Justinas Leveila, Lithuania, sits in first place as of June 17.
Ulrich Bartholmoes, Germany riding in third place as if June 17
Rich Baty with his replaced bike frame, still sporting a bike rack patched together with his spoon and an allen wrench
Jens Van Roost, Belgium in second place as of June 17
"Main Street, Ovando is on the route of the Tour Divide, a grueling 2,700 mile gravel bike race. It is the world's longest off-pavement bicycle race," said Kathy Thurmond, owner Blackfoot Angler and impromptu bicycle shop. "As of June 16, 156 riders have passed through town."
The original 198 riders in the grand departure left Banff, Alberta, on June 9. Leaders passed through Ovando on Sunday, June 11.
As of June 17, the leaders are over half-way to the finish-line in New Mexico. The overall elevation gained and lost is over 200,000 ft, similar to climbing Mt. Everest seven times from sea level.
Part of the Tour Divide strain is the self-supported solo challenge. Riders are solely responsible for all food, bike repairs and navigation.
Any services like lodging or meals must be available to all the riders. In addition, there is no entry fee and there are no prizes, according to bikepacking.com.
"The Tour Divide is a beast, I've messed up my bike, messed up my body. I've slipped off back of the pack but I have been able to recover," said Jason Mathews from Port Townsend, Washington, as he passed through Ovando and received a hug from Thurmond. "I just remind myself I'm like an 18-wheeler going over these steep passes, it's not gonna be quick."
Alaskan Lael Wilcox is one of the 28 women entered and is attempting to beat her own record of 15 ½ days set in 2015. As of June 15 Wilcox is ahead of her record and riding in sixth place overall.
"Everything about this race is about economizing time, making good decisions and staying on the bike," Wilcox said on bikepacking.com. "I also try to have some fun, otherwise why would we be out there?"
As Rich Baty approached Rice Ridge during the race, the back fork on his bike broke, adding to three previous punctures. The New Zealander carried his bike to Highway 200 to hitch a ride, and was thankful to be picked up by the Simon Family from Condon.
The bicycle company Trek airmailed a new frame to Missoula within 24 hours and he got back on the trail as quickly as possible.
"I'm finishing this race if I have to walk it," Baty said as he replaced the gear cable on his bike in Ovando.
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