In 1999, John Stamstad was the first to complete a time trial of the Great Divide Mountain Bike Race, scorching the route in an unprecedented 18 days, 5 hours. John's mark stood for 5 years, until the inaugural Great Divide Race was held. Seven racers started and 4 finished, with Stamstad's record falling to Mike Curiak in 16 days, 57 minutes. That mark stood for 3 years before Jay Petervary raised the bar with a time of 15 days, 4 hours, and 18 minutes.  Barely a year later in the most recent 2008 event, John Nobile scorched the course in 15 days, 1 hour, 26 minutes.

The general idea is to race from Canada to Mexico, under only your own power, and to be self supported between towns. In towns you can buy a meal, stock up on trail grub, even get a room for a shower and some quality sleep. 

The overriding principle is simply to do it all yourself. All of the pedaling, pushing, bike wrenching, food buying (and eating...), water filtering, suffering, and all logistical figuring.

The race clock starts at noon on 6/20/08, and ends for each racer when their front wheel crosses the International Border at Antelope Wells.

Prearranged outside support is not allowed. This includes, but is not limited to, assistance with navigation, delivery of supplies, lighting, or lodging. 

Competitors may only advance on the route via their own power. If your bike breaks, you can continue to the next town on foot.  Competitors may, in the case of an emergency, mechanical or other unforeseeable problems, be assisted by motorized transport (hitchhiking) in moving backward or off-route, but MAY NOT, under any circumstances, be transported forward on the route.  Once you've solved your issue, you must then rejoin the route exactly where you left it. 

Cell phones are allowed for GDR racers' emergency use only. Keep it stashed away unless you're in dire straits. Once you've used it, you are DQ'd from the race.

This is a solo competition, but during the race it is likely that some racers may choose to travel together. This is permitted. However, racers may not draft other racers.

There is no entry fee or prize money.

THE ROUTE
The GDR route is 85% dirt, gravel, two-track, or fire road. It follows Adventure Cycling Association's Great Divide Mountain Bike Route (GDMBR). There are opportunities to choose alternate routes along the way, the first is the 116 mile section between Cuba and Grants, New Mexico. The off-road route is impassable when wet, so racers have the option to follow the alternate paved route. The second allowed alternate is between Grants and Pie Town, New Mexico, through El Malpais National Monument.

More info on greatdividerace.com
 
2008 RESULTS
John Nobile...15 days,01 hour, 26 minutes
Carl Hutchings...17:10:41
Rainer Klaus...18:01:26
Simon Kennet...19:05:02
Fred Wilkinson...21:01:45
Noah Dimit...22:12:11
Jenn Hopkins...22:18:40