Tour Divide 2024

Interview with Tour Divide Finisher Mateo Paez

Hi Mateo! Can you start by telling us a bit about the Tour Divide, the race you recently completed?

Sure! The Tour Divide is one of the oldest and most challenging bikepacking races in the world. It spans 4,400 kilometers, starting in Alberta, Canada, and passes through two Canadian provinces and five US states before ending at the Mexican border in New Mexico. The route primarily traverses the Rocky Mountains, roughly following the Continental Divide Hiking Trail. It's a demanding version of the legendary trail for cyclists.

That's really impressive! You mentioned it took you 17 days to complete the race?

Yes, exactly. 17 days and 20 hours, to be precise. I'm proud to have finished within 17 days. My longest race before this was only six days, so this was a whole new level of endurance and challenge.

How did you manage the long duration compared to your previous races?

The biggest challenge was definitely the longer time on the trail. After my longest previous race of six days, the next eleven days were a constant adjustment and overcoming new challenges. Initially, every problem seemed to compound, but after the twelfth day, I found a rhythm. My daily routines and priorities changed drastically. From that point on, life on the trail became normal, even enjoyable in a way. Surprisingly, it was harder to return to normal life after the race than to get used to life on the trail.

That's interesting. Can you tell us more about what it was like to return to normal life?

In normal life, everything is designed for comfort – our homes, cars, and daily routines. On the trail, almost everything is uncomfortable, but that's part of the allure. You're constantly managing something, whether it's the weather, your gear, or your physical condition. After the race, it’s difficult to adjust back to the comfort and quiet of everyday life. It's like you’re in survival mode on the trail and have to re-adjust to a world where comfort is the norm.

Was the race physically or mentally harder?

Initially, the physical challenge is the most apparent. Your body goes through an adaptation phase where every muscle aches, and the sheer exertion is overwhelming. But once I passed the six-day mark, the physical strain normalized, and the mental challenge took over. Around the halfway point, the mental aspect became crucial – dealing with the weather, managing expectations, and staying motivated through the monotony and effort.

Did you have coping mechanisms for the tough times?

Positive self-talk was essential. Also, taking short breaks helped. Just stopping for five minutes, sitting still, and relaxing my mind made a big difference. It was like a mental reset, almost like a nap without actually sleeping. This strategy was especially useful in the last three days of the race.

Did you have a set plan for sleep or daily mileage?

I had a rough plan – five hours of sleep per night in the first week. But that was hard to maintain. The weather played a significant role, especially during the first five days of rain. Often, I had to adjust my plans to find shelter or resolve gear issues. In the second half of the race, I found a flow that worked for me, but it was constantly changing.

What was the hardest part of those 17 days?

Two days stand out. On one day, I was mentally blocked, worried about the race's cost, and felt awful from the pre-packaged food. Another tough day was towards the end in Silver City. I was soaked again, and my wet socks and shoes pushed me to a breaking point. I had to stop, sit in a dugout, call my girlfriend, and have a good cry before I could continue. Despite these low points, I was fortunate not to have any major mechanical issues.

And what was the best day or the best experience?

My longest day was the best. I was on the move for 26 hours straight, covering 370 kilometers from Silverthorne to Loder Creek. Everything went perfectly – the weather, my energy, and my mental state. I felt great, could eat well, got new gloves, and rode through the night. This day perfectly encapsulates the highs of the race for me.

Looking back, how do you feel about the whole experience?

It feels incredible. Sometimes it's hard to believe I actually finished in 17 days. When I look back on the journey, I'm proud and motivated to take on new challenges. Even the hardest days now seem better in hindsight. Completing the race gave me a deep sense of fulfillment.

Let's wrap up with a few quick questions.

What would you have left behind?

My sleeping bag. I packed too much.

Did you miss anything?

No, actually, I had too much with me.

Best piece of equipment?

My frame bag. It was like a magic bag that I could fill with everything I needed.

Worst decision?

Sending a pair of socks home from Abiquiu, New Mexico. I really needed those dry socks later.

Best decision?

Touring 800 kilometers to Banff before the race. It mentally and physically prepared me for the trail.

Favorite song?

"Believe" by Cher.

Favorite food?

Blueberry cheese danish, preferably from a gas station like 7-Eleven. They have 500 calories each, and I never got tired of them.

Any final thoughts?

I would encourage everyone to take on tough challenges. It's easy to forget how important it is to push our boundaries and face new challenges. It changes your perspective on everything.

Follow Mateo on Instagram for inspiration, impressive photos, and stories.