Rigs of the 2021 Tour Divide

I think everyone can agree that we missed following the Tour Divide last year. And although the 2021 event won’t look quite like previous grand departs, we’re excited to get back on track with our Rigs of the Tour Divide tradition.

For those who aren’t aware, the US-Canadian border still isn’t open for recreational travel. As such, the majority of southbound riders will be starting in Eureka, Montana, at the Roosville Border Crossing, at noon on June 11th. Despite the changes and uncertainty, we were able to compile a list of over 70 rigs that will be out on the route this year, be that on the unofficial start date of Friday, June 11th, or at some other time this summer.

P.S. I’s worth noting a few stats from the group. There are 39 bikes with drop bars and 33 with flat bars. 13 of those rigs are using racks and 59 have rackless bag setups. Read on for details. And after checking out the rigs, head over to the 2021 Tour Divide event page to follow along live.

Mary Ehlers

Age 32 / St. Paul, Minnesota (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be riding the Great Divide Classic on my titanium Salsa Fargo. This build features wireless SRAM Force AXS levers and bar-end blips with an X01 AXS rear derailleur. In the front, I’m running a Wolftooth 36t Camo chainring attached to a White Industries crank with a 10-52 cassette. For wheels, I have WTB KOM Tough rims laced to a DT Swiss 350 rear hub and a SON dynamo front hub. I’ll be running Vittoria Mezcal 2.25″ tires and Tyrewiz tire pressure monitors. Not visible are the Chris King matte turquoise headset and bottom bracket that match my aerobar tape and valve stems. I’m using a kLite system for my dynamo headlight and taillight and their USB charger to power my Wahoo Roam and cache battery.
BAGS: All of my bags were sewn by me using 2.9oz Dyneema fabric. Special shout-out to Oveja Negra for setting me up with the fork bag plates to make my own version of their bags. I’ll be running a rear rack due to a lack of space between the seat and rear tire.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’ll be using an Outdoor Research Helium bivy for shelter with a Tyvek groundsheet. I made my sleeping bag using 850-fill HyperDRY Goose Down and will be sleeping on a Nemo Tensor pad and Fillo Pillow. I also made my own down jacket and riding gear.

Asa Rogers

Age 24 / Takoma Park, Maryland (USA)

BIKE: I will be riding this year’s Tour Divide on a 2016 Surly Troll. I upgraded to 27.5, with a Maxxis Minion SS in the front and a Maxxis Ikon in the rear. I am running friction thumbies, controlling my 38/28 front and 11/46 10 speed rear. I have a pair of Velocity Blunts laced to XT hubs.
BAGS: I am very happy, so far, with my bag set up. I am lucky to have a Revelate Spinelock 16L saddlebag, a Revelate/Surly Frame bag, Ortlieb handlebar bag, and accessory pouch. Under my downtube, I have a 1L drybag for tools and repair-type things. I also have a Nuclear Sunrise top tube bag. I have two 48oz Nalgenes and two 24oz water bottles on my fork, and two other bottles on the side of my downtube, which hopefully will be enough water.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I found a super cool top cap mounted bell at my LBS. I recently splurged on a Leatherman Charge+, which I am sure I will use every single day. Also, Surly really knocked it out of the park with the Troll. I have roughly 15,000 miles on it, and it is going as strong as ever.

Samuel Martin

Age 27 / Charlotte, North Carolina (USA)

BIKE: Rodeo Labs Trail Donkey 3.1 paired with 2.2″ Maxxis Ikon Tires on the Rodeo Labs carbon rims. Shimano 11×42 with a 32 Chainring (not pictured) and the XTR Di2 shifters.
BAGS: I am running a custom frame bag made by my friends Field and Forest out of Vancouver. The rest of the kit is a mixed bag, Salsa Anything Cage up front with a Revelate Terrapin on the seat post. Revelate Feedbags and Gas tank are included, as is a Specialized top tube bag. Running a B-Rad system on the front fork which allows adjustable water bottle cages and space to strap my Hyperlight Mountain Gear shelter.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My Katabatic quilt came with me when I thru-hiked the PCT in 2018 and it’s still my favorite piece of gear. Love my frame bag as well and the Profile Designs aero bars are a welcome late addition.

Ian Nabors

Age 26 / Raleigh, North Carolina (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be racing on a 2020 Salsa Cutthroat. The bike is rolling on Mezcal 2.25” tires on WTB CZR rims with a SON dynamo.
BAGS: I’ll be carrying my goodies in a Revelate Harness, Feedbags, Mag Tank 2000, and a Terrapin 8L saddlebag. Salsa direct mount frame bag is attached to the frame.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’ll be hauling a Nemo Hornet Elite tent in addition to an emergency bivy. Zefal 1L bottles will keep me hydrated and travel-size Texas Pete will keep my food tasty. I’ll be avoiding wrong turns with a Wahoo Element Roam.

Kellie Wilson

Age 40 / Dallas/Ft Worth, Texas (USA)

BIKE: Monē LaRoca: Shimano XT drivetrain w/ custom mounted shifter, Enve M60 rims, DT Swiss 240 hubs, Schwable Rocket Ron 27.5 x 2.8” tires, Monē drop bars, Chester pedals, WTB saddle.
BAGS: Custom Rockgeist frame bag, Rockgeist XL cache top tube bag, Rockgeist Honeybox bag, Rockgeist barjam, Revelate Egress pocket bag, Wanderlust seat bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Big Agnes one-person tent, Big Agnes sleeping bag. Velocio and Cheap Thrills for clothing. Lockjaw knife I found a nice home for on the cockpit and a pair of Vortex binoculars because I’d regret it if I didn’t.

Nate FitzGerald

Age 44 / Phoenix, Arizona (USA)

BIKE: I will be riding a fully rigid Surly Ogre single speed with 36×19 gearing. A 27.5 plus carbon wheelset with 2.6” Maxxis tires (Ikon rear, Rekon front) with Cush Core should absorb enough ground chatter to keep me nice and comfy. The bike has a set of Magura Trail Sport brakes to slow me down. My trusty Brooks B17, a Thomson titanium post, and a Jones “riser” Loop H-Bar make up the cockpit.
BAGS: A Rockgeist Dr. Jones Bag and a Revelate Designs Egress bag are on the handlebars. Three Revelate Polecat bags are strapped to Widefoot Cargo mounts on the fork. The frame bag, top tube bags, snack bags, and saddlebag are from Oveja Negra. The Adventure Hydration Crank Tank gives me four liters of water carrying capacity in the main triangle.

Al Wade

Age 50 / Plano, Illinois (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be racing the Great Divide Classic Route on a 2020 Standard Byke Co. (yes, the Rad BMX company) Level B. The bike features 27.5 x 2.1” Teravail Sparwoods, Whiskey carbon rims, and White Industries hubs. I’ll be spinning single speed with a 36:19 gear ratio, Wolf Tooth oval chainring, carbon cranks, Lauf fork, Brooks C17 organic saddle, and SRAM Force hydraulic brakes.
BAGS: I’ll be using a mix of bags, including a Blackburn waterproof frame and top tube bag, Revelate Designs Egress, feedbag, and Terrapin seat pack. Also, one POD waterproof sack on my fork. One 32oz Nalgene bottle will be mounted to my down tube and one to my fork.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I added a PNW Pine dropper seatpost, foam-filled Spank bars to reduce trail chatter and numb hands. My sleep system includes a Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL bikepacking tent, Thermarest inflatable ground pad, and a Rumpl quilt.

Jason Simons

Age 36 / Tempe, Arizona (USA)

BIKE: I will be riding a Surly Pack Rat set up single speed. The gear ratio is 44×20 with a White Industries BB and freewheel turning 650 x 47mm WTB Senderos. Touchpoints include a Ti Jones bar, a worn-in Brooks B-17, and Ritchey WCS pedals.
BAGS: I am running a large Roadrunner bag in the front, Jones bag in the bar, Oveja Negra top tube bags and feed bags, Wolftooth pump bag, and Revelate frame bag, polecats, and seat bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’ve got BarYak Mules securing Widefoot cages to my fork, a Cranktank 4 from down under to keep me hydrated, an Enlightened Equipment quilt to keep me warm, and an Outdoor Research Helium Bivy to keep me dry. Beverages will be sipped from a Dangle Supply Ti Mug.

Bryan Hernandez

Age 24 / Silver Spring, Maryland (USA)

BIKE: I will be riding a Mid/late-2000s Alu Voodoo Bokor Hardtail w/sliding dropouts and Simworks Steel Doppo fork. Rear derailleur protector. 11-speedd 2x (36/24) XT drive and 11-46t cassette. Simworks SuperYummy 2.22” rear tire, Maxxis Ardent 2.4” front.
BAGS: Bike is comprised of small mix of USA made bags. Roadrunner buoy bags tidy’s up the front end while Oveja Negra bootlegger keeps things neat under the down tube. Frame, handlebar bag/accessory pouch, top tube bags, stem caddies, and saddlebag are Revelate Designs.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Flat pedals and Five Tens Freeriders will be my choice of contact on the bike. Double barrel downtube-mounted bottles. Olympus PenFT as days are long and beautiful. Favorite piece? The Voodoo, aka The Ranger.

Remi Ray

Age 32 / Oakland, California (USA)

BIKE: I’m riding my titanium Why Cycles S7 with a Fox 34 fork and Shimano 1×12 drivetrain. I’ll be rolling on Light Bicycle carbon rims and Rene Herse 2.2″ Fleecer Ridge tires. It’s more bike than I need for the Divide, but at least I won’t have to buy a new one if I ever want to do the AZT.
BAGS: The cockpit and seat post bags are all Revelate. I sewed the frame bag, the extra-large top tube “jerrycan,” and the bottom bracket tool bag myself.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My sleep system consists of a North Face Mica tent and Therm-a-Rest sleeping pad and quilt. I love my SON hub and Sinewave Beacon headlight.

Pearly Van Niekerk-Spevere

Age 44 / Rifle, Colorado (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be riding the Tour Divide on a 2020 Salsa Ti-Fargo frameset with a Firestarter carbon fork. The bike has a Sram Eagle X01 ASX drivetrain, Sram Force brake lever shifters with Sram guide dual piston brakes. It is a 1X12 / 10-52 and the front chagrin is a 32T. The handlebars are Salsa Cowchipper 50cm drop bars for best grip and handling. I have Bar Yak Expedition bars with the Bar Yak Talon harness and modifications with armrests. The wheels are custom carbon wheels with DT Swiss 350 rear hub and on the front wheel, I have a SON Dynamo 28/ 15-10 6v-3W hub. The tires I will be running are 2.20” Fleecer Ridge tires by Rene Herse to optimize traction and noise reduction. The bike has a Ritchy carbon seatpost with the women’s-specific saddle by a Specialized, called the Roam Mimic 155 saddle.
BAGS: I will be using a variety of bags, the centerpiece bag is by salsa, the handlebar bag to carry all my sleeping gear is a waterproof dry sack by Sea to Summit. I will have a feed bag by Apidura, a Revelate Design Mag Tank 2000, and a waterproof Seat tube bag by Apidura. The bottle cages on my front fork are titanium by King Cage and the bottle cage on my lower tube is stainless steel by Velo Orange Mojave.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I will be using the kLite Ultra MTB kit which includes a 1300 lumen light and dual USB charger. The battery is a Voltaic 6400mAh with pass-through charging technology. I will be using the InReach mini tracking device as well as a Garmin Edge 830. For a good night’s sleep, I will be using the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Uberlite sleeping pad.

Sarah Swallow

Age 33 / Durango, Colorado (USA)

BIKE: I will be riding a 2019 Specialized Epic HT built with ENVE gravel 48mm drop bars, Specialized aero bars, and a 12-speed 11-50 SRAM E-tap drivetrain with 34T front chainring. My wheels are Roval Traverse Carbon 29″ are built with a SON Dynamo hub and Specialized Ground Control 2.3″ tires. My saddle is a Brooks C17.
BAGS: Custom Rogue Panda frame bag, Porcelain Rocket handlebar harness, stuff sack, and front bag. Oveja Negra Gearjammer seat bag. Cockpit bags: Oveja Negra Chuckbucket snack bag, Swift Industries EcoPak snack bag, Revalate Designs Mag Tank 2000 and Jerry Can.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: For my sleep system I am using a Mountain Laurel Designs FKT Bivy, a Klymt Ozone sleep pad, and a Western Mountaineering Summerlite sleeping bag with down booties (what can I say, I get cold feet!). I am using a Garmin Edge 1040 Plus for navigation, a Sinewave Headlight to light my path, and a Ricoh GR II Camera to document my experience.

McCullen Drake-Murphy

Age 30 / Santa Cruz, California (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be riding (not racing) the Tour Divide on a 2018 Salsa Timberjack Ti. Custom built by yours truly, the bike features a rigid Salsa Firestarter carbon fork, 1×11 Shimano XT drivetrain with 30×11-46T, Shimano SLX brakes with 180mm rotors, Ibis 938 wheelset laced to DT Swiss 350 hubs, Maxxis 2.35” Ardent Race (front)/Ikon (rear) tires, Chris King headset and BB, Hunter Smooth Move Low Rise Handlebars, Ergon GP3 grips, and Specialized power saddle w/ mimic.
BAGS: Striving for a union of performance, capacious luxury, and style I’ve opted to run a Fabio’s waxed chest on the handlebars, Revelate mountain feedbags (x2), Revelate Ranger frame bag, and a Swift Industries Zeitgeist mounted as a saddlebag utilizing the Hobo Pieces Restuvus.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Other bits I’m excited to bring along are my Fujifilm XE-1 camera and lenses to document the whole thing. My trusty old REI Quarter Dome 1 will serve as my mobile domicile along with a Thermarest Neoair Xtherm and Mountain Hardware Hyperlamina Spark sleeping bag.

Jay Petervary

Age 48 / Victor, Idaho (USA)

BIKE: Rodeo Labs Flaanimal. Running a Shimano GRX drivetrain with 30/46 up front and 11-42 in the rear. Rolling Industry Nine wheels with a dynamo hub in the front, I just decided on that today, two days before the start. Rubber is Mezcal 29×2.1. Enve 48 gravel handlebars with Redshift grips and stem. I can shift from three different positions with dual control, climber buttons, and aero bar blips. I’m using HED flip aerobars.
BAGS: Custom Tailfin rack/bag that we collaborated on. Custom half frame bag and top tube bag by Exile Designs with a Rodeo Labs graphic material. Custom aero bar bag. I’ll also be running a PEdALED proto hydro vest.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Using a custom sleep skirt, kLite light, and put helium in my tires. :) I always bring the maps!

Jon Rudolf

Age 56 / Yellow Springs, Ohio (USA)

BIKE: My bike of choice, and the only one I have, is a 2020 Giant Trance Advanced Pro 3 29er carbon. Maybe not the bike of choice for touring/racing, but I feel the extra weight is hugely offset by the full-suspension comfort over the long haul. Basic build is on Sram GX Eagle 1×12 with a 34T in front for road speed. Shimano MT400 hydro brakes with Jagwire Sport semi-metallic pad upgrade. DT Swiss XM481 30mm rims wrapped with Vittoria Mezcals in 2.25″. Sram 900 rear hub and Shutter Precision PD8X dyno in front feeding a Sinewave Beacon and Voltaic 12,500mA pass-thru battery for lights and charging, of my iPhone 12 running Ride With GPS maps. A pair of Planet Bike Super Flash 65 tail lights. The batteries last forever. Factory flat bars were swapped for Salsa 23* Bend bars. The bars have a controversial but oh-so-practical and comfortable addition of Origin 8 bolt-on drops from Amazon attached just inside the brake lever clamps. They turn Bend bars into Cowchippers and are super comfy. Gutless STI shifter bodies attached to the drops for hood riding. Ergon GA3s grips finish the bar ends. A pair of Profile Designs T2 aerobars are mounted upside down and backward to ease an old left shoulder injury, surround an Ortlieb Ultimate Six front bag w/waterproof map/phone window. Selle Royal Slow Fit Foam old guy seat. Quadloc phone mount.
BAGS: A Revelate Sweet Roll hangs under the Ortlieb bag. Off the dropper post is a Revelate Vole. The upper and lower frame bags are custom made by Spoked UK, as well as the four 1.5L bottle holder/feed bags hanging front and rear on the bars.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Tent is a Henry Shires Tarptent Rainbow. Mountain Hardwear Phantom 32* bag with a Sea to Summit Reactor Extreme liner. Sea to Summit Ultralite pad and pillow. Mountain Hardwear rain jacket and full zip pants. Pearl Izumi WTB shoe covers. Rainproof glove shells. Mountain Hardwear Ghost puffy. Water purification by an Aqua Mira Frontier Max filter and four collapsible 1L Platypus bladders plus two tall Camelbak bottles. Black Diamond Revolt lamp on the helmet. I love my Aeropex Aftershox earphones for books, music and cues from RWGPS. Recharged by the Beacon.

Ty Hopkins

Age 50 / American Fork, Utah (USA)

BIKE: 2016 Salsa Cutthroat, 1×11 SRAM XX1/Force1 Build, Roval Control SL wheels.
BAGS: Custom Broadfork bags with Apidura saddle bag.

Raymond Johnson

Age 51 / Las Cruces, New Mexico (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be racing the Tour Divide on a 2017 Salsa Cutthroat Force 1X. The bike is pretty much stock from the original…the following are the mods I’ve done. I am using a new pair of Maxxis Ikon 2” tires, the almost original 1×11 drivetrain with a 38T chainring but with a Truvativ Stylo carbon crankset. A custom Fizik Gobi MTB saddle and the original SRAM Rail 40 wheels with a Shutter Precision (SP) dynamo hub up front to power my kLite Ultra Gravel light and my kLite Qube rear safety blinker kit as well as other things that need charging. One other modification is two Juin Tech AB-1 suspension-enabled handlebar accessory extenders for navigation components or other doodads.
BAGS: The centerpiece of my bag setup is the original Salsa frame bag made for this model. I am also running the Salsa seat pack, Salsa top tube bag, and Salsa Front bag with an Anything cage on the handlebars. All of them are the first generation of bags developed for this model. Standard insulated water bottles are mounted on the fork and I also have a Specialized KEG storage container on the downtube.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: A Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL1 Bikepack will serve as my shelter along with an Enlightened Equipment quilt and Therm-a-Rest UberLite NeoAir sleeping pad with an Enlightened Equipment cover. I’ll also be carrying a Garmin 820 and a Garmin Montana 700i for navigation.

Mike Enfield

Age 55 / Show Low, Arizona (USA)

BIKE: The same 2015 Niner Air9RDO I rode in 2016 and 2019 but with a Fox SC 32 suspension fork. Shimano XTR Di2 2×11 shifting (36/26 up front and 11×42 in back). Specialized Power Pro saddle. Zipp S-bend aerobars mounted to a Fred bar. Front Niner 29” carbon wheel (upgraded with a set of ceramic bearings), rear Specialized CLX 32 carbon wheel. Tires are TBD, in the past, I’ve run Maxxis Ikon 29×2.2s, but thinking I may try Vittoria Mezcal 29×2.25” tires this ride.
BAGS: Switched to Arkel for my seat bag and handlebar bag. The seatbag is Arkel’s Seatpacker 15. Handlebar bag is an Arkel Rollpacker 25. I have a pair of Revelate Design feedbags (one will hold bars/snacks, the other will hold a water bottle with an electrolyte tablet). Revelate Designs Jerrycan for tools at the back of my top tube, Wotow Pannier Cell bag at the front of the top tube. One side of the cell bag will hold an Arkel 20k mAh battery and the charger for my Di2, the other side will hold miscellaneous quick access stuff (sunscreen, bug spray). Rounding out the bags is a Revelate Designs frame bag that was designed for a Salsa but fits my Niner.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: A pair of Wolf Tooth three-slot mounting bases are attached to my Fox 32 Suspension fork with some Salsa EXP Anything cages that will carry a pair of Kleen Kanteen 64 ounce stainless steel water bottles for those long dry sections. My sleep system is a Nemo Banshee 20 degree quilt with a Tensor Sleeping pad and Fillo Elite Pillow. This year I’ve added a luxury item: a Helinox Lit Cot. On cold nights, the air mattress will go on the cot for insulation. On warm nights I won’t use the air mattress. All of this will go into a Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 tent. I’m also carrying a Helinox Chair Zero (another luxury item, but my knees can’t handle sitting on the ground). Primary Navigation is my Garmin Edge 830. Secondary Navigation and emergency satellite communicator is a Garmin GPSMAP 66i which includes Garmin InReach functionality. I’ll also have the route loaded into Gaia on my iPhone. And I’ll have an Insta360 One X2 to capture some of the scenery. A heavier setup, but I’m not planning on setting any speed records. I’m also planning an August 20th “Smart Depart.”

Steve Gold

Age 62 / Rancho Santa Margarita, California (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be riding (not racing) the Tour Divide on a 2021 Priority 600X Adventure. The tires are WTB Ranger 29 x 2.25” tubeless. The fork is a Wren Inverted with 110 mm of travel. To add a bit of flair to my otherwise color-challenged bike, I created the vinyl stickers you see on the fork bash guards (“Tour Divide” written in yellow). Also has an integrated, detachable kickstand which I actually find very functional and will have it installed for the ride. There are no less than 15 water bottle braze-ons for mounting bags, bottles, etc. The main feature of the bike is the Pinion gearbox with 600% gear ratio and a Gates Carbon Belt Drive.
BAGS: I’ve got a RockBros front handlebar bag, Blackburn Outpost Elite frame bag, and Ibera rack and panniers. The panniers were a must this time since I’m bringing a laptop computer to log into work every 10 days or so (negotiated this deal with my boss so I could take two months off to do the ride-job security ya know…)
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Three Nalgene water bottles (two fork-mounted at 48oz each and one 32oz on the downtube, total 128 ounces) attached to Blackburn Outpost cargo cages. Riding on a Brooks Flyer with springs. Decided on a slightly heavy but functional and roomy Hyke and Byke Zion tent (two-person for my wife and me). We are planning on cooking and we chose a Jetboil MiniMoe as our stove.

Elaine Gold

Age 59 / Rancho Santa Margarita, California (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be riding (not racing) the Tour Divide on a 2021 Priority 600X Adventure. The tires are WTB Ranger 29 x 2.25” tubeless. The fork is a Wren Inverted with 110 mm of travel. The main feature of the bike is the Pinion gearbox with 600% gear ratio and a Gates Carbon Belt Drive.
BAGS: I’ve got an Ortlieb Ultimate Six Plus waterproof front handlebar bag (clear top,, great for maps or/and cell phone), a grub bag on top tube, waterproof roll bag under front pack, Blackburn Outpost Elite frame bag, a Salsa rack with Ortlieb Gravel-Pack Panniers. Years ago I did the west coastal route on a road bike from Canada to Mexico and pulled my gear in a Burley trailer. At the time I swore I’d never ride with panniers. I thought they would affect the balance too much. Never say never, eh? I chose these specific panniers because of their small profile and how well made they are. Been on one test ride fully loaded and I’m very pleased with my choice.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’ll be riding with one 32oz Nalgene water bottle on the downtube, one three-liter Osprey hydration bladder inside frame bag, and two water bottles mounted at handlebars. I’m considering a bear/critter bag to hold our food that will go on the back rack. Also, not shown in the photo will be a tool kit mounted under the saddle. I’ll be adding lime green Muckynutz front and rear mudguards to match the Race Face Chester Lime Green pedals. That is all I’ve done so far to add color to the rig. However, I’m still looking for the perfect sticker to tie it all together.

Mike Grimm

Age 58 / Oak Park, Illinois (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be riding the southbound border-to-border tour this year on a 2019 Santa Cruz Stigmata with Reserve 27.5 wheels and 2.25” Maxxis Aspen tires. The drivetrain is a SRAM Force ETap AXS 1x with a 36t ring up front and a 10-52 cassette. My sensitive parts will be atop a Thomson Masterpiece seatpost and WTB SL8 carbon saddle, while my meat hooks will hang from an Easton EA90 SL stem and Enve gravel bar.
BAGS: Revelate Ripio framebag, Jerrycan, and Mountain Feedbag. Tailfin S ONE with Trunk Top Bag. Sea to Summit Event bag up front.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Without a ton of hardware mounting points on the Stigmata, the Tailfin system alleviates a lot of unnecessary pack anxiety.

Dave Mitchell

Age 50 / Juneau, Alaska (USA)

BIKE: My Bike is a 2020 Salsa Cutthroat, stock Teravail tires on Hunt aluminum wheels, an 11-42 cassette in the rear, and a SON dynamo up front with kLite Ultra Lighting/USB. Tailfin S-Three Rack with Widefoot Cargo Mounts and Salsa anything cages on the fork.
BAGS: Being Alaskan, I have to favor our home team so most of my bags are Revelate Designs: Pronghorn and Egress up front, two feedbags and a Magtank 2000 in the cockpit, PoleCat on the fork, and a Saltyroll on the Tailfin. Salsa EXP bolted in the frame.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Wahoo Elemnt Roam for navigation, Big Agnes Fly Creek (on the other fork leg) with a Nemo tensor mat, and an Enlightened Equipment 20* quilt.

Robert “Hoss” Kleinschmidt

Age 54 / Lakeway, Texas (USA)

BIKE: 2019 Salsa Cutthroat APEX 1. I made changes to the stock drivetrain by upgrading the crank to carbon fiber and changing the front chainring to an Absolute Black 34t. Changed the rear cassette to the 11-speed eThirteen 9×46. Elevation Wheel Co. out of Colorado Springs built my wheelset which consists of an Industry Nine Torch rear hub, SON 28 front hub, both laced to Spank OohBah rims with steel spokes. Being that I’m a mountain biker, I did not care for the drop bars on the Cutty and went with the Tumbleweed Persuader flat bar attached to the bike through the Redshift suspension stem.
BAGS: Frame bag was made by BikeBagDude. I am also using the Revelate Designs Handlebar Harness with the Periphery Bag out front and the Terrapin 14L under the Selle Anatomica R2 Saddle. The handlebar harness is attached to the bike via the BarYak Expedition SL 2000 w/Carbon Bar Ends. Extra food carrying capacity is added with the Revelate Designs Feed Bags, Mag Tank 2000 and Jerry Can. I also have a Salsa Anything cradle mounted to the fork which will carry my puffy warm kit in a Sea to Summit dry bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I am using the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 Bikepack tent for sleeping. I can carry up to five liters of water on the frame and fork-mounted water bottle cages. Two cages are attached to the seatstays using the SKS Anywhere water bottle mounts. I made my own bracket system to hold two Anker PowerCore that will supplement the SON28 hub. Using two tire pump frame brackets and my added hardware, the PowerCore’s are tucked up nicely under the handlebar stem. To date, with proper charge/usage management, I can go more than four days without searching for an AC outlet.

Joe Smith

Age 54 / Delray Beach, Florida (USA)

BIKE: The 2020 Salsa Cutthroat will be my horse in the race. I have it set up with the AXS SRAM X01 Eagle drivetrain. A 32T in front and 50-10 in back. The front fork is a Lauf TR Boost and the tires are both 2.25” Vittoria Mezcals mounted on the Hunt Race XC rims. The saddle is the Selle Anatomica H2 and sits on an S-Works CG-R seatpost. The cockpit has the Salsa Cowchipper handlebars and some modified Profile Design aerobars that are cut and spread out farther to increase comfort and to fit the Salsa EXP Anything Cradle Side Load Kit.
BAGS: The seat bag is the Blackburn Outpost Seat Pack that is wrapped with a Kemp Keeper Gear Net. Both bags on the top tube are Oveja Negra Snack Packs. The frame bag is a Salsa EXP Direct Mount. The handlebar bag is the EXP Side Load paired with the front pouch. And the feedbag is a Revelate Designs.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’ll be using the Outdoor Research Helium Bivy along with the Sea to Summit Spark 40-degree sleeping bag for my sleep system. Will be using a Garmin InReach Mini for tracking and a Garmin 530 for navigation. Decided not to use a dyno and opted to carry a few external battery chargers instead. Lastly and most importantly, I will be carrying a set of laminated cards made for me by the charity I will be riding for, Cityhouse of Delray Beach. The cards will have the bio of each single mother and their children staying at Cityhouse. They will be my motivation and inspiration throughout the journey.

Ralph Karsten

Age 65 / St. Paul, Minnesota (USA)

BIKE: Jones Plus LWB Ti. Rohloff hub, belt drive, carbon rims, and carbon Jones bars. Thudbuster seatpost and Redshift Pro stem. Surly ET tires 29” x 2.5”, cable-operated brakes on 203mm rotors.
BAGS: I’m using a Tubus rack (TDR proven) with my trusty Rogue Panda panniers with dry bag closures. They contain my sleep system which includes a ZPacks Heximid tent. Trunk bag by Spoked (Steve Moatt) has a dry bag closure with a handy cover flap, useful for the rain jacket. The remaining bags are by Revelate made for the Jones. The fork bags each carry food and a large water bottle.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Two headlights and two taillights. Dry weight is a hair under 47 pounds.

Steve Moss

Age 34 / Buffalo, New York (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be riding the Tour Divide on a 2020 Salsa Fargo named Fiona. I went with 2.2 Teravail Rutland tires, a 1×11 Apex drivetrain with a 28T chainring in the front, and an e13 TRS+ 9-46t cassette. That 9-tooth allowed me to drop down the front from a 32t to a 28t real nice. Upgraded the dropouts and a new WTB rear wheel with an XD Driver in order to use this cassette.
BAGS: All the bags I’m running are Revelate Design, I love this company and the quality of what they make. I have a Ranger full frame bag, a Terrapin System 14L seat bag, the Pronghorn handlebar bag, the Egress Pocket in front of the Pronghorn, and a Mountain Feedbag. The only piece that isn’t Revelate Design is the Salsa anything cage and bag on the fork. Four water bottle cages to keep things all lubricated on the fork and downtube as well.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Both my sleeping bag and tent set up are from a company called Hyke & Byke, which I can’t say enough good things about. I never hear anyone talking about this company but their products are excellent quality and very well priced. I’m using their Yosemite 1 person tent, and their Eolus 30-degree ultralight sleeping bag. The tent is very light but the quality of the materials is much more durable than other ultralight tents. This tent stood up really well to a bear swatting at it in the Adirondacks with me inside. The scratches he left would have torn open other ultralight tents. Plus they partner with Kiva to help eliminate poverty through microloans, which is an excellent bonus for a social worker like myself.

George Reynolds

Age 55 / Weaverville, California (USA)

BIKE: My riding partner on this race down the Tour Divide will be a 2020 Niner Air 9 RDO. The bike will be wearing a Maxxis Highroller II 29 x 2.3” in the front and a Maxxis Crossmark II 29 x 2.25” in the rear. It has a 1×12 XT drivetrain.
BAGS: My rear bag is a Revelate Designs Pika (old style that has served me well) while the other bags; frame and feed bags are handmade by myself to match my needs for gear and food.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: A quick glance will notice five water bottles (one on the frame, two on the forks, and two on the handlebar). I tend to get dehydrated easily so carrying extra water is crucial. My bike also has bull bars along with aerobars to provide additional hand positions. I’m riding with a Chinook Summit bivy, a Mountain Hardware HyperLamina 32 degree sleeping bag, and an REI flash air pad. I’ll also be carrying an eTrex 20 for navigation.

Gyorgy Ari

Age 44 / Coral Spring, Florida (USA)

BIKE: I will be riding a 2019 Breezer Radar Pro, steel frame and fork. It is not too fancy, but it is fitting for a rook of the Divide. The rims are WTB i23 laced to a SP PD8 Dynamo hub up front and a Sinewave Revolution Charger to provide power for the front light, my InReach Mini and my phone as backup navigation, my main navigation will be a Garmin eTrex 30x. I have a Formula hub on the rear (I’ve put in some weather-sealed ceramics bearings from Boca Bearings! I know, right?), with Mezcal 2.1” tires front and back. The bike originally had a 2×10 drivetrain that I changed to a 1×10 34/11-46 system with Apex 1 derailleur so I can still make use of the SRAM hydro brake shifter levers and calipers that came with the bike.
BAGS: The frame bag and the top tube bag is Moosetreks (definitely NOT waterproof, learned the hard way), I have modified the frame bag to be semi-direct-mount and made some drain holes on the bottom so it does not hold the water flowing through the bag. The front roll is an Alpkit drybag mounted to the handlebar and hand fabricated extenders on the aerobar. The saddlebag is a 15L Topeak Backloader (I never used this one yet, will see how it will hold up).
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My front light is a $12 USD, 800 (max) lumen direct USB powered (no internal battery) light. I have been using it in rain and shine for over a year now with no problems. I hope it survives the Great Divide too. Most every accessory on the bike is heavily modified to conform to the bike and rider, including the aero bars (fabricated from two cheap aerobars), the frame bag the aero bar bag, and so on. I had a lot of fun redesigning some gear.

John Bauer

Age 66 / Jupiter, Florida (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be riding a 2020 Salsa Cutthroat. Big shout out to Zach and Matt at On Your Mark Performance Center for helping me spec this bike out, one piece at a time. The groupset consists of an Absolute Black oval 32T chainring mounted on an Eagle X01 Carbon Crank. Sram Force AXS shifters, Eagle XX1 AXS 12-speed derailleur, and an Eagle 10-52 cassette. The Saddle is a Selle Anatomica, easily the most comfortable saddle I’ve ever owned. The stem is a Redshift Shock Stop. It dampens vibration with no compromise to handling. The bars are 46mm Salsa Carbon Cowchippers. I ride 44mm on my road bike but the extended width gives me more room for my dry bags (mounted between my bars) and improves stability on descents and single track. The wheels are ENVE M525s with MAXXIS IKONS tires.
BAGS: The frame bag was made by Rouge Panda Designs in “Black Camo” The rest of the bags are Revelate Designs. The Spinelock seat bag won’t work with a Selle Anatomical saddle so I’m using a14L Terrapin. I cut two corrugated plastic lawn signs to fit inside my frame bag, giving me a “hard-sided” bag with no bulges.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’ll be using an inReach Mini to stay in touch, a Garmin 1030 for navigation, and an iPhone 12 all powered by an Anker 26800 power bank (at 1.4 pounds, it’s heavy, but I get 12 full Garmin charges out of it and it can be fully recharged in under 4 hours). I’ve got a BarYak Expedition bar mounted on my handlebars that lets me attach a Revelate handlebar harness and two Salty Roll dry bags and still have plenty of tire clearance. It also supports my aero bars. The dry bags contain my sleep system (7 lbs) made up of a Big Agnes Copper Spur UL 2, Footprint, Therm-a-Rest XTherm pad, and an Outdoor Vitals inflatable pillow. I’ve got a Clickstand (a telescopic kickstand) that holds the bike upright anywhere, making it super easy to load and unload. I’m using Fizik bar gel pads covered with Lizard Skin 3.5mm bar tape, which makes for smooth ride.

Derek Wiback

Age 47 / Encinitas, California (USA)

BIKE: I’m rockin’ a 2021 Priority 600X with a kickstand! Wren fork, Pinion shifting, and Gates Carbon Drive.
BAGS: Seat bag from Revelate Designs. Rackless frame bag made by TD veterans Mikki and Lee Suvia. Handlebar rack is an Oveja Negra Front End Loader.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: BarYak Expedition Bars, Pedaling Innovations flats, and my new pillow from Santa Claus.

Kristen Wade

Age 42 / Plano, Illinois (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be racing the Great Divide Classic route on a 2020 Salsa Fargo purchased specifically for this event. The bike features SimWorks Super Yummy 29 x 2.2” tires, a 1×12 mullet setup with a Garbaruk cassette and Absolute Black oval chainring, Cane Creek eeWing Ti cranks, SRAM Force hydraulic brakes, NEXTIE carbon rims laced by my Hubs on DT Swiss 240s.
BAGS: I’ll be using a mix of bags including custom waxed canvas frame and bolt-on top tube and wedgie pack bags by Cedaero in sticky purple, two Oveja Negra Chuckbuckets, Revelate designs Pronghorn and Egress system, and Terrapin seat pack. Also, two POD waterproof sacks on my fork. One 32oz Nalgene bottle will be mounted to my downtube and two standard bottle cages to my fork.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I added a PNW Pine dropper seatpost with integrated shift lever actuation, my fav modification, and foam-filled Spank bars to reduce trail chatter and numb hands. My sleep system includes a Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL bikepacking tent, Therm-a-Rest inflatable ground pad, and a Rumpl quilt.

Todd Watchmaker

Age 61 / Minneapolis, Minnesota (USA)

BIKE: Salsa Fargo Ti, Derby 29” rims with Vittoria Mezcal 2.35” tires, SRAM 1×11 (10-42) with Wolf Tooth Drop-Stop 36T chainring. SON front hub with Sinewave Beacon Dynamo Light & USB, Onyx Vesper rear hub. Profile Supersonic Ergo Carbon Aerobars and Shimano Deore XT SPD pedals round it out.
BAGS: Rockgeist: Frame bag, dry bag (on Salsa rear rack) and feed bags; Revelate: JerryCan, Gas Tank, Pronghorn, and Egress Pocket. 1L bottles on forks and downtube.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Sleeping in a Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL1 Bikepack, REI Magma 15 bag, on a Nemo Tensor Ultralight pad.

Brian Charette

Age 49 / Jackson, Wyoming (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be riding my trusty 2009 custom Moots CrossIrie (1” of squish in the rear, with 1” squish Redshift stem). After countless years, and dollars, trying to get different road and mountain drivetrains to work well with each other, I’ve FINALLY got her dialed in with the SRAM AXS Eagle 2×12 (by hand). 38-22 up front. 9-48 cassette. Onyx rear hub, Kasai FS dynamo hub up front laced to NEXTIE carbon rims, Vittoria Mezcal 2.25’s. Sinewave Reactor for charging my iPhone which will be my Nav/Phone/camera/comms. Maps for backup.
BAGS: Custom framebag and tank bag by FBJ creations. Dom bag on the aerobars with a Salsa bag attached. Tailfin rear rack with aero bag. Revelate Jerry Can. Two small, cheap feed bags.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Being a big dude (6’7” and 230lbs), I’m really pumped to have the profile aero bars, and a big high gear to turn (38/9). I don’t have the body of a climber, so I gotta go fast where I can! I’m carrying a Big Agnes Copper spur UL2 tent that I hope to never have to set up. Otherwise it’s a quilt, pad, and bivy.

Eric Neville

Age 57 / Oak Park, Illinois (USA)

BIKE: I will be heading southbound on a Trek 2017 ProCaliber 9.6 29er Hardtail with a Fox StepCast 32 front shock. WTB Ci31 rims with Maxxis Ikon 2.2” tires and Chris King hubs hand-built by Curt Warner of BikeFix in Oak Park, IL. Shimaino Di2 1/11 with a 34T chainring. Profile Design Carbon Stryke aerobars with armrests.
BAGS: Revelate 14L Terrapin, Revelate Ranger frame bag, Revelate Mag Tank and feedbag. Salsa EXP cradle up front. Widefoot bottle brackets on the front fork.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Big Agnes Copperspur bikepack tent, REI Magma 30 sleeping bag, Klymit Intertia X-Frame with Klymit pillow help me sleep soundly every night. Patagonia Nano Puff for the cool mornings and evenings. Navigation will be a combo of Garmin 530, Fenix 6, InReach Mini and 24,800 mh charging brick to keep me powered up. Altra Lone Peak shoes and flat pedals keep my feet comfy all day long.

Randall Riecker

Age 41 / Ann Arbor, Michigan (USA)

BIKE:I am so grateful and lucky and stoked to be rollin’ border to border, Divide Classic style, on Jude. Her frame is made by Dean. She is wearing a bar and fork created by Sean at Oddity Cycles. She has stoppers and stem, as well as a rear hub made by Paul. Her cranks, bearings, and freewheel are White Industries
BAGS: Her bags were made by awesomely skilled craftspeeps from Rockgeist, Oveja Negra, Porcelain Rocket, J Paks, and Revelate.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Night moves with a Sineweave Beacon charged by a SON 28. The route will be stored on a WAHOO. Wheels built by Steve Sauter, wrapped in Rene Herse Fleecer Ridge rubber. OR Stargazer bivy, Mountain Laurel design silnylon liner, Silk liner, Goose Feet Gear down pants, Enlightened Equip puffy, 6.5-liter water capacity, bladders and bottle.

Sean Huzieff

Age 39 / Bellvue, Colorado (USA)

BIKE: I’m racing the Tour Divide Border to Border as an ITT a few hours ahead of the Grand Depart on my 2020 Salsa Cutthroat GRX 600. The bike has a Lauf fork, eeSilk seatpost, and 2.25″ Vittoria Mezcal tires. I kept the stock 2×11 drivetrain with 46/30 chainrings but added an 11-40 cassette for greater range. I’m rolling on NEXTIE carbon rims with DT Swiss 240 EXP hubs, Sapim CX-Ray Spokes with Prolock alloy nipples.
BAGS: Salsa EXP frame bag; Revelate for all the rest.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I love my thick, gel Bell seat cover (not in photo). It’s not light and it’s not aero, but I can ride long, hard, and far with it!

Nathan Salle

Age 25 / Richmond, Virginia (USA)

BIKE: I will be attempting the Tour Divide on a 2020 Salsa Cutthroat Apex 1. I’ve made a few changes to the stock build. I’ll be rolling along on a KOM tough wheelset with a SON 28 dynamo hub paired with Vittoria Mezcal 2.35″ tires. I’ve also thrown on a 34t chainring and an 11-46 cassette to get up those steep bits. Not pictured are a set of Profile Designs aero bars to maximize comfort and hand positions.
BAGS: Salsa Direct Mount frame bag is the centerpiece and then a mixture of Revelate and Wanderlust bags to round out the full kit: Revelate Terrapin 14L seat pack, Revelate feed bags, Revelate Mag Tank, Wanderlust Sawtooth handlebar bag, and Wanderlust Pinion pocket.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Navigating with a Wahoo Elemnt Roam and will have a Garmin inReach Mini for tracking and as a backup. Sinewave Beacon for nighttime lights and to keep all the electronics happy. Bringing a Nemo Hornet UL 2P tent and a lightweight bag plus liner for a robust sleep system.

Marion and Frederik Kuhn

Age 33 and 38 / Jersey City, New Jersey (USA)

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BIKE: My wife Marion and I will be riding the Tour Divide northbound on our OPEN WIDEs. We have used these bikes on our 2019 Trans-Cuba: La Ruta Mala (following the BIKEPACKING.com route) and they worked beautifully for the rugged terrain. The bike features a new pair of Schwalbe Rock Razor 2.35” tires, a SRAM Eagle 1×12 drivetrain, and DT Swiss GR 1600 Spline 650b wheels. For the longer, less technical stretches on the Divide, we have modified the cockpit, featuring Salsa Cowchipper drop bars which allowed us to mount Aerobars (Profile Designs). My frame is an XL and Marion’s is an XS, which comes with its challenges (smaller bags).
BAGS: Frame – Apidura Expedition Full Frame Pack 14.0L, with 4.0L Bladder + Food + Electronics. Saddle – Ortlieb Seat Pack 16.5L, mainly with Clothing. Handlebar – Ortlieb Handlebar-Pack 15.0L with Sleep System and Tent, and Ortlieb Accessory-Pack 3.5L with Insulin Pump Infusion Sets, Sensors, Reservoirs (I have been Type1 diabetic since age 10). Top Tube – Apidura Racing Top Tube Bag 1.0L, with Food and GoPro, and Apidura Expedition Top Tube Pack 1.0L with Repair Kit. Stem – two Apidura Snack Bags, one with water bottle. Two Lezyne Power Water Bottle Cages on fork with electrical tape with 2x 1.0L bottles (thanks Logan, works perfectly!).
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: A Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 Bikepacking tent will serve as our home in the wild, along with Western Mountaineering SummerLite 32F sleeping bags and Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm Sleeping Pads. Wahoo for Navigation, Garmin InReach Explorer for tracking and safety.

Len Kulbacki

Age 47 / Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be riding (not racing) this years B2B Tour Divide on a 2020 Chiru Kegeti. Drive train is a 2×11 with 33T/22T chainrings and 11-42 cassette. Shifting duties are through a Genevalle/XT combination & brakes are TRP Hylex with 160mm rotors. Wheels are custom built 32 spoke Hope hubs laced to Astral Outback rims. Tires will be Specialized Ground Control, 29X2.3”. Rather than a front-suspension fork, the front end is a Rigid Enve Carbon Mountain Fork coupled with a Redshift Sports Shock Stop suspension stem. This configuration really dampens the high-frequency vibration transmission into the hands, while keeping the weight fairly low with minimal maintenance requirements.
BAGS: Main bag is an older Revelate Designs Ranger frame bag. A similar vintage Revelate Designs Viscacha seat bag is out back, and Revelate Harness is mounted to the bars for my tent. I’ve attached a Mountain Smith Tour hip pack around the harness/tent assembly as an additional storage area for quick access Items. Front fork is outfitted with Blackburn Outpost Cargo Cages holding Salsa Anything Bags. Finally, for easy access to small stuff, I’m running a Tioga ADV Top Tube Bag, two Moosetreks handlebar stem bags, and two Wolf Tooth B-rad Pouches (rear seat stays).
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Sleep – Alps Mountaineering Lynx one-person tent, Therm-a-Rest Vesper quilt, Big Agnes Air AXL Sleeping Pad. For navigation, I’m using ACA Maps, a Garmin 530 loaded with .gpx files of the route (TBT navigation), and a Garmin InReach Explorer+. The InReach will be my primary communication device and a back up re-routing tool for significant off course alternates. For hydration, I’m carrying an MSR filter, a hydration pack bladder, a Nalgene bottle, and one conventional cycling water bottle. Any bottle consumed on the trip can be re-used if more carrying capacity is needed.

Rick Cano

Age 65 / Clovis, California (USA)

BIKE: 2020 Salsa Cutthroat, Enve M630 wheelset w/ Chris King hubs and Sapim CX-Ray bladed spokes, Shimano XTR 11-40 cassette, Race Face 28 chain ring, USE Ultimate Vybe suspension seat post, Pedaling Innovations flat pedals, Vittoria Mezcal 2.35 tires, and Profile Designs Sonic Ergo 50 aerobars w 40mm risers so armrests are above handlebars. Two Salsa side-loading bottle cages on front fork with an Arundel Looney Bin on downtube.
BAGS: Triangle frame bag custom made by Rockgeist who also made the two Honeypot feedbags on handlebars. And both top tube bags are Rockgeist as well, the front custom made. The Salsa 14 L dry bag is held in place by an Oveja Negra Front Loader, and the Oveja Negra Lunch Box tightens it all and offers food storage, too. A 14 L Revelate Terrapin is my rock solid saddlebag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: A Wahoo Elemnt Roam will provide navigation and extended battery life. Sleep kit includes: Borah bivy, ZPacks 35 quilt, Klimyt Inertia X Frame sleeping pad (may change), Shelter provided by ZPacks: Hexamid Bathtub ground tarp, Hexamid Pocket Tarp, and carbon tent pole. Garmin inReach Mini provides GPS satellite communication.

Audrey Tangye

Age 50 / Birmingham, Alabama (USA)

BIKE: I will be racing the Tour Divide/Border to Border on a Mosaic hard tail titanium frame mountain bike with 29-inch wheels. The bike has Nox carbon rims with Industry Nine hubs. The front wheel has a new Forekaster 2.35” tire and on the back a new a Maxxis Ikon 2.35”. I will be riding with a 34T chainring and a 52 Sram Eagle cassette. I will be using Fenix PD36R rechargeable flashlight as well as a Fenix HM65R Headlamp for night riding.
BAGS: At the center of the frame is a custom Rockgeist Cuben Fiber bolt-on frame bag with a black sparkle zipper just because. I am using an Oveja Negra harness on the handlebars with a Revelate Salty roll drybag containing my sleep gear and two Revelate Feedbags in the cockpit. On the top tube, I have a Revelate Jerrycan for tools and fix it items as well as a large Rockgeist Cache top tube bag in Bahama blue for food and phone. Bringing up the rear is a Mr. Fusion seat pack harness and drybag from Rockgeist.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: For shelter and sleep I will be using a Z-Packs Hexamid solo tent along with an Enlightened Equipment down quilt and a Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm sleeping pad. I will use a Wahoo Elemnt for Navigation and a Garmin InReach Mini for Tracking. I have had owned this bike since February of 2017 and have ridden it for all of my ultra bikepacking events.

Alec Kadlec

Age 25 / Duluth, Minnesota (USA)

BIKE: Riding (not racing) an Advocate Watchman Titan fat bike, rigid, running 29 x 2.6” Maxxis Ikons. Trifecta of flat bars, Ergon GP2 grip/bar end, and aerobars.
BAGS: MYOG stem bags, top tube bag, Jerry can, and handlebar roll, Salsa EXP Framebag and drybag/accessory pouch, Revelate Terrapin.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: As I’m not racing, I have a spirit burner stove as the base of my cook kit. I am running my sawyer squeeze filter in line with my hydration bladder (in the framebag) for quick scoop-and-go filtering + gravity option. Dry weight 53 lbs.

Evan Benoit

Age 37 / Salt Lake City, Utah (USA)

BIKE: I will be happily riding a 2018 All-City Gorilla Monsoon (named Garrett). Garrett and I will be rolling on a new set of White Industries G25A rims laced to a SON Dynamo hub upfront and a White Industries CLD hub in the rear, both wheels will be wrapped in new 2.4″ WTB Riddler Tough tires. I’ll be shifting via a 1×11 drivetrain with a Wolf Tooth CAMO 34T chainring and 11-42t cassette, SRAM Rival derailleur, and turned with a SRAM GX Crankset while I’m perched on an Ergon SM Comp saddle. I will be using an Igaro D2 USB charger for the electronic goodies during the day and a Busch & Muller IQ-X light for night time riding.
BAGS: BroadFork frame bag and bar bucket, Revelate Mag Tank top tube bag, second bar bucket made by Micah Green, pair of Pint Size Panniers from Framework Designs mounted to a Tumbleweed T-Rack, and a Blackburn seat bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Big Agnes Copper Spur UL 2 tent (when needed), Sea to Summit Ascent sleeping bag, Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm pad, Garmin GPSMAP 66i for navigation/any SOS moments (hopefully N/A), crankbrothers Stamp II flat pedals, spare tube hammock and tool/parts roll made by me.

Robert Bigelow-Rubin

Age 31 / Chicago, Illinois (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be racing the Great Divide Classic on my 2019 BMC Teamelite 03 Hardtail with the front suspension replaced with a rigid Salsa Firestarter fork. Also featured on the bike are Vittoria Mezcals 2.25” tires on a pair of Giant XCR carbon wheels, a SON28 dynamo hub for power, a Sinewave Beacon for light and charging, and a Sram 1×11 drivetrain with a 30T chainring.
BAGS: Salsa frame pack, Porcelain Rocket seat pack, Revelate Fuel Tank and top tube bag, and Bedrock Bags stem bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My sleep setup consists of a Back Diamond Bipod bivy, a Sea to Summit UL air mat, and an REI Magma sleeping bag. Lastly, for navigation I’ll be using a Garmin eTrex30.

Shane Cunico

Age 57 / Las Cruces, New Mexico (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be racing the Tour Divide on a 2020 Salsa Cutthroat GRX 810 1x. The bike is very close to stock. I’ve only changed out the original drivetrain parts with identical replacements due to wear on the originals. The only things not stock: I will be riding a Selle Anatomica H2 saddle with upgraded carbon trails. The front wheel is a SON dynamo hub laced to a Stans ARCH MK3 32 hole rim. This will power my kLite Ultra Gravel light and my kLite Qube rear safety blinker kit as well as other things that need charging. I am using Bontrager aero bar pads and clamps, mated to a pair of profile design bars, with a custom made aero bridge holding all my electronics. I’ll be using Rene Hearse 2.2″ Fleecer Ridge Endurance Plus Tires (not shown).
BAGS: My frame bag is the Salsa matched bolt-on frame bag made for my Cutthroat model. Up front sees me running an EXP Series Anything Cradle and a simple 15L dry bag. Also on the bars are two Revelate Design Mountain Feed Bags. Similarly, I am using a Revelate Design Gas Tank on the top tube. I am also running the Relevate Design Terrapin 14L system with matching dry bag. Finally, I have a Wolf Tooth B-RAD Mini Roll Top Bag mounted under the down tube. On the front forks I will be using twin Lyzene Power Cages.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: A Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL1 Bikepack will serve as my shelter mated with a Western Mountaineering 30 degree Megalite sleeping bag and a Klymite Static V insulated pad to round out my sleep system. I’ll also be carrying a Garmin 520 and a Garmin eTrex Touch 35 for navigation. I’ll be using a Garmin inReach Mini for satellite tracking and emergency communication.

Graham Goff

Age 52 / Bozeman, Montana (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be riding the Great Divide Classic (aka Tour Divide) on a 2020 Salsa Fargo Apex 1. The bike rolls on Vittoria Mezcal 2.25” tires, has an 11-46 cassette paired with a 32 tooth chainring, sports “leisure” bars by Profile Designs, and an Ergon SMC sport gel saddle.
BAGS: A mix of well loved bags from Apidura, Relevate, and Salsa along with the low-tech Sea to Summit dry bag option on the bars.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo tent and a Patagonia hybrid sleeping bag for warm, dry, and bug-free sleeping.

Brendan Heinig

Age 36 / Boulder, Colorado (USA)

BIKE: 2018 Salsa Cutthroat converted to flat bar setup. Lauf fork. Mix of XT and XTR drivetrain components. Wolftooth 32T chainring. 11-46 cassette. NEXTIE Premium rims. DT 240 rear hub. SON dynamo. Sinewave Beacon. Profile Designs aerobar. Vittoria Mezcals.
BAGS: Salsa frame bag. Oveja Negra Snack Pack. Revelate Sweetroll, Terrapin, and 2x Feedbags.

Eric Fager

Age 49 / Spring Green, Wisconsin (USA)

BIKE: I’m riding a Salsa Fargo. The only modifications I have made are Wolf Tooth 34T chainring, Crankbrothers pedals, Profile Design aero bars, SP Dynamo hub, and Sinewave light.
BAGS: Frame bag and top tube bags are Rogue Panda. Saddlebag and feed bags are Revelate Designs.

Jennifer Hanson

Age 54 / Florence, Arizona (USA)

BIKE: I will be riding a 2021 Binary SuperBxc titanium bike. I have a 1×12 drivetrain with a 28T stainless Wolf Tooth chainring, NOX wheels with Industry Nine hubs, Vittoria Mezcal 2.25” tires, Lauf fork, and a Bar Yak expedition with armrests on the handlebars.
BAGS: Rockgeist frame bag, Rockgeist top tube bag, Rockgeist Foxglove saddle bag, Revelate Pronghorn handle bar bag with a Revelate Egress pocket bag, two Revelate mountain Feedbag , water bottles on down tube and fork.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Outdoor Research bivy, Enlightened Equipment quilt, Klymit Inertia X frame pad, and an eTrex 20.

Jason Hanson

Age 48 / Florence, Arizona (USA)

BIKE: Binary SuperBxc titanium, 1×12 drivetrain with a 28T stainless Wolf Tooth chain ring and NOX wheels with Industry Nine hubs, Vittoria Mezcal 2.25” tires, Lauf fork, Ergon cork G3 grips, and Bar Yak expedition with armrests on the handlebars.
BAGS: Broadfork frame bag and gas tank bag, Rockgeist top tube bag, Revelate Pronghorn handle bar bag with a Revelate Egress pocket bag, two Revelate cockpit bags, and a Revelate seat bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Outdoor Research bivy, REI sleeping bag, Klymit Inertia X frame pad, and an eTrex 30 plus GDMBR maps.

Steve Elder

Age 62 / Durango, Colorado (USA)

BIKE: Specialized Enduro 29er, Vittoria Mezcal 2.25″ tires, Amoeba light, Pro Missile aero bars, 1×12 drivetrain with 30T chainring. Four Smart Water bottles on Pike fork.
BAGS: Alpine Luddites custom bags, Bedrock feed bags.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Big Agnes UL one-person tent and X-frame pad with 20° Western Mountaineering bag.

Linda Gryczan

Age 67 / Helena, Montana (USA)

BIKE: 2015 Trek Superfly. This bike has ridden miles and miles of singletrack, toured most of the GDMBR, and now it’s time to race the Tour Divide.
BAGS: A Revelate Pronghorn front pack because in the morning, I roll up my tent, pad and sleep robe like a burrito, stuff it in the large bag, and I’m on my way. Apidura accessory pouch for food and electronics. I love the stability and easy on/off Revelate Spinelock seat bag. A Salsa frame pack because it fits my small triangle. A Skinz top tube bag was the largest I could find in my early bikepacking days. Bedrock handlebar and downtube bags hold food, extra water and everyday essentials. A Bear Cozy in a water bottle holder keeps bear spray at hand. Extra bottles will hold food until they are needed for water in the desert.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: A single chainring is fine for singletrack, but I like bikepacking with a double. No bolt on bottle holders on my Fox 32 fork. For extra stability, I wrapped the fork with anti-slip tape made for walkways. I am the only one in my family not diagnosed with skin cancer, so I ride covered with a Da Brim, pants over riding shorts, long sleeve wool shirt and SPF gloves. My luxury item is a camp “chair,” a piece of silver insulation for sitting on gravel or for trailside naps. I top it all off with a well loved and nearly worn-out Camelbak MULE—one of the best inventions since women’s bike seats.

Geoffrey Lane

Age 51 / Park City, Utah (USA)

BIKE: The bike is a Carver Titanium O’Beast with a 29″ wheel set; WTB Asym i29 with Hope hubs and Maxxis Ikon 2.35” tires. Sram GX 1×11 with an E-thirteen rear cassette 9-46t. Other bike features include Infinity Bike Saddle, SQ Labs Inner Bar Ends and a King Cage Top Cap cage mount for a water bottle and a King Cage Ti Water Bottle cage.
BAGS: The bags are the Revelate Sweetroll, Revelate Mag Tank 2000, Revelate Jerry Can, 2x Revelate Mountain Feed Bags on the handlebar, Revelate Terrapin Seatpost Bag, and a Broad Fork Frame Bag (which was sewn about 100 yards from my house). Not pictured, but likely bringing are 2x King Cage Titanium Manything cages for the forks just in case I need to carry more.

Neil Gallivan

Age 56 / Geneseo, New York (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be doing a southbound ITT starting July 3rd on my Bingham Built hardtail. It’s a handbuilt frame from Brad Bingham in Steamboat Springs, CO. It was built with a mix of parts and has a Sram AXS 1x drivetrain, Shimano XT discs, RaceFace rims with a Hope hub in back and a SON 28 dyno front hub (KLite light and USB charging system), and Vittoria Mezcal 2.25” tires. Answer 20/20 bars and Profile Design aero bars, and SPD dual sided pedals with cages for grip if I lose a cleat.
BAGS: Bags are also mixed, with a Rockgeist custom frame bag due to the small main triangle, Ortlieb front and rear main bags, two feed bags (one w/ water bottle) and a Rockgeist top tube bag for phone and camera. Rockgeist bags are bolt-on with velcro anchor straps on the frame bag. I’ll use a Camelbak running pack for my main hydration and some food, with a three-liter bladder supplemented by a one-liter collapsible bag w/ filter.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: EE quilt and a Big Agnes HV UL1 tent. Garmin 830 for navigation and a Garmin 530 as backup.

Eyal Li

Age 24 / Takoma Park, Maryland (USA)

BIKE: I’m riding a 2019 Salsa Journeyman with a SRAM Apex 1 mullet drivetrain, TRP HY/RD mechanical hydraulic brakes, 58cm wide Ritchey Venturemax bars, and a pair of 27.5″ Velocity Blunt wheels with tubeless Maxxis Ikon tires. I added Profile Designs Airstryke II aerobars without the armrests.
BAGS: A collection of dry bags, nylon straps, and secondhand bags including an Ortlieb 16L seatpost bag, a Moose Treks frame bag, and a Revelate feedbag and egress pocket.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: $10 DIY fork mounts made from bottle cages, steel corner brackets and velcro straps. And of course a baby Yoda sticker on the top tube.

Will Staler

Age 40 / Bloomington, Indiana (USA)

BIKE: 2017 Salsa Timberjack with SRAM 12 speed Eagle drivetrain, 2.6” Vittoria Mescal tires, Industry 9 Backcountry 450 rims, Origin8 Strongbow handlebars, riding in the flats.
BAGS: Salsa framebag, Revelate Magtank 2000, Revelate Jerrycan, Revelate Sweet Roll, Rockgeist Gondola seatpost bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Whilst in Australia, I picked up a Kathmandu bivvy sack to sleep in, and some of their merino wool base layers to live in (socks, buff, base layer shirt). I’ve also been quite impressed with the durability and functionality of my Hydrapak seeker 3L water bladder. I rely heavily on using maps I create on RidewithGPS and my Wahoo ROAM to know where I am at any given moment, and a Quadlock bikemount keeps my phone in sight if the Wahoo craps out. My Outbound EVO and Downhill light setup (with a backup Blackburn Dayblazer 800) ought to keep my night time riding lit up nicely.

Chuck Thibault

Age 49 / Bartlett, Tennessee (USA)

BIKE: A 2020 Salsa Cutthroat stock components except I switched out the Sparwoods for Maxxis Agressors.
BAGS: A healthy mix of Salsa (frame, cradle, cages), Revelate (seat bag, feed, gas tank, Jerrycan) and Ortlieb (panniers) bags will allow me to carry too much gear.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Sleeping system – North Face mummy bag gifted to me 25 years ago. Tent – Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2. Hydration gear – Kleen Kanteens 2 2l, 3L Camelbak, some other water bottles, Katadyn BeFree bottle. Navigation – Garmin GPSMap 66i, Wahoo Roam. Science Kit – Brunton Compass, Digital Microscope, Rite in the Rain field book and pen.

David Phillips

Age 50 / Gilbert, Arizona (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be riding my 2015 Salsa Fargo, which is the same bike I rode for my 2016 attempt. By now the only thing stock on this bike are the frame and fork. Custom wheels by Peter White (Velocity Blunt 35s with a SON28-15 dynamo up front, and a Hadley 135 QR in back); Shimano XT 2×10 drivetrain connected to Gevenalle GX brifters; TRP Spyre brake calipers (the stock SRAM BB7s are too wide for the Tailfin); Syntace P6 Hiflex seatpost w/ Specialized Power saddle; a Redshift Shockstop 80mm stem holding a Ritchey Venturemax XL and Profile T3+ aero bars; Schmidt Edelux II light on the bar, with a Fenix BC21R v2 on the helmet, and a Fenix BC05R on the tailfin. I love this bike, but when fully loaded, it’s a little like riding an RV.
BAGS: Custom Rogue Panda frame bag (new); custom long/wide Bolder Bikepacking gas tank (from 2016) w/ shower cap (not shown); Rockgeist Honeypots (new) and Revelate Harness (from 2016) on the handlebars; Revelate Jerry Can (from 2016) on the top tube; Tailfin S Series Alloy rack & trunk (new); and a small bag for tubes & tools under the down tube (Wolf Tooth rolltop bag shown, but I have a Bedrock Honaker on the way).
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Wahoo Element Roam computer connected to a Wahoo HR strap and a 4iiii power meter on the crank, so I can keep an eye on the motor; Sinewave Revolution and a Voltaic V25 to keep the electrics charged; Wolftooth Components B-RAD Double Bottle Adapter allows me to put three 1L bottles in the front triangle; King Cage Ti Many Thing cages on the Tailfin for extra capacity. Bibs & jersey by Ground Effect out of New Zealand, and I’ll also be wearing an Osprey Duro 6 running vest. Sleep system consists of a Tarptent Moment DW, ZPacks 30 degree bag, and Sea to Summit Comfort Light Insulated sleeping mat.

Trenton Marable

Age 23 / Franklin, Tennessee (USA)

BIKE: Big thanks to Aaron at the shop I worked at in Lincoln, NE, for giving me a hellavuh deal on this NOS 2015 Lynskey Pro29. It’s got a 1×11 (11-42) XTR drivetrain with a 34T Hope chainring. I added a Ritchey Kyote bar and Profile Designs aero bars (with 70mm risers) and a B17 for maximum comfort on my ride (not race).
BAGS: MYOG is much easier when your girlfriend offers her sewing skills. She helped design and make the frame, top tube, and bottle bags. We used various tutorials including some found on BIKEPACKING.com. That’s a Topeak 10L Backloader in the rear, Salsa Anything Cradle Kit on the bars, and I figured I’d test my luck with the new Ortlieb Fork Packs.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Looking forward to use my sleep system for no less than seven hours a night. This includes an REI Quarter Dome SL2, Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite, REI Magma 30 Bag, and Klymit Pillow X.

Darren Jer

Age 40 / Brooklyn, New York (USA)

BIKE: 2021 Allied Able GRX 815 Di2 with stock 42mm WTBs on Industry Nine in the rear and 2.1″ Mezcals on Hunt Carbon + SON in the front. Full kLite gravel setup in the front, rear, and charger thanks to help from Matt of Jefe Bike.
BAGS: KasyBag is just stellar; perfectly fitted custom frame bag from a photo with measurements. Their fabrics and build quality are top-notch and I’m using their stem, seat and feed bags as well. Sea to Summit 14L eVent strapped to a Salsa cradle in the front.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Sleep system: Tarptent Aeon Li, Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm, Enlightened Equipment quilt. Hack I’m proud of: a TwoFish velcro bottle cage for growlers (5″ diameter) as a lighter “anything cradle” on my flat carbon fork, extra-secured with a Voile strap to go around a 6L eVent bag. GoPro for documenting the journey as I’m raising money for Embers International, a non-profit that restores women and children in red-light districts in India. Trader Joe’s peanut butter holding up the bike fits perfectly in the undermount bottle cage.

Robert Gill

Age 50 / Lindenhurst, New York (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be riding (not racing) the Tour Divide on a 2020 Salsa Cutthroat. The bike features an upgraded drive train with Force shifters and a XG-1195 X01 10-42 11-Speed Cassette, hydraulic brakes, Teocalli 29 Carbon Fiber Mountain Wheels, DT Swiss 350 rear hub, SON 28 15 dynamo front hub for the Sinewave Cycles Revolution USB charger, Niner RDO carbon setback seat post, Selle Italia saddle, Salsa Cowbell carbon drop bar, and a Profile Designs Sonic/Ergo/4525a Aerobar on a Fred Bar.
BAGS: The handlebar has a Salsa EXP Series Anything Cradle Top-Load Kit and two Revelate Designs Mountain Feedbags. The fork is equipped with two Salsa EXP Series Anything Cradle Top-Load Kits for carrying extra water when needed. Across the top tube there is a Rockgeist Cache Top Tube Bag – bolt-on, custom Velcro carrying strap (inspired by Dirty Teeth MTB) and a Revelate Designs Jerrycan top tube/seatpost bag. Off the seatpost, there is a Revelate Designs Terrapin System 14L.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: A Just Ride license plate for fun. The Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL1 Bikepack Tent, REI Co-op Magma 30 Sleeping Bag and Sea to Summit Ultralight Insulated Air Sleeping Pad sleep system. For navigation the Garmin Edge 1030 Plus. To light it up, a NiteRider Lumina Micro 900 and a NiteRider Solas 250 tail light.

Jackson Lester

Age 31 / Oakland, California (USA)

BIKE: This will be my second Tour Divide on this 2017 Kona Honzo CR Trail, but I’ve made a lot of changes. Went from an 11-speed drivetrain to a 12-speed Sram GX Eagle drivetrain with a 10-52 cassette, increased my chainring from 30-tooth to 34-tooth – last time I was spun-out a lot and wanted bigger gears, switched from a 130mm-travel suspension fork that felt overkill to a rigid Salsa Cutthroat fork, then added a Redshift suspension stem to smooth out some of the bumps. Other parts include Profile Designs aero bars, SON dynamo hub, Sinewave Beacon light, Vittoria Mezcals, and a B17 Special Titanium saddle.
BAGS: The Oveja Negra Gearjammer Seat Bag holds all of my camping gear and the Salsa Anything Cradle + drybag in the front holds my clothing and extra food. I also have two Revelate Feedbags, a Magtank, a Jerry Can, and a frame bag for food, tools, water, charging equipment, and all of the rest.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’ve really tried to like bivy sacks and I just can’t do it. This year, I’m trying out a Big Sky Soul one-person tent to be more comfortable. It only adds about a pound – a low price for my peace of mind!

Petr Ineman

Age 43 / Downers Grove, Illinois (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be riding TD (as fast as I can while trying to enjoy as much scenery as possible) aboard of my Carver Ti all-road 29+ drop-bar machine equipped with a Lauf TR fork, Industry 9 hub rear, and a SON 28 front hubs laced to NEXTIE 35 mm rims and 2.6” Kenda Saber Pro tires. The 1×11 drivetrain is a mix of Wolf Tooth, Sram, and E*thirteen components.
BAGS: The front end starts with the BarYak Expedition rails with Talon roll harness and the Peregrine arm rests that also doubles as a mounting base for all my navigation electronics and kLite Bikepacker light. Next are Revelate Designs feedbags, followed by the JPaks Footlong Farva top tube bag that I love for its bottomless volume. The newest addition to the kit is a beautiful Cedaero frame bag fitted perfectly inside the main triangle. The seat bag is a Revelate designs Terrapin 8L.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: The sleeping system consists of Tarptent Protrail Li Dyneema shelter, Therm-a-Rest quilt, and Big Agnes mattress.

Daniel Bijan Connell

Age 25 / Goleta, California (USA)

BIKE: The steel is real. 2015 Salsa Fargo 2 with a steel Firestarter fork. Sram XO 2×10 drivetrain with American Classic wheels, TRP Spyre SLC mechanical brakes. Thudbuster ST seatpost, Brooks Cambium saddle, and no chamois is the recipe for my happy cheeks.
BAGS: Ortlieb saddlebag, Revelate frame bags, and a Revelate harness carry my cookies, trail mix, Snickers bars, and citrus. Anything cages and a Velo Orange Mojave cage are the nest for my Nalgenes, which will mainly be used to carry different variations of milk (mostly chocolate).
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: A Buckshot speaker to play Rage Against the Machine on uphills and Daft Punk on downhills, Garmin eTrex 22x for directions, Profile Design aero bars on 70mm risers with a fancy water (milk) reservoir attachment, Smartwool clothes to stay cozy and a 15-degree Katabatic quilt to stay extra cozy. Coolest item on my bike is a handmade ultralight chain whip made by my main man Johnny in Santa Barbara.

Zack VanDeman

Age 29 / Indianapolis, Indiana (USA)

BIKE: I am riding (not racing) a steel Gypsy by Penhale Bicycle Co. I had a heck of a time finding a frame, but after seeing an article from BIKEPACKING.com, I found the Gypsy. First bike build! 29 x 2.0” Race Kings. Cowchipper handlebars. SRAM Apex 1×11 drivetrain – 32t up front. (Also my daily commuter; pictured with 32mm Gatorskins).
BAGS: I went a bit over budget on my bike, so I skimped on bags. Amazon for the win! Rockbros waterproof handlebar and saddlebags and Moosetreks frame bag. Ballin’ on a budget :)
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’m hammock camping. I love sleeping suspended, so I’m gonna see how far I make it before I have to sleep on the ground. Grand Trunk hammock, Amazon bug net, ENO tarp and underquilt.

Mick Carlson

Age 51 / Duluth, Minnesota (USA)

BIKE: Surly Ogre, 2.6” tires, lots of gears.
BAGS: Cedaro, Salsa, Revelate.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: JBL clip 3 speaker!

Kevin Deyo

Age 63 / Tallahassee, Florida (USA)

BIKE: 2016 Specialized Crave hardtail, carbon forks. Continental Race King 2.2” tires. 1 x 11 drivetrain, adjustable bar ends, and Aero bars.
BAGS: Dry bag on the handlebars holding tent, sleeping bag, and extra food. Revelate feed bag over the dry bag. Revelate gas tank and small tool bag on top tube. Revelate seat bag holding clothes, tools, food. Two bottle cages on the frame, two on the forks.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: REI tent and sleeping bag. Garmin 530 and Garmin 520 as a backup. Pocket Osmo camera on handlebars (gimbal camera) with 360 degree swivel. GoPro Session rear mounted on the helmet for stills and video of riders and slow bears behind me!

Kyle Peterson

Age 31 / Jackson, Wyoming (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be riding (not racing) the Tour Divide Northbound on a salsa Ti Timberjack with a Fox Performance 34 Stepcast. The bike features a new pair of Renee Herse Fleecer Ridge tires, a Sram AXS 1×12 drivetrain with a 32T chainring, and DT Swiss Oil Slick 240 hub, and a SON Dynamo hub up front. One other modification is a Bar Yak Expedition with carbon armrests on the handlebars.
BAGS: The Bags are a Salsa frame bag and Anything bags on the fork paired with the essential Revelate Salty Roll, Feedbags, Mag Tank 2000, and Spinelock 16L saddle bag. For the daily essentials, I strapped a Swift Ardea bag on the front that doubles as a hip bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: A Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 will serve as my shelter. I have a Patagonia 30-degree down sleeping bag and Big Agnes pad for sleeping. I’ll also be carrying an eTrex 30 for navigation and Garmin inReach for tracking.

Jason Marley

Bozeman, Montana (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be riding a Ti Salsa Fargo. SRAM Eagle 1×12 with Microshift shifter and Paul Klamper disc brakes. Stans front rim with SON dynamo hub, Industry Nine 305 hydra rear wheel, 2.35” Mezcals. Redshift suspension stem, eeSilk suspension seatpost, and an Infiniti E1X saddle.
BAGS: BikeBagDude frame bag and top tube bag. Revelate seat post bag, jerry can, and feed bags. Rapha handlebar bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Wahoo Roam.

David Grimes

Age 59 / Albuquerque, New Mexico (USA)

BIKE: 2017 Salsa Cutthroat, 2020 Fox 32 SC FIT4 100mm suspension fork, SRAM XO carbon crankset 42-28, with a modified SRAM X9 top-pull front derailleur, SRAM X9 rear derailleur, e*thirteen 9-42 10-speed cassette, Cane Creek Thudbuster ST, Brooks B-17 saddle, Rene Herse Fleecer Ridge 700C x 55mm tires. NEXTIE Premium rims DT Swiss 350 hubs.
BAGS: Revelate frame pack, seatpack, Jerry Can, medium Sweetroll, Salsa top tube bag and EXP Anything Cages and bags, Oveja Negra Chuckbuckets, Wolf Tooth Components B-Rad Pump Bag, Surly Moloko bag between the aero bars, Kemp Keeper gear net.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Z-Packs Hexamid Solo tent, Z-Packs 30-degree down quilt, Klymit Insulated Static V pad.

Mike Chapman

Age 48 / Santa Fe, New Mexico (USA)

BIKE: I will be attempting the Tour Divide on beloved Surly Karate Monkey. Specs include Shimano 12-speed SLX drivetrain with Raceface Altas cranks and 30t chainring, Whisky carbon fork, Stan’s Arch 29” rims laced to I9 Hydra rear and SP front hubs with Maxxis Rekon Race 2.4” tires and Sinewave Beacon for lighting and charging.
BAGS: Tribulus Limited Endover handlebar bag and custom Tribulus Limited fork bag. Revelate frame bag, seat bag and feed bags. Oveja Negra top tube bags.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Six Moon Designs tent, Therm-a-Rest quilt and pad, lots and lots of clothing, Wahoo Elemnt Roam for navigation.

Ken Zylstra

Age 59 / Prior Lake, Minnesota (USA)

BIKE: I will be riding the Otso Waheela C with a Wolf Tooth 32t power track elliptical front chainring. I have an 11-speed Sram rear cassette with a 46t Wolf Tooth replacement cog on the rear, which gives me a range of a 10t all way to 46t. I will be running Terrene Honali Tough 700 x 50mm tires mounted on I9 carbon wheels with a Wahoo Element Roam for navigation. I will also have my riding companion of “Ol’ Blue” mounted on my handlebars which is a small stuffed animal given to me by my daughter more than 15 years ago.
BAGS: Revelate Sweet Roll medium, Revelate feedbag (2x), Revelate top tube bag, and Viscacha saddlebag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Marmot 30-degree bag, a Big Agnes sleeping pad, and I will be sleeping inside a single-person Tarptent. I will be running a cache battery system to recharge to my Wahoo Element Roam, lights, and phone.

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