding this route. Weather can play a significant role in the experiences on the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route. Freezing temperatures and snow on high altitudes, the pronounced increase in thunderstorms and rainfall during the North American monsoon, high winds on the great plains, and high temperatures during summer are just a few examples of weather that will be experienced during the trip.
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What is the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route?
EvE Mar 30, 2022
“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. This route is defined by the word ‘remote’. Its remoteness equates with spectacular terrain and scenery. The entire route is basically dirt road and mountain-pass riding every day. In total, it has over 200,000 feet of elevation gain. Nearly 2,100 miles of the route is composed of County, Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and Canadian provincial unpaved roads.”, according to the Adventure Cycling Association.
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