Tomorrow is the Grand Depart of the 2014 Tour Divide Race. This beast starts in Banff, Alberta and for those that finish they will arrive in Antelope Wells, NM. In honor of those that will be traversing 2745 Miles of UNSUPPORTED mountain bike miles we are going to discuss some of the different options out there to carry gear on your bike.
The Great Divide Route is the world's longest off-pavement cycling route. It was tirelessly mapped over a 4 year span, and published in 1998 by Adventure Cycling Association, North America's premiere bicycle travel organization. The route is highlighted by long dirt roads and jeep trails that wend their way through forgotten passes of the Continental Divide. It travels through Canadian provinces of Alberta and British Columbia, and the United States of Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, and New Mexico (map). By route's end a thru-rider will climb nearly 200,000 feet of vertical (equivalent to summiting Mount Everest from sea-level 7 times).
Above is a picture of a Hardtail bike loaded with some great gear bags.
Frame Bag - These are specifically made to fit YOUR bikes frame size and provides quick access to extra food stores/tools/clothing.
Gas Tank (Bento Bag on Steroids) - Camera and food storage.
Jerry Can - More access for smaller items that you need to be able to get at quickly.
Sweet Roll (Front Bag) - Carries your tent/bivy sleeping bag
Seat Bag - Excess clothing or food stores. Cooking equipment, First Aid Kit, Water Filtration System
You don't need rack and panniers to tour. A lot of times those set ups would fail on this type of route that is why they go with soft bags.
Plus you get to see scenery like this. For more information on a bike capable of carrying you across this route or for the accessories for your current bike stop by Tom's and let's talk!
A great way to test the your new Mountain Bike out and to start off the Mountain Bike season is to race. Single Track Racing is hosting a 6 (Only 2 left) race series at Sprague Brook on Tuesdays. Check out their Facebook Page for more information orRegister Here. This is in full swing and to help support Mountain Biking in Western New York come on out for the next 4 races (or 1 or 2 or 3 if that is all you can make). The group that runs these races are good folk and deserve our support!
Check out our Events Page to find out what is going on around the shop and don't forget time is running out to get your bike serviced for The Ride for Roswell June 28th!
Huge clothing sale taking place right now - stop by and check out our inventory! Included in this great sale is Mavic Mountain Bike Clothing and road and mountain bike shoes as well.
Don't forget if you are contemplating the XTERRA Syracuse or XTERRA ASP to let us know if you are interested in joining a training team at Tom's as well.
S-WORKS 2014 Spring Clearance Sale! In-Stock Merchandise only!
Tom's Pro Bike Service
3687 Walden Avenue
Lancaster, New York 14086
Phone: (716)651-9995
E-Mail Us: tom@tomsprobike
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