Recently, I’ve been reflecting on the ultra-endurance racing scene and the various bikepacking events worldwide. Although racing isn’t for everyone, and it’s certainly not why I got into bikepacking, there’s no doubt that gathering people for a grand depart is one of the best ways to generate some excitement. In a sport where events increasingly require entry fees and sponsors, the Tour Divide stands firmly as a grassroots, mostly unofficial bikepacking event. No entry fee, no clear organizer, no sponsors. Just a line on a map, a set of rules, and the understanding that riders must adhere to them to be considered a finisher.

As much as the fast folks are in the spotlight, it’s just as much about the riders touring the route and taking their time for photos, side quests, and experiencing the expansive route differently. There’s no right or wrong way to bikepack, whether that means riding it in under 15 days or taking two months to reach the US/Mexico border. We’re here to celebrate everyone brave enough to line up at the start line in Banff, Alberta, Canada.

With over 160 rig submissions this year, this is our largest rig roundup yet. So, once again, we broke the rigs into two parts—flat bar and drop bar—to better showcase the overwhelming number of submissions. You can scroll down for a look at all of the flat-bar bikes we received, and be sure to keep an eye on the site tomorrow for our gallery of 70+ drop-bar rigs. As always, we’ve included bike, bag, and gear highlights, and we’ve also added everyone’s GPS/navigation device. When the event launches, you can also follow along live over on our 2025 Tour Divide Tracker, where we’ll be sharing detailed updates and photos from the event in the weeks ahead.

Shannon Allison

Age 53 / Erie, Pennsylvania (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be riding/racing (if I can keep up) the 2025 Tour Divide on my Ibis DV9 hardtail with new Maxxis Recon Race tires, Fred bar to hold the profile design aero bars, and my favorite Ergon SM woman’s saddle.
BAGS: Local bag wizard, HIKES AND HOSE custom crafted the frame bag, top tube bag, the snack holes (what I call the water bottle bags), and the panniers. The sleeping bag goes in the Osprey bag, tools in the Apitura downtime bag, and food goes into a Hilltop bear bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’m taking a 1-person North Face storm tent, Nemo 15-degree bag, a kilos sleeping pad, and a 3L Camelbak.
GPS DEVICE: I’ll use a Coros Dura to navigate with a Wahoo Bolt as a backup. If all else fails, I’ll use RWGPS on my phone.

Brad Bensley

Age 50 / Cheyenne, Wyoming (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be on a Why Cycles El Jefe with a SON dynamo hub and Klite setup. I’m running an oval 32T chainring.
BAGS: Mostly Revelate Designs bags and a Salsa framebag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’ll be sleeping like a baby in an ultralight hammock setup with the ability to also bivvy or cowboy camp if there’s no good spots to hang.
GPS DEVICE: Wahoo Roam is my main navigation with backups on my phone.

Denise Thorne and Geof Blance

Age 62 & 60 / Alexandra, Otago (New Zealand)

BIKE: We’ll be riding a TTT (Tandem Time Trial) starting June 7th. Muurtle Turrtle is a 1999 Reiker tandem modified by Jefferson Cycles for TD 2017. Muurtle runs on custom Wheelworks Handcrafted Wheels and Maxxis Ikon 29 x 2.35″ tires, she’s running a tried and tested 3×10 setup and Shimano DH brakes on 200mm rotors.
BAGS: Multiple frame bags by Nuclear Sunrise Stitchworks to carry the snacks, others by Revelate Designs, Apidura, and Rockgeist for the knick-knacks.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: A Zpacks Duplex Zip tent and Zpack 30° down bags should keep us warm when we get further north. A green turtle and a little kiwi will ensure we make it all the way from Antelope Wells to Banff.
GPS DEVICE: Dual Garmin Etrex 20s with a backup Wahoo Bolt.

Jochen Bohringer

Age 46 / Tamm, Baden-Wurttemberg (Germany)

BIKE: I’ll be riding the Tour Divide on a 2025 ORBEA OIZ M LTD full-suspension bike. It’s rolling on Wolfpack Speed 29 x 2.25” tires. With 120mm of travel front and rear, it should be a blast on the descents—and comfy enough for an old guy like me. I like to spin with a high cadence, so I’ve set up a 1×12 SRAM Eagle AXS drivetrain with a 32T chainring up front and a 10-52T cassette in the back. To stay aero and comfy on the flats—and to mount my aero bag nicely—I’ve added some Syntace C3 aerobars to the cockpit.
BAGS: Up front, I’ve got a Cyclite food pouch on the handlebar for quick snacks, plus a Cyclite aerobar bag for extra gear I want within easy reach. For those occasional grocery stops, I’ll have a Cyclite musette with me. The rest of the setup is from Tailfin—tried and tested in other races (I’ve been a big fan of the Tailfin AeroPack ever since the Trans Balkan Race last year).
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’m running a SON dynamo hub with a kLite front light so I can ride through the night and charge my Garmin, phone, and AXS batteries during the day. Oh, and for the first time, I’m bringing a proper sleeping pad—after more than two weeks on the bike, I’ll definitely appreciate a bit of extra comfort.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 1040 for navigation, with my iPhone (running OsmAnd with offline maps and routing) as backup.

Carley Boyce

Age 42 / Bend, Oregon (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be atop my 2024 Priority 600ADX for the 2025 Tour Divide, which I’ve fondly nicknamed “Night Fury.” Sized XL, main features of note include the Pinion and Gates drivetrain – featuring a fully sealed gearbox with 600% gear range, Marzocchi Bomber Z2 suspension fork with 100mm travel, and a sturdy kickstand. The cockpit features a Whisky Milhouse Handlebar with a 70mm rise and a 16-degree backsweep. And last but not least, a crisp set of 29 x 2.25″ Vittoria Mezcals will be churning up the trail.
BAGS: A custom frame bag from Dispersed Bikepacking is the cornerstone of my bag set up, followed by two 20L bright yellow panniers from Ortlieb attached to my tried and true Old Man Mountain bike rack. Sitting atop my rear rack is a 35L Sea to Summit dry bag, which I’ve fondly nicknamed “The Big Kahuna”. Cockpit bags include my purple handlebar bag from Bedrock Bikepacking, two feed bags from Revelate Designs and a 174Hudson top tube bag. Two Salsa Anything Cage Bags complete the set up attached to my front forks with a mounting system from Tailfin.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Sleep kit includes a Big Agnes Fly Creek UL2 tent, a Sea to Summit Women’s Etherlight XT air mattress, two sleeping quilts from Enlightened Equipment (a 20 degree down and a 40 degree synthetic), a bivy from Katabatic Gear, and a Sea to Summit pillow. My favorite pieces of gear in my kit are my Flextail Zero Pump usb powered air mattress inflator, the kickstand on my Priority 600ADX for getting all the good bike photos, and my Old Man Mountain Sherpa rear bike rack that’s carried my gear across many miles since 2021.
GPS DEVICE: I’m using a Coros Dura to navigate, but will also have the route loaded on the RWGPS app on my iPhone as a backup and of course will be carrying the paper maps from Adventure Cycling Association.

Richard Brash

Age 50 / Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire (UK)

BIKE: I’ll be riding my first Tour Divide on a 2023 Trek Procaliber 9.7 carbon frame. Only a few upgrades to standard: Sram AXS XX Eagle T-Type Groupset 10-52T, 32T chainring, 170mm. CONTINENTAL Race King Protection BlackChili Tubeless 29 x 2.20” tires. Added XLC suspension seat post for a bit of comfort and Aero bars together with SQlab innerbarends for alternative riding positions.
BAGS: Fantastic Retrap medium size frame bag fits XL fame perfectly, paired with Rhinowalk top tube bag. Pod Sacs front roll bag and fork bags and two small water bottle holders on handlebar. At the rear a small seat bag and dry bag sat on an Aeroe Spider Rear Rack.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’m going the battery pack and solar route. Flexible 5W panel to trickle charge 10,000mAh battery pack all day plus 20,000mAh additional pack to recharge when and where I can. Will hopefully keep the following charged: Garmin Edge, Garmin InReach Mini 2 for tracking and satellite messaging, iPhone, Mini Drone, AXS batteries plus front and rear lights. 6l water carrying capacity including water filters, although only full for start of the driest stretches. Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xlite NXT Sleeping Mat with lightweight tent.
GPS DEVICE: I’m navigating using a Garmin Edge 840 Solar and iPhone for backup offline map navigation with course also on Garmin InReach.

Lindsay Breen

Age 53 / Alexandra, Otago (New Zealand)

BIKE: 2024 Orbea Alma M30 XL with a fresh new mechanical Shimano 12-speed drivetrain (mixture of XT, SLX and Deore parts), hand built wheels using DT Swiss 350 hubs, EX471 rims and competition spokes. Thomson Elite SB post, Brooks saddle, Ergon grips, Fred bar extension for aerobars, Vittoria Mezcal 29 x 2.35″ tyres to round out the build which was focused on reliability, practicality and comfort.
BAGS: Triangle bag, top tube, aero bar, and feed bags are made by Amy Tapply from Fernway Fabrications from Wanaka NZ, my tail bag system is a Lousie dropper post Harness from Wayward Riders. I also plan to run a back pack with a bladder and a filter system in it.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Pretty happy with my triangle bag and what I can get in that but also the aero bar bag which centralizes the weight a bit better for me than a role bag did.
GPS DEVICE: Running a Edge 1040 Solar Garmin as my main unit with back up from a fenix 6X sapphire watch and also my cell phone for a third option that I will run the Mapout app on.

Mike Browning

Age 57 / Athens, Alabama (USA)

BIKE: I’m riding a 2012 Salsa Mariachi with a titanium frame and fully rigid carbon fiber fork (Niner).
BAGS: My gear is carried in a mix of storage solutions: a generic frame bag, a Revelate Designs 4L seat bag, and a DIY dry bag mounted on the front with Voile straps.
GPS DEVICE: Navigation with a Coros Dura. As a backup, I’ll use Ride with GPS on my phone. For tracking, I’m running a Garmin inReach Mini 2.

Kevin Chen

Age 37 / Vancouver, British Columbia (Canada)

BIKE: I’ll be trying to bike to Mexico as quickly as I can on a 2023 Viral Derive (32T front x 34T rear for rock crawling capabilities). Tires are 2.2” Race Kings on a SON Dynamo hub. Pike 120mm fork for better mud clearance and lower maintenance. Redshift suspension seatpost for the comfort, Profile Designs aerobars with 70mm spacers for comfort and hand positions. Sinewave Beacon for lighting and charging.
BAGS: Mishmash of bags that fit the bike. Revelate Mag Tank and Jerry Can, Ortlieb frame bag that fits well to the frame, Pronghorn drybag for the harness up front. Sea to Summit Big River for the rear rack. Revelate Egress pocket + feedbags for extra carrying capacity.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Highlights are definitely the racks and harness that I designed and made myself. Bent steel tubing for the rear rack and a machined aluminum harness for the front drybag. Home sewn straps and clips to fit the Revelate Egress pocket to the front harness and home made tyvek pogies for rain/wind protection.
GPS DEVICE: Wahoo Roam and backup bolt, along with RWGPS offline maps on the phone.

Marek Chorazy

Age 59 / Cracow (Poland)

BIKE: Trek Superfly, 2×10 drivetrain, RockShox Reba fork, DT Swiss 350 wheels, new Vittoria Mezcal 29 x 2.25″ tires, SRAM GX derailleurs. I use aero bars for armrests and to mount a 10L dry bag to.
BAGS: I will carry a 20L bag mounted to the saddle. Inside, I will have a tent, an inflated mattress, a gas canister, and a cooking cup, as well as some clothes. In the frame bag, I will have additional clothes, a power bank, and charging cables. The top bag is for food, in front, a 10L bag is a sleeping bag, and clothes for a rainy day ride. On the front fork, I mounted a bottle cage for extra water if needed.
GPS DEVICE: My old Garmin Dakota 20.

Dom Chung

Age 54 / Hamilton, Ontario (Canada)

BIKE: 2015 Titus Fireline Hardtail Titanium MTB. Drivetrain is composed of SRAM AXS to take advantage of the wireless shifters and blips on the Profile Design aero bar ends. Swapped crank for an EVO Sid 165mm crank. Gearing is 34T upfront and 10-52T in the rear to try to stay in Zone 2 all day. Front suspension is a RockShox Pike with 140mm travel, and rear comfort by way of Redshift Suspension seat post. Rocking a Terry Buzz Off saddle. 29” wheels are composed of unknown carbon hoops and wrapped with Continental RaceKings (black chilli compound), 180mm rotors in front and 160mm at rear with braking power from Shimano XTR brakes. All of this spins around Hope 4 Pro hubs and steering tube.
BAGS: Designed my own custom frame bags with my buddy (Gary) who has the patience to sew my crazy ideas together. The Tour Divide will test how well it holds together. All bags made with XPAC materials. Because of the small frame, we created a downtube bag to add more carry volume, and thus can allocate heavier items to keep a lower centre of gravity. At the rear the bike was equipped with a Mica rack because of its ability to mount on any bike while being super minimalistic. On it two rhino walk fork bags are mounted, and a 10L PDW gear log carries all my sleeping gear.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: For night riding I am using a Fenix BC26r with three batteries on hand. I have it mounted on top for better light spread and easier to control and swap batteries. I will also be rocking a Petzl headlamp for sketchy night riding and camp use. For rear visibility I have a magicshine seemee300 and a backup Fenix rear light on my hydration vest. I’ll also carry 2x battery banks from INIU (10,000mAh and 20,000mAh), both can be fully charged in just over an hour with a 65W charger.
GPS DEVICE: Coros Dura because its one less thing I have to worry about charging when it is sunny. GPS tracking by Garmin Inreach Mini 2. I’ll be using an iPhone 16 pro for both backup navigation (RWGPS) and for taking photos.

Steve Coombs

Age 56 / Corby, Northamptonshire (UK)

BIKE: I will be tackling the Divide on my Titus El Viajero (Ti) with a Rockshox SID fork, DT Swiss XR391 rims on a SON28 dynamo hub and DT 370 rear hub. These are wrapped in Mezcal 2.25” rubber. I’m geared using SRAM AXS with a 32T oval front ring and 10-52T rear. I will be sitting on my Brooks B17 saddle, which has looked after my derriere for thousands of miles.
BAGS: My rear luggage is loaded into a Tailfin Aeropack, with Ortlieb Mini panniers on the legs for extra capacity. Front roll, carrying my sleep system, is mounted using a generic cradle and voile straps. Full frame bag from is transferred from an older frame, unless the new bag arrives in time. Apidura top tube bag and 2 feed bags complete my plentiful carrying capacity. I have bottles on the fork legs, using Tailfin mounts, and under the downtube. Extra fluid capacity, when required, will be carried on my back in a running pack.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My shelter is Terra Nova Laser Pulse tent. I’m still amazed that they can make a double wall tent at close to 500 grams. I goes up and down really quickly and packs very small. I will be sleeping on a Therm-a-Rest NeoAir pad, wrapped in a Sea to Summit bag to keep the chill out. I expect I will need to wear a few layers and down jacket on colder nights.
GPS DEVICE: Navigation is by virtue of a Garmin 1030, supported by a Garmin external power pack and charging from the dynamo.

Tiago Costa

Age 40 / Torres Vedras (Portugal)

BIKE: I will ride the divide with my Nordest Sardinha 2 (steel frame), with XT groupsets (1×11 32T chainring and 10-51T cassette), Marzocchi Bomber Z2 suspension fork, DT Swiss XM421 rims with a Son dynamo and DT Swiss 350 hubs) and Mezcal 29 x 2.1″ tires both front and rear. On the cockpit I will have pro missile aerobars and slab inner barends. I will be supported by the proven Brooks B17 saddle.
BAGS: Mix of Apidura backcountry bags (handlebar, top tube, down tube, food pouches), Ortlieb saddle bag on a Wayward Riders Louise Harness, and a custom frame bag from kiko bags with an Apidura 1.5L bladder.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I will be sheltered by the Durston X-mid 1 tent and sleep with a Therm-a-rest Vesper quilt on the ultralight Klymit Inertia lite. I will also use a Camelbak hydration bikepacking with 2L bladder, and an extra 1L on a package Katadyn filter bottle.
GPS DEVICE: I will use the Garmin Edge 540 and I will also have the route loaded on RWGPS on my phone.

Xavier Chiriboga Cordovez

Age 43 / Quito, Pichincha (Ecuador)

BIKE: Racing with a Chinese hardtail carbon frame, seatpost and handlebar, alloy aereobars, SRAM GX AXS 1×12 (10-52T) with a 36T chainring, Hunt carbon wheelset, Continental Race Kings 29 x 2.2″ tires, Dynamo and exposure lights with Sinewave converter, headlamp Fenix HM50 with two spare batteries. Happy to ride a common bike that works great, so everyone short of money can afford, also DIY clothing sewed in an Ecuador Market by local people. Food for first day will be full farm Ecuadorian food, Sandwich’s, by El SINCHE Cheese, Sourdough bread by Tatun, Turrones de Machica from Angamarca, Chulpi corn by Dicorne foods and minerals by Iridium Blue.
BAGS: Tailfin aero pack with carbon rack, two 10L panniers and front bag, Go Run vest for resupplies.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Carbon HUNT proven Wheels, Tailfin Bags, Go Run Vest.
GPS DEVICE: Coros Dura.

Jake Cullen

Age 28 / Vancouver, British Columbia (Canada)

BIKE: 2022 BMC Twostroke built with a Sid SL Ultimate fork, GX Eagle AXS, and XT Brakes. I refreshed the full drivetrain before the start, including an Enduro XD15 bottom bracket which has made the bike feel so smooth. I’ll be rolling on some WeAreOne Convergence rims laced to an SP dynamo up front and an I9 hub in the rear wrapped in Pirelli Scorpion XC H Tires. To keep comfortable up front I’ve got some Salsa Rustler carbon bars cut down to 620mm, SQlabs Inner barends, and aerobars with Leap Components blip shifters at the ends.
BAGS: Pretty much all Tailfin generously loaned to me by my wife, Mel. Aeropack in the rear with my sleep kit, Drop Bar Bar Bag up front (it’s a bit more compact) for clothes, 3L Long Top Tube Bag in the middle for electronics and food, and a Downtube Pack for spares and tools. Just before leaving she got a Tailfin Rear Top Tube bag, which fits perfectly between my bottles when hung from the top tube, so I’ve thrown that in as a home for my first aid kit plus some tools. I also have an Apidura Backcountry 1L frame Bag to fill up the front of the triangle with layers.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Full Zoa rain kit from Albion will keep me dry when it gets wet. I’ve also finally tracked down some lobster claw shell gloves that fit over my warm gloves to keep me fully dry. The Coros Dura is one of my favourite updates I’ve made to my setup this year, I don’t expect to need to charge it until I’m somewhere in Wyoming. I’ll be sleeping in an OR Helium Bivvy with a Sea To Summit Spark II sleeping bag, and a Rab Ultrasphere 4.5 mat. One little luxury item is my small inflatable Marmot pillow.
GPS DEVICE: Coros Dura.

Dirty Dan

Age 29 / Goleta, California (USA)

BIKE: Trek Supercaliber with SRAM Transmission AXS drivetrain. Fresh wheelset includes a SON Dynamo hub hooked up to a KLite lighting system.
BAGS: Tailfin kit includes the Aeropack Cargo, long 3L top tube bag, small downtube bag, and suspension fork mounts. South City Stitchworks made my fully custom framebag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Buckshot speaker on the handlebar to keep the grizzlies dancing at night, Arundel adjustable bottle cages on the fork because you never know what shape the milk bottle is going to be.
GPS DEVICE: Coros Dura.

Mike Dant

Age 65 / Eden, Utah (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be riding the Tour Divide Race on a fully rigid Trek Stache with a flat bar. The bike features a pair of Vittoria Mezcal 29 x 2.6″ tires and a 1×12 drivetrain. Using a SON Dynamo hub up front to power my kLite Ultra Adventure Headlight and rear blinky light. Using a Selle Anatomica R2 saddle mounted on a Thudbuster ST post to keep my backside happy.
BAGS: I’m using a Tailfin rack and Tailfin bags in the back, Revelate Designs bags in the middle and up front, and an Apidura long top tube bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Carrying a Big Agnes UL1 Tent, 28F Down Bag, 4R Air Mattress and Bivy Bag. Loving my new Bikeiowa Pogie Lites.
GPS DEVICE: Navigating with a Garmin Etrex 30X powered by 2x 10,000 mAh power bank batteries.

Bradley Davis

Age 38 / Carbondale, Colorado (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be riding a Santa Cruz Highball on some custom wheels built up by Transit Cycles with We Are One rims laced to a SON dynamo front and a Chris King rear, Fleecer Ridge tires. I’ve also got a tiny 160mm eeWings crankset with a 34T chainring.
BAGS: The best custom frame bags around from Dispersed.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Last minute Dragonfly dual bottle cage adapter thanks to Botched Bikes.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin 1040 Solar.

Austin Denton

Age 34 / Longmont, Colorado (USA)

BIKE: My trusty steed for this adventure will be a 2023 Specialized Chisel, rocking a Rockshock SID Ultimate 100mm fork, and SRAM XX1 wireless groupset with a 34T chainring. The wheels meet the road on 29 x 2.25″ Vittoria Mezcals, mounted to carbon Roval rims with DT swiss 350 hubs. The front end consists of carbon s work bars with some Profile Designs aerobars mounted off the front for comfort. Carbon seatpost with a Specialized Romin saddle for my bum.
BAGS: The frame bag is by Rogue Panda, Tailfin cargo pack with carbon arch, Tailfin downtube bag, Jpaks footlong for easy access, 2x Oveja negra chuck buckets and finally a Restrap front pack.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Hammock Gear 30° quilt, Big Agnes 1p bikepacking tent and sleeping pad, and a Sea to Summit inflatable pillow.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin 1040 with my cell phone as backup.

Patrick Deutsch

Age 39 / Jenbach, Tirol (Austria)

BIKE: I’ll be riding the 2025 Tour Divide on a 2022 BMC Twostroke 01 ONE with a 12-speed SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain (34×10/52T), AXS XX1 derailleur and chain, and a RockShox SID Select+ fork. Tires are 29 x 2.25″ Vittoria Mezcal. The bike has a dropper seatpost (which I probably won’t be using a lot) and Redshift Aero bars.
BAGS: Apidura framebag, saddle bag, top tube bags, and food pouch, as well as Ortlieb large handlebar bag and fork bag. I am also using an Apidura hydration backpack with 2L bladder.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My camping equipment consists of a MSR Hubba NX tent with Sea To Summit Ether Light XT mat, Sea To Summit Spark sleeping bag, and for extra cold nights the Sea To Summit Reactor inlay.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin inReach mini 2 for GPS tracking and Garmin Solar 1040 solar for navigation. I am also using the Garmin Explore App where I have pre-marked a lot of POIs.

Geoff Dick

Age 32 / Canmore, Alberta (Canada)

BIKE: My brain and butt will be trusting my Binary Bicycles SuperB to deliver me to Antelope Wells. Oval 32T x 17T gearing. Rigid Panorama Cycles Taïga fork and rigid Race Face Next SL seatpost. HUNT Trail Wide 29er wheels (no dynamo) with Vittoria Peyote XC Race 29 x 2.4” tires.
BAGS: A reliable Thief Bikepacking framebag, a slammed stem friendly Tailfin Long Top Tube Bag, and a big ol’ Mountain Laurel Designs dry bag strapped to a Mica Rat Tail Rack. I will also be wearing a Salomon Adv Skin 12 running vest for easy access to my rain gear, water, and questionable gas station food.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Representing Canada: Thief framebag, 7mesh apparel, Mica rack, Panorama fork, Little Shop of Hammocks down quilt, Ghostrider Equipment bear spray holder, and a Safety Donut. Other highlights include my Borah Gear bivy and Simply Light Designs tarp.
GPS DEVICE: For navigation I’ll be using a Garmin Edge 840 Solar. As a backup, my phone will also have the route loaded offline on RWGPS and OsmAnd.

Nick Dudley

Age 27 / San Francisco, California (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be touring (not racing) on my 1998 Trek Singletrack 930. Running a Conti Race King 26 x 2.2″ on the rear and a Ultradynamico Mars 2.3″ on the front. 26” Velocity cliffhanger wheels with disc brakes on front and rim brakes on rear. Triple chainring and a 34-11T 8-speed cassette. Jones handlebars with a narwhal, I stuff my loop bag with clothes which works well as an armrest! This was intended to be a budget build but it got out of hand. I’m in love with the bike though.
BAGS: 12L panniers on the rear with a bear canister on top. Rogue Panda frame bag and a 20L dry bag on the front rack. I have three 48oz Nalgenes and two 2L bladders.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I have my Aeropress, coffee grinder, and kindle to boost morale or deplete morale when I start thinking about all the unnecessary weight on steep climbs…we will see!
GPS DEVICE: I have my Garmin Instinct watch and RWGPS on my phone as a backup.

Louise “Lou” Durham

Age 60 / Brisbane, Queensland (Australia)

BIKE: I’ll be riding (not racing) the Tour Divide on my 2023 Specialized Epic Expert extra small XC MTB with full Rockshox SID Brain suspension setup front and rear and AXS GX shifter. The bike features a 29″ Roval carbon wheel set with DT Swiss 350 hubs, Vittoria Mezcal 2.25″ Anthracite trail tyres. The bike has been further modified to better meet the demands of the Tour Divide. Upgrades include SRAM XX1 rainbow cassette and hollow pin chain, XO1 cranks. Other modifications include Raceface Atlas head stem with Deity carbon handlebars, with slim fit lock on grips, SRAM Code Ultimate Stealth brakes, Selle Italia Women’s Superflow Gel saddle with dropper post, Specialized Boomslang flat pedals.
BAGS: Custom Stealth frame bag, Tailfin top tube bag, 2x Topeak cockpit feedbags. Aeroe Spider rear pannier rack, 2x Ortleib gravel bags. Osprey 2.5L hydration backpack with inline MSR filter, 4L water bag as backup supply.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Nemo Osmo Elite 2P ultralight tent, Taiga down sleeping bag, Sea to Summit UL self-inflating sleep mat, Fenix light setup, GoPro Hero 13 with handlebar mount to capture the adventures.
GPS DEVICE: Wahoo Element Roam and a Garmin inReach Mini 2 for tracking.

Mark Durham

Age 65 / Brisbane, Queensland (Australia)

BIKE: I’ll be riding the Tour Divide on my 2015 Giant XTC SL carbon hardtail. Having started life as an 27.5 11-speed, the bike now features 10-52T 12-speed XX1 cassette and chain, X01 crank with 32T chainring, X01 AXS derailleur, We Are One 29″ carbon rims, DT Swiss 350 hubs, Continental Race King 2.2″ tyres. The front end features a 2025 Fox 32 100mm step cast Kashima fork with 3 stage lockout, Cane Creek headset, original Giant carbon XC bar and stem. I opted for a SRAM Code Ultimate Stealth brake set which have proven to be effective in stopping consistently under load and in varied conditions with minimal wear and tare to pads over time. A Fox 100mm Kashima dropper post, Ergon SMC saddle and grips and Race Face flat pedals round out the build.
BAGS: I’ll be using Ortleib gravel bags on an Aeroe rack, Tailfin top tube and frame bags, Osprey 2.5L hydration pack.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Fenix headlight, Taiga down bag, Tarptent, 20k power bank.

Charlie Farrow

Age 65 / Duluth, Minnesota (USA)

BIKE: Like the owner, the bike is nothing fancy, it’s well used, leisurely in design, also a bit cumbersome. Unlike the rider, it is low-maintenance, stable, committed, and works well, even under stress. The steel frameset and racks are custom-made by Clockwork Bikes out of Golden Valley, MN. For the drivetrain, I am trusting a Gates belt configured with a Rolhoff hub.
BAGS: The frame bag and panniers are custom-crafted by Sturdy Bag Designs out of the Twin Cities, MN. Also, a sublime Cedaero handlebar bag, expertly sewn in Two Harbors, MN.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I really like the belt-drive Rolhoff for the long haul. Besides the precise shifting, the internally sealed design is impervious to nature’s wrath. Furthermore, the belt is indestructible. Add in a wide range of gear options, plus significant carrying capacity, and a set of fenders; this set-up makes for a reliable “All Terrain Bicycle (ATB),” no matter the conditions.

Tanner Frady

Age 34 / Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be riding my rookie attempt at the Tour Divide on my singlespeed Otso Fenrir stainless with an Enve Mountain fork. 34x18T ratio, Wolf Tooth oval chainring. 29 x 2.35” Vittoria Mezcal tires. SON dynamo up front powering a Sinewave Beacon.
BAGS: South City Stitchworks full length top tube bag, frame bag, “Lebarski” stem bags, and a new handlebar harness/roll. Oveja Negra Gearjammer saddle bag. Steady Bags ride wallet keeping all my charging cables and electronics in one place.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Custom headbadges by Revolution Cycle of my dogs’ faces JB welded to each side of the downtube. DOOM bell.
GPS DEVICE: Wahoo ELEMNT Roam.

Zack Freundlich

Age 37 / McCall, Idaho (USA)

BIKE: Esker Hayduke Ti, Niner Carbon Fork, 32x16T Singlespeed, Wolf Tooth Oval Chainring and Steel Cog, We Are One Faction Wheels on SON Dynamo/DT 350 Hubs, 2.2″ Race Kings, Chromag Cutlass Bars with Zipp Aerobars.
BAGS: Rockgeist Barjam/Gondola, Rogue Panda Framebag, JPaks SnakPak.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: kLite Ultra and Fenix PD32R lights, 18650 Battery Bank.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge Solar and inReach Mini 2.

Alex Broderick-Forster

Age 37 / Pittsfield, Massachusetts (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be riding a titanium Solace OM-2P featuring a Pinion C1.12 gearbox and a Salsa Cutthroat fork. It’s rolling tubeless on Vittoria Mezcal 2.35” tires seated on DT Swiss FR 541 rims with a SON28 dynamo hub upfront powering my kLite setup. Cockpit includes SQlab 30x handlebars with innerbarends, Profile Design aerobars, and Ergon grips. Extra comfort provided by a Redshift stem, Cane Creek seat post, and a Brooks B17 saddle.
BAGS: Tailfin rack with the cargo pack and two 10L mini panniers. Tailfin top tube flip. Rockgeist honeypots. Sea to Summit dry bags strapped to King Cage Manything cages. Rogue Panda frame bag customized to fit an Apidura 3L water bladder.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My mom stitched up some alpha direct socks and mitts to match my hoodie and pants—crazy warmth-to-weight fabric. Sleep setup includes a Durston X-Mid 2 with carbon poles, Enlightened Equipment quilt, and Therm-a-Rest NeoAir pad. Jack the Bike Rack supports my bear canister.
GPS DEVICE: Coros Dura with RWGPS on my iPhone as backup.

Kyle Gilbert

Age 29 / Austin, Texas (USA)

BIKE: Why Cycles El Jefe, GX Transmission, Crossmark II on Zipp 3zero moto wheels.
BAGS: JPaks up front, Topeak dry bags on an Old Man Mountain Elk Horn Rack, and an AB oval 32T chainring.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Running a dynamo with a Klite to keep things bright and charged, hand positions for days with Ergon grips and innerbarends plus Zipp AL areobars.
GPS DEVICE: Got my trusty Hammerhead Karoo 2 showing me the way!

Rob Givens

Age 56 / Toronto, Ontario (Canada)

BIKE: 2019 Specialized Epic 29 HT, Specialized clip-on TT bars, Flat bar, Profile bar ends, Widefoot Cargo Mount. Mason Hunt Search 29 MTB SON Dynamo Wheelset, 29 x 2.35″ Vittoria Mezcal tires, Vittoria Airliners. SRAM GX AXS 1×12, 32T chainring and 10x52T cassette, kLite ULTRA Racing Lighting and USB Charger, 26k Powerbank.
BAGS: Apidura Expedition Saddle Pack 14L, Cache Large, Revelate Designs Ripio Frame Bag Medium, Salsa EXP Series Anything Cradle with Outdoor Research bag 15L, Swift Kestrel Bar Bag, 2x Water bottle bag Decathlon, and an Apidura Backcountry Rear Top Tube Pack 1L for tools.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: The Vittoria AirLiners help with supporting the weight of the bike at a lower air pressure for grip.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 530, InReach Mini 2.

Royce Gordon

Age 56 / Brisbane (Australia)

BIKE: I’ll be riding the Tour Divide on a 2025 Trek Procaliber 9.6. It is mostly standard with a BarYak expedition and Bontrager Aero bars and RaceKing tyres.
BAGS: The rack is Tailfin and bags are mostly from Bike Bag Dude, with a few extras from Sea to Summit and Tailfin.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Sleep system is a Hyperlite Ultamid 2, Sea to Summit air mattress, and Macpac sleeping bag.
GPS DEVICE: A Garmin Edge 830 will be used to navigate and a 66i is used for tracking, emergency SOS and backup navigation.

Nate Griffee

Age 49 / Bigfoot County, Arkanasas (USA)

BIKE: It’s a Chumba Sendero Ti on Nox rims wrapped in Race Kings spinning around an Onyx rear/Son dynamo front. Gearing is 32T oval x 17T.
BAGS: By the numbers, there are four Dispersed, four Revelate Designs, and one Oveja Negra.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’m bringing some fish wrangling gloves and some floral creamsicle wool joggers in case it’s cold and wet.
GPS DEVICE: The Garmin Edge 840 Solar will be onboard to demand U turns and will be backed up by RWGPS on my iPhone.

Gary Hall

Age 49 / Hastings, Hawkes Bay (New Zealand)

BIKE: Chiru Pinion Divider. Kovee pro wheels garnished with Mezcal 2.25″ tires. Brooks Ti swallow saddle for cushioning. 800mm wide handlebar with Profile T2 aerobars and Ergon GP2 grips.
BAGS: Mix of Revalate Designs, Cactus, and Wayward Riders Louise Harness. I’ll also have an Salomon Skin 12 vest for extra space and H20 when needed.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Good mix of Pedal Cartel NZ clothing for bibs and warmth. Warm Sealskin gloves and socks. Helium bivy, Klymit X-Frame pad, and Sea to Summit SP1 sleeping bag with extra down jacket for warmth.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin 530, RWGPS on my phone, and a Spot 3 tracker.

Dallas Hamilton

Age 44 / Melbourne (Australia)

BIKE: Curve GMX+ with Curve Dirt Hoops and Mezcal 29 x 2.25″ tires.
BAGS: Using a mix of Tailfin on the rear/front and Terra Rosa frame bags.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Durston x-dome +1, Alton sleeping bag and pad. SP dynamo hub with a kLite setup.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin 840 Solar, Fenix 6 Solar, and Garmin messenger.

Ben Handrich

Age 38 / Salem, Oregon (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be racing on a 2022 Gen 1 Trek Supercaliber, with 60mm of rear travel and 100mm up front. The bike features 2.2″ Continental Race King tires, a 1X12 SRAM EA90 Mechanical drivetrain, Bontrager Kovee RSL carbon wheels, and a 34T chainring.
BAGS: Tailfin Carbon Aeropack with 5L mini-panniers, REI Top tube bag with velcro phone holder, Revelate Designs feedbags.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Montbell Sleeping bag cover (why not just call it a bivvy, Montbell?), Sea to Summit 20° sleeping bag, and the Nemo foam sleeping pad make for a comfy and very lightweight sleep setup. While I’m bummed about the ugly aesthetics of the foam sleeping pad, boy is it nice to not blow up a sleeping pad at night.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 1040 solar with my Garmin Enduro 2 watch as backup.

Doug Hanna

Age 60 / Longmont, Colorado (USA)

BIKE: Santa Cruz Blur with Conti 2.2″ Race Kings, Transmission drivetrain with a 28T spinning me up the climbs.
BAGS: Jpaks custom bags with Dispersed Bags front roll, Tailfin rear bag, Ovega Negra chuck buckets will hold 1L bottles.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’m grateful for a great set up, but the bits that mean the most to me are the ones delivered by friends and craftsmen. The care and dedication of Jpaks and Dispersed are second to none and the 51 Speed Shop aerobars are incredibly comfortable.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin 1040 Solar will keep me on course.

Colin Hart

Age 20 / Boulder, Colorado (USA)

BIKE: A 2021 Giant Fathom with quite a few changes. I’ve got Hunt Proven XC wheels, GX/XX1 AXS, Level brakes, and more!
BAGS: Restrap long top tube bag, Revelate Designs frame bag, and a random 25 or so liter bag on the Old Man Mountain Elkhorn.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I am going without the dynamo, so I have two Fenix lights and a headlamp for my lighting along with two 25,000 mah battery banks. This bike was my first bikepacking bike, so I am super excited to do my longest ride on the bike that started it all!
GPS DEVICE: I will use my Coros Dura along with RWGPS on my phone.

William Harvey

Age 65 / Lethbridge, Alberta (Canada)

BIKE: Riding for therapy only. Silver is a 2024 Salsa Ti Fargo featuring Carbon Jones bar/Farr minibars for aero, Son/Sinewave to illuminate and Rohloff/Gates to turn the 2.6 x 2.35″ Mezcals. Saddle is a Brooks C13 with Redshift Pro suspension seatpost. Navigation is Coros Dura and braking BB7.
BAGS: Speaking of bags, Bike Bag Dude provides the frame bag as well as feed bags, Alpine Light out front, Wildcat for front harness, Jones loop bag & seat bag. Zack at South City Stitchworks created a miracle storage space with their top tube bag(a place for every wee item).
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: When slumming it, Big Agnes for tent, Nemo Tensor mattress, PHD half sleeping bag/Haglofs puffy combo. Luxury item of the rig would be stove & hot chocolate.

Jacob Hora

Age 20 / Victor, Idaho (USA)

BIKE: 2024 large Pivot Les SL with SRAM Transmission. I’ll be running XTR two piston brakes, Fox 32 fork, We Are One 30mm rims with Berd spokes. Tire choice is the new Continental Dubnital in 29 x 2.2″ with trail/rapid casing. My favorite part is my Fezik saddle, which has been my go to for a year and it’s money. Other notes are sram blips on bar ends and aero bars to have options when pedaling.
BAGS: Bags are a mix of Tailfin R&D products, Sage Brush Designs, and Ride Forward roll bag. A perfect blend of comfort and minimal for me this trip
GPS DEVICE: Garmin 1040 Solar.

Nicole Huber

Age 34 / Jenbach, Tirol (Austria)

BIKE: I am going to ride with my beloved Cube Elite C:62 ONE equipped with a RockShox SID Select 100mm fork for a bit of comfort and brand-new Vittoria Mezcal 2.25″ tires. I will rely on mechanical shifting using SRAM 1×12 GX Eagle. The addition of a purple oval chainring, yellow Wolf Tooth Karv grips, and Redshift aerobars makes it a unique piece.
BAGS: Ortlieb Seat-Pack, Ortlieb Fork-Pack, Zefal Adventure Handlebar bag, and an Apidura Racing Top Tube Long Pack. Dynafit running vest with a 1.5L bladder for additional water and food.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Insulated Mat in combination with the Spark 3 sleeping bag.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 530 and Komoot App offline for iPhone.

Keith Huster

Age 45 / Orem, Utah (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be riding my 2021 Intense Sniper T Expert and attempting to maintain a “blue dot” throughout the race. The bike features 120mm of Fox suspension (front and rear), a SRAM Eagle drivetrain with a 30T chainring and 10-52T cassette, and a SRAM Quarq power meter. I will be rolling on a fresh pair of Continental Race King 29 x 2.2″ tires. I have also attached a set of Profile Design aero bars with a 70mm riser and Profile Design Brief inner bar ends for added hand positions and comfort.
BAGS: On the rear, my bag setup centers around an Old Man Mountain (OMM) Divide rack. I have a pair of Mountain Laurel Designs (MLD) Poco Panniers and a matching rear trunk bag. On the front, I have attached a pair of OMM Axle Packs to the front fork, which allows for attachment of two smaller MLD fork bags. I also have an MLD bag attached to the aero bars. Total carrying capacity is around 43L with roughly 8L water capacity for those long stretches.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My ultralight, yet ultra-comfortable sleep system consists of a Durston X-Mid 1 tent paired with a Nemo Tensor Elite sleeping pad and a Peregrine Altai Evo 35 sleeping bag. I am also excited to use my Insta 360 X3 to capture the ride from all angles.
GPS DEVICE: I’m using a Wahoo Elemnt Roam V2 as my primary navigation device. I will have my iPhone 13 Pro with RWGPS maps as a backup. For dot watching, I am using a Garmin inReach Mini as my satellite tracker.

Ana Jager

Age 28 / Anchorage, Alaska (USA)

BIKE: Salsa Spearfish C DLX, XO Transmission, RockShox SID/SIDLuxe Ultimate Flight Attendant suspension, Teravail Camrock 29 x 2.4″ tires.
BAGS: Revelate Designs bags! Custom frame bag by Dusty, panniers and feed bags by Eric, top tube bag by Caleb. Panniers mounted on an Old Man Mountain rear rack. SON dynamo hub + Sinewave Cycles Beacon light passed on from Alexandera.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Running vest for 2L water carry capacity. Therm-a-Rest quilt and inflatable sleeping pad and SOL bivy.
GPS DEVICE: Coros Dura and RWGPS on my iPhone.

Ralph Karsten

Age 69 / St. Paul, Minnesota (USA)

BIKE: This is my Ti Jones Plus LWB. This year, it’s equipped with eeWings cranks with Ceramicspeed bearings and a modified Tubus Airy rack. The wheels are Hunt 29” rims with a Son alternator hub in the front and a Rohloff hub with belt drive in the rear. Floating 203mm brake rotors front and rear. Ergon saddle with a Thudbuster seatpost, and a Redshift stem for the Jones bars.
BAGS: Having had too many bad experiences with seat bags, I’ve gone back to a rack. So I’m back to my trusty Rouge Panda panniers. The trunk bag is custom-made by Spoked (Steven Moatt). One pannier is most of my sleep system, the other is clothes; the trunk bag for sundries and rain gear. A Revelate tangle bag is for tools, medical and water treatment. The top tube bag is by Disbursed, for electronics, food and more sundries that need immediate access like sunscreen. The handlebar bag is homemade and contains an accordion pleat sleeping pad. Water capacity is about 6L.
GPS DEVICE: Coros Dura and backup is Wahoo Element Roam.

Parker Kempf

Age 35 / Bellingham, Washington (USA)

BIKE: On my rookie attempt of the Tour Divide, I’ll be aboard Sunflower, my Ti Sonder Broken Road. Keeping the front wheel pointed in the right direction will be a Rockshox Sid Ultimate SL 100mm fork and an Enve M9 flat bar, along with SQlab Inner bar ends and Profile Designs T2+ aero bars (mounted on a Fred Bar, of course). Sunflower is sporting some home-built We Are One Revive hoops laced to a Son 28 front and OneUp rear hub. 2.2” Conti Race King Protections because I subscribe to Bicycle Rolling Resistance and I just couldn’t help myself. I opted for SRAM Mechanical Transmission as the software gave up on all of my electronic drivetrains. Gearing-wise I’ll be pushing a 32T chainring on a quarq power meter spider paired with an XXSL 10-52T cassette. Spinning up all of that will be OneUp Clip Pedals. Hope Tech 4 V4 mega-stoppers for my hefty clydesdale-like stature. Sqlab Ergowave Saddle is a must as it is the closest thing to heaven my backside knows. A Klite adventure front and Qube rear, along with a Fenix HM 65rt, will round out my lighting package.
BAGS: Frame, top tube, and feed bags by none other than LOAM Equipment here in Bellingham, a stellar company with high quality bags, excellent customer service, and an eye for the details (like the radical bear spray holster on the drive side of the frame bag). Tailfin Aeropack for my soft goods. I’ll also be wearing a Salomon Adv Skin 12 vest for gas station shopping sprees and the big carries.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My personal favorite has to be the Cyclewerks bottle cage adapters on my downtube, allowing me to run two 34oz Trek Vodas easily within reach, opening up storage space in all of my bags…no knee interference, no fuss. I’ll be rolling with an MSR ebivy, 30 degree Zpacks bag, Therm-a-Rest xLite, and a camping pillow (I read somewhere that good sleep equals more watts). Showa Temres 282 ‘fish gloves’ are the cheapest, warmest, and waterproof-est gloves ever invented, and my Smith Pursuit sunglasses tan speaks to their absurdly functional design. Last but not least, mounted on my stem will be a felt rendition of my little 12 lb chihuahua/terrier Noodle to keep me company, as well as custom head badges of Noodle and his sister-doggo, Zoe.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin 1040 Solar for extended navigation and an inReach Mini for tracking.

Kai von Krbek

Age 38 / Berlin (Germany)

BIKE: I will be racing the Tour on a Velotraum Finder with a well established Rohloff Speedhub (500/14). The bike is a rather heavy MTB touring setup with a rear rack, adding up to 17kg with the frame-bag and the top-tube bag mounted. I will be running a SON dynohub with an old Busch und Müller Luxos U Light/Charger setup, since my brand light failed. I will be running a Vittoria Mezcal in 65-584 in the back and a Continental Dubnital (successor of the RaceKing) in 60-584 in the front. The stopping power comes from a set of Trickstuff Piccola HD both with 180mm rotors. The handlebar is a custom Schmolke Carbon bar and for other hand positions a Fred-bar mounted Tribar and a pair of short bar-ends. I retrofitted Hope carbon cranks and a RockShox supension fork with 120mm of travel. The water pipe in the back is to prevent my food from shaking loose on fast downhills.
BAGS: Custom Frameback from the Berlin based Gramm Tourpacking, rather recently established by three woman who sow the bags custom sized in Berlin. Cyclite Top-tube bag, the tent is mounted on the handbar and a small hydration pack. An inexpensive Seatpack and a drybag for food on the rear rack completes the setup. Ortlieb Forkpacks because I can’t pack small. I am always afraid to run out of water and food.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Sleeping setup is Big Agnes UL one person tent and a Custom synthetic Cumulus sleeping bag. Full Frame camera for low light photos.
GPS DEVICE: A Garmin 1040 solar as a primary navigation device and a mobile phone with OSMAnd as Backup.

Thomas Lane

Age 66 / Austin, Texas (USA)

BIKE: Chumba Sendero Ti hardtail with Baryak/Profile Designs aero bars. 29 x 2.25″ Vittoria tires and SON Dynamo Hub.
BAGS: Frame, top tube, and feed-bags all custom made by Moosepacks. Seat bag from Rogue Panda Designs. Front sleep kit in a 13L dry bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Serfas lights that allow charging from the dynohub while running the lights all night long.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin eTrex 32x with RWGPS app on Pixel as backup.

Ka Yew Ling

Age 64 / Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia)

BIKE: I will be riding the Tour Divide on a Canyon Exceed CF8 HT 2023 model come with Fox 32 shock, SRAM GX Eagle ASX transmission with 32T chainring, a set of Vittoria Mezcal 2.25” tires, DT Swiss XRC 1700 rear rim, Hunt Mason Son dynamo front wheel and Profile Design Gravel aero bars.
BAGS: As for my rear bags, I am using Tailfin Aeropack Cargo alloy system with Restrap forkbags. I am also using Restrap standard frame bag, long race top tube bag and their Holster bar bag plus. I will be wearing a Restrap hydration vest with 1.5L of water. My bike have the capacity to carry 7.5L of water.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My sleep system consists of MSR Hubba Hubba bikepack 1-person tent, Big Agnes Pluton 40 sleeping bag, and Big Agnes Raptide SL insulated sleep pad. My tracker is a Garmin Inreach Mini 2.
GPS DEVICE: My main navigator is Garmin Edge 1040 solar. I use Garmin Fenix 7 pro sapphire solar watch and iPhone with RWGPS App as a back up.

Maggie Livelsberger

Age 42 / Erie, Pennsylvania (USA)

BIKE: My One Gear Fenrir, Otso Fenrir with 32x17T gearing with the Mezcal 2.25” tires, dynamo hub and Baryak expedition cockpit, Ergon SM saddle and Old Man Mountain Elkhorn rack.
BAGS: I will be running a custom Hikes and Hose bags set up including small panniers to give me the space to run a dropper post, a custom handlebar roll to the Baryak set up with double dry bag so I don’t have to take the whole bag off the bike, and my ever favorite full length top tube bag for lots of snacks. I will be wearing a small race vest for extra space in the run outs.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’m really stoked on the rack and pannier set up, as a shorter rider it has given me a lot of pack space and options for extra space. I’m bringing my down pants for some extra cold weather comfort.
GPS DEVICE: I’ll be running the Coros Dura for the extra battery life and any back up needs will be my phone and ride with gps. I sprung for a water resistant case and quad lock set up for the phone.

Simon Maindonald

Age 61 / Christchurch (New Zealand)

BIKE: Yeti Arc, AXS drivetrain, 30T chainring, Gabaruk cassette, Shimano EH500 pedals, Rockshox SID Ultimate 120mm fork, Soma LowRise bars.
BAGS: DIY framebag, feedbags, and aerobar pocket. Apidura long top tube bag. Tailfin on carbon hoop.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Durston X-Mid Pro 1, KiwiUltraLight Quilt.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin 1040 solar, Garmin Messenger, and Gaia, Windy, ACA apps.

Jim Mandelli

Age 64 / North Vancouver, British Columbia (Canada)

BIKE: I’ll be doing this journey on my Trek SuperCaliber 9.6 custom built with SRAM XO Eagle 10-52T with 30T chainring, Shimano XT brakes, RockShox SID fork, Ergon GP3 grips, SON 28 dyno hub, Vittoria 2.25″ tires front and back, carbon fiber rims, Syntace C3 aerobars, and KLite front/rear lights.
BAGS: I’ve rigged my bike with a Revelate frame bag, two top tube bags holding my electronics and easy to access snacks, Pronghorn handle bar bag with sleep system, and Terrapin seat bag with all my clothes. I’ve also mounted 2 cages on each front fork holding 2 water bottles, a third cage holding my bear spray, and the fourth a custom Revelate bag with my tools.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’ve worked hard a getting my cockpit to what I like using Fred bars and a custom side bracket to mount an easy to access water bottle right at my handlebars. Garmin and Phone are very visible for my navigation. Added a Mighty 3 loaded with hundreds of classic rock songs for the few times I want to listen to some tunes for a change.
GPS DEVICE: The Garmin 1040 will be my main GPS device with my phone using Gaia as back-up, Garmin In Reach Mini 2 tracker.

Dillen Maurer

Age 31 / Bellingham, Washington (USA)

BIKE: My custom Baphomet touring bike, aka: The Pink Pony! It’s designed specifically to tackle the Tour Divide with plenty of front triangle space for packing and a unique fork that has arms to support my sleep system roll.
BAGS: The bags are amazing works of art from the fine folks at Loam Equipment in Bellingham.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: 135mm 5dev cranks to operate smoothly with my prosthetic along with appropriate gearing from Wolf Tooth to compensate for the shorter cranks.
GPS DEVICE: Using my phone running Ride with GPS for navigation along with the trusty Garmin InReach for tracking and emergencies.

Angus McRobie

Age 26 / Hamilton (New Zealand)

BIKE: I’ll be racing the 2025 Tour Divide on a Landyachtz 29er steel frame hardtail. The bike has a 1×12 SRAM X01 drivetrain, and on the feet, a pair of 29 x 2.4″ Vittoria Mezcals. I’ve thrown my enduro wheelset on for good measure. A motley combination of We Are One on the rear and NOBL up front, both carbon. In the cockpit I’m running SQ Lab handlebars and innerbarends, plus some RedShift aero bars.
BAGS: I have predominantly gone with a Tailfin bag system featuring the AeroPack, Top Tube Bag, and Handlebar Bag. I am also running a locally custom made frame bag (Papaya Packs, Revelstoke), which I will use as food storage. Additionally I plan to wear a hydration vest for the bulk of my water storage.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I have chosen comfort and will be sleeping in the Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL Tent, B.A. UL sleeping pad, and a Sea to Summit Spark bag. I have thrown in an inflatable pillow for good measure, the neck will be needing it.
GPS DEVICE: I will navigate with my Garmin Edge computer, and have Ride With GPS as back up.

Sebastien Mieze

Age 40 / Coquelles (France)

BIKE: ORIGINE Theoreme hardtail with SID ultimate 100mm fork, NORTHWHEELS 30mm wheelset, Hope pro5 rear hub, SON28 dynamo with CX-ray spokes, SRAM XX1 AXS derailleur, X01 powermeter, 36T chainring, 10-52T cassette, C Bear ceramic bottom bracket, Vitoria Mezcal 29 x 2.4″ tires, Shimamno XT pedals.
BAGS: Tailfin Aeropack 15L, top tube and frame bags, trail bag Evadict 15L.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Big Agnes 1p tent, Cumulus blanket, kLite lamp, Abus airbreaker, Julbo sunglasses.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin 1040 solar, Garmin 1050 spare, Spot X tracker.

Cookie Mike

Age 49 / Bellvue, Colorado (USA)

BIKE: Specialized Epic Hardtail with custom titanium bars, aeros and seat post from Oddity Cycles. 32T chainring and 10-52T in the rear. Dynamo hub. Weighing in at 45lbs.
BAGS: a variety of bags all over the bike but looking forward to my new Tailfin aero bag. No backpacks for me!
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Cookie buff and super comfy handlebars made by Burnsey.
GPS DEVICE: SPOT Gen 4.

Juan Antonio Alegre Munoz

Age 53 / Madrid (Spain)

BIKE: I’m riding a made-in-Spain steel Otero Altiplano with a Zefal rear reack and 26 x 2.1″/2.25″ tires.
BAGS: Topeak front bags, Decathlon rear bags.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Quechua tent and TrangoWorld sleeping pad.
GPS DEVICE: Phone with RWGPS app and paper ACA maps.

Taro Narahashi

Age 63 / Quincy, California (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be riding and pushing my limits on the Tour Divide on a Full Suspension 2024 Specialized Epic World Cup with a SRAM Transmission 10-52T cassette and 34T up-front groupset. The wheels are from Berd Spokes laced with a Schmidt Son28 dynamo hub (connected to a kLite system). Keeping the rubber down with Conti Racekings 2.2”. Cockpit comprises of SQLabs 16° backsweep bars, Profile Designs aerobar extensions attached to Pro Missile Clip-on base and Fred Bar. Two 1L bottles are nestled on the downtube using the Wolf Tooth Double Bottle Adapter and King Cages.
BAGS: I opted for an Old Man Mountain Elkhorn rack with Mountain Laurel Designs Poco Panniers and Ride Forward Designs J-Bag. I have an array of PackbackDesigns flat pouches attached including a mesh pouch between the aerobars. Apidura on frame to round out the bag setup. I really like the PackbackDesigns flat pouches. They hold everyday items including chain lube, sunscreen, headlamp, water filter, multi-tool, toe covers, pump, etc. The mesh pouch stretched between the aerobars is convenient for my tracker and snacks, and provides a platform to bungy on/off clothing.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Basically a thru-hiker setup with no stove. I’m opting for the security of a tent, Zpacks Plex Solo, in hopes that it will encourage me to ride farther into the night. Zpacks 30F quilt, Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Uberlight pad.
GPS DEVICE: I’m new to the Coros Dura, but seems to do the essentials well. Long battery life, and handles very large gpx files (with POIs) that my other head unit balks at. The tracker is a Garmin Inreach mini2. In addition I have two offline backups on my phone. Geo-referenced pdf maps (created in Caltopo) loaded onto the Avenza app, and the Caltopo app with offline hi-res map layers. Both have all POIs and routes with mile markers. The Caltopo app is flexible as it allows import of different (2025 last minute?) routes.

Joe Nation

Age 35 / Christchurch (New Zealand)

BIKE: Sufur Cycles ‘Divide’, Hand built in Christchurch specifically for Tour Divide. Low BB drop, large frame triangle, and plenty of mud clearance. Steel frame with 3D printed junctions.
BAGS: Tailfin custom frame bag, Aeropack cargo and long top tube bag.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin 1040.

Diego Navarro

Age 35 / Stillwater, Oklahoma (USA)

BIKE: Custom Ti hardtail from Merman Bicycles dubbed “DD” runs a SRAM AXS 1×12 drivetrain with a 38T chainring and 10-52T cassette. Set up rigid with a Whisky MCX+ fork, Whisky Scully bar, and 29 x 2.25” Mezcals on Enve AM30 wheels with a SON28 dynamo up front powering a Sinewave Beacon 2.
BAGS: Rogue Panda frame bag, Rogue Panda Gila dry bag on the handlebars, Tailfin top tube bag, Swift Industries Sidekick stem pouch x2, and a Big River dry bag on Mica Rat Tail.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Durston X-Mid 1, BA Rapide SL pad, Montbell sleeping bag, Montbell Plasma 1000 down jacket, Montbell wind jacket, Montbell rain jacket, Montbell rain pants, Montbell down pants, Montbell everything because it is the only brand that fits.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 840 Solar and RWGPS app on iPhone as backup.

Gisele Nepolello

Age 29 / New York City, New York (USA)

BIKE: Bike is a Kona Unit singlespeed 34T and 18T cog, Profile Designs aero bars, WTB Trail Boss 29 x 2.25″ tires, and some Race Face Chester pedals.
BAGS: Revelate Designs Pitchfork bag, Wayward-Riders Louise with a Big Agnes dry bag, custom frame bag I made, and two water bottle feed bags.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Lots of waterproof Gore-Tex stuff so I don’t get mild hypothermia again; Lanshan 1 tent with down pants, booties and a cap instead of a sleeping bag. Couple of Gore distance bibs, couple of jerseys, a sun shirt and my little kirby mascot.
GPS DEVICE: Coros Dura.

Phil Norris

Age 47 / Perth, Western Australia (Australia)

BIKE: I’ll be racing the 2025 Tour Divide on a Merida Big Nine 7000, built with a Shimano XT components, Reynolds carbon rims, and a Kasai dynamo front hub powering a KLite USB charger and light. I’m running 2.35” Maxxis Rekon Race tyres front and rear. The fork is a Factory Fox 34 Stepcast set at 100mm, giving a bit of comfort without sacrificing efficiency. I’m also using Thomson a 35mm flat bar, Ritchey bar ends with ESI grips, and Wolf Tooth Fat Paw grips. A BarYak Ultra mounts my Garmin Edge 1050 and lighting.
BAGS: I’m using a Revelate Sweet roll up front, a frame bag made by Alpkit, and a Tailfin cargo rack at the rear with Apidura side bags. I also use Tailfin top tube bags for snacks and easy to access gear. I find it a balanced, reliable setup that keeps the load reasonably tight and the handling stable.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My sleep system includes a Sea to Summit quilt and mat, paired with an Alpkit Soloist tent that’s stuck with me through plenty of trips. I’m using a Garmin Edge 1050 for navigation, with maps backed up on my phone. I’ve also got a spare front light mounted to the bars for camp setup or emergencies. A Garmin inReach Mini 2 keeps me connected for safety and dot watching duties.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 1050.

Andrew Onermaa

Age 32 / Fayetteville, Arkansas (USA)

BIKE: Rockin’ my heavily patina’d, custom Slow Southern Steel Warhorn and custom rear rack. Thuggin’ with singlespeed on a 32×18 ratio, Wolf Tooth Waveform flat pedals, and 29 x 2.4″ Continental Dubnitals. Dropper post coming along for both getting comfy and getting sendy.
BAGS: Decked out in custom South City Stitchworks! A Sea to Summit dry bag with an extra lush sleep kit is beautifully caressed by the bomber harness system.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: A gremlin bell attached down low, carrying the Doom spirit and good vibes plus a borrowed front wheel/dynamo/light of last year’s singlespeed winner Alex Kowalski. Plenty of hand positions to keep it fresh (aero bars up high with risers borrowed from another singlspeed legend (Jacob Loos) plus a dandy Session Components handlebar and rear wheel. Carbon + steel is a dream.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 540 Solar.

Robrecht Paesen

Age 37 / Herent, Vlaams-Brabant (Belgium)

BIKE: My Bike is an Orbea Alma 2024 model, with a Shimano XT 12-speed groupset, 34T chainring in the front, and a 10-51T cassette. The front wheel is a ZTR Flow equipped with a Son dynamo hub. Front light is a Sinewave Beacon and the rear light is a Exposure lights tracer. Rear wheel is a Duke Crazy Jack carbon rim. Tires are Continental Race King protection.
BAGS: In the back an Tailfin Aeropack, on the top tube a Tailfin toptube bag. The frame bag is Revelate Designs and the two food pouches are from Apidura.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My sadle is a Tune Speedneedle.
GPS DEVICE: GPS is a Garmin Edge 840 Solar, I have a Garmin Fenix 7 as backup device and the RWGPS phone app.

Mateo Paez

Age 33 / Bend, Oregon (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be racing for the second time down the Divide on my Otso Fenrir Ti. Equipped with fresh 29 x 2.35″ Schwalbe Thunder Burts in the Super Ground flavor. Mechanical drivetrain. No dynamo this time. Aero bars mounted to a Fred bar for that ultimate Divide vibe. 34T chainring.
BAGS: Cyclite custom frame bag, Cyclite Handle Bar Roll and Long top tube bag. Old Man Mountain Atlas Pack to round out the rear end.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: No cellphone. No backpack.
GPS DEVICE: Coros Dura.

Marc Pantscharowitsch

Age 33 / Vienna (Austria)

BIKE: SOUR Bicycles Pasta Party, German-made steel frame with clear and orange custom paint. It is set up and maintained by Radplatz Vienna with SRAM AXS GX Eagle, 32T oval chainring, and 10-52T cassette, Shimano XTR 4 piston breaks for smooth decelerating when loaded on long downhills, SQLab FL-X bars with inner and outer bar ends or comfort, Duke wheels with SON Dynamo hub/DT Swiss 240.
BAGS: Tailfin rack and mini pannier, Witslingers full frame bag with 3l Apidura bladder, 2x Apidura snack pouch, and 1x Apodura snack bag on the aerobars.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Cumulus custom Sleeping bag, 1/2 Big Agnes tent, SOL emergency bivvy, klite front and Supernova rear light, klite dual usb charger, Trikoterie race cut jersey.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 1040.

Alan Parkinson

Age 61 / Wimbledon, London (England)

BIKE: I shall be riding my 2021 Titanium Sonder Broken Road with a rigid carbon fork. 27.5 × 2.35″ Vittoria Mezcal TL tyres, Son 28 dynamo front and DT Swiss rear wheel. Supanova E3 Pro lights. Mechanical SRAM 500% gearing. Hope cranks and pedals. Hope Tech 3 E4 brakes. Cockpit is Profile with additional DIY cross tubes for lights, and Quadlock for phone. Bar ends and short stubbies for additional hand placement. A SMP Composite saddle which I have on all my bikes.
BAGS: My rear Tortec pannier rack will support a Carradice Camper Longflap 24L saddlebag, with additional storage under a cargo net. I’m using a Wildcat Ocelot half frame bag for food and so I can keep my bottles. On the forks I’ve got a couple of Brae 5 litre drybags containing Thermo-rest pad and a Blacks 3 season sleeping bag. I have a 9L Apidura bar bag for carrying my Alpkit UL1 tent. Front stash bags for bits and pieces on the move.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: A new pair of Lake shoes. South Western (London) Road Club cycling kit. I joined this club in 1975 so that’s fifty continuous years in 2025. Sinewave Revolution for charging off the dynamo. A small stove for my porridge and tea, well I’m British.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin 830.

Daniel Perry

Age 40 / Redmond, Washington (USA)

BIKE: One of my best friends built this bike and named it Crystal Meth, which seems wildly appropriate. It’s a ti hardtail with 100mm travel and 27.5 x 2.35″ tires. Redshift suspension stem to give my hands a fighting chance and Brooks saddle which is the best I’ve had and still hurts.
BAGS: Revelate Designs bags have stood the test of time (don’t mind the duct tape) and a new toy, the Tailfin rack, so I can carry my fear eliminators AND use a dropper, gdam I love that (KS Rage IS) dropper.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My fav bits are packed for extremes. An enormous Rab hooded puffy jacket as an emergency or cold camp layer and an OR sun hoody for when the UV index skyrockets.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin 1030 Plus because the 1040 hasn’t had a big enough sale yet. inReach Messenger DID go on sale though, one fewer device to charge!

Bailey Poage

Age 28 / Albuquerque, New Mexico (USA)

BIKE: 2025 is my rookie year on the Tour Divide. I’ll be riding/racing my steel WILDEBEEST frame that was built here in ABQ by the venerable Nathaniel Shelton. The frame is based off its Ti Timberjack predecessor, and outshines it in every regard, i.e. weight, handling, looks. A few modifications include the frame split to accommodate the Gates belt in lieu of a chain. My singlespeed gearing is 39x24T. Wheels are Onyx Vesper and SON 28 laced to PUB Carbon rims. Tires are 29 x 2.3″ Teravail Ehline. Paul bits, carbon bobs, absolutely love this bike. Bike weighs in sub 40lbs without food or water.
BAGS: Bags are a mix of brands including Jpaks, my Lael Wilcox signed Oveja Negra, Wolf Tooth, and my own half frame bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Shameless plug for my good friend and mentor, check out WILDEBEEST cycles on the wonderkiller! I wouldn’t be able to go on this adventure without his help and the support of many others!
GPS DEVICE: Coros Dura.

Karin Pocock

Age 44 / Moab, Utah (USA)

BIKE: The is “Eddy,” my Santa Cruz Highball. This will be my first run on the Tour Divide. I’ve built up a flat bar 100mm travel hardtail with SQ labs inner bar ends and aerobars to hopefully get a comfy fit and lots of options for hand positions. Rolling on NOBL TR 32 wheels with I9 Solix hubs and loving every mile on this wheelset. Running Vittoria Mescal XC TR 2.25″ tires front and rear. SRAM XX1 cable drivetrain with a 34T oval and 10-50T cassette, G2 RSC brakes, a one up V3 dropper and race face atlas flats.
BAGS: Custom bags from Dispersed make up most of my kit. The only exceptions are my Revelate feedbags, which accommodate my hand size a little easier, and a Tailfin rear rack so I can flex the volume of my set up as needed.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Sea to Summit sleeping bag and SOL escape bivy, Klymit pad and a small tarp make up my sleeping kit. I’m continually impressed with my 12L Rab Veil running vest and will be either wearing it or will stuff into my rack if it’s not needed. I’m not running a dynamo, but did concede to bring the 26,000 mah fast charging Anker battery pack and several extra battery cells for my BC26R light.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 1040 Solar with Gaia GPS and RWGPS as software backups on my phone.

Alessandro Pradella

Age 42 / Verona (Italy)

BIKE: Surly Krampus, Shimano 2×11 drivetrain, DT Swiss H552 wheels, SP-PD 8x Dynamo hub, Sinewave Cycles front light, Vittoria Mezcal 29 x 2.6″ tires.
BAGS: Old Man Mountain Divide rack modified to use Blackburn cages, the two rear bags and the two bags on the fork are from Sea to Summit. Riverside framebag, top tube bag, and downtube bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Forclaz MT900 tent, Forclaz MT900 5°C sleeping bag, Forclaz MT500 sleeping pad, gas stove, BigBlue 28w solar panel.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 1040 and GPSMap 67i.

Richard Rebada

Age 49 / Bay Area, California (USA)

BIKE: For this year’s Tour Divide, I’ll be riding a Specialized EPIC World Cup with SRAM GX Eagle Transmission on 1×12 drivetrain (34T/10-52). Before the race, I’ll be installing a new chain, fresh brake pads, and a pair of Vittoria Mezcal 29 x 2.35” tires on stock Roval wheels. The cockpit includes a Redshift quick-release aero bar mounted on Fred bars for a more comfortable reach, along with Ergon GS2 grips and SQ Labs inner bar ends for additional hand positions.
BAGS: Tailfin Aeropack with panniers, long top tube and down tube bags. Up front, I’ve got a Revelate Designs Sweetroll and two feed bags on the handlebar. A last-minute find at REI provided a frame bag that fits perfectly in the center triangle. Hydration handled by a Salomon 2.0L vest.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My sleep setup includes a Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 tent, a Nemo Tensor Trail pad, and a Mountain Hardwear 30° sleeping bag.
GPS DEVICE: For navigation, I’m relying on my trusted Hammerhead Karoo 2, with a Garmin 830 and a Samsung phone loaded with the route on the RWGPS app as backups, because getting lost isn’t part of the plan.

Mark Reichmann

Age 65 / Roswell, Georgia (USA)

BIKE: 2020 Transition Spur with 29 x 2.4″ tires and dual platform pedals to allow for flat pedal use on chunky downhills.
BAGS: I’m using bags from Revelate Designs: Ranger frame, spinelock 16L rear, two polecats (on King Cage Titanium racks), and a Joey bag (for my repair tools and spare tubes). I’m using a Rockbros “phone frame bag” on the top tube and an Osprey Raptor 14 hydration pack on my back.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My sleep system is the Big Agnes Copper Spur, a Cascade Designs Therma-a-Rest, and a Feathered Friends sleeping bag, because I need a good night’s sleep. I’ll use a Wahoo Element and maps (yes, maps) for navigation.

Richard Reynolds

Age 60 / Prague (Czech Republic)

BIKE: Now on my third forevermore bike, this time a Trek Procaliber 9.7. The wireless SRAM AXS transmission feels like I’ve entered the space age. Running with Maxxis Aspen 2.25″ tyres (yellow signage won me over) and using aero bars for the first time.
BAGS: Installed the Ortlieb quick rack and otherwise using a mishmash of bags collected over previous rides.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Lets just hope the tariffs on Chinese goods have lowered by the time I get to the border as I am using a sleeping setup sourced from a certain cheap and reliable supplier from that part of the world.
GPS DEVICE: Coros Dura. So far, so amazing and backed up with Komoot and Google maps, both downloaded for offline availability on my phone.

Carter Robertson

Age 38 / Wondervu, Colorado (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be racing the Tour Divide on a 2025 Mason Cycles Macro. The bike features a new pair of Vittoria Mezcal 2.25” tires, Hunt Proven carbon wheels (NO Dynamo), an XT 1×12 drivetrain with a 34T chainring. Prime Shorty aerobars, XT combo pedals, SID Ultimate SL 100mm fork.
BAGS: The centerpiece of my bag setup is a custom BroadForks Frame bag, I keep 2L of water in the main storage area with pump and tent pole. I am also running a Revelate feed bag and 12L MLD roll top rear bag on a tumbleweed Rack with mud flapper. The Tailfin top tube bag really helps with organizing small items. And finally an Apidura backcountry pack.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Down pants, Montbell 40* top quilt, Therm-a-Rest air mattress, Albion bibs/ shirt, insulated jacket, rain paints. Montbell Gore-Tex rain jacket.
GPS DEVICE: I’m using a Wahoo Bolt to navigate. I have 40k milliamp battery juice to start. Also Exposure 6 pack.

Jens Van Roost

Age 39 / Belgium

BIKE: For the TD 2025, I’ll be riding my Mondraker Podium Carbon RR. It’s a pretty skinny XC machine, let’s hope it will hold up well. I reinforced the frame in a few places with aluminium to prevent damage from mud rubbing. The bike should be more comfy than it was on my 2023 attempt: I added front suspension, a full aero bar setup, and some inner bar ends. The SRAM XX1 drivetrain has 165mm cranks like all the cool kids.
BAGS: Framebag and top tube bag were completely custom by Pierre at FastPackingBags/Bumpak, this solved a few issues I had with my previous standard bags. Saddle bag is Apidura, feedbags are Revelate, and I have the small packable Apidura backpack which I only intend to use for resupplies and the few stretches that require >3L of H2O.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Pretty happy with the downtube bottle cage splitter, made by Bryce at Cyclewerks. It allows me to have three big bottles and still have a full frame bag, while also keeping the center of gravity low and central on the bike. Saddle is the classic Selle Italia Flite from the 90’s, obviously for style points but also because my body has very much grown used to it. Didn’t bring a down jacket in 2023, but this time I have a Timmermade SDUL down sweater which has an unbelievable warmth to weight ratio.
GPS DEVICE: Wahoo Roam V2, accompanied by some phone apps like OSMAnd, Ride with GPS, and Google Maps.

Cameron Russell

Age 39 / Revelstoke, British Columbia (Canada)

BIKE: My bike is a custom Waltly titanium hardtail with Nobl TR35s laced to a DT350 in the back and a Son 28. Sinewave Beacon 2 with a tiny rear B+M dyno light and a Garmin Varia for busy roads. SRAM AXS drivetrain, 32T ring, and 10-52T cassette. Shimano dual piston XT brakes. Tires are Continental Dubnitals 29 x 2.4″. OneUp dropper post V3. Profile aero bars, with extra clamps and risers to move everything up and back for comfort. SQLab inner bar ends and Ergon grips. Mica Rat Tail rear rack.
BAGS: An assortment, including a Field & Forest frame bag, full length top tube bag and rear harness/drybag for the Mica rack by South City Stitchworks, Revelate Pitchfork up front, other bags by Apidura and Outer Shell.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: The Mica rack hype is real. Such a sweet solution. I also love South City Stitchworks custom work, high quality and easy to work with. The Sinewave Beacon 2 is such a great integrated light/charging solution. And last but certainly not least, I love my dropper post, not only for descending, but for comfort and getting on/off the bike.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin 530, with an Etrex 32x and RWGPS/Gaia on the phone as backups.

Shannon Sanders

Age 54 / North Little Rock, Arkansas (USA)

BIKE: Making my rookie run at the Tour Divide on this 2024 Esker Hayduke Ti with a 120mm Pike up front. X01 AXS drivetrain with a 34T Wolf Tooth chainring and 10-52T Garbaruk cassette. 2.4″ Vittoria Peyote’s on Hunt Proven wheels. SON dyno hub powers a Sinewave Beacon and B&M taillight. 70mm risers keep the aero bars nice and comfy, with a leather saddle on an AXS dropper to round it out.
BAGS: The centerpiece is the dialed set of bags from Zach Smith at South City Stitchworks with a custom framebag, top tube bag, and stem bags. These are bookended by Tailfin bar bag system and AeroPack cargo rear rack.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Ergon GS1 Evo grips and SQLabs Innerbarends are game changers for a dialed cockpit. Flip flop pedals and a pair of Altra’s strapped to the rack for hike a bikes and the occasional break from the cycling shoes.
GPS DEVICE: Primary navigation will be on the Coros Dura, with a Garmin 1040 as a backup.

Christopher Schmidt

Age 49 / Lake Geneva, Wisconsin (USA)

BIKE: “Spiritual Poverty” is a 2025 Trek Supercaliber from Avant Cycles with full squish from Rock Shock SID Flight attendant Fork and SID Luxe manual lockout in the rear. AXS Transmission drivetrain. Cockpit complete with inner/outer bar ends, Fred bar with TT extensions, and wireless blips to the max for shifting in any position. Wheelset: Bontrager Carbon somethings/Son Dynamo hub for juice. Rolling on the last run of the record-setting 2.2” Conti Race Kings.
BAGS: Frame by Dispersed, front end from Revelate, top tube and backside none other than Tailfin. 
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Wanted to rock the Supercaliber in ‘23 but chickened out and ironically had my Cutthroat stolen in New Mexico. “Sleeping” on a Therm-a-Rest NeoAir in some warm puffy pants and jacket in a SOL bivvy. Lighting system compliments of jefe.bike and Klite. Pedaling Shimano and hiking Pearl Izumi’s.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin 1040 solar for navigation and an InReach Mini2 for tracking.

Alex Schultz

Age 31 / Tucson, Arizona (USA)

BIKE: 509 Cycles Up an’ Atom. SRAM Eagle AXS drivetrain, 34T chainring, Berd XC wheels, Fox 32 fork, reverb axs dropper, Maxxis Aspen ST 29 x 2.4″ 120TPI tires.
BAGS: Morrow Packs.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Running the Sinewave dynamo light to always have light and power is my favorite convenience.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin 1040 Solar.

Francisco Sevilla

Age 42 / Quito (Ecuador)

BIKE: I’ll be riding the Tour Divide on a Motobecane Fantom Ti. The bike features a new pair of Maxxis Ikon 29 x 2.2” tires, a 1×12 (10-52T) drivetrain with a 34T chainring (SRAM X01) and WTB Frequency i23 wheels with a Son Dynamo hub.
BAGS: I am using Tailfin bags.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: an AtomicBear bivy will serve as my shelter along with an Sea To Summit UL Air Mat.
GPS DEVICE: I’ll be using a Wahoo Roam for navigation.

Luke Joy-Smith

Age 52 / Bristol (UK)

BIKE: Salsa Fargo with Rohloff hub and Gates carbon belt (carrying 2 spare belts!). Maxxis Icon 29 x 2.35″ tyres (not pictured). Jones H bar, Brooks C17 saddle, SPDs, Hope brakes.
BAGS: Using Tailfin top tube, aero pack and panniers. Using Aeroe cradle for sleeping kit on front.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Purposely heavier bike, with cooking gear, in fork bags, Klean Kanteens, Big Agnes tent etc as (all being well) after reaching Antelope Wells I’m planing to cycle tour back north through a few National Parks before returning to Banff/Calgary at the end of August.
GPS DEVICE: Navigating using Garmin 1030 plus, with 2x 20000m cache batteries rather than dynamo lighting. Route planning via Ride with GPS.

Karl Spijker

Age 52 / St. Maarten (Dutch Caribbean)

BIKE: Trek Supercaliber XTR gen 1. I will be riding the stardard Trek Supercaliber XTR with stock carbon wheels. Continental Race King 2.2” tires. Modified alu handle bar with 7.5cm alu stem (normal is 9cm and integrated), going for a little bit more comfortable position. Quick release Redshift aero bars, which are a game changer on the flats.
BAGS: Rockgeist frame bag, wanted to order it when they got hit by hurricane Helene, (knowing about hurricanes myself), it took a while, but they got it done to perfection. Tailfin for all the other bags (aero pack, 2x 16L panniers, down tube and top tube flip. Nothing much in the front, besides my water bottles on the fork with Tailfin carbon mounts, as I like to see my wheel. And a 2L CamelBak on my back. Optional 1.5L Apidura in frame bag. And an Apidura lightweight backpack for quick food shopping.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: This rookie bikepacker (zero experience, as my island is only 42 for a lap and always warm), is going all in at the Grand Depart. Hence I bring a Mountain Hardware Nimbus 1 tent with Therm-a-Rest Parsec 32F sleeping bag and NeoAir mat. Powersupply 2x Nitecore 10,000. The planning was intense, everything had to be shipped in, and if it did not work, a 4 weeks shipping delay. No local knowledge on island, but the local Trek bike shop TriSport was very helpful.
GPS DEVICE: Navigation will be the Garmin 1050, with route uploaded in 27 sections from the TDrace Facebook group chat, thanks! Backup is a Garmin 830. Phone with Strava and RWGPS.

Kelly Ursenbach

Age 33 / Calgary, Alberta (Canada)

BIKE: I’ll be riding the Tour Divide on a 2024 Specialized Chisel fitted with 2.2″ Continental Dubnital tires. The cockpit consists of Sonder Confucius bars with Profile Design aero bars for some variety in hand positions. A SP hub powers a klite micro USB adapter to keep me charged up.
BAGS: I’m running 14L panniers and a dry bag on the Old Man Mountain divide rack and a handlebar bag up front. There’s a shiny Restrap bag on the top tube and the main triangle holds a beautiful, bolt-on, frame bag made by Thief Bikepacking.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: In a happy coincidence I ended up with a 1L bottle that perfectly matches the frame bag and lines up just right on the 90 degree bottle mounts.
GPS DEVICE: I’m using a Garmin InReach explorer+ for tracking and an Edge 540 for navigation.

Bjorn Valla

Age 33 / St. Paul, Minnesota (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be racing the Tour Divide on a 2024 Esker Hayduke Ti complete with a Fox 32 Step-Cast suspension fork. I will be running Vittoria Mezcal 2.35” tires, a SRAM AXS Eagle 1×12 Drivetrain, and We Are One Carbon wheels with a SON Dynamo hub up front, and an Onyx Racing hub in the back. Special thanks to Freewheel Bike in St. Paul for helping me build this bike from the ground up!
BAGS: I have the great honor of running a custom Loonski frame bag and matching Loonski rack bags handmade in St. Paul, MN by previous Tour Divide finisher Mary Ehlers. I am also running a pair of Cedaero feed bags, a Topeak Tubular bar bag, and a Revelate Mag Tank top tube bag. Two 1L bottles will be mounted to the fork and I will wear a 2L hydration vest from Apidura.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I will be sleeping in a Big Agnes Copper Spur tent with a NEMO sleeping pad, Western Mountaineering sleeping bag and a Sea to Summit inflatable pillow. I will be carrying 3 power banks of different sizes to charge devices. KLite dynamo lighting system in the front, and a pair of Trek Carback radar taillights in the back.
GPS DEVICE: I’m using a Garmin Edge 1040 Solar to navigate, and will also have the route loaded on the RWGPS app on my iPhone as a backup and I’ll have a Garmin Fenix watch as a backup to the backup.

Robert Werkhoven

Age 59 / Andijk (Netherlands)

BIKE: 2025 Canyon Exceed 7, XT 12-speed 10-51/34T, Cane Creek seatpost, Race King 2.2″ tires, and a SON dynamo.
BAGS: Tailfin Aeropack, two 10L panniers, Apidura framebag, two feed bags, top loader.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Endura 500 rain gear and my Alpkit solo tent.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin 1040 and Garmin eTrex 32x.

Lael Wilcox

Age 38 / Tucson, Arizona (USA)

BIKE: Specialized Epic World Cup with Specialized AirTrak Grid tires, SRAM Transmission, SID fork, SQLabs innerbarends, Zipp aero bars, SON dynamo hub.
BAGS: Custom Revelate Designs bags.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: ROKA photochromic Oslo glasses, custom Ruckus Components mounts for my Quad Lock, and Exposure Revo light.
GPS DEVICE: Wahoo ROAM

Lisa Wilson

Age 44 / Wenatchee, WA/Vernal, Utah (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be riding/racing the Tour Divide on a Litespeed Pinhoti. It’s built up with Berd wheels, a Pike Ultimate fork, 12-speed GX AXS, Hayes Dominion A4 brakes (in purple of course), a OneUp dropper post, and various Wolf Tooth Components bits and pieces. Thanks to Connor and Evan at Ridge Cyclesport in Wenatchee, WA for their support and advice on the build.
BAGS: I made most of the bags myself; custom framebag, full-length top-tube bag, seatpost bag, downtube tool kit, and handlebar roll. I’ll carry a couple bike bottles on the Topeak Backloader Wishbone. I have Salsa Anything Bags on the fork (Widefoot cages on Old Man Mountain fork mounts). I’ll also carry a hydration pack.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’ll carry a full sleep setup, including a small tent that I made. For daily coffee needs, I have an alcohol stove.
GPS DEVICE: I’m using a Garmin Edge 840 to navigate, with RWGPS and Gaia (both with route preoloaded) on my phone as backup.

Randy Windle

Age 46 / Hot Springs, Arkansas (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be riding my custom Rare Earth “Righteous Gemstone” aka “Methy Poppins”. This bike is a modern nod to the Breezer frame of yesteryear. Built by Brian Hall in River Falls, WI. The bike features a front mini basket and rear rack along twin top tubes and twin klunker tubes all in steel. Rolling down the route on Ultradynamico Mars Robusto 2.2” tires. The cockpit features Ti bullmoose bars also built by Brian. The drivetrain consists of Ti EE wings cranks, 32T Ti 5dev chainring, and an 17T Endless Bikes Co. rear cog. Berd spokes laced to White Ind./Son hubs and Forge & Bond carbon wheels round it out.
BAGS: Zach Smith at South City Stitchworks in STL did his thing with the 3/4 top tube, center, lower, dry bag with love handle harness, and basket bags. Feed bags by Randi Jo Fab. The bags are made using Challenge Ultra 200 fabric.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My favorite thing about this rig is the custom head badge. Brian makes a unique one for each frame. I sent him a piece of Hachita, NM turquoise that he incorporated. Hoping to bring it home.
GPS DEVICE: I’ll be depending on a Garmin 1040 Solar for navigation along with the route downloaded for offline use via RWGPS as a backup.

Geoffrey Wong

Age 35 / Costa Mesa, California (USA)

BIKE: Specialized Epic WC. Continental Dubnital 29 x 2.35″, Vittoria rear tire insert, SRAM GX Transmission, Vision Aerobars, Spirgrips, Full sussy.
BAGS: Alpine Camo, cash me in the snow… Witslingers toptube bag and framebag, Dispersed bikepacking saddlebag, Jpaks battpak, Skingrowsback handlebar bag, Fenix Lighting.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Zpacks solo plex “packable motel”, Nemo pad, Specialized alpine camo down jacket to match bags.
GPS DEVICE: Coros Dura for navigation, Garmin InReach.

Liam Yates

Age 30 / Ashdown Forest (UK)

BIKE: I will be taking on the 2025 Tour Divide with my Canyon Lux World Cup, the build features -17 negative stem, Hutchinson Kraken 29 x 2.3″ tyres, 110mm fork, carbon bars and seatpost, and SRAM Transmission with a 34T chainring. I’ve also upgraded all the suspension to manual control for less cables.
BAGS: This year I am using Tailfin bags with the new AP20 rear system carrying most of my stuff and a long top tube bag for bits I need access to. I have been really pleased with them so far! I’ll also be using a small backpack for food and drinks along the way.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Gear highlights include some new Quoc GT Lace shoes, two Nitecore power banks, a fair few Styrkr Bar 50s, and this year my water capacity is up to 1.5L, so hopefully no going thirsty this time!
GPS DEVICE: My Wahoo ACE!

Further Reading

Make sure to dig into these related articles for more info...