These journals of cycle tours seem to have a common flow - the genesis of the idea, then the preparation, and then the really fun bit - bike life on the road.

After returning from European Divide Trail in June 2023 I started to look around for another long-ish ride, and Great Divide kept appearing on the list of possibles. I read some pages, watched some videos and decided GDMBR, NoBo was my next ride. 

I've been lucky enough to get extended leave from work and have been setting that project up "on rails" so any pain to be worn will be awaiting my return. (Thanks Mike!)

Six weeks out from departure my NZ lifestyle is almost ready for hands free operation. Leaving responsibilities such as livestock and water systems in the care of others for 3 months is a big ask, and I'm very grateful to my friends who have volunteered (or been coerced into) standing in for me. (Sometimes, living in an apartment looks like a sweet alternative!) Thank you Lisa, Gordy and Angela - I couldn't do this without you.

Wally has a new drive train, now running a 52 on the rear, a rebuilt rear wheel (all that weight bearing did have an effect) and new peddles, but is otherwise just the same. Gerry2 Garmin is a refurbed model after Gerry1 suffered a cracked screen and a too-long day in the rain. ACA maps and GPX files are loaded.

Wally will be traveling in a roomy e-bike box to Houston and El Paso, accompanied by a Galaxy SmartTag, so I can watch any unplanned diversions or rest stops.

Then there is all the "little stuff" - ESTA (USA) and eTA (Canada) are approved; eSim is ordered; cash card loaded with $US and $CAN; electrical socket adapters borrowed; additional water filtering and carrying capacity added; reactivate Garmin tracking.... and read the ACA maps on RWGPS.