In 1997 the Adventure Cycling Association released the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route. What was billed as a touring route, caught the attention of ultra distance mountain biker John Stamstad. In 1999 John set out on the first ITT (individual Time Trial) of the GDMBR and set a the first FKT (fastest known time) of 18 days and 5 hours. His record stood until the 2007 edition of the Tour Divide Race.
John has been a pivotal figure in ultra endurance mountain bike racing for over 3 decades, his accomplishments were acknowledged in 2000 when he was inducted into the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame.
He has seen not only the evolution of mountain biking and ultra endurance mountain bike racing, but also the beginning of bikepacking and solo-self supported racing. He has been part of these conversations since the very beginning and as such carries a greater perspective than even the most informed among us. How we got here matters, and I’m not sure if there is anyone better than John to help fill in our own understanding of this sport we all love.
In todays episode we hear from John about the history, rules, and ethos of the Tour Divide.
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Andrew Holt
