Making Plans – Riding The Tour Divide 2020 #RidingTheDivide

It has been on my Bucket List for as long as I can remember... the birthplace of bikepacking, and the most iconic dirt road touring route in the world. I have decided that 2020 will be the year that I take on the Tour Divide — 2745 miles with 50,000 metres of climbing; from Canada to Mexico, off-road down the length of the Rockies.

To date, my unsupported tours across the European continent have been beautiful eye-opening experiences; from the highest peaks of the Dolomites and Pyrenees, to the sub-zero fjords of Norway and rugged coastline of Scotland. These trips have taken me to amazing and unique places.

#7Countries7Passes — #CelticCrossTrail — #XPDTN3Dolomites

Yet, ever since I first strapped panniers to a £50 steel road bike and went touring through the mountains of the Pyrenees and French Alps more than a decade ago, I have dreamed of riding the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route — it is one of the most diverse and challenging cycling routes in the world.

The dream of Riding The Divide has never faded. I have never visited the States, but this route provides a perfect itinerary to experience the most rugged and beautiful parts of the country. From the snowy peaks of the Canadian Rockies, to the vast desert flats of New Mexico; this is the as extreme mixture of terrain as you could ever dream of encountering on a bike ride.

The Tour Divide is the official event along the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route. Race entrants do not pay a fee, and there is no prize for finishing first; but there is the camaraderie and company of having many others out on the trail with you. The 2020 edition begins with the Grand Depart in Banff (Alberta, Canada) in June 2020.

My ambition is to ride the 2745 mile route in 21 days. This equates to 131 miles per day (215 kilometres) off-road. The target is based purely on a personal goal: to ride fast, but to experience the route in all its beauty. The route record is held by Mike Hall (UK) in a time of 14 days — I have no hopes to challenge that (at least not on this first ride); I want to be able to ride all day, but see, experience, and capture every moment of the incredible journey.

The target is based purely on a personal goal: to ride fast, but to experience the route in all its beauty.

I will ride a custom steel 29er bike built around a Kona Unit X frame-set, and with components from iconic British, American, and Canadian brands (such as Ritchey Logic) — it will be a bespoke rig for the 'American Adventure'. I will publish more details on the bike as the build begins to take shape.

Riding The Divide. This adventure will undoubtedly push my body, mind, and equipment to the limit — but it will a challenge with the most beautiful backdrop; through a wilderness that I have long yearned to explore.

Follow the adventure on #RidingTheDivide