E-Biking the Great Divide Trail

Understanding the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route

Route Overview and Challenges

The route follows the Continental Divide and is 90% off-pavement using high-quality dirt roads, gravel roads, trails, and a few short sections of unmaintained tracks. Spanning from Banff, Alberta, Canada to Antelope Wells, New Mexico, this iconic route presents unique challenges that make e-bikes an increasingly attractive option.

Bikepacking the GDMBR requires only intermediate off-road mountain biking skills, but it is a painstaking test of endurance based on the sheer scale of the route, with over 200,000 feet (60,960 meters) of elevation gain and loss. The terrain includes everything from mountain passes and forest roads to desert sections, making it ideal for the versatility of modern electric mountain bikes.

Why E-Bikes Excel on the Great Divide Trail

Extended Range Capabilities: Modern e-bikes with dual battery systems can provide the extra power needed for the route's demanding climbs while maintaining efficiency on long stretches between resupply points.

Load-Carrying Capacity: E-bikes can better handle the weight of essential bikepacking equipment without compromising performance, crucial for self-supported adventures.

Terrain Versatility: The GDMBR's mix of gravel roads, singletrack, and technical sections benefits from e-bike motor assistance, especially when carrying full touring loads.

MoVcan E-Bike Models Perfect for Great Divide Adventures

MoVcan V30 Max: The Long-Distance Champion

The MoVcan V30 Max features dual battery technology that's perfect for the Great Divide's demanding distances. With its robust construction and extended range capabilities, this model excels in the remote sections between resupply points. The dual battery system ensures you have backup power for the route's most challenging climbs and longest stretches.

Key Features for GDMBR:

• Dual battery system for extended range
• Robust frame construction for loaded touring
• Powerful motor for steep climbs
• Durable components for multi-week adventures

MoVcan V60 Series: Balanced Performance

The V60 and V60 Pro models offer the perfect balance of power and efficiency for mixed terrain. These bikes excel on the GDMBR's varied surfaces, from smooth gravel roads to technical mountain passes. The responsive motor assistance helps maintain consistent speeds even when carrying full bikepacking loads.

MoVcan EB60: Mountain-Specific Excellence

For riders who prioritize technical capability on the route's more challenging singletrack sections, the EB60 Electric Mountain Bike provides the performance needed for confident descents and challenging climbs. Its mountain bike geometry and suspension make it ideal for the route's more technical segments.

Essential E-Bike Bikepacking Gear for the Great Divide

Battery Management and Charging Strategy

Power Planning: The GDMBR has resupply points every few days at most – basically as often as you'll find food – you'll find a convenience store. Plan your charging strategy around these stops, and consider portable charging solutions for extended wilderness sections.

Backup Power: Carry portable battery banks and solar charging panels for emergency situations. Modern e-bikes consume significant power, making backup charging essential for remote sections.

Frame Bags and Storage Solutions

More and more riders have moved over to panniers or bikepacking setups, which include a creatively designed array of frame bags, handlebar packs, seat bags, and more. E-bikes' sturdy frames can handle additional weight, allowing for comprehensive gear organization.

Recommended Setup:

• Large frame bag for batteries and electronics
• Handlebar roll for sleeping gear
• Seat pack for clothing and personal items
• Top tube bag for snacks and quick access items

Weather Protection and Safety Gear

The Great Divide's diverse climate zones require comprehensive weather protection. E-bike riders should carry gear for temperature extremes, from Canadian mountain snow to New Mexico desert heat.

Essential Safety Equipment:

• GPS device with offline maps
• Emergency communication device (satellite messenger)
• Comprehensive first aid kit
• Weather-appropriate clothing layers
• High-visibility gear for road sections

Training and Preparation for E-Bike Great Divide Adventures

Physical Conditioning

While e-bikes reduce physical demands, endurance training remains crucial for multi-week adventures. Focus on:

• Long-distance rides with full gear
• Back-to-back riding days
• Climbing-specific training for mountain passes
• Core strength for loaded bike handling

Technical Skills Development

E-bike Specific Skills:

• Battery management and conservation techniques
• Basic electrical system troubleshooting
• Weight distribution with motor placement considerations
• Efficient use of assist levels for various terrain

Route Planning and Logistics

Before you set off, it is crucial to check Adventure Cycling Association's updated Addenda. Throughout the season, riders contact ACA about current route conditions and offer helpful reroutes for impassable sections.

Pre-Trip Planning:

• Download offline maps and GPX files
• Research charging opportunities at resupply points
• Plan daily mileage based on battery range
• Identify bike shops along the route for maintenance

Seasonal Considerations for E-Bike Great Divide Adventures

Optimal Riding Seasons

The 2025 Tour Divide takes place on Friday, June 13th at 8AM, indicating the optimal season for Great Divide adventures. Summer months (June-September) offer the best conditions for e-bike touring:

• Reliable weather patterns
• Maximum daylight hours
• Clear mountain passes
• Warmer temperatures for battery performance

Weather-Specific E-Bike Considerations

Cold Weather Battery Management: Battery safety is a growing concern, with reports of fires making headlines in 2024. In response, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is expected to implement stricter safety standards for e-bike manufacturers by mid-2025. Keep batteries warm and monitor performance in cold conditions.

Heat Management: Desert sections require careful battery cooling and power management to prevent overheating.

Maintenance and Technical Support on the Trail

Essential E-Bike Tools and Spares

Electrical Components:

• Spare charging cables and adapters
• Basic electrical tape and wire connectors
• Fuses and basic electrical components
• Battery contact cleaner

Mechanical Essentials:

• Standard bike tool kit
• Chain tools and spare links
• Tire repair kit with extra tubes
• Brake pads and derailleur hangers

Finding Support Along the Route

Research bike shops along the GDMBR that have e-bike service capabilities. Many traditional bike shops now offer basic e-bike maintenance, but specialized electrical issues may require shipping components or extended delays.

Environmental Considerations and Leave No Trace

E-Bike Environmental Impact

E-bikes offer significant environmental benefits over motorized transportation while enabling longer adventures with less physical strain. Electric bicycles offer numerous environmental and societal benefits. The bike industry is currently working on solutions to overcome the last remaining barriers.

Sustainable Practices:

• Proper battery disposal and recycling
• Minimizing charging from fossil fuel sources
• Respecting wilderness areas and trail regulations
• Following Leave No Trace principles

Battery Disposal and Recycling

The meteoric rise of the electric bicycle in recent years has been accompanied by an exponential increase in the number of batteries in circulation. In France, for example, there were over 3 million electric bikes in circulation in 2023, a figure that is set to double by 2025. Plan for responsible battery disposal at the end of your adventure.

Technology Integration and Navigation

Smart E-Bike Features for Adventure Touring

Features like longer-range batteries, app-connected systems, and refined geometries are becoming standard, ensuring riders get the best experience possible, regardless of terrain. Modern MoVcan e-bikes integrate seamlessly with navigation and performance tracking apps.

Recommended Apps and Technology:

• GPS navigation with offline capability
• Battery management and range prediction apps
• Weather monitoring and prediction
• Emergency communication systems

Future of E-Bike Adventure Technology

The thing about machine learning is that it's exponential. You and I, well, we are linear at best to a certain age... if our electric bikes are now able to act as a tour guide in a new city on the back of a single AI prompt. Advanced e-bike technology continues evolving, with AI-driven battery management and navigation systems enhancing the adventure experience.

Conclusion: Your Great Divide E-Bike Adventure Awaits

The Great Divide Mountain Bike Route represents the ultimate test for adventure cyclists, and modern e-bikes like those in the MoVcan lineup make this incredible journey more accessible than ever. With proper preparation, the right equipment, and a well-chosen e-bike, you can experience one of North America's most spectacular cycling adventures while carrying everything you need for self-supported touring.

Whether you choose the dual-battery capability of the V30 Max, the versatile performance of the V60 series, or the mountain-specific design of the EB60, MoVcan e-bikes provide the reliability and performance needed for this epic adventure. The combination of electric assistance and traditional bikepacking creates new possibilities for adventure cycling that weren't possible just a few years ago.

Ready to start planning your Great Divide e-bike adventure? The 2025 season promises to be exceptional, with improved trail conditions and an growing community of e-bike adventurers tackling this legendary route. Your journey of a lifetime awaits on the Continental Divide.

External Resources:

• Adventure Cycling Association's Great Divide Route - Official route information and maps
• Bikepacking.com Tour Divide Coverage - Latest news and rider stories from the route
• Continental Divide Trail - Learn about the hiking trail that parallels sections of the bike route