We have a handful of super rad Otso Ambassadors taking on the Tour Divide this year and we had to take the opportunity to share a bit of each of their stories here. Below you will find bike photo galleries and answers to the questions we all want to ask these types of folks. We hope you enjoy the photos and the reading as much as we’ve enjoyed working with these fine humans!
Matteo Páez – Fenrir Ti
Why are you riding/racing Tour Divide this year?
To keep it simple, I want to go faster. It’s not just about going faster but experiencing it differently as well. I made a lot of conservative decisions last year. Taking chances on the divide is a big risk and I wasn’t ready for that. 2025 will be very different for a multitude of reasons but one thing is my approach has changed in the lead up.
Why did you select the Fenrir as your bike choice?
It’s got one divide run under its belt already! No but really, the Fenrir is my perfect bikepacking bike whether it’s loaded up with panniers or stripped down to race weight, it’s capable and comfortable for the long haul!
Tell us about your component and drivetrain selections that optimize the Fenrir for this ride?
I think the Divide requires some special attention. My decisions are purely based on longevity and reliability. It starts with a mechanical drivetrain, tough yet fast rolling tires and new bearings.
What accessories have you chosen for your bike to optimize your experience?
Accessories being my insurance policy aka sleep system. Tent, Sleeping bag, pad. I know how important sleep is out there and I have a feeling storms will be violent this year.
What is your Tour Divide goal?
To have fun while improving my time from last year! Sub 17 days would make me really happy.
Follow Mateo on Instagram and be sure to follow his dot as he makes his way to Antelope Wells!
Maggie Livelsberger – Fenrir Stainless
Why are you riding/racing Tour Divide this year?
I have been thinking about racing the Tour Divide since I finished the Arkansas High Country two years ago. Everything just sort of fell into place for this to be the year, so I’m going for it. Life is too short to keep putting off adventures.
Why did you select the Fenrir as your bike choice?
The Fenrir has been my go to bike for all my racing and adventuring. It fits me so well and is such a versatile bike. It has taken me on a lot of miles leading up to this and I have no doubt it will get me through.
Tell us about your component and drivetrain selections that optimize the Fenrir for this ride?
I opted for a suspension fork and flat bars to calm the chatter and longer descents. I have always raced and had the Fenrir set up single speed, so this is no exception. I opted for a Wolf Tooth oval 32 direct mount chain ring and Wolf Tooth 17 cog. I will also be running the Wolf Tooth Resolve 2 dropper post. Although it adds some weight overall, comfort is king on long days.
What accessories have you chosen for your bike to optimize your experience?
I will be using the Baryak expedition cockpit and aero set up, the Old Man Mountain Elkhorn rack and a full custom set of Hikes and Hose bags. At 5’2” panniers are just the way to go to gain a bit more space and be able to use the full dropper post. I’m keeping the rack top open for all the good ride finds and extra food down the line.
What is your Tour Divide goal?
Overall I am just hoping to finish the full route and take in all the new scenery and experiences , but ideally I would like a sub 20 day finish.
Follow Maggie on Instagram and be sure to follow her dot along the way.
Justin McKinley – Fenrir Ti
Why are you riding/racing Tour Divide this year?
There are a lot of reasons. I’m riding for personal growth, to connect with nature, to build confidence, to get humbled, and to feel more connected to my bike. I’m also riding for the human side of it. The conversations, the shared struggle, the quiet beauty of long days outside. But maybe the biggest reason is that I’ve started this route twice before. This time, I want to finish. There’s some unfinished business here, and I’m ready to see it through.
Why did you select the Fenrir as your bike choice?
If I was coming back to the Divide, I wasn’t going to make compromises. The Fenrir checks all the boxes for this ride. It has huge tire clearance, smart geometry, and all the mounts I could need. Every decision in the build was made with this route in mind. The result is a bike that’s comfortable, efficient, and fully capable.
Tell us about your component and drivetrain selections that optimize the Fenrir for this ride?
I’m riding singlespeed this year. 32×18. One gear, no excuses. There’s something really freeing about that simplicity. I paired it with a Fox 32 fork up front and Growtac Equal mechanical brakes for reliable stopping power. I’m running a 200mm Wolf Tooth Resolve dropper post, Wolf Tooth Waveform pedals, Tumbleweed Big Dipper bars in 54cm, and DOOM titanium aero bars for comfort and efficiency on the flats. It’s a build I trust completely.
What accessories have you chosen for your bike to optimize your experience?
My JPaks luggage setup is at the core of this ride. Honestly, I don’t think of the bags as accessories. They’re essential. On a ride like this, every inch of storage matters. One of my goals this year was to go without a backpack, and the JPaks kit made that possible. I’m also running a SON28 dynamo hub paired with a kLite system for lighting and charging. It’s not just for convenience, it’s about safety and staying connected no matter where I am.
What is your Tour Divide goal?
In both of my previous attempts, I let a time goal get in the way of the finish. I won’t do that again. This year, it’s simple. I want to get to Antelope Wells. A finish means more than a fast time. I want to ride strong, stay adaptable, and finish the ride on my terms.
Follow Justin on Instagram and Youtube and be sure to follow his dot in the coming weeks!