…but how are you going to carry all the stuff you need?

Apr 13

Two of the most often asked questions we get is about how much gear we are carrying, and how we are going to carry it.

The basic answers are “A lot” although right now we estimate that without food and water we are between 25-30 pounds, and “On the bike” and ourselves (In terms of clothing and a Camelbak).

One of the most basic premises of the Tour Divide is that it is completely self-supported. This does NOT mean that we have to carry all the food and supplies we will need, from the start, but it does mean several other things:

1) No pre-stashing food, supplies, or gear along the route

2) No stopping at a friend’s (or your own) house along the route for a nice dinner and a warm place to sleep

3) No food assistance from another rider (except in a true emergency)

4) No friends supporting us with food and/or water as we ride through towns

5) No friends/families driving Sag vehicles along, ahead, or behind us.

We are allowed however to use anything available to the general public, such as

1) Lodging and camp sites (Official or Dispersed)

2) Restaurants

3) Convenience Stores

4) Bike Shops

5) Post Office services (We are allowed to mail things to ourselves ahead of time, to General Delivery)

So what are we carrying?

This is a short list, and before we begin we will publish a final list of ALL the gear, but this will give you a head-start. Also you can reference the photo of my bike below for a better understanding of how these items are attached to the bike.

On the handlebar:

1) Sleep System (Ultra-lightweight tent (Both Shane and Ray), sleeping bag (Shane) or sleeping quilt (Ray), sleep pad, inflatable pillow (luxury item).

2) Garmin navigation device(s), GPS Tracker (Garmin inReach), Dynamo light (Badass k-lite!)

3) On the bars (also), two feed bags with essentials and Bear Spray!

On the Top Tube:

1) Revelate Designs (Shane) or Salsa (Ray) top tube bag with electronics and/or food.

2) Sunscreen

3) Bug Repellent

Under the Seat:

1) Revelate Designs (Shane) or Salsa (Ray) large seat pack for jackets, rain gear, extra clothes, socks, and any camping gear (Small stove and cup)

Frame Pack:

1) Electronics, such as extra cables and chargers,

2) Paper maps

3) Tools and repair items