4 weeks to go, and counting down quickly!!š¬
Time flies when youāre apprehensive about the future!
So here we are, just 30 days out from the start of the Tour Divide. It āappearsā as though the start will be from the border at the Rooseville crossing from Canada into the United States. I say it appears, because there is still the smallest of chances that Canada will open up. Now, I not an aggressive gambler, so my money is safe in saying Iām not betting on it.
We have been planning and preparing for this race for almost two yearsā¦and still there is a ton of things to do.
Some of it is fun stuff, like learning to use iMovie to create Video blogs (VLOG) on my phone. Also adding more content and even our Southboundanddown theme song to the site as our first VLOG. Checking out!!
The content volume will really increase as we approach and start the race. I hope I can keep up and will endeavor to upload content whenever we have connective.
As for other things we are working on, route studies and the development of a quick access cue sheets is a biggy. Though we will have our maps and navigation devices, we need and want some very simple non-powered cheat sheet of the route showing distances to, climbs, and services in the upcoming towns. So thereās thatā¦
We also have to ensure that all our navigational devices have the correct maps installed, so that when we get the final route (5-10 days prior to the race start) we can upload the route into all our devices and backups
Additionally we will be basically stripping our bikes down to the frames in order to do a complete reset of the drivetrain (front ring, bottom bracket, chain, jockey pulleys, and cassette), brake system (new pads and rotors, new fluid),, bar tape, shifter cables, etc. Essentially we will be starting with a fresh and new bike at the start.
We are also collecting spare parts for the race which include brake pads, cables, quick links, emergency tubes, derailleur hanger, seat clamp, as well as assorted bolts and screws.
Speaking of spares, we also have to send a box of resupply items we might want, such as new bibs, different shoes, any clothes and other spares (tires, chains, etc), to a post office (TBD, but possibly Salida, CO) somewhere along the route. We have to do this prior to our departure. All so it will be waiting for us in General Delivery when we get there.
Additionally we are getting travel documents (passports-just in case I lose my bet), car registration and alternate driver paperwork, debit cards, IDs, etc all up to date.
We also have to register for our race tracking we site (trackleaders.com), and coordinate with the race director to make sure weāre all set to participate.
It never ends,ā¦..but it all begins on the 11th of June!!!
Until next time!
Ride On!
Shane and Ray
