I'm a Transportation Planner with my state DOT. I ride 10 miles to and from the train daily. I started this job in January and have been amazed at how much impact daily riding has had on my weekly mountain biking. Establishing that base has really enhanced my performance, especially so early in the season. Endurance, strength, pace are all up. Makes getting up at 5am worth it. I think.,,

Two bikepack excursions coming up. An overnighter and a 3 day. Nothing too challenging but looking forward to it!


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In the last few years I have started leaving the sleeping bag stuff sack behind and just cramming the bag loose into whatever bag I am carrying it in. This is a common backpacking technique, packing the sleeping bag among the nooks and crannies left in the pack once everything else is in there. Plus, that's one less stuff sack to keep track of.

So, you might be able to carry the sleeping bag in the frame bag this way. I am more careful with my shelter and typically fold and roll it into its sack before packing.


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I'll echo everyone's comments and add that a friend used mine on a bikepack last fall. He was carrying two pretty heavy panniers and the rack swayed a good bit under that load despite cranking the straps as hard as we could. If strapping a  bag to the top it has been fine for me but with a heavier load, especially hanging off the sides, I would have some reservations.

All that being said this rack was originally made by a New Zealand company and bought by Thule. I read a number of positive reviews of Aussie bikepackers using them front and rear on big adventures and that is what inspired me to purchase.


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I always hang a bag and employ the camp/cook/sleep 100 yards away in a triangle which is what they teach before they let you backpack in Denali. I have only backpacked in treeless areas and there I had a bearproof container which was a bit bulky for the bike. I don't really have a good answer to places without trees beyond odor proofing and stashing far from camp. I would not keep it attached to the bike. If a bear does encounter it, they may cause some damage trying to get into the bag.


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As to poles, when I use them, I stick them in my pack which has a deep outer pocket you can cinch tight. They poke out a bit but are totally secure - haven't lost one yet. It's also how I carried my pump for the last few years (it was a longer road pump I also carried on day rides).

I have heard of people stowing poles inside the seat tube too. Depends on size and length of poles tho.


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This video of a bikepacking trip to Mongolia has some good footage in the beginning about how their bikes are set up, including a lot of good shots of water bottle mounting. Check it out: https://vimeo.com/149557122

Just a standard cage. The knob thing does slightly distort the bottle. When you strap the neck of the bottle to the frame, that little knob pushes against the bottle helps hold the whole deal in place. This is a very low tech solution mind you.


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I can fit a 1l bottle under the down tube in a regular sized cage. The tall skinny ones that products like Smart Water come in have the right footprint, though they are tall. I use a little velcro strap to secure the neck to the down tube as well or it will bounce out. My issue is that things get pretty nasty down there. Especially in cow country...

I worry an anything cage might get in the way in that location.

V-brakes have their place and I agree with the positives mentioned. If it is what u have to work with, go with it. Many great older frames only use rim brakes but that doesn't make them obsolete.

The downsides of v-brakes are also that it is increasingly harder to get compatible rims and the rims DO wear out (usually there is a built in weld line that you will begin to feel as a little "tick" each revolution to indicate it is time to change out the rims). Worn rims can be unsafe. Also, if biking with a heavy load, steep descents can be a little dicey.

I have Klein that came with rim brakes and disc mounts. I was very excited when I switched over. Still, I did a few bikepacking trips with the v-brakes with no issues. Such a great bike!

I say work with what you have, get out there and have some fun!


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For something as ambitious as the tour divide, the money spent on a pro fitting would be well worth it.

I have the Jones loop H-bar and love it for so many reasons. But without a proper bike fit, you will still have pain. The Jones bar offers many different positions which is great for the long haul. Plus numerous lashing/mounting points, comfortable sweep, great width and outstanding torque on standing climbs


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Wahday [name?],
How ironic that I just decided to bail on the Coco 250 and was perusing the bikepacking forums, out of remorse, and found this thread. Sorry for not having noticed it earlier. Especially since I live in Albuquerque and have ridden [and will ride] NMES/AZT/CTR type events. I plan on campaigning AZT/CTR next year and this would fit right into my training next spring... and perhaps even this Fall/Winter.
Until I get a chance to peruse the entire thread, I'll comment that I have ridden from Albuquerque to Cabezon two times, during what I call the Washboard 100. a.k.a. the San Ysidro Dirty 100 NMES race. In the past this course used the pipeline road which essentially goes form ABQ to Bloomfield. And almost every foot of it is covered in E150 washboards. Distilled, you would never want to intentionally ride this pipeline road. However, would be really cool if your route could include White Mesa...
BTW, I have an eTrex 30 and full version of TopoFusion. Send me a PM for rides. As a matter of fact, doing South Boundary this upcoming Oct. 10th Saturday.
More later,
Barry Ritchey

Hey Yogi,

Sorry I did not notice this post earlier. That's good feedback on the Pipeline Road conditions. I am stumped as to how else to get up there from Albuquerque and still avoid pavement though. You can get to Bernalillo mostly within the bosque but it is still a haul from there to White Mesa though. Still might be better than Pipeline though from the sound of it. I agree adding WM to the route would be great.

Geekonabike has been helping out with the section between Pie Town and Magdalena. He made a first go of it and got hung up at some private land so we have been looking at work arounds. He is hoping to head out again soon - tenacious!

I live in ABQ and have corresponded with a few area bikepackers. PM if you want to talk further.

I am fond of this video instruction series: http://youtu.be/2aw6a736QLk

But even they point out that one of the best ways to learn is to follow a more skilled rider and copy their technique or even try to improve on their lines, moves, etc. as you ride. For me I feel I can only track about 2 or 3 new techniques to work on at a time. So don't fill your head with too much data before heading out to get it cemented through real riding. But truly, I think finding rider(s) who are more skilled will be your best education. I am amazed at what I can ride after watching a good rider do it first...


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Excellent! Scott has the full CDT file available as you probably know. It was looking at that and the GET that made me think the two could be connected in ways to create some loops from Albuquerque.

As far as things to be aware of, there are a few private residences that the route goes by, including one that is more of a little settlement, This entire area includes a good amount of private land within the forest service boundaries. My understanding is that forest roads crossing through private land must allow through access to the general public. But it is good to be prepared for having to explain yourself to a stranger out in the middle of nowhere. I have these marked as well because they can also be potential water sources. Since you live close by you are probably aware, but hunting season starts this weekend and this is prime elk country. I always wear blaze orange in the fall just in case.

Really, water would be my primary concern. I have struggled with how much I think I will need carry to bridge the largest gaps in sources. I have settled on somewhere between 8 and 10 liters for a 24 hour period. since you live in the area I am curious what your experience is.

We own land between the Bandera Ice Caves and El Morro National Monument. I am somewhat familiar with the Pine Hill and Candy Kitchen area which I am guessing is around where you lived? A very interesting area... I have used our place as a jumping off point for riding in the Zunis, Chain of Craters, El Malpais, etc. I rode some of the CDT in the Chain of Craters but later learned that bikes are not allowed along that portion because it is a Wilderness Study Area (tugs nervously at collar). The CDT down into the Gila looks very exciting. Some rugged country for sure.

I have a small correction to make on the route that I just noticed. I will replace the one above and PM you so you can get the corrected version.

I'm in Vernon, AZ about 100mi west of Pie Town. I had been planing on a Pie Town to Silver City ride, but I could alter that if you need anything on south or west sides GPSs or Checked out

Hey geekonabike,

Thanks for reaching out! I would be thrilled if you were interested in doing some exploration. Attached is the updated route I have created that connects Pie Town and Magdalena if that interests you at all. I realize this is heading east from you and may not work, but thought I would throw it out there.

This is unridden territory that I have no information about, thus the need. I created the route tracing roads on aerials and USGS maps. The .kml file you can open in Google Earth and the .gpx you will need some kind of GPS software (not sure how much you use these tools). I am hoping to do this section myself and would be interested in when you are planning to go out.

There are just a couple of sections that may require some short bushwhacking (both through canyons) but otherwise it is all along old logging roads and forest roads all confirmed through aerial imagery. You go through the Sawtooth Mountains, Datils, etc. It is 83 miles and I would take 3 days to do it. I'm not focused on speed personally and with this I wanted to take the time to identify good water sources and other notable discoveries. I also want to accommodate potential confusion and rerouting.

Take a look and let me know what you think. If you want to chat more, PM me and we can talk details. In Earth, I have created waypoints for a number of water tanks that appear to be reliable water sources. I can share that information as well.

Otherwise, I am curious what route you were intending to take to Silver City. That also sounds like a great trip!

Let me know if you can view this info and want to talk!

With a frame bag, seat bag, bar harness and mounts on the fork I can easily carry all of my gear on the bike. My problem is that where I typically ride (western New Mexico) the water sources are few and unreliable. So, I have to account for bringing up to 7-8 liters of water at times. There is just no way I can get all of my gear and all the water on just the bike for anything more than an overnighter. So, I carry a backpack. It mainly has the water (in a 5l MSR Dromedary bladder) and everything else goes on the bike. For normal day rides, I use a pack with a 3l bladder and carry tools and tube. For shorter day rides, I like the bike to be light and nimble. For bikepacking, carrying that weight on the back for too so long can get uncomfortable.

I have yet to spring for a set of Salsa Anything Cages which would largely solve my problem so I just have water bottle mounts on the fork with a 1l bottle on each (I use the tall skinny convenience store kind and then put a strap around the upper part to prevent ejection). Even with the Anything Cages, my fear is getting all of that water and gear on the bike will make it insanely heavy. I am charting out a large 750 mile loop including reliable water sources (mostly cattle tanks) to filter from, but I still get nervous about running out of water.

I think this is a great question and I am surprised more people haven’t responded to the thread. I think everybody experiences this at times whether they are willing to admit it or not. I have done extended canoe trips in Canada, backpacking in Alaska and bikepacking in New Mexico and I think, probably without exception, that I have found the dark, self-questioning hole of existential angst on almost every single trip at some point. Some worse than others, of course, and some are shorter lived than others, but it does seem always to loom there in the background. And it is worse if you are alone.

I do a lot of cursing to myself at times. Once when I was out of water and totally alone in the hot and dry outback of New Mexico I threw myself into the sliver of juniper tree shade and screamed obscenities at myself for getting myself into the situation. When I remembered I had an apple stashed deep in my bag, I sat there and devoured every last inch save for the stem and seeds. Then I got my ass up and rode on.

I have learned that almost every time I get to this place, it is because I am hungry, thirsty and exhausted. Or some combination thereof. It really is that simple for me and it is amazing how something so simple can plummet you to the depths of your humanity (and how easily things look better with rest, food and adequate hydration). It can feel REALLY bleak and depressing at the time, especially if those things you really need cannot be had until you reach your destination or if the onset of the crisis occurs in the midst of some great exposed expanse or, if canoeing, the middle of a windy lake. That’s no fun at all. So if I can, I will take the time to stop and relax, eat, maybe even take a little nap. It is amazing how much that can help.

Travelling with more people can definitely help you keep your head on straight but the reality for me is that coordinating with others is very challenging and most of the time I am out alone. Lately I have been trying to be less cavalier about how much mileage I think I can cover and build in more cushion. The idea is to not push myself quite to the edge where I am no longer enjoying my experience and am instead questioning my existence. Shorter mileage also means more camp time, opportunities to explore on foot and a chance to be better rested.

This is great! My grandmother’s family was from this area (Dawson) and a few summers ago I went out and poked around, including in Connellsville where some relatives were also from. So beautiful and I dreamed of biking while we were there. Dawson felt like if the remaining populace left for the weekend, the entire town would be swallowed by the forest. So lush, especially coming from New Mexico. My great grandfather owned a jewelry store in the little business district of Dawson and they moved to Oklahoma in the early 1900’s. Lots of amazing architecture in that town, some dilapidated, others restored to amazing beauty!!

On vacation now but will post the route when I return. I am not sure where the compressor station is (i am guessing it is to the southeast of Cabezon, between it and White Mesa?) but I have the route from Albuquerque to Cabezon where it connects to the CDT.


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Ok, back now. Attached is the file as a gpx.

ECR has low bottom bracket compared to Krampus.

You, sir, are correct. Thanks for pointing that out - I changed the post to avoid confusion.

I use panniers or not depending on the duration and nature of the trip. I would support the argument that the rack and pannier setup is a bit heavier. You are adding a rack to the mix afterall. And there is that temptation to fill the bags…

For me, there is also the issue of distribution of weight and my back end ends up heavier than I like with panniers. This can make handling a little squirrely.

But ultimately, I have never had any kind of catastrophic problem with using a rack and panniers. I love my OMM rack! Steep descents, HAB, its all as painful or easy to me regardless of how I pack it up. Its just the weight of the bike in general that sucks in those situations.

If I can get everything I need on the bike using the seatbag and frame bag, that is my preference. But if I need to extra room (usually because of the need to haul a lot of water where there are few reliable sources) I will put the rack and panniers on there.

To answer your question about the frame bag, I generally carry a 3l water bladder there and then any other soft stuff I can cram in. Regardless of what I put in there, it is usually heavy stuff. Having the heavier stuff in the middle of the bike and above the bottom bracket makes for a more stable and maneuverable ride.