Messages

1

Routes / Re: Idaho Hot Springs Mountain Bike Route

« on: June 20, 2019, 12:27:35 pm »

I rode 1.75" tires on the GDMBR and had very sections wishing for a wider tire. I thought they would be adequate for IHSMBR.  I was wrong. Loose, sandy, gravelly roads were the norm.  I ended up riding some paved alternatives.  If I were to ride again 2.8" would be my tire choice.

2

Routes / Re: Advice for Great Divide daily mileage planning

« on: April 01, 2018, 02:57:49 pm »

I have experience with both routes and am about your age (58)
 
My wife and I rode the GDMBR border to border in 5 sections over 9 years.  We followed McCoy's book for about 90% of the recommended stopping point each day.  We averaged 40 miles/day.  Our mileage did increase in New Mexico.

This past fall I rode the western half of the TransAm.  I averaged 72 miles/day.  I could have averaged more, but daylight was less, and the cold and rain limited my mileage on some days.

I found the TransAm much easier due to the abundance of services along the way.

PM if you want any more details of the tours.

John

3

Routes / Re: Hot Springs Route Idaho - sandy roads??

« on: February 09, 2018, 09:51:00 am »

My wife and I road the GDMBR with 2" tires.  Rarely did we feel the need for wider tires in the looser sections of roads. 

On the IHSBR last year we wished our tires were 3". Our 2" tires just weren't wide enough. Most of the other riders we encountered had a wider tire setup.

4

Routes / Re: Great Divide Route daily mileage expectations???

« on: November 10, 2014, 08:53:02 pm »

My wife (57) and I (55) have been tackling the Great Divide for 4 years now. I have a BOB and my wife has panniers. We have been averaging 40 miles per day. New Mexico is next and the plan is 44 mpd. We have been following McCoy's Cycling the Great Divide.

5

Routes / Re: Eureka MT. to Helena, MT. days?

« on: November 21, 2012, 10:34:41 pm »

It took me 11 days to complete that section. I followed McCoy's book. It was tough, much tougher than last summer's route from Helena to Flagg Ranch.