Dirty Chain Podcast Episode 75: Tour Divide Finisher Dr. Tracy Berman

Overview:

In this episode, host Trevor interviews Dr. Tracy Berman, a Michigan-based gravel cyclist and cyclocross racer, who recently completed the grueling 2,700-mile Tour Divide. The episode covers her preparation, experiences, challenges, gear choices, and emotional highs of this iconic self-supported bikepacking race from Banff, Canada to Antelope Wells, New Mexico.

Dr. Tracy Berman’s Tour Divide journey is a story of grit, self-reliance, and appreciation for the beauty and community found along remote trails. Despite facing mechanical issues and harsh weather, her resolve never wavered. Her strategy focused on sustainability and experience over speed. Her finish on a single-speed bike—one of the most challenging ways to ride the route—is a testament to both her physical and mental strength.

She balances her humility with quiet confidence and a scientist’s curiosity, already working on turning her experience into a dataset. Her story encourages others to take on big goals and be okay with doing it their own way.

Key Topics and Timestamps:

[00:01:30] Returning home and logistics after finishing the Tour Divide
[00:03:45] Antelope Wells finish line and post-race pickup
[00:06:00] Explaining what the Tour Divide is
[00:10:10] Trail conditions and bike setup
[00:13:30] Origins of her interest in the Tour Divide
[00:15:15] Why she rode single speed and gear ratio decisions
[00:20:40] Clothing and gear that worked (and didn’t)
[00:26:00] Importance of maintenance skills and dealing with mechanicals
[00:30:20] Mental toughness and reasons people DNF
[00:33:00] High points: scenery, other riders, trail magic (like alpaca ranch)
[00:39:20] Reflections on finishing and future goals
[00:42:15] Upcoming races and season plans