Hi Simon,
Feel free to get in touch when I get back.  Success or not, I am more than happy to share any info or advice I have.  This event is so daunting, advice from vets is essential to avoid rookie traps.

Wondering if anyone can help me.  I am in the process of compiling a list of services along the route that aren't listed on the ACA maps.  Specifically, can anyone recommend physios, chiropracters or acupuncturists.  I have a body that simply won't go the distance without a bit of work and I'm planning to try and make a few pitstops along the way for some manipulation on my back and ITB's.

Cheers, Nick

Chris, is the Cordillera vol 4. Available as an e book somewhere?

Question for vets and those that have ridden parts of the course.  Is it worth using cue sheets and a map case for the TDR.  I had Scott at Porcelain Rocket make me a case, and have received the cue sheets and word file from ACA, but as yet haven't spent the time either mounting the map case or formatting and printing the cue sheets.

Are they worth it?  I will obviously be using a GPS as my main route finder (garmin etrex 30 for me).  Plus I have the ACA maps.  If it makes life easier and simpler I will spend the time and effort to get them ready, bu if its just a backup that most people never use I prob won't bother.

Cheers, Nick

Having just gone tubeless in preparation for this years TDR, I have a newb question.  How often and how much sealant do people use and how often is it necessary to top up?  Do people carry spare sealant on trips?  After an initially messy experience trying to pour it in via a gap created by a tire lever, I have purchased and used the stans syringe with my removable core valves.  A significant improvement, and for the minimal weight penalty, I am planning on carrying it on the TDR.

Awesome - gives a rookie a nice idea of some of the beautiful tracks to come

That guy is not mounting a TCS nano, it looks more like a Kenda tire.  Having recently spent an afternoon trying to get a TCS nano onto a ZTR flow rim - it won't work.  Stans actually say on their site it wont work. http://www.notubes.com/recommendedtires.aspx.  Mounting folding tires - no probs, which is what I suspect that guy in the video is doing.  I have folding Geax Saguaros on my Arch rims and they weren't too big of a deal to get on.

JDP just read your blog.  It is frank and honest - and somewhat scary.  Looks like I should expect to cap the first few nights in Canada.  You have also helped to convince me to go with an Etrex 30.  I was dithering and considering an 810, but I need it to work.  And I can carry plenty of spare batteries.  See you in Bannf dude.

Hi all, long time lurker, first time poster.  Been reading for 18 months now and training specifically for the last 6.   Planning to be on the line for GD in June and with 6 months to go I'm getting a little nervous.  Question for any of the overseas guys that have done this in the past - which is easier to get to from AW - Los Angeles or Dallas.  I am trying to work out where best to fly home from and qantas still have some reasonable ticket prices available so I want to lock my ticket in.