Kurt Williams
Great Divide
Middlewood, WY
The second you hit Colorado, you immediately start seeing Aspen groves! I love how state borders aren't just imaginary lines on the map, but there's always a defining geological reason for these borders. Now everyone knows Colorado is beautiful, so I won’t rant on and on about it but just say it once....Colorado is very beautiful.
As we stroll through the top half of the state we descend down into Steamboat Springs. What was really cool is that the route comes right into town on a bike path passing this bike shop called Orange Peel. We had been told to stop in and say hi. We understood quickly why. It was a small local shop, super nice guys, and really accommodating to the divide riders. They weren't into making money out of us, they understood we were broke touring guys, but that didn't stop them from helping out and making sure we were taken care of. They even let some other riders put their bikes on the stand and use their tools to repair problems on the bikes. It's so amazing the dramatic difference in shops, one can be so nice and one can be so snobby and downright mean. I imagine they'll be around for a while for treating people like that. Thanks for the stands and the air.
Colorado not only has the scenery but you also notice how different the people are compared to both Montana and Wyoming. It goes from Cowboys up north to bros, college kids, and outdoor jocks really quick when you get to this state. Not saying anything bad about it, just that it's so different and really noticeable. Colorado has those wicked vibes dude.
About half way down, we had plans to hitch out to Boulder to visit a close friend and to take it easy, we were super tired again, and when that happens, you just have to listen to your body and go watch some movies on a couch. Our stay in town was awesome, I'm really glad we stopped and took a chance to breath.
- IMAGES OF THE ROAD -
Kurt Williams
Gear List
- My Blackburn Gear -
- My Bike Specs -
- • FRAME-Salsa El Mariachi Frame size: M
- • CRANK-SRAM S1000, 26/39T, GXP (make, model, length, chainrings) BOTTOM BRACKET: SRAM GXP
- • SHIFTERS-SRAM X-7 Trigger
- • TIRES-Front Continental X-King Rear WTB Nano both Tubeless (front and rear, make, model and size)
- • STEM-Salsa
- • FORK-Salsa Fargo Forks
- • PEDALS-Cheap flat pedals with straps
- • BRAKES-Avid Elixir 5
- • SEAT POST-Salsa
- • HANDLEBAR-Salsa Pro Moto 2, Salsa Juegos de Fuegos (aerobars, grips, bartape, etc)
- • HEADSET-Cane Creek
- • CASSETTE-SRAM 12-36T
- • WHEELS-29”, Formula Hubs, Stans Arch: (size, hub, rim)
- • SADDLE-Brooks
- • SPARE PARTS-Chain, tubes, shifter cable, spare bolts, patches
Kurt Williams
- FROM: Jaffrey, New Hampshire
- DOB: 1986-02-11
- Single
- OCCUPATION: Dirt Bag
- What was the genesis moment or inspiration for your upcoming adventure? A few years ago I was touring through Central America and through the internet heard about the Great Divide Route. Since then I always wanted to do it, but it wasn’t until I ran across the Blackburn Ranger Program that I started to take it serious. I figured why not apply and see if it was meant to be.
- Have you traveled by bike in the past? I have, done a few shorter bike tours in Oregon. Then, one trip from Denver back to Portland, OR. My most ambitious trip was a few years ago when I biked from California through Central America to Panama, that was a pretty eye opening trip to see where a bike can take you.
- What is your goal for the route? To have fun with my buddy Sam!
- What do you hope to get out of this journey? I hope to successfully bike tour with climbing gear and to use the bicycle as a means to get to climbing locations. A climbing trip completely fueled by bike touring!
-
What’s in my bag
1. Cat food alcohol stove - Always works, fuel is super easy to find in any location.
2. Giro long sleeve button up shirt - Super excited to have this, I’ve always bike with a casual shirt. Versatile and also makes you not look like a cyclist, which helps you connect with people along the route.
3. Blackburn Oversized Bottle Cages - Really happy to be using these prototypes! Forget the racks, use these!
4. Tobacco Pipe - For lookin’ cool.