Well I am all unpacked from the crazy adventure of a 3 day Divide. It for sure didn't go as planned and I am still pretty upset about it, but I need to learn from it as well. Next on the agenda in the Dixie 200 self supported race. I really wanna go out and ride awesome singletrack with great people and camp out. I won't be "racing" it but using it to get my confidence back up after such a let down in Canada.

My fitness was definitely there, but my head wasn't. It was a combination of many different things that added to such an early exit from the race. It was hard to leave Jon, but I know he is going to absolutely CRUSH that thing even with all the of terrible luck had a few days ago. I talked to him on the phone yesterday and he seemed to be in amazing spirits after such a draining day of mechanicals and hiking.

I have to credit my girlfriend Mary, my Mom, Jon, and his girlfriend Amber for supporting my decision to exit the race, and offering such amazing support through this tough mental time. Once again, I need to thank everyone for all of the support leading up to this event. Without all of you I know Jon and me wouldn't have even made it to Banff. Please think about Jon while he is out there, and keep updated on his spot tracker. He is the most mentally strong person I have ever met and I know he going make it especially with such a supportive girlfriend like Amber and all of us cheering him on. Thanks again everyone!!

Final call

Hey guys, Taylor here. I decided to end my journey yesterday in Fernie, B.C. I had a few personal issues going on and made the decision to end it in my best interest. I want to thank everyone who has helped me get this far. I know that without all the support every TD rider has, this race would be impossible. I'm thinking about Jon, and wish I could help. I know he is gonna do awesome!
Again, a big thank you to everyone.

-Taylor

Tour Divide Update

Hey all, this is Mary (Taylor's girlfriend). I thought I would just send a little update post since it might be a while until Taylor can get to a computer...

The entire group set off this morning at 7:50 AM. I was lucky enough to have been invited by a new found friend, named Elizabeth Evans, to go up to the top of the trailhead to get some more pictures of the boys. Amber (Jon's girlfriend) and I hopped into the car with Elizabeth and we headed to the top of the trailhead. From there we drove about 20 minutes to Canmore to meet up with all the riders on the actual trail. When we caught sight of the boys we started cheering and they decided to stop for a moment to take off extra clothes and give us one last hug and kiss. Spirits were high and Taylor got back on the bike and off he went. The morning was a bit stressful, very exciting, and also relieving. The day has finally arrived and they are OFF! Now all we can do is watch their little blue dots move down the screen. When Taylor calls me or sends me an update, I will let everyone know. Thank you all for the wonderful support! Talk soon, Mary.

Taylor and Jon before the race

I spy Taylor and Jon

Here they come up the second time we saw them

Bye, bye Taylor!!

It Has Come!!!!

So only about 10 hours until the start of the divide. It feel like a few weeks ago that Jon and me agreed to try and tackle this insane adventure. The stay here in Banff has been amazing and it will be hard to see it go along with saying goodbye to my amazing girlfriend. I wouldn't be able to start this adventure if it wasn't for EVERYONE helping both Jon and me! All of your encouragement has been amazing! I will update any chance I get along the way and will post tons of pictures after the route. Thanks again everyone and please keep up on www.tourdivide.org.

Hm..

Thanks for checking out my new blog. I will update this as best as I can during the Tour Divide. Stay tuned for more updates!