And the curtain comes down

WAKING TO A NEW DAY ON THE DIVIDE....

TOUR DIVIDE PODIUM

TICKING OFF THE MILES...

MONSOON RAINS AND NEW MEXICO MUD......

A day of curve balls

It's a long way to Antelope Wells

COLORADO CALLING

Halfway recap - where did those 9 days go?!

Late night update

As the curtain comes down on the 2022 edition of the Tour Divide the Broom is approaching Antelope Wells with the last active riders on the final stretch from Hachita to the border post. 

It feels like it has been a tumultuous and eventful year. The extreme weather event in the first few days which dropped record rainfall and snow, combined with the significant winter snowpack produced some of the worst conditions the race has had. Headwinds though Wyoming and Colorado further slowed proceedings before the early onset of the monsoon meant only Sofiane Sehili rode the intended course, other riders being diverted to pavement, with nearly all riders encountering significant delays due to the “death mud”. 

Without doubt this years’ race will be remembered for the weather and for our winner, Sofiane Sehili. Also, it should be remembered for the all-European podium, a change that has been coming for a few years. The bikepack racing scene in Europe is incredibly strong and diverse and it’s no surprise to see a host of riders from the continent dominating this year. 

The weather and conditions that played out during the early stages caught all the media attention, making headline news in mainstream media and causing plenty of comment and opinions on social media too. For anyone who has been to a Grand Depart and witnessed firsthand the preparedness and experience level of the field, it comes as no surprise that when conditions became difficult many riders would struggle. However, having reportedly 15 riders call for rescues is extreme. Turning up to the TD as your first bikepacking event as many riders do is not the smartest idea in my opinion. There is no substitute for experience in backcountry conditions and knowing your gear and your own capabilities when the going gets tough. There are many great local events around the world for prospective TD riders to gain knowledge and experience. Just as winner Sofiane said himself, it took him 8 years to go from novice to champion. 

It was disappointing to see such a small women’s field this year and it looks like only four will make it to Antelope Wells. Hats off to Ana Jager, Katie Strempke and Katie Dolan for their strong rides. Hats off also to Zoe Chauderlot who lead the women’s race until Colorado before she scratched. It takes a lot of honesty to yourself to make the decision to quit while leading, giving up the chance of fame and fortune (!!) from being a TD winner. Chapeau Zoe!

And to our winner Sofiane Sehili, who has entertained us over the years and came to the TD this year as the hot favourite, making no bones about the fact that he wanted to WIN! Sofiane rode the legs off everyone else, made some big plays like riding the first 3 days without sleep and struck the worst of conditions in the latter part of the route. He was only rider to traverse the backcountry desert section south of Cuba, NM, just managing to escape before the rain and mud shut it down completely. And through it all he retained his humour, his modesty and his determination to win. A true champion!

Thanks to following along our commentary of this years race, Steve Halligan and I (Brian Alder) have hada a great time trying to convey what is happening and what it's like being our there racing the Tour Divide. 


![9B5C00EF-1B67-4D74-969D-86E7AF23702E](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/45sK9GmmwNUZ21HYkBhj7g/7bd8e55043531a19463337c8c9f6b49a/9B5C00EF-1B67-4D74-969D-86E7AF23702E.jpeg)
  Pavement out of Silver City and then out of Hachita for the final miles to Antelope Wells.  Gravel in between, or Peanut Butter Mud if theres been a moonsoon downpour!
  ![362C67B1-424E-449E-97B2-77D8274DC20D](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/7mqWqAHQ1DSSrWW5SIBB8q/e725553cb4cd31dfa38f65370e0513ba/362C67B1-424E-449E-97B2-77D8274DC20D.jpeg)![4E356A40-62F4-45AA-8E02-FC442B163BD4](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/5PSqipvrNDvSvrfKbv6EEN/dde1237fea9af54f2a82a78271ede389/4E356A40-62F4-45AA-8E02-FC442B163BD4.jpeg)![122A9AF5-7D53-4F49-BFF3-A302F2E4829F](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/3sF1fZBMpIsOdx7vsxz7pS/0d25ab546a18a095a4d3da614013911b/122A9AF5-7D53-4F49-BFF3-A302F2E4829F.jpeg)

A LONG ROAD TO THE END..

![0D2F7D84-5CA4-428E-93E4-8D25F6FEB017](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/4raWgUMqItbC6F4OLibxhF/592ff5a65f597624f84882e46ab0d3cf/0D2F7D84-5CA4-428E-93E4-8D25F6FEB017.jpeg)

Almost 50 southbound finishers now as we head into the 25th Day of this years Tour Divide. The Fast guys who finished 10 days ago are nicely into their recovery, im sure they are still feeling hungry as they replenish the body after pushing their bodies real hard.
![452366B2-A5FE-48CD-BF59-F86B909C12D8 1 201 a](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/3pEGpv5BlRjUXxxgAVseDE/8f226c833188246e31ef8616ef357008/452366B2-A5FE-48CD-BF59-F86B909C12D8_1_201_a.jpeg)
  Northbounders Geof Blance and Ken Scott arrived to a soggy Banff about 7 hours ago to complete the route. This is another Tour Divide for Geof, from Alexandra, New Zealand, his fourth, all different. He has rode singlepeed SOBO AND NOBO and rode Tandem and geared bikes southbound.
      What will be next for Geof. FATBike ????![B00B1AE8-D30D-4056-85B9-1F3B83BBF2DF](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/27vERDj20BdkQq1uh1bWbw/11753ac985e8e692c0b6df017612b389/B00B1AE8-D30D-4056-85B9-1F3B83BBF2DF.jpeg)
      Scratch count so far is about 58 riders with a whole lot of riders been marked as " Alternated from route". More are behind the 30 days pace.
       This will not matter at all to most as they continue to ride towards their goals and dreams of completing the route.

JUST RIDING.....

Northbound Kiwi riders Geof Blance and Ken Scott are in Elkford, one days ride away from Banff. Looks wet and cold once again going over Koko Claims.![19FEB8D9-C4E4-40CD-A84E-B42C13566543](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/3ntHd5IvXXx59BAbbWaxBc/4fe5a89df97848efd4eded108afa8ce5/19FEB8D9-C4E4-40CD-A84E-B42C13566543.jpeg)
    The scenery throughout the whole Tour Divide route is dramatic, spectacular and varied. You really should not be bored with the views from behind your handlebars.![8AAAA1DE-84DA-4843-BE6E-9A69DFF4A2DF](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/21GhdMPW8rtp8My7iJ0xCy/630c984879c3c85bf77f221bb396f492/8AAAA1DE-84DA-4843-BE6E-9A69DFF4A2DF.jpeg)
    Of course the fast guys spend many hours riding in the hours of Darkness, therefore just seeing what their front light spills out in front of them.
        Maybe they will return to tour the route at a slower pace in the future and take it all in at a more leisurely pace???? 
        ![C21EC827-27F1-418B-B4F3-EEC12D3DC96E](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/2iFDhrTNe92c2mZgzP6efW/2085cbd1f91c3087668d6425f95744bd/C21EC827-27F1-418B-B4F3-EEC12D3DC96E.jpeg)
        In New Mexico riders continue in warm temperatures and localised downpours as they push on to the finish. Weary Fatigued bodies and minds get an extra spring in their step or power in their pedals, knowing that the finish line is near.![5A7FA444-2BA5-41D6-BDC8-3438A10222E7](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/73iqDrnPt9vhxDuzs9PFA5/297283738c5ed17e161530efd5ef4809/5A7FA444-2BA5-41D6-BDC8-3438A10222E7.jpeg)![C66E9C29-1C3D-4B5E-8FB5-C5F2D220F56C](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/5pCnaCSC35GfWFVs9B0KXV/a8acbd990dc3f791c2e842cd2292100e/C66E9C29-1C3D-4B5E-8FB5-C5F2D220F56C.jpeg)
        Andrew Kulmatiski who was setting a very fast individual time trial has scratched. No idea why at this stage....


RIDE ON.... 

   ![66AEB2E6-EC5F-41B4-806E-F5DD37CD7C57](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/7MlBmwKIWBN6HxMl0RRbay/d9e3baa9769d860e715ad66ef39a6c07/66AEB2E6-EC5F-41B4-806E-F5DD37CD7C57.jpeg)
  32 riders have now finished this years Tour Divide. Congratulations to 3rd female finisher Katie Dolan from Seattle, USA, stopping the clock at 22 days,02 hours and 19 mins, beating her 25 Day target time.
     ![EEA29153-FEDC-471E-BBD0-ADC9CA27022D](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/31LZux20TFp7mxH20ZTOui/bc6b4ad4ddf53d96c688e94aa94b6195/EEA29153-FEDC-471E-BBD0-ADC9CA27022D.jpeg)
     Special mention to Allan Shaw who finished in 21 days 06 hours and 06 mins. Only 8 momths ago Allan had a terrible accident on his bike in Mexico, suffering multiple fractures, 16 days in hospital and many operations. What an incredible recovery and achievement to come back so fast and finish the Tour Divide in a great time.![C016A38E-97E6-4B9F-9328-27C3C5FFA5F1](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/rm7nu4eu9lCab5XF5cKvn/b1bb1c0df1863db2dd0dcb45301644e7/C016A38E-97E6-4B9F-9328-27C3C5FFA5F1.jpeg)
               Andrew Kulmatski is flying down the divide on his Individual Time Trial attempt, currently having a good rest in Del Norte, only 10 Days and 23 hours since leaving Banff. This is about 12 hours off Sofianes TD Winning pace for this year.![C28655CF-2058-4014-A757-0C2E414371C5](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/75QPntN2fwWfKcaJMLtJTV/d22f59568e1e028d28fd8aeb50e2d6ce/C28655CF-2058-4014-A757-0C2E414371C5.jpeg)


FINISHING THE TOUR DIVIDE DREAM

![17FF2BFE-8A63-4D90-9CD9-0929B9B4E892](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/4t2EQ9nCp3lliFj76eEavN/96a13066802e7fd9325ae31d29c25bb3/17FF2BFE-8A63-4D90-9CD9-0929B9B4E892.jpeg)
The Tour Divide certainly gives us a great selection of photos,(and a few dodgy ones too) The expansive vistas, The snow covered mountain passes, Sunrises and Sunsets, Enormous food purchases, mechanicals, crazy weather, the people, the animals and all the rest. With Smart phones and social media, we, the Dot watchers get a real feel for the environment, the emotion and  drama.![271D20EC-D693-436F-8C72-1F7A02F5F5F0](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/4POelidIZhnHN3Ni0JQORL/44220c36bfe2cc4e85d41ce07a548497/271D20EC-D693-436F-8C72-1F7A02F5F5F0.jpeg)
   It does nt however give you the real deal, i think thats why so many people get so inspired by events like this, watching these people pushing their personal limits and at the same time having a life changing experience.![AB1680DF-4A4D-4507-9C40-59F4A2ADA25C](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/3wNsevBLI4QlQj2CNlGA2I/198dd023eed2e621fb9f4c9239a4be89/AB1680DF-4A4D-4507-9C40-59F4A2ADA25C.jpeg)
    It can even become an obsession, from deciding to take it on, the planning, the training, the gear choices, it can take  years to get to the startline. For a race this long and hard, you have to be ready, or it will spit you out. 
    Many return to finish it again and many return just to finish it once and some dont ever get to finish it.![E96D4746-3111-445C-9954-95F667BFF7F9](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/3lVpBwqmuk2uHqQbIHgEXV/7628738df416fcfdd2ad3976520d46cd/E96D4746-3111-445C-9954-95F667BFF7F9.jpeg) 
     Its a humbling and very rewarding endeavour that will stay with you for a lifetime. 
            Its there every year, an opportunity to get out of your comfort zone, to embrace a huge challenge, saying Yes to life, Yes to adventure.
     Its a long road thats worth travelling.....  ![C18F9C47-002A-4D60-A980-92DD3E790B77](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/2PpMrWOhUndgtYnICYPkl8/18b87883f82c3455518fe34e306869f4/C18F9C47-002A-4D60-A980-92DD3E790B77.jpeg)                 

A PICTURE TELLS A THOUSAND WORDS......

![4723BF4A-7AEA-42C0-AAB0-86AF6F1FE20D](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/kqpNpkTc5LGnHnlq8tsB2/e40ec7bc0b850f8f33df11cbd05b902b/4723BF4A-7AEA-42C0-AAB0-86AF6F1FE20D.jpeg)
  Pie Town, New Mexico 
  Always a great stop!
  ![A310F539-8965-4357-BC22-3DAB6040FC37](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/5KmyCCpz2ZWAvQFsgEgIii/c637e74a288e7d6e084aa059fb0c1f95/A310F539-8965-4357-BC22-3DAB6040FC37.jpeg)
   A steady stream of finishers now rolling in as riders dodge thunderstorms and downpours and get to the end to complete their massive adventures.
   ![D131FB1C-3C2C-4051-BFCE-547078D51929](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/5Vd1WK9Jx1RDEKTCqTOVlE/3f89e0bc25d0a76f7bc6f364e0f9c1b5/D131FB1C-3C2C-4051-BFCE-547078D51929.jpeg)
   ![EAD48730-CC70-4773-8F1C-AF96E5C86EE8](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/6ERCaxeOfkUz1i2zwxJcP4/eb78ea8ca2ea7f573cd54518710d7aec/EAD48730-CC70-4773-8F1C-AF96E5C86EE8.jpeg)
      You many have seen the fantastic podium photos of Sofiane, Manu and Adrien and you may have wondered where did they get their clothes. Sofiane was sporting a very fetching shirt.
      ![78475BBA-35DD-4942-B81B-D04224D063A1](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/2fkC0hO9bkz9FxUwlFc5g8/1d517da6a3722cca461cfdf7dd3db7d0/78475BBA-35DD-4942-B81B-D04224D063A1.jpeg)
        The boys would have got the clothes from Jeff Sharpe, a tour divide legend himself  way down at the southern end. Jeff lives just outside Hachita, the last settlement before the final paved section to the finish. 
        Jeff offers shuttles,a bed, clothes, food, Bikes boxes and more. This can be pre arranged with Jeff before the race or on route. He will pick your weary body and bike up and take you back to his place, affectionately called 'THE BIKE RANCH'
         Jeff knows what a Tour Divide racer needs in the hours and days after finishing. Ive stayed two times, and will again im sure, a Haven out of the scorching Hot New Mexico sun and a chance to replenish before slowly making your way home. Thanks for all you do Jeff.

         S.Halligan. TD 17 & 19 

A NEW MONTH, A NEW DAY ON THE DIVIDE.....

   ![ACCDBE81-5BF3-4601-8A1A-2061B5869195](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/1W8qszhAQp6mEP79ogbKxi/fba98986dd4043037c4f7c3a1e4e976d/ACCDBE81-5BF3-4601-8A1A-2061B5869195.jpeg)
        Ana Jagar from Anchorage in Alaska is the first women to finish in a time of 19 Days OO 54 Mins (12th overall) rolling in on her Salsa Cuttroat. Ana continued to ride consistently to the end and slowly grew the gap to second placed woman Katie Strempke on her Chumba Sendero singlepeed bike. Katie stopped the clock at 19 Days 16 Hours 11 Minutes. Impressive riding ladies. 
   !![539B7672-4DB7-43F6-9298-3E9E50263ECC](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/6v5DlbxHIN63tjOxKmyZdk/1d62a061b4a4a76956cb1580e74b33fc/539B7672-4DB7-43F6-9298-3E9E50263ECC.jpeg)
     The top twenty will be rounded out within the next hours as Bruno Martin, David Landis and Brent Olsen push through the night towards the border outpost of Antelope Wells.![1EBCE053-F17B-49E7-A567-19FD2AADAC0B](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/2varklz1yE3wqy1HuqHoaj/dfe1a7e222ab5d17e01e674b39efd15b/1EBCE053-F17B-49E7-A567-19FD2AADAC0B.jpeg)![9175A32B-70BC-4C81-BBE8-CFD84EA71CF5](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/2YAEiyxAUpIlTmSwUUheGw/4609a7628ae78a4e95ef15dd3e8a68c0/9175A32B-70BC-4C81-BBE8-CFD84EA71CF5.jpeg)
       It takes a while to recover from finishing something like the Tour Divide, It could be weeks or longer. You body has taken on so much accumulative fatigue,You feel jaded for days and hungry.
           Many riders suffer from nerve damage in their hands, this can take months to come right. Others suffer a lot from saddle sores. Been off the bike will generally clear up this issue.![FCF05976-5DBA-4BF3-AB93-21EC4F115B90](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/4qhAQcxeCcGHYXewwFG4NI/85bf79fb053b7ce4f5b6c7462f557853/FCF05976-5DBA-4BF3-AB93-21EC4F115B90.jpeg)
        Mentally you are spent, and it can be tough adjusting back to the 'Real World'.
                               Even though its tough riding big days back to back, it is still a simple life really,  Food, Water and shelter are your main concerns each day....  You ve left your normall day to day life behind to take on this adventure, and you want to make the best of it.
                    Some will not ride their bike for many weeks while others will be back spinning soon. Our bodies are amazing at recovering and replenishing and before long we are planning the next adventure.


TOP TWO WOMEN ARE IN.....

   ![3684CEE3-5124-4A0F-ADE4-67C955252DB6](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/bsVPauo0VRQa7pUY5xnmJ/8c534900a2a1da781561b18093daace9/3684CEE3-5124-4A0F-ADE4-67C955252DB6.jpeg)
      The Tour Divide is huge on many levels, iconic in the bikepacking realm, 2,665 Miles (4,288 kms) this year, obscene amounts of climbing through the majestic Rocky Mountains, big distances between resupply, Weather that can throw up curve balls aplenty and wildlife that you need to look out for.
         It tests  you Physically, Mentally, Emotionally and Spiritually. It can be transformational, an adventure of a lifetime. Its a race that so many people return too, aiming for a better time or simply just to finish.
                        Just saying yes to taking this on is a statement of intent. 
                        This year has been epic to follow with exciting racing at the pointy end and so many stories coming out from racers dealing with weather, mechanicals, Bears, injuries etc. ![B1EC6269-6412-47F1-AC70-D89BB14A86F1](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/3VUOmxWOqpu7X0X77hDwi5/b69585e2ee990ed65492c76080d42776/B1EC6269-6412-47F1-AC70-D89BB14A86F1.jpeg)
     Today will see a bunch of finishers as riders close in on Antelope Wells. Leading the womens field is Ana Jagar, now just 50 miles from the end. Further back Katie Strempke is 17 miles from Silver City and will have a long day ahead to get it done. The weather in New Mexico seems to have settled a bit for now making for faster progress.![B1EC6269-6412-47F1-AC70-D89BB14A86F1](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/1umqb1ITdHyl75Szp4rpcf/cf72d1f066de5545c024b7b5b59d2d11/B1EC6269-6412-47F1-AC70-D89BB14A86F1.jpeg)
     In the next days many riders will be leaving Colorado and entering the final state of New Mexico. Too early to be thinking of the finish line though as NM is notoriously tough, especially with fatigued bodies and minds.
     Speedy ITT rider Andrew Kulmatiski is almost halfway through the Wyoming Great Basin after 6 Days and 22 hours.


18 DAYS DOWN...MORE TO COME!

![468E7942-2417-41C2-AB52-D41DCF4EDCD9](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/4nM7Ym1rOx89nRxNVFDJ9M/e1cd46ffd54e79c5e4bf10d22ddd3553/468E7942-2417-41C2-AB52-D41DCF4EDCD9.jpeg)

  Every year some people decide to do an Individual Time Trail (ITT) of the Tour Divide, avoiding the Grand Depart in favour of choosing their own start time. There maybe various reasons for this, Time constraints, looking for a perfect weather window, less snow???...  Although as we know, nothing is guaranteed with Mother Nature.
     One notable ITT racer this year is TD veteran Andrew Kulmatiski who is currently sleeping at Lava Mountain Lodge after 5 days and 22hours of riding. I havent done the maths but Andrews pace is not the far off Sofianes at the same point. Interesting to keep an eye on!
      ![320FC6BB-1230-4449-B62B-649225931AED](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/2cI74fbURhZ2O6xOFSIqb3/bca6a97efe992dcf8c802540342fa9f7/320FC6BB-1230-4449-B62B-649225931AED.jpeg)
      Kiwi Northbounders Geof Blance and Ken Scott are in Helena resting up. Geof noting on his instagram that "the Butte singletrack and Lava mtn trail both suck northbound"

   ![E367CF57-32EC-41BE-B0FB-58FF0EE79958](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/4UUiT8cz4QU93Wv3ZxAZEG/2ac9c51e3061d851179abaca36afcbda/E367CF57-32EC-41BE-B0FB-58FF0EE79958.jpeg)
   Daniel Connell rounded off the top ten finishers with a super ride clocking in at 17 Days 10 Hours and 48 mins.
                          Patrick from Bikes or Death podcast  took a great podium shot of Sofiane, Manu and Adrien. Sounds like Patrick was busy recording some interviews too. Look forward to hearing the stories soon.
   ![6DA29317-A6F0-47AD-AD76-923AC21FD357](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/7iM6wM8FjgJ3ZpVSu2b2AB/33ccfe4eb8c463c2bb4960143e327226/6DA29317-A6F0-47AD-AD76-923AC21FD357.jpeg)![5EFE9C77-E497-4F1A-B5DE-9D5F8FC62B37 1 201 a](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/5Q682u0ej61hR3PAAngC5B/3872ef5d11eb0822b97df976b419a604/5EFE9C77-E497-4F1A-B5DE-9D5F8FC62B37_1_201_a.jpeg)


TOP TEN ARE IN AND THE RACE GOES ON 

Tour Divide 2022 Tracking and Commentary. Self-supported bikepacking race from Banff, Canada to New Mexico, USA following the continental divide and the Great Divide Mountain Route (GDMR).

Tour Divide 2022 Tracking

Running from Banff, Canada to Antelope Wells on the US-Mexican border, the Tour Divide is for many the halo event of Bikepack Ultraracing. There are both Southbound and Northbound riders racing self-supported along the ACA's Great Divide Mountain Bike Route, with a few diversions to spice it up.

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