Thanks for the report.  I rode MTB's with a bunch pals way back in the late 80's in that same general area.  I remember some sandy sections from the motos too.  A beautiful area as I recall.  Brrrr.... I also remember being COLD.  We were there about this same time of year and woke to (an unexpected) 6 inches of fresh snow on the ground one morning.    

Evening all,

I was considering a northbound trip next year (August/Sept) as I'm going to miss the June depart from Banff heading south.

Anybody out there been the same way? Particularly interested to hear from any Brits on how you got to Antelope Wells.

Happy Trails!

Benjy

Best of luck with your adventure, Benjy.  
Just be aware that particularly in the northern climes, there is less daylight, the temps are lower and the possibility of snow increases in September.  

I use chain measurement tool to monitor chain stretch.  As long as the chain isn't overly stretched, the pins seems to move freely and there's no obvious damage to the chain, I would keep using it even after a derailleur failure.

Many bike shops now offer saddle demo programs.  Check around where you live and see if you can find one.  Usually you pay a nominal charge and you can try all of the saddles in their line-up.  Some shops will let you deduct the charge from a saddle purchase if you find one you like.  Saddles are different for everyone and finding one that works for you can be challenging and expensive.  Demo programs help with this.  Good luck.

Funny you should mention that. One pack of instant mashes sits in the bottom of my pack on almost every outing. It's my backup food as it's really a small package. Eats like wood pulp, but does the trick in a pinch.

I've enjoyed them on the trail when I was famished.  I tried them at home once and could barely gag them down.  It's all relative I guess.

I didn't notice if you mentioned using a stove or not.  Assuming you're traveling with a stove, instant mashed potatoes are very easy and don't require much stove fuel to prepare.  

http://idahoan.com/products/four-cheese-flavored-mashed-potatoes/

Caution: NOT for those with an aversion to processed foods. :-D



ETA: I'm not sure how many servings are in a pouch - it doesn't say on the website.  My guess would be 2-4 per pouch.

Check out the various maps available from the Adventure Cycling Association.  I believe they have maps covering the areas you'd like to travel through.
http://www.adventurecycling.org/cyclosource-store/route-maps/

Love this thread.
Thanks to all who have contributed.

Yes.  I snapped 2 on at our in NZ  a couple of winters ago. The new ones seem fine. Held my food in some Porcelain Rocket bags. They are substantially beefier. I have not heard of anyone breaking the new version.

Cool, good to hear.
Thanks harryonaspot

Looks good.

You've got the knack, chrisx.

Cool set up.
And I always admire those who make their own stuff.

I am using them now on the new Hot Springs route in Idaho. So far they seem substantial enough to hold all my food.

You started the thread back a couple of years ago. 
Did you ever use the older version that some in this thread apparently had problems with?  If so, any noticeable differences with the newer ones?

Reviving an older thread...

Does anyone have any feedback on the supposedly re-designed Salsa Anything Cage?

thanks for the great photos!

Faces of the Tour Divide:

http://bikepackersmagazine.com/2014-tour-divide-results/

Wow!  Cool photos.  Thanks.

"Epic" is a word that is highly over-used IMO.  But the first day of this year's TDR looks like it was truly an EPIC day.

True, but that's part of the attraction to cobbles on a roadie though - the suffering! Like CX with cantis and drop bars, steeped in tradition.

Agreed.  As a long time roadie, I appreciate many of the traditions of cycling, and in particular the Spring Classics.  But I've also learned to appreciate versatility and comfort of my Fargo.  

So many cool bikes out there but I'm running out hooks in my garage - Hah!

Cool.  Your bikes look much more comfortable for the pave than a 15 pound carbon bike with 25mm tires.

Best of luck to y'all.
I'll be watching with envy.