Canada to Mexico
by UNICYCLE
The Route
The Great Divide Mountain Bike Route (GDMBR) crisscrosses the Continental Divide as it winds its way through the Rocky Mountains from Banff, Canada, to Antelope Wells, New Mexico.
In June of 2012, I embarked from Banff, Canada, winding my way over mountain passes and through vast sagebrush landscapes, covering a distance of 2,754 painful miles. It took me 88 days to reach the southern terminus of the route at the Mexican border. I spent 63 days riding (and 25 days resting my sore bum along the way).
- 2754 Miles
- 28 Continental Divide Crossings
- 90% Off-Pavement
- Over 200,000 Feet of Elevation Gain
- Highest Point: 11,910 Feet
- Bears – Yes
- Mud – Yes
- # of Wheels – One
Stats are from 2012. Since then some things have changed. For example, the route now extends to Jasper!
But why?
I’ve always been drawn to mountains and traveling under my own power. In 2004, I embarked on my first long trip, a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail, and I’ve missed the novelty of that experience ever since. Subsequent trips hadn’t been able to replicate that feeling. In 2011, I decided to ride the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route, originally intending to ride it on two wheels, like a normal person. Hoping to regain some of the novelty I missed, the idea of riding it on a unicycle crossed my mind. And so began my journey.
The Gear
I traveled fairly light, with some gear mounted to the unicycle and the rest on my back. While my setup changed throughout the ride, you can find my gear list here.
My Journal
Riding all day didn’t leave much brain power for writing, but I did my best to jot down my incoherent before bed every day.
The Cause
-End human trafficking-
During my ride, I conversed with many kind-hearted people to raise awareness of human trafficking.
When I learned to ride a unicycle at ten years old, I couldn’t understand how slavery could have ever existed. Sadly, slavery persists today. People are being bought and sold, abused and exploited. Children, men, and women are enslaved, sexually exploited, and forced to beg and work. Learning about this issue is the first step to making a difference.
Thanks to the donations from supporters, we raised over $10,000 to support Polaris Project, a leader in the effort to end slavery. Though the ride has ended, you can still help by learning about human trafficking and donating to the effort.
Thanks to those who helped make this happen
