(This is where the race stands as of 7:20 am CST, June 18, 2025)
As the 2025 Tour Divide grinds into its second week, a small but determined crew of Arkansans is carving their way south through the Rockies on one of the most grueling bikepacking races in the world. Spanning over 2,700 miles and over 156,000 feet of elevation gain from Banff, Alberta, to Antelope Wells, New Mexico, the Tour Divide is an unsupported, ultra-distance mountain bike race following the Continental Divide.
This year, five riders with Arkansas ties are making their mark on the trail, each at their own pace, driven by their own purpose.
A Courageous Effort from a Living Legend
At 75 years old, David Horton, a native of Searcy County now living in Virginia, entered this year’s Tour Divide with unmatched experience and determination. Known in endurance circles for his legendary ultrarunning career, Horton brought that same passion to the trail on a Specialized Epic full-suspension mountain bike. Sadly, just hours into the race, Horton was forced to withdraw due to a serious health issue.
“I regret to inform you, but I had to drop out of the Tour Divide today after about five or six hours,” Horton wrote in a heartfelt update. “When I woke up this morning, I had a flare-up of my ulcerative colitis—the first one in maybe 10 years. I lost a lot of blood, but I thought it’d be OK… It wasn’t. I fell several times and was extremely weak and knew that if I kept going, I was gonna get into serious trouble with the possibility of having a serious injury. So my trials at the Tour Divide are over this year and forever. Sorry to let all of you down.”
His effort, however brief, was a testament to his lifelong grit. Even in withdrawal, Horton continues to inspire, reminding all of us that knowing when to stop takes as much strength as continuing.
Singlespeeders Represent
Randy Windle of Hot Springs has already racked up over 460 miles. Riding a steel-frame singlespeed—no gears to bail him out when the trail pitches skyward—he’s averaging nearly 100 miles per day. With five days on the trail, Windle’s consistent grind has him deep into Montana and heading toward Lincoln. His quiet resilience and steady pace make him one of the stronger Arkansas contenders this year. (link to follow Randy)
Not far ahead is Nate Griffee, a 49-year-old Arkansan who’s emerged as one of the strongest riders from the Natural State this year. With 710 miles behind him and an average moving speed of 5.5 mph, Griffee has left the rolling high plains of northern Montana behind and is entering the high passes of central Montana. Riding a Chumba Sendero titanium singlespeed with minimalist gear, Griffee is clearly all-in for a fast and light run. (link to follow Nate)
Onermaa Leads the U.S. Field
Andrew Onermaa, well known for organizing bikepacking adventures in Northwest Arkansas, is putting down an incredible ride. With 934 miles behind him, he currently holds three impressive distinctions: first place among American riders, first place singlespeeder, and tenth place overall in the entire Tour Divide field. He’s heading into Wyoming and likely rolling through high-desert terrain under summer heat, maintaining a blistering pace with minimal gear and no backup.
Onermaa’s ride reflects not just physical endurance but strategic brilliance, pushing the limits of what a singlespeed rider can achieve in a field filled with geared and gravel-equipped bikes. He’s setting a new standard for Arkansas ultra-endurance racers and inspiring the community back home. (link to follow Andrew)
Riding His Own Race
Further back on the route, Shannon Sanders, 54 years old and riding under the nickname “Dirty Sandra,” has logged over 365 miles. Though he’s moving at a slower pace than some of the Arkansas frontrunners, Sanders is persevering through the rigors of the route. His approach embodies the Tour Divide ethos: ride your own ride. With hundreds of miles behind him and thousands still ahead, Sanders is proving that strength comes in many forms, and simply staying in the saddle day after day is a triumph of its own. (link to follow Shannon)
A Test of Spirit, Not Just Speed
The Tour Divide isn’t a race in the traditional sense—it’s an internal battle. Riders face relentless climbs, remote terrain, wild weather, and mental fatigue. There are no aid stations, no cheering crowds. Just long days, silent valleys, and the occasional bear.
Arkansas riders are no strangers to rugged hills, long forest roads, and perseverance. From Horton’s courageous decision to prioritize health, to Windle’s singlespeed tenacity, Griffee’s quiet strength, Onermaa’s national-leading pace, and Sanders’ steady progress—their presence on the Divide this year is a powerful reminder of what it means to push your limits.
We’ll continue following these riders as they inch closer to Mexico, one mountain pass and one dusty mile at a time.
Want to follow along? Visit trackleaders.com/tourdivide25 and search for your favorite rider’s dot.
Modified photo for this article from Tour Divide social media.
This article was originally published on ArkansasOutside.com, your trusted source for outdoor news and updates in The Natural State. Unless otherwise credited, all photos included in this piece are the property of Arkansas Outside, LLC. We take pride in sharing the beauty and adventures of Arkansas through our lens—thank you for supporting our work!
