Retired firefighter
Good work if you can get it - especially the "retired" part. 

http://fat-bike.com/2014/03/us-fat-bike-nationals-up-close-personal/

Way to go Deadly Nedly! 

Photo gallery

http://velonews.competitor.com/2014/03/news/gallery-2014-strade-bianche_319225

Cool trip!
Thanks for posting it.

http://www.bicycling.com/news/pro-cycling/get-know-strade-bianche

The ACA generously offered many of us free memberships last year.  I just recently renewed my membership and I thank them for the free year.

New issue out:
http://issuu.com/bunyanvelo/docs/bunyanvelo04

http://www.bikerumor.com/2014/02/21/wtb-hits-the-road-w-new-nano-40c-gravel-tire/

Another for Giro.  I found a pair of Privateers on sale for a great price.  And they're very comfortable on my feet. 

I haven't had good luck with the fit of the recent Shimano models, they dig in to my ankle bones too much.  But everyones feet are different and I know guys that swear by Shimano shoes.

Thanks for posting

Since you said you're not opposed to traveling….
The Path Bike Shop in Tustin, CA has a rotating selection - http://thepathbikeshop.com  And they occasionally have demo days.

(The shop is about a 10 minute drive or a 30 minute ride from SNA airport)

Wow!
The Magnic-light is pretty darned cool looking.  Thanks for posting that and let us know how it works for you.

Hi Mauro,

Unfortunately I don't have the answers you're looking for but you might want to ask the questions in the Routes section of the forum, more people might see it.

+1 on time and location.

And mosquitoes are the biggest problem as far as I'm concerned.  I generally opt for my UL tent just to make sure I'm not up all night swatting at mosquitoes. 

Eddy Merckx's training advice: "Ride lots"

For me it's about hours in the saddle, be it MTB, road bike, etc.  From my experiences there's no substitute for plain old time on the bike.  Some riders seem to be able to tackle incredible distances with very little training - but I'm not one them.

When you say "epic rides", you're preparation should occasionally replicate efforts that are close to what you plan to do on your epic rides.  Similar speed, similar intensity, similar terrain, similar duration.  At least this is what works for me.

I come from a road background.  I chose the Fargo because I prefer having drop bars for riding the mix of pavement and dirt roads, (and occasional single track).  I much prefer my full suspension MTB for more technical trail riding and I'd rather be on my road bike for strictly pavement.  But I love the Fargo, it doesn't do anything really good but it will do just about everything you ask it to.

I have used a musette a few times for commuting but never for bikepacking.  They're ok for a shorter ride across town but I wouldn't want to ride all day with one.

I have a small super-light day pack (similar to Trebor's) that works well.  I only pull it out when needed it and it can be easily rolled up and stashed when not needed.

I'm kind of tech neanderthal, but I do like the idea of one device capable of multi-tasking.

Out of curiosity, does anyone here have experience riding the GDMBR using only the ACA maps for navigation? 

Great news on the progress, Casey.
Thanks.

Cool!
I like the triple purpose stuff-sack/pillow/towel idea.

Thanks for sharing.