One of the toughest bike races runs from Banff, Canada down the spine of the Rocky Mountains to Antelope Wells on the Mexico border. At 2,745 miles and entirely self-supported, it's not your average gravel ride.

• Eleven of the world's toughest MTB and gravel events
• Ten worst bits of MTB advice
• Five things that weren't cool - until gravel happened

The race has moved into its 11th year, growing from just 18 participants in 2008 to 141 riders this year. Most of the riders head south, but there are also 5 riders going North. The field includes all types of riders, though most tackle the route in a broadly similar bike packing fashion, taking enough supplies to see them from town to town.

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lael Wilcox passing by the Tetons last night. We’re putting together another large gallery for @theradavist with photos from this year’s Tour Divide. We’ll be sharing that as soon as it’s up! Total for Lael after 6 days: Distance: 1,142 miles Elevation climbed: +74,498 feet Video: @rugilekaladyte

A post shared by Lael Wilcox (@laelwilcox) on Jun 20, 2019 at 9:24am PDT

That might seem like an easy task, but we forget the distances between towns in North America. Thankfully, you don't just have to watch the dots. Many of the riders are regularly upload photos of the stunning landscapes they pass through to Instagram, with a selection being shown on the Dot Watching site.

To watch those dots, click here.

You might also like:

• The best sub-£1000 gravel bikes
• How to prep for your first gravel race