I've tried fitting on to my bikepacking bike. Alas, my legs are pretty short, so I don't have a lot of clearance for my seat bag to begin with.

But if I could fit one, I'd use it!

Panniers--preferably the dry-bag type from a company like Ortlieb.

People often ask me how dangerous the CTR is. Here are some thoughts:
http://tobygadd.blogspot.com/2014/02/how-dangerous-is-colorado-trail-race.html

If I've missed anything, please let me know so that I can add it. Thanks!

I just noticed that Stefan has updated the CTR website: http://www.climbingdreams.net/ctr/

Looks great. Thanks Stefan!

Signed!

I still don't how I would fit all the food on the bike, riding packless, after hitting the supermarket in BV and Silverton.

Yeah, I've got to agree with that. Even though I pack a pretty small kit, I don't know how I'd fit water, food, gear, etc. on my bike.

Although people do it, so maybe I need to re-think what I carry! Maybe if I don't take sleeping gear? Maybe in a dry year, but otherwise probably not in the cards for a slow guy like me.

Earplugs are great for hotel rooms, but I like hearing critters. Especially ones that might be eating my big bags, like mice and bears!

[Tried toeclips and straps lately?]

Tried toeclips and straps lately?

I started with toeclips and straps about 25 years ago. They worked pretty well, both in the mountains and on the road. But once I tried my first clipless pedals (Onza!), I was hooked.

My wife still uses Power Grips for many of the same reasons that clips are nice. But with a little extra twist of the foot, they tighten up for extra control. If you like clips, check out some Power Grips!

Nice to have so many options.

What's a guy like you need with an alarm clock, Jefe? It's not like you sleep!

If this is gonna be the '14 CTR thread, can I throw in some gear questions?
for the CTR vets out there.. which of these options would you choose:
a) 4" carbon FS
b) hardtail 1 - steel frame
c) hardtail 2 - carbon frame. 3-4 lbs lighter than steel bike.
d) pick one at random and spend more time training

I am also wondering about backpack vs. everything on the bike. Seems like with the HAB on the route, maybe shifting some stuff to a pack makes sense, but I've always preferred riding without one. Would be packing light either way.

I first finished the CTR on a '94 Cannondale Delta V hardtail with 50mm of old-school Headshok suspension. When I finished the second time, I rode a new Cannondale RZ-120 with 120 mm of plush full-suspension. Both bikes worked, but full suspension sure was more fun. It enabled be to descend faster with more control--which was really nice when I was sleep deprived and physically exhausted.

But I've seen pretty much everything out there from fully-rigid singlespeeds to 29" full-suspension carbon fiber all-mountain rides. Seems that pretty much anything will work, so choose what you think will be the most fun and rewarding for you!

As far carrying your stuff, I've seen pretty much everything from backpacks to panniers. I personally prefer putting as much on the bike as possible. My weak points have always been by butt and back, so I carry just a small pack. Plus, it's easier to roll weight than carry it (aside from a few very short spots where it's easier to carry your bike than push it). But, again, personal preference is really the rule. Lots of good options, depending on your build, training, etc.

What kind of snow year is CO having so far?  I'm looking at an early/mid July start.  Something like the 2nd week in July. 

It's really hard to tell what the snowpack in Colorado will look like until much later in the winter, since we actually get most of our snow later rather than earlier. Sometimes it looks desperate--and then we get several big dumps in March or even April. Sometimes it looks great, and then we get nothing for the rest of the winter. I've pretty much given up trying to plan anything for the summer until at least March.

I've got a bunch of GoLite stuff, and all it's been terrific!

Not looking for the emotional support of others around me, but rather pushing myself harder because of others around me.

Seems that I tend to go faster and push harder when I've got people around me, too. So the question is whether I'd be able to overcome that limitation and find the motivation to ride just as hard alone. I'm not sure if I'll do an ITT or not, but answering that question would be a big part of the game. The unknown elements of the CTR are what make it worth repeating!

Nice work overall. Thanks for putting it out there!

what you think of the hammock system then going for a tent and quilt instead of sleeping bag.. been using xmotion app the maps same to be ok so far that i tested.

I personally don't like sleeping in hammocks, so I use a bivy bag and sleeping bag. But lots of people like hammocks and quilts. Pretty much personal preference. But if weight is your primary concern, nothing beats a bivy bag.

A paper map is always a nice backup. Gadgets break and don't work well in the rain. I also generally carry a tiny compass for the same reason.

You've also got a lot of typos on your site. Probably something that you should clean up once your get everything finalized. Not that I do much better!

Some thoughts:

Your parts list looks a little short. Here are some additional things that I carry. They are lightweight and have the potential to prevent a long walk back to the trailhead.
brake pads (and spacer)
misc. bolts
derailleur hanger
spare derailleur pulley & bolt
spare derailleur cable (pre-cut)
zip ties
cord
spoke repair kit
needle and thread
spare cleat bolts

You've got pretty much every electronic gadget under the sun. To each their own, of course, but I prefer a lighter rig. I also prefer a dedicated GPS to my phone. Phones aren't very durable and eat batteries like crazy.

Some other stuff that seems to be missing:
maps?
water treatment/filter?
headlamp w/batteries?
bar light?
poop trowel (yes, it's still a good idea to bury it!)
wet wipes?
insect repellent?

thanks i thought i might need to change the background

Let me know when you get it fixed, and I'll jump back on and provide some feedback.

Sorry, I didn't get very far. The background images make it really hard for me to read the type, so I gave up...

They most definitely can.  However, celebrating Christmas alone on the 22nd doesn't quite have the same feel as spending it with family on say, Christmas .  I want to race, not ITT.

Yep, I've joined the mass start for my previous three efforts. Enjoyed the shared pain, and made some great friends along the way. Hard to beat that!

The ITT is still mighty attractive though. Something about truly having to do it myself, without any emotional support from other riders, is very alluring. I'm starting a new business in 2014, so I'll be lucky to get out there at all...

Current plan of the moment is to alternate each year.  Start in Durango on the odd years.

Good plan!

Of course anyone can ride whichever way they want, whenever they want.