Out and back Solves some problems, but leaves 470+/- others.

Toby,   I have used this for a shock pump in the back country. A thread-on CO 2 inflater with trigger. Care must be taken and just barely bump        the trigger or you could over inflate (blow up) the air chamber. If you get to much pressure in just purge a little until it feels right, you may have to repeat this process a couple times but you can get it pretty close.                                                                                                                                                 

  Another use for a CO 2 is setting beads back on tubeless tire set ups, it does a very good job if you have valve stems with removable cores. Also, you can air up tires and other inflatables  

                                                    Tony V

Maybe one of these, you need a closed cell pad anyway.  http://www.rei.com/product/804326

Lowe Alpine has a new pack coming out in Feb. that has my interest.   14 lt. with hip belt pockets,  side mesh pockets, 2 shoulder strap bottle pockets (removable), rear bungie/ compression,3 zippered pockets and (removable) back pad at a (stated ) weight of 12 oz, min. weight of 9 1/2oz.
Thats a lot of pack for as little as 9 1/2 oz. , but production runs are usually heavier than sample runs. Also a larger 25lt @ 14 oz and a 28lt @ 14oz.   Heres a link  http://www.lowealpine-usa.com/index.php?nav=24&search=cat&Category=Hyperlite&docp=16_1404

I'm not a Florida guy, but I am a flatlander. The climb training is not that difficult, however the THIN AIR part of it is.  

  I am a fan of Vaude backpacks, I have the one listed below. It is no longer made but they are available online. It weighs in at 14.8 oz.

  http://www.amazon.com/Vaude-Mini-Comfort-Ultralight-Backpack/dp/B001QXDK8O

 Was wonder if anyone has used or seen any of Vaudes mountain bike shoes, they look nice online but..........

  http://www.vaude.com/epages/Vaude-de.sf/?ObjectPath=/Shops/Vaude/Categories/bike/schuhe&Locale=en_IN&PageSize=99


                                                                                                                                 Thanks  SS T

http://blog.adventurecycling.org/2010/11/divining-dirt.html  Send in those routes.

  I have both the Katadyn Hiker and MSR Sweetwater.  I now only use the Sweetwater, the reasons- light ( 11oz.) and fast ( it pumps on both the up and down strokes of the handle)  http://cascadedesigns.com/msr/water-treatment-and-hydration/basecamp-water-treatment-and-hydration/sweetwater-microfilter/product.

what's the main 'cradle' part made out of?

Added another pic to photobucket, not clear as to "cradle", but hope this helps.

Cages  http://cgi.ebay.com/Alloy-Water-Bottle-Cage-Holder-Side-Load-Silver-Black-/290489413037?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item43a284adad

Thought I would share this with the group. this is the third version and after using it this past winter spring and summer I am pleased with the results.  I think it has the best of both worlds (rack and seatbag).
 
   Most of  the components I already had on hand, straps from old backpacks, heim ends from my racing days, pump up spray jug...etc.  With this system I can change volume capacity simply by using different size S2S eVent dry bags- from xsmall 6 lt. to med 14 lt (occasional leg rub on med depending on terrain).
 
   It weighs a little over 16oz without the 2 bottle cages, which is about the same as most seat post bags with a dry bag added.
 
  A plus for those that do not sew, no needle and thread were harmed in the making of this project.     
 
   ?'s fire away.    Single Speed T
 
Additional pix can be found here     http://s1234.photobucket.com/albums/ff419/pro_out/         

Dave's got things so dialed, and he knows the caloric requirements from last year.  Makes me thing something is up and he's taking the Cinnamon Pass detour instead.  Maybe the altitude is still getting him despite the month in CB?  Hard to say.  Time will tell.

Looks like Cinnamon Pass it is.

Looks like Dave H is heading for the Highlander RV Campground , I've heard they have thing to EAT.  On Lake San Cristobal.

Jeff is beyond his last bivy spot and is off course almost to 114 Perhaps he's had enough, I hope not he was having a great ride.

Jeff K seems to be backtracking this morning. Must have lost or left something behind.

Therm-a-rest makes a line of long and skinny dry bags.   http://cascadedesigns.com/therm-a-rest/stuff-sacks/waterproof-stuff-sack/product

It appears Eric L is moving again. Time for an allnighter?

For those concerned with the snow up north, how about an AZT 300 out and back (AZT 600).

I might be up for a late Feb. Womble - OT trip, keep me posted.

This should work for you.   http://cascadedesigns.com/Therm-A-Rest/Stuff-Sacks/Waterproof-Stuff-Sack/product

Something to consider if your in near this part of the country.  http://www.bikereg.com/events/ConfList.asp?EventID=9550