It could be said that the Great Divide Bike Trail is like the Mount Everest of cycling adventures. Not only is it the longest mountain bike trail in the world at 2,500 miles, but it has over 200,000 feet of elevation gain. Stretching from Canada to Mexico, the Great Divide bike trail travels through some of the most mountainous regions in the U.S. and delivers a sense of remoteness not often found these days. Cyclists agree that whether you take on the challenge of riding the entire trail or a section of it, you’ll return from the Great Divide a changed person. The Great Divide bike trail was started by Adventure Cycling, a non-profit organization that charts one of the largest networks of cycling routes at over 40,ooo miles of trails. Their mission is to
inspire people of all ages to travel by bicycle. We help cyclists explore the landscapes and history of America for fitness, fun, and self-discovery.
The route, which roughly parallels the Continental Divide, is not for the faint of heart. Divided into 5 geographic regions, the trail crosses through some of the most diverse terrains a cyclist could encounter with long stretches of no services. According to Adventure Cycling, one-third of the overnights are considered wilderness sites and most others are forest sites with pit toilets and a water supply. This is why they call it bikepacking. Trail conditions vary with the terrain from pavement and gravel roads to singletrack mountain trails and old railroad beds and can be tough on bikes.
Most cyclists travel from north to south and the entire route is typically completed in about 3 months. Other cyclists just bike portions of the trail or go back to complete a different section each trip, much like hikers do on the Appalachian Trail. Much care and research should be taken on what equipment will be needed and how to best reduce your impact on the land. Adventure Cycling publishes maps and guide books to help plan one of your own epic rides you’ve been hearing so much about.
There are also many blog diaries about cycling the Great Divide Trail. Here’s one.
For more information, see these books:
Mountain bike trail is always a good adventurous activity that gives us the fabulous opportunity to ride the best bikes through beautiful places. The Great Divide Bike Trail is one of the must do mountain bike trail.
I have added it to my bucket list.
Hi Tracy,
That was an illuminating article, as a former MTB rider, it feels good when I see people like you promoting mountain biking.
I will just drop down my link if any of you guys are looking for a buyers guide on how to select the perfect MTB for your needs!
https://www.tripytraveller.com/best-gear-cycle-under-15000/
Good Article on cross country cycling, It is an adventure sport for ardent cycle lover.
Hi ,
Very good article on cycling adventure. Keep the good work.
Hi Tracy,
Well written article on Adventure Cycling, every cycling enthusiast should try this once. It keeps you healthy and focused on your goal.
wow,, ride is my passion
cycling is really good exercise and also eco friendly, no pollution .we can go anywhere with a bicycle .good article .keep the work going.
Wow, this trail is really challenging, and takes three months to complete, I think I am out for this.
Hi Tracy, well written article that inspire people of all ages to travel by bicycle. The adventure experience is worth.
Wow, Tracy! This sounds like an amazing experience!
Hi Tracy,
I went through your article and really liked what you wrote. If you are into trails, do pack your bike and head to India and visit Ladakh.
You will certainly fall in love with the beauty and serenity. Just dropping in a link with a few reasons that will blow your mind on the beauty of Ladakh – http://www.velocrushindia.com/2017/08/22/cycling-ladakh/
This trail is not just long, but stunningly beautiful too, just look at those mountains! This is a cycling trip I would certainly want to do.
I love to ride my bike and even complete this trail, of course in the copanhia of this beautiful woman.
I didn’t see nothing like that before I wonder how much It will take to run the whole thing, is it done before ? I’m looking forward to ride a part of it.
Seriously? Wow! I wish I could bike the Great Divide Bike Trail someday. This would be the coolest bike trail in the world. Ahaha.
I am not so sure it is the Longest in North America- the Trans’ Canada Trail goes from Newfoundland, across Canada entire and ends in Hope , BC. It is about 90 % mtnbike friendly and spans the entire country which is a little over 3000 miles. In fact, as it sits now, the Trans Canada also includes a trail North into the Arctic and has over 16,000 kms. of developed trail.
http://www.tctrail.ca/home.php