PRIORITY OUT OF OFFICE

Great Divide Mountain Bike Route RIDE 2026

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Adventure Cycling Association, Ryan Van Duzer is setting out to ride the entire Great Divide Mountain Bike Route (GDMBR) — a 2,700-mile journey from Canada to Mexico along one of the most iconic bikepacking routes in the world.

Along the way, the Priority Bicycles team will hop on his wheel and join him for one of the most stunning sections of the route.

We’ll be riding Section 5 — Salida, Colorado to Grants, New Mexico — an eight-day stretch of remote gravel roads, big climbs, high-desert landscapes, and classic Divide riding.

We’re opening a limited number of spots for riders who want to join us for the adventure.

Learn More & See How to Apply

GDMBR 2026

GDMBR Section 5 Route Breakdown

Day 1: 79.7 miles — 6,264 ft
Day 2: 73.2 miles — 4,342 ft
Day 3: 71.4 miles — 6,568 ft
Day 4: 63.9 miles — 6,884 ft
Day 5: 55.5 miles — 2,786 ft
Day 6: 63 miles — 7,773 ft
Day 7: 81 miles — 3,718 ft
Day 8: 52.1 miles — 3,745 ft

Total: ~540 miles | ~42,080 ft climbing

More info to come!

Ride With duzer THIS SUMMER on a section of the GDMBR!

Is This Ride for You?

This ride is designed for experienced riders who are comfortable with multi-day bikepacking and long days in the saddle.

Section 5 of the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route covers roughly 540 miles and nearly 40,000 feet of climbing over eight days. Riders should be prepared for remote terrain, variable weather, and long stretches between services.

This will be a self-supported bikepacking ride. Riders will be responsible for carrying their own gear, navigating the route, and managing food, repairs, and camping along the way.

Priority will provide transportation to the start in Salida, Colorado, and from the finish in Grants, New Mexico, but riders should be prepared to handle the ride itself independently and confidently.

If this sounds like the kind of adventure you’re ready for, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply to Ride Section 5

About the Adventure Cycling Association

The Adventure Cycling Association (ACA) is one of the most influential organizations in the world of bicycle travel. Founded after the historic 1976 Bikecentennial ride across the United States, ACA has spent decades inspiring and supporting people to explore the world by bike.

Today, Adventure Cycling maintains an extensive network of cycling routes across North America, mapping more than 57,000 miles of routes designed specifically for bicycle travel. Their work has helped generations of riders experience long-distance touring, bikepacking, and adventure cycling.

Through route development, advocacy, education, and community-building, ACA continues to make bicycle travel more accessible while helping riders discover the freedom and adventure that comes from exploring the world by bike.

Learn More About ACA

GDMBR FAQs

What section of the route are we riding?

We’ll be riding Section 5 of the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route, from Salida, Colorado to Grants, New Mexico. This section covers roughly 540 miles and nearly 40,000 feet of climbing over eight days.

Is this a race?

No. This is not the Tour Divide race. This is a group adventure ride following the same route. Riders will move at their own pace throughout the day, but we’ll share the experience of riding the Divide together.

Do I need bikepacking experience?

Yes. Riders should have prior multi-day bikepacking experience and be comfortable managing their own gear, navigation, and logistics while riding long distances on remote gravel roads.

How difficult is the ride?

This is a challenging ride.

Expect daily rides between 45 and 80 miles, with significant climbing, rough gravel roads, and remote terrain. Riders should be comfortable riding 60–80 mile days with 5,000+ feet of climbing.

Is the ride supported?

No. This is a self-supported bikepacking ride.

Riders will be responsible for carrying their own gear and managing food, navigation, repairs, lodging, and camping throughout the trip.

Selected riders are also responsible for arranging their own travel to and from Denver.

Priority will provide:

  • Transportation from Denver → Salida at the start of the ride
  • Transportation from Grants → Denver at the end of the ride
  • A shared group start and finish location for the ride

Please note that transportation is only provided between Denver and the ride route. Riders who wish to travel elsewhere after the ride (for example, Albuquerque) will need to arrange their own transportation from Grants.

What bikes are recommended?

Gravel bikes and hardtail mountain bikes with wide tires and bikepacking setups are recommended for the route. The terrain includes gravel roads, forest service roads, and occasional rough sections.

Of course, the Priority team will be riding Priority Bicycles, and bikes like the Priority 600ADX were specifically designed for routes like the Great Divide. That said, you’re welcome to join on any bike that’s well-suited for long-distance gravel riding and bikepacking.

Do I need a GPS or navigation device?

Yes. Riders should plan to navigate the route independently using a GPS cycling computer or navigation app. The route will be provided ahead of time so riders can load it onto their device.

Where do we sleep each night?

Riders should plan for bikepacking-style overnights, including camping along the route. Some nights may have access to campgrounds or small towns, but riders should be prepared to manage their own sleep setup and overnight logistics.

Can I bring a friend or riding partner?

Yes, but each rider must apply individually. Spots are limited, and every participant will be selected through the application process.

Do I have to ride every mile with the group?

No. Riders will naturally spread out throughout the day depending on pace. You don’t have to ride every mile with the team or stay at the same overnight locations we have planned.

That said, riders should plan their days accordingly to ensure they complete the route and make the scheduled bus departure at the end of the ride in Grants, New Mexico.

How many riders will be selected?

We’ll be selecting a limited group of ridersto join the Priority team for this section of the Divide.

How do I apply?

Applications are reviewed by the Priority team. Riders will be selected based on fitness, bikepacking experience, and ability to ride self-supported.

You can apply using the form linked above.

When will riders be notified?

Selected riders will be contacted directly by the Priority team after applications are reviewed.

If I’m selected to join the ride, is there a cost to participate?

Yes. Riders selected to join the trip will be asked to purchase a ticket to help cover the cost of shared transportation for the ride.

The ticket helps cover bus transportation from Denver → Salida at the start of the ride and from Grants → Denver at the end.

Priority Bicycles is not making any money from this ride — the ticket price simply helps offset the logistics and transportation costs required to organize the group travel.

Please note that the transportation ticket cannot be split into individual segments. Even if you only plan to use one portion of the transportation (either the start or the return), the full ticket price still applies.

Can I bring an e-bike on the ride?

E-bikes are allowed, but this route is not well suited for most e-bike setups.

This is a fully self-supported bikepacking ride through remote terrain, with long days (50–80 miles), significant climbing, and very limited access to reliable charging. Riders bringing an e-bike will be entirely responsible for managing battery range, charging logistics, and carrying any necessary equipment.

There are extended sections where charging may not be available for multiple days, and failure to plan accordingly could leave you stranded.

For this reason, we strongly recommend a traditional bikepacking setup for this route.