Itinerary

The Great Divide
The American West conjures up images of the Rockies, crystal clear mountain streams, endless skies, and cowboys and cowgirls huddled around a campfire sipping coffee.
And while the Great Divide section includes several long challenging days in the saddle. Those who are able to find the frontier spirit within themselves will be richly rewarded by this journey on 2 wheels into the Wild West.

After exiting Helena we visit the historic Missouri River headwaters before spinning up the Gallatin River canyon where white water rafters dodge boulders as they rush downstream.
From there it’s a quick ride to West Yellowstone and a rest day when clients can cycle into or take a guided tour of Yellowstone Park. Where they will spy herds of bison, fields of hot springs, and the world’s most renowned geyser, Old Faithful.

Back in the saddle we’ll cruise along 2 quiet scenic roads in Idaho, with great views of the foreboding peaks of the Tetons which we traverse at Teton Pass. Then it’s a wicked downhill into the rich and famous … and expensive … ski resort town of Jackson Hole followed by a sweet rolling bike path most of the way to Hoback canyon.
From there the riders’ mettle will be tested by a century+ day of 165 km up onto and across the gauntlet of Wyoming’s remote High Chaparral.
Reminiscent of Botswana, here humans are vastly outnumbered by cattle, and the few lonely settlements such as Big Piney are populated by oil industry workers, trailers and pick up trucks. At more than 2000 meters elevation in the middle of nowhere one shudders to think how cold and lonely it must be here in winter.

After passing by Green River and the Flaming Gorge Reservoir we’ll catch our first glimpses of the surreal rock formations of the southwest. The route takes us into the northeastern corner of Utah where prehistoric sea life flourished and dinosaurs roamed long ago.
Then it’s up and over western Colorado’s Douglas pass. Finally we cycle along Utah’s Highway 128, dwarfed by red rock cliffs and buttes carved eons ago by the Colorado river, and arrive at the mountain biking paradise town of Moab. Moab is also the gateway to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks.

* This is a general itinerary. Tour itineraries are subject to change based on the group, available accommodations and other unforeseen circumstances such as the weather, local conditions, government intervention, that may affect the quality of the trip and/or safety of the participants. Please view this itinerary as an outline as to what to expect on this tour.

Lodging

North American Epic | section 5

4 Nights in hotels
6 Nights of camping, bring your own camping gear
8 riding day, 1 rest days
Note:
We advise booking at least 1 additional night at tour accommodation before the tour, to be able to attend rider briefing and have assistance from tour bike mechanic in setting up your bike.

Included:

• Accommodation the night before first cycling day and the night of last cycling day are included in entry fee.
• 4 nights hotels
• 6 Nights of camping, bring your own camping gear.
• Most dinners, Most breakfasts, All roadside lunches.
• Experienced chef
• Vehicle to carry your bags
• Experienced tour leader
• Sweep rider
• GPS tracks & route notes
• Bike mechanic
• Medic
• Local support
• Pre-tour information bulletins

Not included:

• Flights and transfer to and from the tour
• Night after the tour
• Bicycle, camping gear
• Visas and related costs (requirements vary by rider’s nationality) are not included.
• Gratuity guides

Pricing / Tour dates

Tour price 2025: $ 4050.- pp Single fee, double occupancy rooms on hotel nights, we pair each rider with others of same gender.
It is also possible to combine this section with adjacent sections
Tour date 2025:
02 Sep – 15 Sep, limited space available
Next North American Epic will not take place until 2028!

Conditions

Deposit $400.00
The deposit payment for a tour must be paid within two weeks after the booking is confirmed.
The remaining payment is due 90 days before the start of the tour.
For tours that are booked within 90 days before the start of the tour you will pay 100% of the tour price

Information

Some long and tough days with shorter less challenging days mixed in. Environment (sometimes including wind and heat) and terrain (including some significant climbing) are more of a factor. Some unexpected challenges may creep in from time to time.

Gear / equipment:
Two duffel bags (max 110L each)
Basic spare bike parts
Tent and camp gear