In 2008, the inangural Tour Divide Race took place.  It is the longest mountain bike race in the world covering 2775 miles from Banff, Canada to Antelope Wells, New Mexico on the Mexican border.  Racers are self-supported and will leave Banff at 10am on June 11, 2010 and must reach the Antelope Border Crossing Station within 30 days.  The racers will cross over the Continental Divide close to 25 times and will have to overcome challenges such as ever changing weather, bike problems, animal encounters, finding clean drinking water and food, sleep deprevation, and navigational issues.  

 
The Tour Divide Race takes place on the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route, the longest off-road mountain bike route in the world.  It is the Adventure Cycling Associations premier off-pavement route, crisscrossing the Continental Divide north to south. This route is defined by the word "remote." Its remoteness equates with spectacular terrain and scenery. The entire route is basically dirt-road and mountain-pass riding every day. In total, it has over 200,000 feet of elevation gain (equal to climbing Mount Everest 7 times from sea level). All of this climbing gets the rider into visually spectacular places and incredibly fit shape.  Racers need to be ultra prepared and ultra fit to tackle such a demanding route in such a limited time frame. 

 

On June 11, 2010, Tour Divide Racers will set out heading south.  By accessing the Tour Divide Website, you can follow the racers progress and tap into their blogs to find out how life is on route.