I might end up doing this if the fires keep me away from the CTR-- anyone else?

So not good on so many levels. My thoughts go out to all of those whose homes are affected by the fire.

This makes me wonder if I should hold off making plane tickets and mailing my bike out.

Do you run platform pedals? If so, forget the MTB specific shoes. I just use some aggressive trail running shoes with relatively stiff sole, some rubber protection on the sides, and a reasonably flat tread. I tried those PI X-Alps and despised them for both hiking, and biking. The most important thing (IMHO) is to get a half size larger than you normally wear. My feet swelled up a lot within the first two days last year (when I sadly had to bail due to mechanical issues) and my big toe was numb for months afterwards.

I know most of the ultra-ultra-lighters will just chime in here and tell me to bring iodine or something, but I am pretty picky about water and would much rather filter out the sediment as well. My MSR mini works has disappeared and I need a new filter. Anything better/lighter weight these days for week long trips? Im doing the C&O trail to the Great Allegheny Passage (Washington DC to Pittsburgh) with the girlfriend, then flying straight out to Colorado to do the CTR in a few weeks and am debating the Katadyn offerings, MSR, etc......

What do you guys bring on 1-2 week solo bikepacking trips?

New databook is in stock! Get it while it's hot:

http://www.shop.coloradotrail.org/Colorado-Trail-Databook-5th-Edition-DATABOOK5.htm

I just picked up a new Garmin etrex 30. Anyone have a good rec for the best handlebar mount for these? Also, I want to load a Colorado topo on there for before my ride-- does anyone have experience with the maps from abovethetimber? (http://abovethetimber.com/index.php/gps-maps/states/colorado) Is it too much detail for such a tiny screen?

EDIT: Found something else instead, no longer looking

So do we get more singletrack on the CTR or does this not change our route?

I found the link to the NFS article the mtnbound references. Pretty sweet news:

http://a123.g.akamai.net/7/123/11558/abc123/forestservic.download.akamai.com/11558/www/nepa/65572_FSPLT3_1424409.pdf

nice work guys!

I am looking for any advice on some good long distance bikepacking routes through europe for a trip to take with my girlfriend next summer. She is not a mountain biker so we will be on hybrids, and we want to find a long route through beutiful countryside (hopefully the mountains) that is a smooth enough trail for hybrid bikes and preferably does not allow motorized vehicles for most of its length. Something similar to the great allegheny passage (http://www.thegreatalleghenypassage.com/GETAMAP.HTML) would be ideal.

Any mostly non motorized, hybrid bike accessible, 300-500+ miles bikepacking trips in Europe that you know of that would be great for me and the lady? I guess its cool if she needs to be on a real mountain bike as well as long as its nothing too technical

WOW! This looks amazing. I am definitely going to try to make it for 2014!

Just got the email about the new databook. They will likely be taking orders June 20th, but who knows when it would ship by. My money is on it not being out in time, but, well, I hope I am wrong!

Sidewall durability shouldn't be overlooked on the CTR. There's some especially sharp volcanic stuff in the San Juans. Like most equipment, you'll need to decide whether the increased risk of bailing due to gear failure outweighs the satisfaction of finishing more slowly with reliable gear.

I rode the CTR last year with a Continental X-King on the rear, and a Mountain King II on the front (ProTection versions). The Mountain King gave me some extra security on the wetter/muddier days. Both tires were new at the start, and pretty trashed by the end. In 2010, I rode with Continental Mountain Kings (original versions, with ProTection), and they were pretty trashed by the end, too.

I'll probably ride with the same setup this year, X-King in the rear and MK II on the front. If it looks like a low-rain year, I might put X-Kings on both wheels.

Thanks for your info. I was thinking the MKII as well. Just ordered a new set. Love new tires

It's time for me to get some new tires. What are you all using on the CTR? I am thinking of just getting another set of 2.25" tubeless Ardent's since they have never let me down, but I wonder how much lighter/faster I could go without sacrificing too much durability.

I need a new light system for two trips I'm taking next month-- the C&O to Great Allegheny Passage, and the CTR. I am looking for a AA compatible handlebar light and was set to buy the new Fenix BT20 until I heard about the quality control issues, and now I am not sure what to get.

What AA compatible handlebar light are you using for long bikepacking trips?

^^^  I know there's a trip report section and I've searched it. Try searching CTR, Colorado Trail, Durango, etc....., none of the trips that come up are in reverse. It's all good, I don't 'need' to read one I just was curious if anyone knew of an especially well written one to check out.

Check out the trip reports on this site.  There are at least a couple of trip reports doing the CT from Durango to Denver.

I've searched all of them and can't find one...

Any good trip reports of someone doing the ride in reverse from Durango to Denver? I haven't been able to find any TRs of the whole reverse ride, so if anyone can point me in the right direction it would be much appreciated to help up the excitement level.

I bet its about the same. Much slower first couple days (especially the initial climb out of durango), but faster last couple days should even out. Day 1 might be painfully slow and make you wonder why ou even brougt your bike in the first place haha.

Well, the CDT page on here said "most of the trail is open to cyclists outside of wilderness areas" so i assumed otherwise, but thats why i started this thread. Ill probably never actually end up doing it but i can get 2-3 months vacation next year and want to do something epic. I mean, if you get to ride 1600+ miles of singletrack, then 20 some wilderness detours just might be worth it....

Screw it, I'm going to do Tarryall. Should be a good addition