Tour Divide 2019

A 44-day adventure by cairnswm Read more

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Day 16
Sunday, June 23, 2019 at 7:27 PM
☁️ 10 °C
Altitude: 1,998 m
United States Pyle Ditch 45.38416, -113.128845°23’3” N 113°7’44” W
Montana High Country Lodge
June 23, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 10 °C
Another Iconic Tour Divide stop. I was the first rider to reach the lodge but another 8 riders joined me by the end of the evening. I paid to have some laundry done.
TravelerEnjoy your stop there and have a good rest. Say "G'day" to Adam Kiem from Sydney who has just arrived :)
6/23/19Reply
TravelerWe had supper together
6/24/19Reply
Jaco Cromhout: Mooi William!! Wens ek was daar!
9/11/19Reply
Pops: Glad to know you are nice to be near again. Have a good rest and then go and see more deer and stuff but no bears.
9/11/19Reply
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Day 16
Sunday, June 23, 2019
☁️ 10 °C
Altitude: 1,993 m
United States Pyle Ditch 45.38422, -113.1281745°23’3” N 113°7’41” W
Day 11 comments
June 23, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 10 °C
I got up nice and peacefully in the morning, rode to Wise River to get supplies and lunch. Got more snacks this time as I've been running out.

On the road I saw a baby fawn, just lying right next to the road. I could very easily have walked up to it and touched it. To be honest I didn't even know if it was alive or not. I'm told the doe's cache their babies like this while they eat, but this little fawn was right out in the open.

Got to High Country Lodge for supper, ate a plate of chicken and veg. For desert I ate 5 slices of bread and jam. Got back to my room and ate crisps and some peanuts and raisins. I had Orange Vanilla Diet Coke.

Had my second bath on the trip and got my clothes washed.Read more
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Day 17
Monday, June 24, 2019 at 5:50 PM
⛅ 17 °C
Altitude: 1,904 m
United States Lima City Park 44.63244, -112.5911544°37’57” N 112°35’28” W
Lima (Montana not Peru)
June 24, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C
Having dinner (hamburger and chips) taking an extra burger with me for tomorrow.

I don't know if I've said it before but I love bottomless soda fountains!
TravelerThat looked like a much 'easier' 100 miles than the last one :)
6/24/19Reply
TravelerVery much easier. It's 18:30 now, previous 100 mile days ended after 00:00. We are pushing on for a bit. Next campsite is 30 miles so we will probably stop before that
6/24/19Reply
TravelerGreat work, saw that you had a riding partner today, awesome bio for him.
6/24/19Reply
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Day 17
Monday, June 24, 2019 at 9:48 PM
⛅ 10 °C
Altitude: 2,028 m
United States Town of Lima 44.675, -112.2449444°40’30” N 112°14’42” W
Day 12 comments
June 24, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 10 °C
Started at 7 this morning after having a great breakfast. I was second to leave but soon caught up with Gary who was having stomach problems. We rode most of the way together and got on really well.

I really loved riding through the gorge today. A great road between the cliffs on either side and a peaceful stream down the middle.

Supper in Lima and then an extra 30km to give me my best day at 190km and in bed before dark.Read more
Sterkte William. Groete Johan
6/25/19Reply
Awesome! Keep going William!!!
6/26/19Reply
Well done good effort. Nik
6/26/19Reply
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Day 17
Monday, June 24, 2019 at 11:18 PM
⛅ 9 °C
Altitude: 1,904 m
United States Lima City Park 44.63244, -112.5911544°37’57” N 112°35’28” W
Gary Johnson
June 24, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 9 °C
My riding partner today was Gary Johnson. I like discussing things with people more clever than myself.

From Wikipedia: Gary Earl Johnson (born January 1, 1953) is an American businessman, author, and politician who served as the 29th governor of New Mexico from 1995 to 2003 as a member of the Republican Party. He was the Libertarian Party nominee for President of the United States in the 2012 and 2016 elections. He was also the Libertarian nominee for U.S. Senate in the 2018 New Mexico senate election.

He has also done the seven summits. So has stood on the highest point of each continent.

I think he is cool :)Read more
Very cool. Nik
6/27/19Reply
Bill CairnsGood to have someone to ride with for a bit.
7/24/19Reply
Brad Osner: Absolutely incredible!! What are the chances - riding along with the libertarian candidate- I'm sure he must be a wealth of knowledge.
9/11/19Reply
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Day 18
Tuesday, June 25, 2019 at 11:40 AM
⛅ 13 °C
Altitude: 2,185 m
United States Red Rock Pass 44.59843, -111.5208344°35’54” N 111°31’15” W
Entering Idaho
June 25, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 13 °C
My second US state. The Tour Divide spends very little time in Idaho. We just cut past a small corner of the state.
Lorinda Bosch: Well done. You can do it!!!
9/11/19Reply
Nem: How different the landscape is looking. It's not bear country! Keep on being crazy amazing!
9/11/19Reply
Fathima Khan: It seems like you have a boost of energy at the moment ! Keep moving forward !!!
9/11/19Reply
Patrick Cairns: We're thoroughly enjoying the ride with you.
9/11/19Reply
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Day 18
Tuesday, June 25, 2019 at 9:02 PM
🌙 9 °C
Altitude: 1,739 m
South Africa Rosettenville -26.2309, 28.058326°13’51” S 28°3’30” E
Chats with Yolande
June 25, 2019 in South Africa ⋅ 🌙 9 °C
2019/06/25, 21:53 - Yolande Cairns: Doing well today
2019/06/25, 22:02 - William: Yes going fast
2019/06/25, 22:02 - William: We had some early Tar road
2019/06/25, 22:02 - William: And the dirt was pretty good
2019/06/25, 22:02 - William: Last few km were single track and slow
2019/06/25, 22:03 - Yolande Cairns: How's the weather
2019/06/25, 22:04 - William: Mostly overcast
2019/06/25, 22:04 - William: Little drizzle to start with
2019/06/25, 22:04 - William: But I'm still getting a bit sunburnt
2019/06/25, 22:04 - William: Think my system is working now
2019/06/25, 22:04 - William: Gary makes me go to bed late and get up early
2019/06/25, 22:05 - Yolande Cairns: Not bad. Glad you're getting sorted
2019/06/25, 22:06 - Yolande Cairns: Early is good. Just make sure you get rest when you need to
2019/06/25, 22:06 - William: Yes,
2019/06/25, 22:06 - Yolande Cairns: 😘
2019/06/25, 22:06 - William: But having him psychological pushing me is going to help me finish
2019/06/25, 22:07 - William: I'm spending extra
2019/06/25, 22:07 - Yolande Cairns: Agree.
2019/06/25, 22:07 - Yolande Cairns: On what
2019/06/25, 22:08 - William: Food
2019/06/25, 22:09 - Yolande Cairns: You seem positive. Also good that he knows the route
2019/06/25, 22:09 - William: Yes
2019/06/25, 22:10 - William: Going without GPS was a mistake
2019/06/25, 22:11 - William: 😘
2019/06/25, 22:11 - Yolande Cairns: 😘
2019/06/25, 22:12 - William: I love you lots
2019/06/25, 22:12 - Yolande Cairns: Enjoy your ride
2019/06/25, 22:12 - Yolande Cairns: ❤Read more
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Day 18
Tuesday, June 25, 2019 at 2:24 PM
⛅ 19 °C
Altitude: 1,963 m
United States Flat Rock 44.522, -111.3281244°31’19” N 111°19’41” W
Subway
June 25, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C
I ate almost 2 footlongs! I was so hungry that after I bought the first one I went and ordered a second. Subway certainly seems to be the best value of money food I've found so far. But means get expensive when you spend over $20 (R300) per meal.Read more
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Day 18
Tuesday, June 25, 2019 at 4:15 PM
⛅ 19 °C
Altitude: 1,937 m
United States Trude 44.46318, -111.3438344°27’47” N 111°20’38” W
Rail trail
June 25, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C
One of the most uncomfortable sections of the trail. About 40km of following an old rail trail where the rails and sleepers had been pulled up but the gravel and bumps were left behind.

Who in their right mind thought riding an old rail bed makes a good bike trail....Read more
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Day 18
Tuesday, June 25, 2019 at 7:28 PM
☀️ 21 °C
Altitude: 1,758 m
United States Spring Creek 44.10293, -111.2007944°6’11” N 111°12’3” W
2
Day 14 comments
June 25, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C
We had an early start. We had lots of dirt road, single track and a bit of tar. I saw more badgers, and got a fantastic photo.

We endeared the worst 40km of old rail trail at the end of the day. I pushed Gary to do an extra 25km at the end of the day to get to a hotel (which was closed... Gary did some name dropping to get us in and an early breakfast)Read more
TravelerWell done, that was quite some name dropping 👍
6/26/19Reply
TravelerHelps riding with some famous
6/26/19Reply
Grace Cairns: Love this photo. Badgers are cute!! Proud of you William. Keep going. You can do it.
9/11/19Reply
Patrick Cairns: Badgers are almost as cool as bears.
9/11/19Reply
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Day 19
Wednesday, June 26, 2019 at 7:49 AM
☀️ 10 °C
Altitude: 1,962 m
United States Bergman Reservoir 44.05948, -111.0481544°3’34” N 111°2’53” W
Wyoming
June 26, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 10 °C
My 3rd US state
Traveler2 to go. Awesome work.
6/27/19Reply
Bill CairnsJust for the record you have also been in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Massachusetts. Don't you remember?
6/27/19Reply
TravelerI don’t think he’s been cycling in them....
6/27/19Reply
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Day 19
Wednesday, June 26, 2019 at 1:04 PM
☀️ 20 °C
Altitude: 2,259 m
United States Steamboat Mountain 44.04343, -110.6930444°2’36” N 110°41’35” W
Grand Teton National park
June 26, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C
Rode past the Grand Teton National park. Lots and lots of tourists all over. I did get a few photos but mostly I just kept riding.
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Day 19
Wednesday, June 26, 2019 at 9:14 PM
⛅ 11 °C
Altitude: 2,902 m
United States Togwotee Pass 43.7544, -110.0681943°45’16” N 110°4’5” W
Togwotee Pass - 2915m
June 26, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 11 °C
Highest pass so far, look at all the snow up here.

Soon after cresting the pass (on tar) we took a side road. Right at the start the road was covered in snow and I saw many more patches of snow on the way down. I reached the dirt section in the early evening but it took me hours to get to the campsite at the bottom of the pass as my bike light decided to stop working and my headlight would not stay on bright.Read more
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Day 20
Thursday, June 27, 2019 at 5:20 AM
🌙 5 °C
Altitude: 2,569 m
United States Brooks Lake Creek Falls 43.70605, -109.9714943°42’22” N 109°58’17” W
Day 15 comments
June 27, 2019 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 5 °C
Started with early breakfast but got going at about 6:20. Gary took off before me and said I need to catch up.

First part of the day was easy with tar roads. First pass was gentle but the start of the second pass after lunch I started struggling. We reached our highest point of the race so far.

On the way down from Togwotee pass we had hike a bike through snow, also crossed an old mud slide. A 10km trip that should have taken 30minutes took more than 2 hours. On top of snow and mud slide my light stopped working and my headlight batteries went flat only giving me a faint light

Finally set up camp just after 23:00.Read more
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Day 20
Thursday, June 27, 2019 at 2:12 PM UTC
☀️ 8 °C
Altitude: 2,691 m
United States Town of Dubois 43.61524, -109.937743°36’55” N 109°56’16” W
Cayote
June 27, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 8 °C
I saw a cayote today. Originally the photo resolution was too blurred to see it so I've zoomed in on the right spot.
Bill CairnsWe will take your word for the coyote. Are you sure it isn't a bear?
7/24/19Reply
Otto: Looks like a bear under the pine tree on the left...
9/11/19Reply
Wayne Edwards Gpro: I think that's an Ewok, watch out for those nasty little buggers! Great to see your mood lifted, touring or racing its a fantastic adventure and achievement. Definitely one to tell the grand children
9/11/19Reply
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Day 20
Thursday, June 27, 2019 at 10:01 AM
☀️ 12 °C
Altitude: 2,913 m
United States Fish Lake Mountain 43.55358, -109.9410943°33’13” N 109°56’28” W
1
Lunch at 2924m
June 27, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 12 °C
Big hike a bike to reach this flat plateau. About another 50m climb to the top.
Traveler2924 m is quite high - indeed.
6/28/19Reply
Traveler Doesn't look like spring or summer here!
6/28/19Reply
TravelerIn Colorado we reach 3600m
6/28/19Reply
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Day 20
Thursday, June 27, 2019 at 5:31 PM
☀️ 21 °C
Altitude: 2,393 m
United States Middle Butte 43.15072, -110.0041643°9’3” N 110°0’15” W
The Place (restaurant)
June 27, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C
At one point riding over Union pass I had a 360 degree view of snow capped mountains. It was a wonderful site. The downhill from Union pass was quite technical and at the bottom I had what felt like hours of fighting a headwind.

I finally got to a restaurant for some relief.Read more
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Day 21
Friday, June 28, 2019 at 1:39 AM
🌙 7 °C
Altitude: 1,739 m
South Africa Rosettenville -26.2309, 28.058326°13’51” S 28°3’30” E
Chats with Yolande
June 28, 2019 in South Africa ⋅ 🌙 7 °C
2019/06/28, 01:39 - William: Terrible day today (and last night)
2019/06/28, 01:39 - Yolande Cairns: Love you. How is it going. What's wrong?
2019/06/28, 01:39 - William: Yesterday only got to bed after 23:00
2019/06/28, 01:40 - William: Hit top of final pass as it got dark
2019/06/28, 01:40 - Yolande Cairns: Why?
2019/06/28, 01:40 - William: So 10km down hill should be 30 mins
2019/06/28, 01:40 - William: But snow over road in lots of places
2019/06/28, 01:40 - William: So lots of pushing
2019/06/28, 01:40 - William: Also over old mud slide
2019/06/28, 01:41 - Yolande Cairns: What distance did you do today?
2019/06/28, 01:41 - William: Then headlamp decided battery was too low for light do went to lowest setting
2019/06/28, 01:41 - William: And bike light lost connection to dynamo
2019/06/28, 01:41 - William: So 30 mins became 2hours
2019/06/28, 01:42 - William: Done 102km today
2019/06/28, 01:42 - William: 40km to next town
2019/06/28, 01:42 - William: Nowhere to stay until there
2019/06/28, 01:42 - William: Massive headwind all afternoon
2019/06/28, 01:43 - Yolande Cairns: Not good. You still going then with no light?
2019/06/28, 01:43 - William: Bike light started working a little while ago
2019/06/28, 01:43 - William: Not sure what to do
2019/06/28, 01:44 - William: Feeling a bit sorry for myself
2019/06/28, 01:44 - Yolande Cairns: What time is it now
2019/06/28, 01:44 - William: 17:44
2019/06/28, 01:44 - William: Sitting in bar charging my camera
2019/06/28, 01:47 - William: 😘
2019/06/28, 01:47 - Yolande Cairns: I love you lots and lots. 🤗😘🥰😍 You're doing great.
2019/06/28, 01:47 - William: Thanks
2019/06/28, 02:03 - Yolande Cairns: ❤❤❤❤❤
2019/06/28, 02:06 - Yolande Cairns: Good luck with rest of the ride. At least you have tar..
2019/06/28, 02:09 - William: 😘
2019/06/28, 02:14 - Yolande Cairns: Love you lots. You are doing a fine job. Keep focused on you target and push on. You can do it.
2019/06/28, 02:19 - William: Thanks
2019/06/28, 02:20 - William: Love you lots
2019/06/28, 02:20 - William: Trying to decide if I want to eat something more 🤪
2019/06/28, 02:21 - Yolande Cairns: 😁
2019/06/28, 02:21 - William: You can ignore me and go back to sleep
2019/06/28, 02:25 - Yolande Cairns: Michael Jordan said that never say never as limits are often just an illusion. You can push through your limits. Stay focused on your goals an visualise the victory. It will be sweet
2019/06/28, 02:30 - Yolande Cairns: 😘 Good night. Will track you in the morning. Good luck my love.Read more
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Day 21
Friday, June 28, 2019 at 6:34 AM
☀️ 6 °C
Altitude: 2,185 m
United States Pinedale 42.86775, -109.8722742°52’4” N 109°52’20” W
Day 15 comments
June 28, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 6 °C
So today started off ok after the snow of last night. But I got tired quite early and after Union Pass had a really strong headwind and it really got me down.

Stopped at a cafe to eat (hamburger and chips and hotdog and chips with about 3l of diet coke). As I was sitting there waiting for the wind to die down, a couple out for a meal asked me what the cycling was about and we chatted for over an hour. They then invited me to stay over.

As I was already more than a day behind the official cutoff time I accepted. I sent the race organizer a note to say I need to be considered a tourer and not a racer)

So a not so great day turned into a highlight of the trip!

I saw a cayote today.

At the top of union pass I was surrounded 360 degrees by the snow capped mountains! A photo just can't do it justice!

Most of the day was ridden at over 2500m above sea level, peaking at 2975mRead more
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Day 21
Friday, June 28, 2019 at 9:39 AM
☀️ 17 °C
Altitude: 2,185 m
United States Pinedale 42.86775, -109.8722742°52’4” N 109°52’20” W
Pinedale for breakfast
June 28, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 17 °C
In Pinedale I decided to have second breakfast. Pancakes and some Bacon. I didn't get to finish it all.

I then went to the local bike shop for a new chain and brake pads.
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Day 21
Friday, June 28, 2019
☀️ 21 °C
Altitude: 2,432 m
United States Wolf Creek 42.50357, -109.1570942°30’13” N 109°9’26” W
Day 16 comments
June 28, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C
Took the day very peacefully. It was hard leaving Andrew and Mary as we were having a great chat. I took it easy, missed a turnoff and did a few extra km to Pinedale. In Pinedale had another breakfast and replaced chain and brake pads. Finally got new shorts that were not torn.

Continued peacefully and did around 140km for the day.

I see I'm carrying too much food again... Fear of being hungry maybe? For supper I had freeze dried food, it was supposed to be 2 servings but wasn't quite enough.

I've entered the Great Basin so water is going to be in short supply for a while.Read more
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Day 22
Saturday, June 29, 2019 at 6:53 AM
☀️ 11 °C
Altitude: 2,432 m
United States Wolf Creek 42.50357, -109.1571142°30’13” N 109°9’26” W
Frozen camping
June 29, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 11 °C
Last night was very cold. When I woke up my bike bags were covered by frost
TravelerWell done Will, you have passed the halfway point now. Awesome effort!
6/30/19Reply
TravelerThanks. 17 days to half way. Need to be finished at latest 16th so got 16 days for second half
6/30/19Reply
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Day 22
Saturday, June 29, 2019 at 12:49 PM
☀️ 23 °C
Altitude: 2,414 m
United States Little Beaver Creek 42.49116, -108.7316342°29’28” N 108°43’54” W
Atlantic City
June 29, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C
Atlantic City is one of the grandiose names people used in the past to try get more people to come to the town. I got to the mercantile at about 10:55 and wanted to order hotdogs, but they were still on breakfast menu so had to wait about 10 minutes for them to switch to lunch menu.Read more
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Day 22
Saturday, June 29, 2019 at 9:22 PM UTC
⛅ 26 °C
Altitude: 2,183 m
United States North Sand Draw Unit 42.30896, -108.4772642°18’32” N 108°28’38” W
2 2
Diagnus well
June 29, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 26 °C
Diagnus Well is the only reliable water in the Tour Divide crossing of the Great Basin.
Traveler Could be in RSA!
6/30/19Reply
Traveler Hmmm...
6/30/19Reply
Traveler Karoo
6/30/19Reply
Traveler I used water from here for cooking, after I had used an aquatab to kill all the nasties. But could be cause of unhappy tummy.
6/30/19Reply
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Day 22
Saturday, June 29, 2019 at 5:10 PM
⛅ 27 °C
Altitude: 2,141 m
United States Sulphur Creek 42.31984, -108.2300642°19’11” N 108°13’48” W
Half way!
June 29, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 27 °C
I reached half way in 16 days 11 hours 7 minutes. I must say that the half way point is in a rather uninspiring location.
Travelervery uninspiring!
6/30/19Reply
Bev: All the best. Woooo Hoooo!
9/11/19Reply
Andre Van Den Berg: Lets those wheels turn Mr Cairns.. well done my friend enjoy your adventure.
9/11/19Reply
Pam Physio: Oh wow, well done
9/11/19Reply
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