Preface
The Great
Divide Mountain Bike Route, aka GDMBR, or Great
Divide Route, aka GDR, for short is the “Holy Grail” of the
mountain biking world and is the longest, most
challenging, and most remote bicycle tour in the
world. Very few people attempt it from end to end
and less than half finish.
The route starts in Banff Canada,
traverses southward through 2,800 miles of the most
beautiful and remote countryside in the US, and ends in
New Mexico at the U.S./Mexico boarder. I completed the
GDMBR in 63 days as a solo, self supported, rider and
it challenged me in every conceivable way and it left me
with some powerful and positive
memories.
Not everyone can take 3 months off to do
the entire route so my recommendation to them is to ride a
small section. There are many mini sections that would
make great rides and there is something for everyone,
even beginners.
Every self-supported through rider who
is willing to push themselves mentally and physically
will be rewarded with life long memories and a feeling
of accomplishment. For every section rider there a many
parts that will also push you in many of the same
respects.
A tiny portion of the ride is on
pavement, some is on single track, and the majority is
on dirt roads. The dirt roads can be very remote and
seeing more than one car a day is unlikely. Most of the
dirt roads are equally as nice as the single track and
they traverse through some amazing terrain.
Why would someone want to ride the Great
Divide Route? If you love adventure and the outdoors,
love to mountain bike, camp, and are eager to embrace
the challenges mother nature will through your way, then
this ride might be for you.
My reason to do the ride was a result of
my life long dream to mountain bike a great distance
over a vast and wild geography, to experience Gods
creation, and for the personal challenge.
Part of my reason for spending so much
time and energy in developing this website is to inspire
others to experience the same wonderful rewards this
ride can offer. It is truly an amazing experience!
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