How to Set Up Your SPOT Tracker & Register with Trackleaders

This how-to guide for SPOT tracker & Trackleaders setup will help you navigate the process of configuring your device and registering it for event tracking. Whether you’re preparing for a long-distance bike race, a thru-hike, or any adventure where real-time tracking is essential, this guide walks you through everything you need to know.

First, we’ll cover the step-by-step setup of your SPOT tracker, from account creation to personalizing your settings. Next, we’ll guide you through registering your device with Trackleaders, the widely used platform for tracking participants in endurance events.

In addition to SPOT, we’ll introduce alternative tracking devices like the Garmin inReach, which offer similar capabilities with unique features. Finally, we’ll provide essential tips to ensure your tracker operates smoothly and reliably, keeping you connected throughout your adventure.

Popular Resources:

Bikepacking Resources

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Rider Survey's

SPOT Tracker: Setup & Optimization

A SPOT tracker is a reliable satellite communication device designed to keep you connected during outdoor adventures, even in areas without cell service. By sending real-time location updates and emergency alerts via satellite, it ensures that your whereabouts are known and that you can call for help if needed.

In this section, we’ll walk you through the SPOT tracker setup process, covering everything from activating your device to customizing key settings for better performance. Proper setup helps maximize battery life, improve tracking accuracy, and streamline communication, making your experience safer and more efficient.

Below is a list of the steps needed to set up your SPOT tracker. Steps 1-3 are mandatory, while Step 4 is optional but highly recommended to optimize battery life, improve tracking, and enhance usability on the trail.

Go to Spot’s website.
Make an account
Activate your device
1. Add device
2. Select a plan
3. Pay
4. Update firmware if needed.
Personalize your device
1. Add contacts
2. Add predefined messages
3. Link social media
4. Edit “Check In” message
5. Set tracking interval
6. Sounds
7. Unit of measure

For more details on the above visit the SPOT website.

Gen 3 – User Guide

Gen 4 – User Guide

SPOT X – User Guide

Powering up your device: Press the POWER button and hold it until the GREEN power light starts blinking GREEN.

Turning on Tracking:

Gen 3- With the power on, press the bottom center button with the bootprint on it, and hold until the GREEN light above the TRACKER button is flashing GREEN.

Gen 4 – With the power on, press the bottom center button with the waypoint on it, and hold until the GREEN light above the TRACKER button is flashing GREEN.

Helpful Links

SPOT – YouTube

SPOT X tracker for SPOT tracker & Trackleaders setup with two-way messaging & GPS tracking.

SPOT Gen 4 for SPOT tracker & Trackleaders setup with enhanced GPS tracking & emergency SOS.

SPOT Gen 3 tracker for SPOT tracker & Trackleaders setup with GPS tracking & SOS alerts.

PLANNING AIDS

The Project offers the best Planning aids / guides to help you plan and execute your ride. With our Planning Aids, you'll have the most information to assist you with your planning and ride.

Tour Divide Big Bundle, planning aid, guide, bikepacking, Ultimate Bikepacking and Hiking Resource

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Checkout all our Planning Aids at our store. (Tour Divide, GDMBR, AZTR, CTR, Kokopelli Trail, TNGA, Coconino 250, and Bay Circuit Trail). SOBO & NOBO, as well as metric versions are available depending on the route.

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Trackleaders

Trackleaders is a platform that tracks participants in endurance races using personal location beacon devices like SPOT trackers, Garmin inReach, and Zoleo. It plays a crucial role in race tracking, safety, and verification, allowing participants to share their real-time location while enabling event organizers, spectators, and family members to follow along.

How to sign up for Trackleaders is a common question in bikepacking forums. This section will walk you through the SPOT tracker & Trackleaders setup process, ensuring you can register your device correctly and use it effectively for tracking in major bikepacking events like the Tour Divide, Colorado Trail Race, and Arizona Trail Race. While a SPOT tracker is not required to participate, it is necessary if you want to be listed as a finisher.

The main thing to know about Trackleaders registration is that the Tour Divide requires a Letter of Intent (LOI) before you can receive signup details or rent a SPOT tracker. For the Colorado Trail Race and Arizona Trail Race, a registration form is posted in their Facebook groups one month before the start. Each process is slightly different, and we’ll cover them in detail in the next sections.

Trackleaders: Tour Divide

Tour Divide: Trackleaders Registration

Signing up for Trackleaders for the Tour Divide follows a different process than other bikepacking races. Please read the below carefully. It will make your life a lot easier and less stressful.

Updates to the GPX Track: If there is an update to the route there is no one way the organizers will use to reach out. It might be email, text or whatever is available. A lot of times it’s only people that are immediately impacted that are contacted. The assumption is that word travels along the trail once it has been shared. Any reroute will appear as orange lines on the Trackleaders map, so it’s a good idea to check it once in a while.

Step 1 – LOI

On or after the Winter Solstice, send your Letter of Intent (LOI) to tourdivide@gmail.com. This will put your name on the start list and the email you provide will be the one they send the SPOT registration too.

Confirmation: You will NOT receive a confirmation of any sort.
Timing: The ONLY email you will receive will most likely be in the final week before the start. It will contain a link to register your SPOT or rental, set up instructions for your Trackleaders, and the GPX file.
Start List: If case you want to be sure you’re letter was received.

STEP – 2 – DON’T FREAK OUT

DON’T FREAK OUT: If you don’t receive a reply or that you haven’t seen an email with the GPX file or registration for your SPOT. (Some time most likely in the week before the start, Trackleaders will send you a registration email with instructions on how to sign up. This is the only email you will receive, so it’s crucial to watch for it and follow the instructions carefully).
DON’T SEND AN EMAIL: Don’t waste your time sending an email to ask where it is because you haven’t seen it. As long as your name is on the start list with your email you’ll get it.

STEP 3 – DO YOUR HOMEWORK

Step 3 is more of a side quest but learn how to use your SPOT and GPS inside and out. No really. It will make set up easier, and if shit goes sideway out on the route, you’ll know how to fix it. Do your homework

Registering a SPOT Tracker You Own

If you already own a SPOT tracker, follow these steps once you receive the Trackleaders registration email:

Trackleaders Registration: Complete the form using the link provided.
Confirm Activation: Ensure your tracker is activated and your service plan is current.
Test Tracking: Turn on tracking and check if your dot appears on Trackleaders.com before the race.

Renting a SPOT Tracker for the Tour Divide

If you don’t own a SPOT tracker, you can rent one through Trackleaders after receiving the registration email.

Follow Instructions: Use the directions in the Trackleaders email to complete the rental process.
Pick Up Device: Retrieve your rental SPOT tracker at the YWCA in Banff before the race.
Bring Batteries: Rentals do not include batteries—bring 4 AAA lithium batteries.
Test Tracking: Turn on the device outside and ensure tracking is working.
Monitor Tracking: Trackleaders will check your tracker and notify you if there are any issues.

Trackleaders: Colorado Trail Race

CTR: Trackleaders Registration

Signing up for Trackleaders for the Colorado Trail Race (CTR) requires completing a registration form, which is posted in the Colorado Trail Race Facebook group and the official website, approximately one month before the race. During this process, riders indicate whether they own a SPOT tracker or plan to rent one.

Trackleaders will send a follow-up email before the race with important reminders. This email confirms your SPOT tracker & Trackleaders setup and provides key instructions, including how to test your tracker, update your profile, and what to do if you scratch. If you are renting a SPOT tracker, the email will also include pickup details and instructions for setup and return.

Registering a SPOT Tracker You Own

If you already own a SPOT tracker, follow these steps to complete your SPOT tracker & Trackleaders setup using the registration form posted in the Colorado Trail Race Facebook group:

Trackleaders Registration: Complete the form from the Facebook group when it is posted.
Confirm Activation: Ensure your tracker is activated and your service plan is current.
Test Tracking: Turn on tracking and check if your dot appears on Trackleaders.com before the race.

Renting a SPOT Tracker for the CTR

If you don’t own a SPOT tracker, you can rent one through Trackleaders by indicating this on the registration form posted in the Colorado Trail Race Facebook group. Once your SPOT tracker & Trackleaders setup is confirmed, follow these steps:

Pick Up Device: Rental SPOT trackers will be available from Jefe at the start line.
Bring Batteries: Rentals do not include batteries—bring 4 AAA lithium batteries.
Secure Mounting: Ensure you have proper straps to securely attach the device to your bike.
Test Tracking: Turn on the device outside and ensure tracking is working.
Monitor Tracking: Trackleaders will check your tracker and notify you if there are any issues.

Trackleaders: Arizona Trail Race

AZTR: Trackleaders Registration

Signing up for Trackleaders for the Arizona Trail Race (AZTR) requires completing a registration form, which is posted in the Arizona Trail Race Facebook group and the official website, approximately one month before the race (Sept. 16th, 2025). During this process, riders indicate whether they own a SPOT tracker or plan to rent one.

Trackleaders will send a follow-up email before the race with important reminders. This email confirms your SPOT tracker & Trackleaders setup and provides key instructions, including how to test your tracker, update your profile, and what to do if you scratch. If you are renting a SPOT tracker, the email will also include pickup details and instructions for setup and return.

Registering a SPOT Tracker You Own

If you already own a SPOT tracker, follow these steps to complete your SPOT tracker & Trackleaders setup using the registration form posted in the Arizona Trail Race Facebook group:

Trackleaders Registration: Complete the form from the Facebook group when it is posted.
Confirm Activation: Ensure your tracker is activated and your service plan is current.
Test Tracking: Turn on tracking and check if your dot appears on Trackleaders.com before the race.

Renting a SPOT Tracker for the AZTR

If you don’t own a SPOT tracker, you can rent one through Trackleaders by indicating this on the registration form posted in the Arizona Trail Race Facebook group. Once your SPOT tracker & Trackleaders setup is confirmed, follow these steps:

Pick Up Device: Rental SPOT trackers will be available at the start line (who has them varies from year to year but the person should be listed in the registration email you receive).
Bring Batteries: Rentals do not include batteries—bring 4 AAA lithium batteries.
Secure Mounting: Ensure you have proper straps to securely attach the device to your bike.
Test Tracking: Turn on the device outside and ensure tracking is working.
Monitor Tracking: Trackleaders will check your tracker and notify you if there are any issues.

Tips for SPOT tracker & Trackleaders Setup

Mounting: Checkout this guide from Trackleaders ahead of time to you have the right straps needed and don’t have to hustle last minute

Rental Returns: To return your device after the race, follow this link.

Batteries: Carry a spare set and remember rentals DO NOT come with the 4 AAA lithium batteries.

Test Your Set Up: Be sure to thoroughly test your device to see that it works (with Trackleaders) and it’s mounting set up is secure. A proper shakedown ride should do the trick.

Scratching: If you scratch be sure to respond to the initial email from Trackleaders to let them know.

At the Finish: Keep your tracker running at the finish for a while so you can get your dot bouncing on Trackleaders. This helps indicate you’ve finished.

Dot Watching: Remind those at home that outside assistance is not allow. Encourage them to follow your progress from the comforts of home and not to search you out on course.

Alternate Devices

SPOT are not the only personal location beacon/satellite communication device one can use. The Garmin InReach and Zoleo are both acceptable options one can use with Trackleaders. The InReach is a 2 way satellite communication device that can send and receive messages, weather, and has a display with map, among other features. The Zoleo is also a 2 way satellite communication device that can send and receive messages via bluetooth with your own phone.

Garmin InReach for SPOT tracker & Trackleaders setup with GPS tracking & two-way messaging.

Garmin InReach Mini2

Cost: $400
Battery Life: Up to 14 days (while using default 10 min tracking).
Battery Type: Rechargeable internal lithium ion.
Messaging Capacity: 2-way
S.O.S Function: Yes
Device Integration: Smartphone and watch
Local Accuracy: 3 meters
Visual Map Display: Yes
Dimensions: 3.9 x 2 x 1 inch
Weight: 3.5 oz

Requires a monthly subscription.

Zoleo

Cost: $200
Battery Life: Up to 200 hours
Battery Type: Lithium ion.
Messaging Capacity: 2-way
S.O.S Function: Yes
Local Accuracy: 3 meters
Device Integration: Smartphone
Visual Map Display: No
Dimensions: 3.6 x 2.6 x 1.1 inch
Weight: 5.3 oz

Requires a monthly subscription.

Garmin inReach Messenger

Cost: $300
Battery Life: Up to 4 weeks at 10-minute tracking send interval with full sky view
Battery Type: Lithium ion
Messaging Capacity: 2-way
S.O.S Function: Yes
Local Accuracy: 3 meters
Device Integration: Smartphone
Visual Map Display: No
Dimensions: 3.1 x 2.5 x 0.9 inches
Weight: 4 oz

Requires a monthly subscription.

Garmin inReach Messenger Plus

Cost: $500
Battery Life: Up to 25 days of use in 10 min. tracking mode
Battery Type: Lithium ion
Messaging Capacity: 2-way
S.O.S Function: Yes
Local Accuracy: 3 meters
Device Integration: Smartphone
Weather Forecast: Yes
Visual Map Display: No
Dimensions: 3.1 x 2.5 x 0.9 inches
Weight: 4 oz

Requires a monthly subscription.

Garmin GPSMAP 67i

Cost: $600
Battery Life: Up to 165 hours with inReach® enabled with 10 minute tracking
Battery Type: Lithium ion
Messaging Capacity: 2-way
S.O.S Function: Yes
# of Waypoints: 10,000
Compass: Yes
Altimeter: Pressure-based
Local Accuracy: 3 meters
Device Integration: Smartphone
Visual Map Display: Yes
Display size: 3 inches
Dimensions: 6.4 x 2.5 x 1.4 inches
Weight: 8.1 oz
and many more features

Requires a monthly subscription.

Garmin Montana 700i

Cost: $700
Battery Life: GPS Mode, 10 min Tracking: up to 18 hours
Battery Type: Lithium ion
Messaging Capacity: 2-way
S.O.S Function: Yes
# of Waypoints: 10,000
Compass: Yes
Altimeter: Pressure-based
Local Accuracy: 3 meters
Device Integration: Smartphone
Visual Map Display: Yes
Display size: 5 inches
Touch Screen: Yes
Dimensions: 7.2 x 3.6 x 1.3 inches
Weight: 14.5 oz
and many more features

Requires a monthly subscription.

InReach Set Up

Setting Up Your Garmin inReach
Before you can link your Garmin inReach to Trackleaders, you’ll first need to complete the device setup. Follow the steps below to activate your inReach, configure tracking, and get it ready for use. Once your setup is complete, you’ll wait for Trackleaders to send you a signup email where you’ll officially link your device for event tracking.

Charge Your Device: Fully charge using the provided USB cable before activation.
Create a Garmin Account: Go to https://explore.garmin.com. Create a new account or log in.
Activate Your inReach: Click “Activate” in Garmin Explore. Enter the device IMEI number and Authorization Code. Select and set up your subscription plan (annual or monthly). Complete billing and confirm activation.
Install the Garmin Explore App: Download Garmin Explore from the App Store or Google Play.
Pair via Bluetooth: Enable Bluetooth on your phone and inReach. Open the Explore app and follow prompts to pair your device.
Sync & Update Firmware: Connect the inReach to a computer using the USB cable. Install and open Garmin Express. Update the firmware if available. Alternatively, sync via the Explore app for general setup.
Configure Your Device: Set up 3 preset messages. Load Quick Text messages. Add contacts for messaging. Configure tracking intervals (e.g., every 10 minutes). Enable MapShare for public tracking (optional).
Emergency Setup: SOS is automatically set to Garmin IERCC. Set emergency notification contacts in the Garmin Explore portal.
Test Your Device: Send a free test message via Settings → Utilities → Test Service. Confirm that messaging and tracking are working correctly.

No SIM card: Satellite subscription is handled by Garmin.
Firmware updates are critical: New features & bug fixes come via Garmin Express or the Explore App.
Supported Devices: inReach Mini, inReach Mini 2, Explorer+, GPSMAP 67i, and 66i all follow these steps.

Tips for Using Your SPOT

Mounting Position: Be sure your SPOT is some place that it’s not obstructed and the logo is facing the sky. This will ensure a good satellite signal.
Bike or Person: Some argue you should mount your SPOT on your person in case you crash and cannot reach your bike to hit the SOS.
Visibility: To ensure you don’t use loose your SPOT, mount it on your handlebars so it’s visible.
Secure Mounting: Every year many people lose their SPOT because they fail to properly secure it to their bike or person. Checkout this guide from Trackleaders ahead of time and test your set up thoroughly before you go.
Identification: Write you name and number on your SPOT in case you do lose it.
Batteries: Newer models last up to three weeks which should be enough for most bikepacking events but one should still have a spare set of batteries. SPOT ONLY work with lithium batteries!
User’s Manual: Consider downloading the user manual from SPOT and have it on your phone in case you forget how certain features or procedures work while on the trail.
Be An Expert: Know the ins and outs of your device so you can trouble shoot any problems that arise.
Tracking: Intervals should be set to 5 minutes. (10 for InReach devices).

Helpful Links

SPOT – YouTube

Conclusion

Setting up your SPOT tracker & Trackleaders setup correctly is essential for ensuring reliable tracking and safety during your bikepacking adventure. Whether you’re racing the Tour Divide, Colorado Trail Race, or Arizona Trail Race, following the proper registration and setup steps will keep your location visible and your device functioning when it matters most.

By understanding how to register your tracker, optimize its settings, and troubleshoot potential issues, you’ll ride with confidence, knowing that your tracking is seamless and your progress is being recorded accurately. If you’re looking for more ways to improve your navigation and stay on course, check out my Bikepacking Navigation Guide for in-depth tips and tools to enhance your ride.

MORE RESOURCES

Read these next or checkout the main resource page.

PLANNING / GEAR RESOURCES

PLANNING AIDS: RESUPPLY, MILEAGE AND MORE

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Checkout all our Planning Aids at our store. (Tour Divide, GDMBR, AZTR, CTR, Kokopelli Trail, TNGA, Coconino 250, and Bay Circuit Trail). SOBO & NOBO, as well as metric versions are available depending on the route.

MY PROVEN TRIPLE CROWN GEAR LISTS

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RIDER SURVEYS: ESSENTIAL GEAR INSIGHTS FOR RIDERS

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Curios to know what gear other riders used to get to the finish line? Checkout our Rider Surveys to find out what works or to take the survey yourself.