First Expedition On The Great Divide Mountain Bike Route

IMBA Trail News
Volume 11, Number 1
March-April 1998

The Adventure Cycling Association is looking for cyclists to do what has never been done before: to ride from Canada to Mexico on the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route. Adventure Cycling labored tirelessly the last three years developing the longest mountain bike route in the world. Now fat-tire fanatics can enjoy a bike route that was conceived by a couple of cyclists enjoying a few brews at their favorite Rocky Mountain mexican eatery.

"The Great Divide Expedition is an inaugural ride and we are looking for cyclists with pioneer spirits," said Suzanne Hanlon, tour director for Adventure Cycling. "This isn't a tour through wine and cheese country. Great Divide riders can expect mud, rocks, snow, rain, ice, fallen trees, creeks, and mountains. Lots and lots of mountains."

The Great Divide Route traces the Continental Divide through Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, and New Mexico. Spanning more than 2,400 miles, the route follows a combination of fire access roads, jeep trails, occasional paved sections and singletrack.

The ride is "self-contained" meaning riders carry their clothing, camping and cycling gear on their bikes. During the 75-day trip, riders will camp in national forests, state parks, and private campgrounds. Average daily riding distance will be approximately 40 miles. The trip cost of $2,800 covers food, lodging, maps and trip leaders. The ride is limited to 10 to 12 participants. Great Divide Expedition dates are June 16 to August 29. Other trips dates are possible depending on how many cyclists sign up for the first expedition.

Hanlon notes that the Great Divide Expedition isn't for everyone. "This trip is the toughest expedition we've ever offered. Riders will face many challenges as they ride through the heart of the Rocky Mountains," Hanlon said. "Great Divide riders will also have a heck of a lot of fun. The route offers spectacular scenery, wonderful riding, and great wildlife viewing. The pioneer riders on the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route will have an incredible adventure."

For more details and a free catalog, write the Adventure Cycling, PO Box 8308-P, Missoula, MT 59807 or call (800) 755-2453. Visit Adventure Cycling's website at www.adv-cycling.org

The Adventure Cycling Association is a non-profit recreational cycling organization that develops on-road and mountain bike routes. Since its inception in 1973 as Bikecentennial, Adventure Cycling has created and maintains a National Bicycle Route Network of over 24,000 miles of bicycling maps (both on and off-road).

Adventure Cycling has long supported IMBA and bike advocacy in general. In 1996-'97, the group helped fund Jim Hasenauer's one-year teaching sabbatical, during which he served as our traveling Education Director.

NOTE: For those who want to ride the Great Divide on their own, Adventure Cycling offers maps of the route. Call 800/755-2453 for a free Great Divide map catalog.