Tour Divide Record, Shimano GRX Wireless, & RAT 1000 Prep | Gravel Cycling & Bikepacking Ep 108

In Episode 108 of ShiftLess, Kevin and Brad dive deep into the rapidly evolving world of ultra endurance unpaved cycling. We kick things off with the mind-bending news from the Tour Divide, where a new record was set in just 11 days and 19 hours. We break down the math of riding $225$ miles a day and what it takes to maintain that pace across 2,700 miles of rugged terrain.The gear talk heats up as we discuss the official release of the Shimano GRX DI2 wireless groupset—the project Caleb was scouting in Terlingua. Kevin also gives a first-look review of the Brompton G Line, a 20-inch wheeled, gravel-ready folding bike, and explains why it’s becoming a staple for his scouting expeditions.A significant portion of this episode is dedicated to the logistics of the RAT 1000 (Red River Across Texas). We walk through the "Stage Stop" strategy, defining the difference between "Walmart Towns" and "Dollar General Towns" for resupply. This ties into Kevin’s vision for The USA Trail, where physical verification and community-driven events meet.In this episode, we cover:Tour Divide 2025: Analyzing Robin G’s record-shattering run and the strategy of the "5-hour daily stop."The RAT 1000 Logistics: A town-by-town breakdown of the 1,000-mile route, from Texarkana to Tucumcari, and how to manage the "Red Road" sections.Bikepacking Gear Trends: The shift from seat bags to rear rack systems like Tailfin and Old Man Mountain, and the debut of the Revelate Pitchfork aerobar system.Basepacking & The USA Trail: How vehicle-supported adventure cycling is creating a more accessible "on-ramp" for new riders.Texas Legislation & Spinistry Chow: How new Texas Cottage Food laws and THC regulations (SB3) are paving the way for specialized travel meals and "Spinistry Experiences."Hydration Strategy: The debate between frame bag bladders vs. traditional bottles for long-distance efforts.Heat Acclimation: Garmin's heat stats and the science of training in the Texas summer.Whether you're training for your first gravel race or planning a transcontinental bikepacking trip, this episode provides the technical insight and "unpaved culture" you need to get out and ride.Gravel cycling, bikepacking, gravel racing, ultra endurance unpaved cycling, The USA Trail, Basepacking, Shimano GRX Wireless, Tour Divide, RAT 1000, Red River Across Texas, Brompton G Line, adventure cycling gear.Key Highlights & LogisticsFeatureDetailsNew TechShimano GRX Wireless DI2 (1x & 2x)Route FocusThe RAT 1000 & The USA Trail Physical VerificationKey StrategyBasepacking (Vehicle-supported mobile base camps)Longest Gap54 miles between resupply on the RAT (approx. 5 hours of riding)Keywords for OptimizationReach out and touch us: [email protected]