Day 1 – Start: Banff / End: Butts Cabin

Day 2 – Start: Butts Cabin / End: Ferndale
Day two was all about firsts and getting used to the divide rather than one single story. I got going at 3:00am, after a solid night of rest. Still damp from the day before, JayP and I would put down a steady but not over the top pace. A few things that I would experience today: Being sopping wet, freezing cold, wicked fast descents, overly stuffed, trying to keep up with a wicked fast JayP, sweating like crazy up Whitefish Divide, playing more catch up to other racers, then trying to remain from being seen after the pass while stretching out a gap before sleeping next to a fire station in Ferndale. I was also tinkering with where I would carry certain items such as my bear spray and water bottle. I learned so much on day two, and it was this day where I would get my groove and understand the race side of the Tour Divide. I would also learn that no lead is safe, and I knew this was going to be a hell of a two week stretch.
Day 3 – Start: Ferndale / End: Stemple Pass Rd.

Day 4 – Start: Stemple Pass Rd / End: I-15 underpass Today’s word was adversity. After leaving my camp in the morning I started to climb, JayP caught me and my saddle sores were the worse they would ever get. On top of a horrible morning, after few miles of climbing I realized I forgot my awesome Rudy Project photochromic sunglasses at the campsite. I was really bummed but I knew I had to continue on and search for some new ones in Helena. After going to a bike shop and then an outdoor shop I found some reasonable shades that came with interchangeable lenses. I then a stopped at a local bakery for a bite, after that I was finally on my way. Long story short, loosing my sunglasses made me take my mind off of riding and more on taking care of myself. After I left Helena, I felt super strong, and would catch back up to JayP just before the extremely fun and fast descent into the town of Basin. JayP and I would reach I-15 and prepare ourselves for Fleecer Ridge in the morning.
Day 5 – Start: I-15 underpass / End: Lima Reservoir Dam

Day 6 – Start: Lima Reservoir Dam / End: Buffalo Valley Cafe

Day 7 – Start: Buffalo Valley Cafe / End: Just shy of HWY 28

Good job Neil, was following you and JayP the whole way. You guys rode an amazing race! Look forward to your next account of the race. Congrats on a great run!
I was hoping you’d do something like this. Awesome riding out there, Neil!
Awesome job documenting your race! Can’t wait to read the next installment!
Great job setting the scene, looking forward to more
Thank you so much for sharing these insights Neil. Congratulations on an awesome ride btw. You should come Down Under in February next year and ride a wee event here in NZ, Tour Aotearoa
Scott, not a problem at all, I enjoy it. Thanks for the kind words. I had thought about the Tour Aotearoa, but after the divide, I’m out of money. New Zealand is high on the list, before or just next to Italy, the UK, and Israel.
Cheers,
Neil
Nice way to document the ride. Thanks for the virtual memories.
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