GDMBR Route – 2700 Miles
The Big One
For many cyclists, bikepacking the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route (GDMBR) is the big one, the ultimate adventure, running from Canada to Mexico, passing through diverse landscapes and challenging terrain. It has snow-covered passes at altitude, large desert sections, and everything in between.
The extended route now begins in Jasper but I’ll be following the traditional GDMBR trail from Banff, Alberta. The route Passes through Alberta, British Columbia, Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, finishing in New Mexico.
The Continental Divide is the line to which water flows west or east, and the GDMBR crosses the Continental Divide many times on its route, which for me will be north-to-south covering over 2,700 miles (4,340 kilometres of terrain, and over 150,00 feet (46,600 metres) of climbing.
Every June some of the most remarkable people on the planet RACE a route which is almost identical; this is known as the Tour Divide. The official record for this was set in 2024, is an incredible 13 days, 2 hours and 16 minutes, and is held by Jusitas Leveika.
It’s somewhat sobering to consider that, should I be successful, this GDBMR journey should take around 62 days.
That’s if I can get light and fit enough. See progress HERE
Some other potential highights:
Bears (Grizzly and Black), Moose, Cougars, Mosquitos, Snow, Peanut-butter mud, The Flathead Valley, The Grand Teton National Park, Boreas Pass, The Great Divide Basin, and the New Mexico Desert.
Why?
Before I get too old there is a yearing to find my limits and be immersed in the rugged beauty of the American West on this epic journey. If not now, when?
Maybe I’ll only last a few days before leaving the trail for the nearest airport.
Let’s see.
More:
For comprehensive maps, resources, and support, visit the Adventure Cycling Association website
