Are you planning to tackle the Tour Divide, the GDMBR, or your first multi-day ultra-endurance bike packing event? Whether you’re chasing a “Fastest Known Time” (FKT) or just aiming to finish, the learning curve is steep.

After attempting the Tour Divide in 2024, I’ve been reflecting on the moments that challenged my gear, my legs, and my mindset. To help you prepare for your next big adventure, here are my top 10 Tour Divide lessons learned and GDMBR bikepacking tips—ranging from mechanical hacks to the “Holy Trinity” of endurance fuel.

Tour Divide lessons learned

10. Know Your Equipment (and the Tools Required)

It sounds basic, but you must know how to fix your bike with the specific tools you’re carrying.

The Hidden Trap: We once had to change a bent derailleur hanger on a Salsa Cutthroat, only to realize it required a massive 11mm or 12mm hex wrench—which we didn’t have. We had to “sandwich” two smaller wrenches together to survive the fix.
The Multi-Purpose Hack: Carry dental floss. It’s perfect for hygiene, but it’s also strong enough to sew up a tire sidewall or even tighten loose arm warmers when you start losing weight on the trail 😉 [01:36].

9. The “Off-Route” Resupply is Often Worth It

On Day 2, I made the mistake of skipping a resupply in Elkford to stay “on route.” By 2:00 PM, I was out of food and riding on fumes until 1:00 AM.

Lesson: Taking 40 minutes to ride off-route for calories can save you hours of slow, “bonked” riding later in the day [02:40].

8. Manage Your “Food Fatigue”

The energy bars you love during training will eventually become revolting. This is “food fatigue.”

Listen to your body: If you’re craving protein or a burger with extra mustard, give in—your body is telling you what it lacks [03:11].
Pro Tip: When you stop for breakfast, buy two sandwiches. Eat one now and shove the other in your pocket for later. Real food beats convenience store snacks every time.

7. Coffee Logistics: Don’t Settle for Bad Brews

If you’re a coffee drinker, plan your caffeine. Instant coffee is easy to pack, but eventually, you’ll run out.

The “Affogato” Strategy: If you find an ice cream shop with espresso, order an affogato (espresso over ice cream). It’s the “Holy Trinity” of endurance fuel: fat, sugar, and caffeine [04:35].

6. Paper Maps Boot Up Faster Than GPS

Digital tools like Ride with GPS are essential, but paper maps (like the ACA maps) offer a perspective a small screen can’t match.

Context at a Glance: Paper maps let you see mileage markers, campsites, and water sources without zooming and scrolling.
Accessibility: I kept mine in a clear pouch on my aero bars, open to the current section. No battery required [06:02].

5. Don’t Over-Carry Water in the North

In the Canadian and Northern Montana sections, water is often abundant.

The Weight Penalty: Carrying 4+ liters of water over steep mountain passes while riding past fresh streams is wasted energy.
The Exception: This changes once you hit the desert, but for the start of the Divide, use that bag space for extra food instead [06:49].

4. Stick to Standard Drivetrain Equipment

I love elliptical chainrings, but when mine wore out near Helena, the only replacement available in town was a standard 34-tooth round ring.

The Adaptation Period: It took my legs three days to adjust to the new pedaling mechanics.
Advice: Stick to major brands like SRAM or Shimano. You can find their parts in almost any small-town bike shop [07:43].

3. Factor in the “Canmore Commute”

Staying in Canmore is more economical than Banff, but it adds a 28km “commute” to the Grand Depart.

The Ripple Effect: Those extra kilometers on Day 1 meant I started the brutal Coco Claims climb later the next day, leading to a 1:00 AM finish in Fernie during a snowstorm [08:46]. If you stay in Canmore, account for the extra mileage.

2. Prepare for Staggered Start Times

The Grand Depart isn’t a single mass start at 8:00 AM. Riders are often grouped by their estimated finish times, and the fastest groups may leave as early as 7:30 AM.

Don’t Miss the Community: Arrive early to socialize. The community of riders is one of the best parts of the experience [10:00].

1. Ride with Intention (and a Flexible Plan)

As Mike Tyson said, “Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth.” On the Tour Divide, you will face all four seasons in a single week—rain, snow, heat, and wind [10:45].

Know Your “Why”: Are you there to race, or is this a new chapter of personal growth?
Intentionality: I realized my first goal was simply making it to the start line in Banff. Understanding your motivation will keep you moving when the weather turns and the climbs feel endless [11:34].

Ready to start your own adventure? Check out our Bikepacking Coaching services and our course on Roam, Record, Release: Cinematic Storytelling on the Move to document your journey like a pro.