Somewhere between the crisp mountain air of Banff and the rugged, high desert of New Mexico, a line is drawn through North America’s backbone. Not a road. Not a racecourse. Just a route—one that stretches over 4,400 km (2,745 miles) and defines what it means to truly ride free.
The Great Divide Mountain Bike Route (GDMBR) is the world’s longest off-pavement cycling route, and it has captured the hearts of racers, bikepackers, and dreamers alike. It is a test of endurance, an escape from modern noise, and an invitation to ride through some of the most remote and beautiful landscapes in the world. But what truly sets the GDMBR apart from other long-distance cycling routes? It’s the fact that anyone can do it. No entrance fees, no permits, no barriers—just you, your bike, and the adventure of a lifetime.
A Race Like No Other, A Ride for Everyone
For the ultra-endurance racer, the Tour Divide—an annual, self-supported race along the GDMBR—represents the pinnacle of grit and determination. Riders push themselves to the absolute limit, battling sleep deprivation, unpredictable weather, and physical exhaustion, all in a quest to complete the route as fast as humanly possible. The record? A mind-blowing 13 days, 2 hours, and 16 minutes is held by Justinas Leveika. That’s an average of over 200 miles a day, riding through everything from grizzly country to scorching desert.
But here’s the thing—the GDMBR isn’t just for elite athletes. It’s for the teacher on summer break, the retiree looking for an adventure, the weekend warrior dreaming of something bigger. The route is unmarked, untamed, and completely accessible to anyone with the will to take it on. Unlike other epic routes that require expensive permits or exclusive access, the GDMBR belongs to all of us.
The Call of the Divide
So, what is it about this route that draws people in, year after year? What makes it stand out among the world’s most famous cycling routes?
- Wild, Remote, and Unbelievably Beautiful
- The GDMBR takes you deep into the wild, where nature reigns supreme. Picture yourself pedaling along dirt roads that wind through the towering Rocky Mountains, where snow-capped peaks rise against an endless sky. Glide past fields of wildflowers, their colors dancing in the wind, and camp beneath the vast Milky Way, untainted by city lights. The route plunges you into landscapes so untouched, so breathtakingly raw, that it feels as though you’ve pedaled into another world. It’s not just about the views—it’s about the feeling of being utterly immersed in the grandeur of nature, miles away from the modern world.
- The Ultimate Challenge, Made for the Everyman
- To ride the Great Divide is to test your limits—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. One moment, you’re cruising effortlessly down a stunning valley; the next, you’re grinding up a relentless pass, questioning your resolve with every pedal stroke. But here’s the beauty of it: there’s no clock ticking, no pressure to perform. Whether you complete it in a few weeks or take a slow, meandering journey over months, every rider earns the same badge of honor. It’s not about speed or strength—it’s about heart, about setting a goal and conquering it on your own terms. The Divide is a proving ground for anyone daring enough to dream big and pedal further than they ever thought possible.
- A Route That’s Truly Free
- In a world where adventure often comes with a hefty price tag, the GDMBR is refreshingly, defiantly free. No costly race entry fees. No bureaucratic red tape. Just a line on a map, open to anyone willing to embrace the journey. This is adventure in its purest form—no guides, no crowds, no reservations. Whether you roll out of Banff with a meticulously planned itinerary or decide to follow the route on a whim, the Divide is yours to explore. It is cycling’s great equalizer, where the only currency that matters is determination and a love for the open road.
- A Life-Changing Experience
- The Great Divide isn’t just a bike route; it’s a transformative journey. It teaches you resilience—how to keep pushing when your legs burn, when the wind howls against you, when the rain turns the trail to mud. It teaches you gratitude—how to savor the simplest pleasures, like a warm meal after a brutal day or a friendly smile in a distant town. It teaches you humility—how small you truly are against the vastness of the wilderness, and yet, how capable you are of navigating it. Strangers become lifelong friends. Every sunrise feels like a personal victory. And when you finally roll into Antelope Wells, dusty and exhausted, you realize that this journey was never just about the miles—it was about discovering who you are when there’s nothing but the road ahead and the will to keep moving.
More Than Just a Route—A Rite of Passage
Riding the Great Divide isn’t about proving anything to the world. It’s about proving something to yourself. It’s about feeling small under Montana’s endless sky, pushing through exhaustion in the Great Basin, and celebrating with a well-earned burrito in New Mexico.
It’s the kind of adventure that leaves you changed. And the best part? It’s there for you, waiting—no matter who you are, no matter when you decide to ride.
So, load up your bike, dream big, and set your wheels rolling. The Divide is calling. Will you answer?
Resources:
Mat Ryder’s YouTube transcript details his experience bike packing the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route (GDMBR). Beginning in Alberta, Canada, he navigates through varied terrains, including mountain passes and desert landscapes, before ending at the US/Mexico border in New Mexico. The journey, spanning 2,700 miles, involves encounters with wildlife, unpredictable weather, and interactions with other travelers and locals. Battling challenges like exhaustion, navigation through muddy conditions, mechanical issues and finding reliable water sources, he emphasizes enjoying the journey. Throughout his adventure, he highlights both the stunning scenery and the kindness of people he meets along the way.
The appeal of the video stems from several factors:
• Authenticity The video conveys a genuine experience of the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route (GDMBR). The video format does not attempt to conceal difficulties or hardships. The video blogger shares his mood, whether good or bad. And he also provides important information on how to, where to and what to… so valuable to riders from different countries. A big bonus is Mat’s video on his cost breakdown for the tour.
• Inspiration The video inspires viewers to “make it happen” if they are considering undertaking the GDMBR.
• Completeness The video provides a complete record that the video creator can revisit.
• Connection The video format allows the video creator to connect with viewers and feel supported by them.
• Information The video provides useful information about the trail.
• The video creator shares information about gear, such as his preference for a belt drive and gear box on his bike.
• The video shares information about resupply points along the route.
• The video shares information about conditions such as the presence of forest fires and the impact on the route.
• Scenery The video captures spectacular scenery.
• Humanity The video reinforces positive views of humanity through encounters with helpful and generous people.
• Spontaneity The video creator embraces a flexible approach to the journey, making decisions on the go.
The Map
