Mateo's Epic Tour Divide Adventure

Mateo Paez's journey through the 2024 Tour Divide was nothing short of legendary. Our ultra-endurance bikepacker friend and Trail Tater from Bend, Oregon, completed the grueling race in 17 days, 22 hours. For him, the time was irrelevant- the adventure was about much more than just the days and hours.

The Tour Divide pushed Mateo to his limits, with challenges ranging from harsh weather to encounters with grizzly bears. He battled through wind, gravel, and hike-a-bike sections, often riding through the night. "Boogers in my mustache! Sleeping in pit toilets! Pure luxury! Rocky Mountain high baby!"

Before the race officially started, Mateo rode 500 miles from Whitefish, Montana to the starting line. That prepped him pretty well and refreshed his skills of fixing broken spokes. During the first five days, he faced cold weather, fresh snow, and rain, averaging just four hours of sleep per night.

Since Tater Boost is super packable and light for the calories it offers, he made sure to save at least six pouches for the upcoming harder section in New Mexico. "Tater Boost gives a homie taste," he said, highlighting how the familiar flavor provided comfort during the toughest parts of his journey.

Every moment was intense, from the violent sunbeams at 9,000 feet to the shifting winds in Colorado. Afternoon storms were treacherous, and each day brought new physical and emotional challenges.

Reflecting on his experience, Mateo acknowledged the sacrifices that made this adventure possible. As a dedicated Trail Tater and Tater Taster, Mateo played a crucial role in developing Tater Boost, insisting on making it saltier. His journey through the Tour Divide is a testament to his relentless pursuit of adventure and the importance of having the right fuel. Mateo's story is a reminder of the power of perseverance and the joy found in overcoming the toughest challenges.

Notice the feet, he loves taking his socks off first thing after finish lines!