Hasty kit and bags for GDMBR test ride

Hi,
This kit was done in a hurry to take advantage of a drop-off to ride from Wyoming to Salida, CO. this August.
The bags were made of some British Army surplus reinforced lightweight tarp material remnants that I had on hand. This material is very strong, waterproof, abrasion resistant. It was sewn with a double line of stitching at seams, and some seam sealing. The smooth finish makes it easy to wash off mud. It may be a bit heavier than some lightweight woven goods, but it needs no seam taping or reinforcement at wear areas. Strong, light nylon thread was used in the sewing. I did a tuneup with plenty of oil and grease on a White "heavy-duty" home machine before starting. Obviously, a commercial machine would be much better.
A cardboard pattern was made to get sizing, velcro and frame/cable routing locations. It is important to consider the interaction of the frame bag and gastank/seat front bags.

The design and sewing process could be described as "How to make less than a sweat shop worker- or how to get an endless series of wisecracks from your significant other". I began to appreciate the comments made here about working some overtime and just buying the bags from one of the excellent makers of bags.

The bike is a smokin deal Lightspeed 29 closeout frame, that I built up with parts from all over. These smaller frames with the angled top tube do not allow a large frame bag, so the gas tank and front-of-seat bag fill the gap. Also, the frame bag is wider than some @ 3.5", with no pedaling interference. The frame bag carries carries stove, pot, MSR gravity water filter. food, cook kit, and extra platypus water bag.

Gas tank and front of seat bags carry lunch/energy food, tools, tube, first aid, parts, etc.

A sling with straps on the front made from the same tarp material carries a stuff bag with sleeping bag, Space Blanket/ground cloth, folding spare, and a Golite Shangri-La 3 sil-nylon shelter weighing 32 oz w/stakes. This is the lightest shelter I happen to have, but it is very spacious and dry for one or even two + with gear if caught in rain. A center pole is just picked up from the woods, or even spliced with clove hitches from two shorter sticks. A line from the peak to a tree branch works also.

A seat bag carries food, clothes, and a Big Agnes pad.The trial run was done with a real Optimus Nova stove to cook fresh pasta, rice, dehydrated veggies, real coffee with a Mexican cone filter, oatmeal etc. The idea was to see how comfortable one could be, while having a close-in weight distribution that wouldn't interfere with riding techy stuff or singletrack on side trips. Obviously, pop can stoves and other shortcuts would save weight and increase speed and range.

A Camelback Ventoux daypack carried all other stuff.

All went well. A few mods were made after the first trip to stabilize bags. It helped to utilize a compound 2:1 pull with straps going through a plastic loop before going to the Fastex buckle on front sling and seat back bags. This allowed more tension without over-stressing the smaller buckles.

Thanks to Scott for this site, and to all who have shared their ideas and inspiration on gear and routes.

Cheers,
Jay
Buena Vista, CO