Daniel's journey down the Great Divide

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Daniel Roberts

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Jun 10, 2013, 8:13:38 PM6/10/13
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Hey folks! 

I'm about to embark on the toughest physical undertaking of my life and I thought I'd give you the lowdown and ask for your support.
 
A little over a year ago I learned about a bike race called the Tour Divide.  (Yeah, like Tour De France, except down the Great Divide.)  It's a mountain bike race, from Canada to Mexico, unsupported (meaning no lag wagons or people handing out water bottles). It's a gentleman's race—no contest fees, no rewards for winning other than bragging rights.  Taking on this beast of a race has become a dream of mine to accomplish.  This video gives a little primer. 

The course stretches from Banff, Alberta, Canada, and traverses the Rocky Mountains all the way to the Mexican border at Antelope Wells, New Mexico.  In short, I'm about to ride my mountain bike across 2,745 miles of dirt as fast as I can. 

Along the way, I expect to encounter huge mountains, lakes, rivers, grizzly bears, pain, hunger, cowboys, rednecks, Gila monsters, classic Americana, and hopefully some rainbow trout and an antelope or two.   

FAQ's: 
  • What is the Tour Divide? (See this link).  The Great Divide Mountain Bike Route constitutes the longest off-pavement cycling route in the world.  The Tour Divide races that route. 
  • Is it supported? Nope, the race is purely self-supported.  This means that there's no race organizers helping us out along the way.  No one handing out water bottles.  No massages.  No one directing our navigation down the route.  There are no rest days once the timer starts. But we ARE allowed to stop in hotels, grocery stores, restaurants to resupply, etc. 
  • Are you doing this alone? No. My buddy, cycling extraordinaire Justin Piccorelli is joining me. 
  • How long will it take? I'm really not sure! As long as it takes. There's no time limit. The course record, which must have involved unimaginable suffering, is just under 16 days. Justin and I are hoping to finish in 25 days or less. Doing so will require averaging about 110 miles a day, self supported with all of our gear. 
  • Will I be updating a blog along the way? No. But I will occasionally update my facebook page, etc.
  •  WHY are you doing this?  I just think there's amazing natural beauty to experience out there on the Great Divide and the American continent that I'd never get a chance to see otherwise.   Life's too short not to dream big and get out there to make it happen.  And I'm doing it  to support people with spinal cord injuries (read below).  
  •  How can I support you?   I would love if you would join me in supporting my favorite charitable organization, Life Rolls On. Life Rolls On gives people with spinal cord injuries opportunities to go surfing, skateboarding, skiing, and cycling, and facilitates programs, education, and services for people living with paralysis.  The days I've spent with LRO taking paraplegics and quadriplegics surfing have been some of the most deeply satisfying I've ever had.  There's nothing like being able to help a kid who's never walked experience the elation of riding a wave.  And, since my particular journey will involve A LOT of rolling, so I think it fits.  
    My goal is to raise at least $1,500. This money will enable continued programs, education, and services for people living with paralysis and their families.

    ***SO, I invite you to please make a tax deductible donation by visiting my Team LRO campaign page, (also found at http://www.liferollson.org/TeamLRO/danielgreatdivide).  If you want to look at it as a ride-a-thon, I'd love if you could contribute ONE CENT per mile, which would amount to $27.45, assuming I finish.  And if you're strapped, half a cent, or a quarter-cent per mile would be great as well. Ten cents per mile would be totally heroic. 

    The race starts from Banff this coming Friday morning, June 14th, 2013.  I'll be incommunicado for the most part, but I look forward to seeing everyone on the flipside!

    Much love to everyone, and thanks in advance for any contributions you can help with! I really appreciate your support. 

    Cheers,
    Daniel 

    *AND, if you want to write me a postcard or letter along the way for moral support, please send it to:  

    Daniel N. Roberts
    c/o GENERAL DELIVERY
    Salida Post Office
    310 D St, Salida, CO 81201

    ...just make sure it gets there before I do!  

    -- 
    Daniel N. Roberts, Social Venture Attorney

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