Father-Daughter Journey: 11-Year-Old Molly from St Paul, Minnesota Takes on the Tour Divide

Photo: Megan Zabel Holmes

On Thursday, June 13 at 8am, 11-year-old Molly from St. Paul lines up for the Grand Depart of the 2025 Tour Divide, one of the most ambitious bikepacking adventures in the world. The 2,700-mile self-supported route stretches from Banff, Alberta to the Mexican border. She’ll be riding alongside her dad, Aaron, carrying her own gear and camping along the way.

Follow along with Molly and her Dad Aaron on the 2025 Tour Divide Live Tracker.

To prepare, Molly recently rode the 60-mile Snacking Bear route at the Hungry Bear Gravel Race in Cable, Wisconsin. She and her dad rode their bikes all the way from St. Paul to the race, camped out the night before, and then tackled the Snacking Bear on fully loaded bikes—set up just like they’ll be for the Tour Divide. It gave them a chance to test gear, build endurance, and have a little fun along the way.

“On the Snacking Bear my favorite part was when we stopped to make breakfast. It was so fun to stop and eat on the side of the road before everybody caught up to us. It also gave me a chance to warm up my body. At the time my toes were cold so I walked/ran around a lot to warm them up. When we stopped we ate one of our freeze dried meals that we brought. I had the biscuits and gravy and papa had the skillet.”

After breakfast, Molly started to settle into the rhythm of the ride—and into her fully loaded setup.

“When I ride I tend to change between hot and cold a lot, so I was able to put my sweater under my rack bag quickly whenever I didn’t want it,” she said. “The hills were long and sometimes steep, and I think that was the hardest part for me.”

Molly and her dad at the Hungry Bear finish line. Photo Dave Schlabowske.

She and her dad had been preparing with evening rides after work, using the Snacking Bear as one of their final test runs before heading west for the Divide. Now, with months of evening rides and prep behind them, Molly and her dad are setting off on the real thing. It’s a ride that will take determination, flexibility, and a big sense of adventure.

“When I’m riding I have many goals such as having so much fun and trying my best. I would love to make it to the finish but if I don't I just want to know I tried my best and I’m just proud of myself for starting in the first place.”

From gravel breakfasts to backcountry climbs, Molly is already showing what’s possible when the ride is powered by joy, curiosity, and a whole lot of heart. We’ll be cheering from afar as she and her dad begin the journey of a lifetime. You can follow Molly and Aaron’s progress on the Tour Divide Live Tracker as they make their way south.