Divide By One

by Grace Ragland, Steve Justice

In the summer of 2018, ultra-endurance athlete Grace Ragland set off on the world's longest mountain bike race, the 2700-mile Tour Divide. This is the story of Grace's journey from the snow-capped peaks of Banff, Canada, down the spine of the Rocky Mountains, and finally into the forbidding desert of New Mexico. Grace battled many difficulties, including an infection that put her two days behind the nearest competitor, Multiple Sclerosis, the elements, demons from her past, as well as a secret that even she didn't know. Ride with Grace and laugh at her hilarious interactions with the oddballs she encountered along the way. Divide By One is an adventure story with heart and humor that shows how indomitable will and perseverance can change the way we see our limitations and our world.

Genres: Cycling

161 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 1, 2019

Reviews

[Judy Masters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book, so much more emotion than I could imagine. What a heart pounding, heartbreaking, and inspiring story. Written with a sense of humor and strength of character missing from much of life. I could compare it to Into Thin Air or Into the Wild but Divide by One is so much more than either of those much loved books. Rarely do I feel teary eyed after reading a book, but I have tears just thinking of all Grace Ragland accomplished. This book will stay with me for years. Divide by one is far more than just a bike ride.

[Martha Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could give this book more stars I would!! This is an inspiring saga of Grace's extreme (mostly) solo journey on Mtn Bike down the Continental Divide from Canada to Mexico. She travels through Wilderness and dire conditions coming face to face with Rattlesnakes and barely avoiding Grizzlies all the while battling flare-ups from her MS! Her courage and perseverance are nothing short of amazing! Written by Grace and the very talented Mr. Justice who writes with humor and comedic situtations that make you LOL! Highly entertaining and inspiring, a great read for anyone!

[Rush Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want instructions on how to ride the divide... This isn't your book. If you want to get to know an amazing person and her story about how she got there and many of the why's that got her there, then this is for you.

I've been privileged with knowing both the Grace and Steve and thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.

[Jim Barrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring read

I’ve read every tour divide book available on kindle and they are all inspiring in their own different ways, this one really struck a chord with me though. I’m going back in 2021 to try again too....

[Carol Johnson Burns · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm going to make a wonderful confession up front - I went to high school with Grace and while we have not been in direct touch since then, she is still a friend. This book does reflect Grace's true spirit. She doesn't pull any punches. You may not be a biker, but you can certainly learn from her experience and monumental accomplishment. You will be able to laugh at her blunders and identify with the challenges she has faced (bears, snakes, an alcoholic Mom, a strong but often absent father, loss of a beloved parent, divorce, estrangement from loved ones, mtns., hills, valleys, a chronic illness and even the "Big C"). Through it all she is still in love with life. Don't be lulled into thinking that this story has a great, happy ending. It really doesn't. However, I feel most readers will be a little happier, stronger, and more grateful having taken a few hours to read it. Enjoy the ride!

[Ashlie Hogan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing adventure memoir

I recently found out about Grace Ragland, and found that she had written a memoir of her time racing The Tour Divide.

For someone who has always been amazed by people who choose to do hard things, stick with them, and finish them, this book was perfect!

This book was a word picture of someone who completed something difficult while facing it with humor and realism, and never gave up. Someone who didn’t allow a diagnosis or past history hold her back from completing a massive goal that she made for herself!

[Marjorie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fast read. A fine friend that is missed and will continue to be. Very personal candid content. Fresh too. And really captured the cadence of a mammoth demanding journey. Made me wonder if Grace was vocally recording her journal because it sure did not seem there was time and inclination at the end of the days rides. Moods morphing from ecstatic to ‘kill me now, quit toying with me’ shouts to the elements when on such journeys.

[Rino Deschênes · Rating 5 out of 5]

courage and will

Grace did the tour divide at 57 years old, courage and determination, I wish there were more information about her equipment, what worked what didn’t work, but overall it’s a good book, never boring.

[Bob Myrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

For Cyclists interested in the Divide route

It was a story hard to put down each evening as the adventure kept moving along the route of the Great Divide.

[Hannah Lovik · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a great read, I couldn’t put it down!! The story is captivating and I loved the bits of humor in every part of the ride.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding

[Diana Thurston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

Very funny story. Great writer. I have read several books of this type and this onebisbin the top three. Good

[Donna Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

This is my second tour divide book. Lived reading Grace's story, her courage, her authenticity all right there. I appreciated her honesty.

[Sarah Finnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an inspiration to all!

[Paula · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a really inspiring story! I definitely recommend if you are interested in mountain biking. The writing isn't amazing, but Grace's story is funny, poignant, and really fascinating.

[Alison Suptic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read!

Divide by one is like sitting down with a new friend over coffee. I do looked forward to sitting down with Grace and hearing her story. Thank you Steve Justus and Grace Ragland!

[Cathie M. Mayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very inspiring and highly recommended. Kudos to Grace and Steve!


What a wonderful read! Thank you, Grace, for sharing your story AND for choosing Steve to write it. He's a rare talent.

[Mulberry Gap · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m fortunate to know Grace but learned so much about her personally in this book. Her journey is ac testament to her grit and determination. It’s well written in every respect. Enjoy the journey and recommend this book to every adventurer you know!

[LauraR · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fabulous book! It was very easy to read! I felt like I was right there with Grace on her exiting trip along the Continental Divide!! Grace is such an inspiration!!
I laughed, and I cried!
Go, Gracie, Go!! Ride on, Sister!!

[Felix Hotard · Rating 4 out of 5]

The dedications and thanks page contains a bit of a spoiler.
Good read. It was nice going along for the ride through her story.