Endurance cycling pioneer John Stamstad was the first to race the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route in 1999, setting the standard for a new breed of riders by pedaling the 2,490-mile route from the Canadian border at Rooseville, Mont., to the border of Mexico in Antelope Wells, N.M. Stamstad’s time of 18 days, 5 hours remained intact for five years, with several riders trying to break the nearly nonstop pace of Stamstad.
In 2004, Grand Junction’s Mike Curiak helped found the inaugural Great Divide Race and set a record that still stands today at 16 days, 57 minutes. Of the seven who started the 2004 race, four finished. Since the first year, only nine riders have finished the race.
The race follows the Adventure Cycling Association’s route and is 85 percent unpaved road. The communal rules of the no-fee, no-prizes, no-support race are simple: Race under your own power and stay on route. You can re-supply in towns, but must remain self-reliant on the trail. In case of emergency, you can use help to backtrack but as soon as any power other than your legs propels you forward on the trail, you are out of the race.
This year’s race begins Friday with a record 22 riders. Tune in to to follow the riders’ progress.
