Tour Divide Resupply Guide
YOUR RESUPPLY HOW TO FOR THE TOUR DIVIDE.

For more information on the Tour Divide visit our TD Resource page. »

Tour Divide Resupply Guide

Resupplying for the Tour Divide is one of the more straightforward aspects of the race, but it still requires careful planning to ensure success. Despite its relatively accessible resupply options, knowing where to find key resources along the route can make a huge difference. This guide is designed to help you navigate the essential details of resupply, uncovering the hidden gems and crucial stops that can impact your journey.

Effective resupply planning is critical for both racers and tourers. My own experience taught me the importance of thorough research—I missed out on some crucial locations simply because I hadn’t prepared adequately. To streamline your planning, I’ve created detailed Tour Divide planning aids that offer comprehensive information on key resupply points, water sources, and more. With the information provided in this guide and the linked resources, you’ll be well-equipped to strategize your food and water needs, enhancing your chances of a successful Tour Divide adventure.

For additional insights, consider consulting the Adventure Cycling Association’s maps and participating in Facebook forums

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FOOD RESUPPLY OPTIONS

This guide provides key information on food resupply points, meal planning, and strategies to ensure you stay well-nourished on your journey from Banff, Canada, to Antelope Wells, New Mexico. Proper nutrition is vital for maintaining energy and stamina throughout the grueling Tour Divide. Understanding where to find food and how to manage your supplies can make a significant difference in your Tour Divide experience.

Key Areas with Limited Food Availability

While the Tour Divide route passes through many towns and resupply points, there are certain stretches where food options are sparse. Here are some areas where you need to be particularly prepared:

Great Basin: This section in Wyoming is not only dry but also lacks frequent resupply points. Stock up on non-perishable, high-calorie foods before entering this area.
New Mexico: As you approach the southern end of the route, resupply points become less frequent. Plan your food supplies carefully to ensure you have enough to sustain you.

Planning Your Food Strategy

To effectively manage your food needs, consider the following tips:

Research Resupply Points: Use the detailed information in our Tour Divide Planning Aids to identify towns and stores along the route where you can restock your supplies. Knowing where and when to resupply can help you avoid running low on food.
Pack Efficiently: Prioritize foods that are lightweight, non-perishable, and high in calories. Proper packing can help you make the most of your limited storage space.
Stay Flexible: Since most resupply locations are small and offer limited healthy options, be prepared to adjust your food strategy based on availability and conditions. Carry extra snacks for emergencies and be adaptable if your planned resupply point is closed or out of stock.
Nutrition: Have a plan for selecting versatile, nutrient-dense foods that can sustain you through long stretches between resupplies. While you can’t carry all your food in advance, packing a few key items like snacks or supplements can help you manage when healthier options are scarce.

With careful planning and adaptability, you can ensure you stay well-nourished throughout your Tour Divide adventure.

Meal Planning and Resupply Tips

Effective meal planning for the Tour Divide involves balancing convenience, nutritional value, and weight. Here are some tips and strategies to ensure you stay well-nourished throughout your journey:

High-Calorie, Lightweight Foods: Opt for foods that provide a high calorie-to-weight ratio. Nuts, dehydrated meals, energy bars, and jerky are excellent choices. Pack efficient, lightweight, and non-perishable items to make the most of your limited storage space.
Regular Resupply: Plan to restock your food supplies at major towns along the route. Use our Tour Divide Planning Aids to identify key resupply points and avoid running low on food. Research and plan your stops in advance to ensure you have access to necessary supplies.
Variety: Incorporate a variety of foods to prevent menu fatigue and ensure a balanced diet. Include sources of protein, carbohydrates, and fats. Mixing up your meals can help maintain morale and energy levels.
Meal Frequency: Eating small, frequent meals can help maintain energy levels throughout the day. Snacking regularly and having more substantial meals at resupply points can keep you fueled and prevent energy dips.
Cooking vs. Non-Cooking: According to the Tour Divide Survey, while some riders carry small stoves for cooking, most rely on ready-to-eat foods to save time and reduce the need for additional gear.

By following these tips and utilizing our Tour Divide Planning Aids, you can effectively manage your food supplies and stay well-nourished on your Tour Divide adventure. Proper meal planning and resupply strategies are crucial for maintaining energy and stamina throughout this challenging route.

The above maps are meant to compliment our Planning Aids, and help riders plan their resupply before they leave and while on trail. You can also use them as GPX back ups on your phone.

To the right, you’ll find our free resource with essential tools for your Tour Divide adventure, including a Mileage Difference Chart, Gear List, Bike Shop List, Planning Checklist, Itinerary, Mail Drop Planner, and Food Planner. This free version offers a solid starting point to kick off your planning.

For those seeking comprehensive and in-depth guidance, our full Tour Divide Planning Aids are your go-to resource. These detailed tools provide the most complete information available, helping you to plan and execute your ride with precision. Check them out for a thorough preparation and maximize your chances of success. Best of luck on your journey!

This spreed sheet is available on Google Docs, Please go to “Edit”, then select, ” Copy”. When pasting use Control(Command) – Shift – Paste or it won’t work. You’ll have to adjust column sizes. Then make all the changes you like! Happy planning and trails.

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Tour Divide Planning Aids

Welcome to The Project’s Planning Aids, designed to bridge the gap left by the lack of high-quality planning tools within bikepacking. As a Triple Crown thru-hiker, I’m accustomed to comprehensive planning resources, and I noticed that bikepacking needed similar quality tools. That’s why I developed these resources to make your Tour Divide adventure as smooth and well-prepared as possible.

Our planning aids include four distinct styles to help you plan your ride:

The Data Sheet offers the most detailed information, including distance, elevation +/-, resupply options, notes and more for key POI.
Town List provides cumulative distances between POI, and does the math so you don’t have to.
Mileage Chart and Elevation Gain Chart are simple graphs showing cumulative mileage and elevation gain between POI.

Each tool serves a unique purpose to support your planning and navigation needs.

Explore our offerings to find the perfect combination for your needs and get ready to conquer the Tour Divide! Don’t forget to checkout our online Tour Divide Resources as well.

Craig, I wanted to let you know that your bikepacking guides are incredibly well done and useful.

Jerry O.

BUNDLES DATA SHEET / TOWN LIST MILEAGE / ELEVATION GAIN CHARTS

BUNDLES

Small Bundles:

Big Bundles:

1 2 3 4

Click “Buy Now” button below to visit 1/7 Store with larger examples and more details.

One package including our two most popular planning aids.

Data Sheet
Town List

1 2 3

Click “Buy Now” button below to visit 1/7 Store with larger examples and more details.

One package including all of our planning aids.

Data Sheet
Town List
Mileage Chart
Elevation Gain Chart

Available in both SOBO and NOBO versions, as well as both US Standard and Metric units.

Small Bundle – $40.00 + tax (CO only) *You save $10 when you bundle!

Big Bundle – $60.00 + tax (CO only) *You save $20 when you bundle!

Buy Now »

If you’re looking to ride the ACA’s GDMBR from Jasper to Antelope Wells you can find it here.

DATA SHEETS / TOWN LISTS

Data Sheets:

Town Lists:

1 2 3

Gives you the most information of any planning aid.

Click “Buy Now” button below to visit 1/7 Store with larger examples and more details.

Key POI.
Elevation / Pop of POI.
Mileage numbers.
Distance to next.
Elevation +/-.
Max & Min. elevation between POI.
Pavement sections.
Key water sources.
Shows bike shops.
Resupply options.
Important notes.
Elevation profile.
Finish Target Times.

1 2 3 4 5

Similar to the Data Sheet, with slightly less information, but displayed showing cumulative mileage and elevation gain.

Click “Buy Now” button below to visit 1/7 Store with larger examples and more details.

Key POI.
Mileage.
Distance on/off trail.
Important notes about POI.
Cumulative distances to up coming POI.
Elevation Gain to reach up coming POI.
Key water sources.
Shows bike shops.
Finish Target Times added.

Data Sheet ONLY available in SOBO version, as well as both US Standard and Metric units.

Town Lists are ONLY available as part of the Small or Big Bundles.

Data Sheet – $25 + Tax (CO only)

Buy Now »

If you’re looking to ride the ACA’s GDMBR from Jasper to Antelope Wells you can find it here.

MILEAGE / ELEVATION GAIN CHARTS

Mileage Charts:

Elevation Gain Charts:

1 2 3 4 5

Click “Buy Now” button below to visit 1/7 Store with larger examples and more details.

Quickly find the total mileage between any two POI along the route.

Shows bike shops.
Works for both directions.
Key water sources.

1 2 3 4 5

Click “Buy Now” button below to visit 1/7 Store with larger examples and more details.

Quickly find the total elevation gain between any two POI along the route.
- Shows bike shops.
- Works for both directions.
- Key water sources.

The Mileage and Elevation Gain Charts are ONLY available as part of the Big Bundle.

Big Bundle – $60.00 + tax (CO only) *You save $20 when you bundle!

Buy Now »

If you’re looking to ride the ACA’s GDMBR from Jasper to Antelope Wells you can find it here.

WATER RESUPPLY OPTIONS

Proper hydration is crucial for a successful and safe Tour Divide experience. The route, spanning from Banff, Canada, to Antelope Wells, New Mexico, covers diverse terrains and climates, each presenting unique challenges in sourcing and managing water. This guide aims to provide you with essential information about water sources, filtration methods, and the best practices for carrying water.

Key Areas with Limited Water Availability

Several stretches of the Tour Divide are notorious for their lack of reliable water sources. Here are some areas where you need to be particularly vigilant:

Great Basin: This arid region in Wyoming is infamous for its scarcity of water. Plan to carry extra water and know your resupply points in advance.
New Mexico: The final leg of the journey can be quite dry, especially as you approach Antelope Wells. Ensure you have a sufficient water supply and know the locations of available sources.

The maps from Adventure Cycling Association are a great place to find water resources and much more.

Pro-Tip

NOTE that these are just a general list. Do your own research based on the time of year and year you’re attempting the route. Water conditions vary constantly and it’s up to you to ensure your own safety.

Insights on Water Carrying Capacity and Delivery Systems

Use your best judgement, filter unknown sources, do your research before you go. According to the responses from the Tour Divide Survey, riders use various strategies to manage their water needs:

Water Carrying Capacity: The majority of riders carry between 2 to 4 liters of water. Some carry up to 6 liters, especially in the more arid sections of the route.
Preferred Delivery Systems:
- Hydration Bladders: These are favored for their convenience and capacity. They allow for easy sipping without stopping.
- Water Bottles: Many riders use a combination of hydration bladders and water bottles to balance convenience and capacity.

Planning Your Water Strategy

To effectively manage your water needs, consider the following tips:

Research Water Sources: Use the detailed information in our Tour Divide Planning Aids to identify reliable water sources along the route. Knowing where to find water can help you plan your daily water intake and carrying capacity. The maps from the ACA are another great source.
Monitor Weather Conditions: Weather can significantly impact water availability. Stay updated on weather forecasts and adjust your water strategy accordingly.
Stay Flexible: Be prepared to adapt your plan if you encounter unexpected conditions or if a planned water source is dry.
Include Electrolytes: Ensure you have a strategy for replenishing electrolytes, especially during hot or strenuous sections. Electrolyte tablets or powders can help maintain your energy levels and prevent dehydration.

With the right preparation and knowledge, you can ensure you stay hydrated and safe throughout your Tour Divide adventure. For more detailed information and planning tools, consider our comprehensive Tour Divide Planning Aids, which offer the most thorough guide available to help you successfully navigate this epic journey. Best of luck!

Tour Divide Rider Survey

The Project conducts an ongoing rider survey to assist new riders in selecting the right gear for the Tour Divide. Embarking on an adventure like the Tour Divide can be daunting, and the planning process overwhelming. We hope this survey will aid new riders in their preparation and execution of their Tour Divide ride, ensuring they are better equipped for their adventure.

If you haven’t taken the Tour Divide Rider Survey yet, we encourage you to participate through the links below.

***Please pay close attention to the examples provided for questions requiring typed answers. If responses are not entered exactly as shown in the examples, I will need to correct them, which can skew the results. Thank you in advance!

Take Survey 1

Covers: bikes, suspension, tires & wheels, drivetrain, and Components.

Survey 1 Results

Take Survey 2

Covers: navigation planning, camping, logistic/travel, clothes, and more.

Survey 2 Results

More Helpful TD Resources

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MY PROVEN GEAR LISTS FROM THE TRIPLE CROWN

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A detailed look at what I used on the Tour Divide, what worked and what didn’t.

“IF I RODE…” SERIES

In depth look at what I would bring for gear and why, if I rode the Tour Divide again.

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