BikerBob and the "Bloated Mule" on the GDMBR: White Mesa

A Note on the Header Picture

The picture in the header above was taken very near Hunters Camp several miles south of Cabezon, New Mexico. If you are one of the brave souls who venture between Cuba and Grants on the main GDMBR and want a similar shot for your album, then look for the faint two track that heads NNW up a mild incline out of Hunters Camp. This spot is about 1/4 mile from Hunters Camp. That is Cabezon Peak in the background.

Based on a comment I read in a forum I have named my bike "The Bloated Mule." Although it is not very flattering it is terribly accurate. The Mule is definitely on a serious diet before the big ride. The picture in the header was taken in March during a multiday shakedown when I was testing a lot of different equipment. Also, my streamlined Epic Designs bags had not arrived yet. So, although the Mule will never be called "Greased Lightening," it will be far lighter and faster in the coming weeks.

What About Bob?

Riding the complete Great Divide Mountain Bike Route (GDMBR) has become an obsession. I believe it is about as healthy an obsession as obsessions go.

In the summer when others are following the events of the Tour de France, I am glued to my computer screen waiting for the latest blog updates on the GDMBR racers. I have absolutely no desire to race the GDMBR, but I totally enjoy riding the route here in New Mexico.

In preparation for my own attempt to ride the whole route in the summer of 2008, I also love to glean information about it from others who have been on the route.

In moments of reflection I wonder why do I have this obsession? What is it about the GDMBR that is calling me?

This blog will be my attempt to answer these questions; as well as to document my preparations for and experiences on the GDMBR. I do not think that it will necessarily be so much about what I will get out of riding the GDMBR as it will be about who I must become in order to accomplish it.

GDMBR racers have sometimes used words like "shredding the route." I am not critizing this idea, but right now that language seems foreign to me. For me, it is not about what I am going to do to the GDMBR. Instead I wonder: "What is the ride going to catalyze within me?"

The whole idea of riding my mountain bike while pulling a loaded BOB trailer about 2700 miles and climbing somewhere around 200,000 vertical feet is daunting. It is exciting and kind of scarry at the same time.

Left to my own devices, I can kind of be a loner. Well, maybe "loner" is not the right word? Perhaps "self-sufficient" or "low-maintenance" would be better, because I enjoy other people's company. Yet I do not depend on them too much. "The best rescue is a self-rescue." Those words from a former diving instructor still true ring in my ears.

However, not getting into a situation that requires a rescue may be even better. On the other hand, let's not be ridiculous. Because on the GDMBR, having companions to share the adventure and to help each other if/when something goes wrong, may very well be one of the best aspects of the trip.

On that note, for this trip I have advertised for companions. To date, four other brave souls have decided to join me for at least a part of the way. I am sure that I will meet others on the route too.

I hope you will check in from time to time to see how things are going ... or have gone.

Update 10/13/08

I believe that my obsession is cured. I rode the New Mexico section this summer and was prepared to do a flip-flop when my mother-in-law died. I came home to support my wife and by the time I could get back out on the route there really was not enough time left in my summer vacation to make it feasible.

Next summer I will do another section of the route, but I will probably do it solo. As much as I enjoyed riding with my group this past summer I really need a slower pace and more rest days than most of the other riders. I just do not recover as quickly as I use to. Although I appear to be 10-12 years younger than my actual age, my body has high mileage and I need to treat it more respectfully.

I will also travel a lot lighter than I did in the New Mexico section, because the services are more plentiful outside of New Mexico. The food and water logistics of the New Mexico section were every bit as challenging as I anticipated. There is not much that I would change if I were to do the New Mexico section again.

With a later start, the ACA recommended southbound travel makes a lot of sense. I wish it fit my summer schedule better. On that basis, I will probably section the rest of the route over at least two more summers. I really do not want to have to rush it. It is too much fun to do a slam, bam, thank you mam type of ride.

Saturday, July 19, 2008

White Mesa

The trails are called "White Mesa Trails" because of the abundance of white gypsum, but a lot of colors are represented in the soils and rocks of this incredible mountain biking and hiking area about 35 miles from Albuquerque.

In the distance you can see the real "White Mesa."

Riding on the "Dragon's Back." The drops offs to either side were a couple hundred feet.

Cabezon Peak is in the distance.

"Land of Enchantment!"