I figured out this secret when I used to travel for triathlons.


Check in online prior to going to the airport and be sure to check that you have an extra bag. (The extra bag fee is usually $25-35 USD.) Then when you get to the airport, the clerk will see in the system that you have already paid for your bags and take your huge double bike box (all3sports cases rock!) without charging you the extra bike fee. Paying the $25 extra bag fee beats paying $150 for 60 pound double bike box brimming with gear any day.

Every now and again I have to pay the full fee but I've probably saved $1500 using what I like to call, 'The Big Poppa Method'. (Registered trademark of Big Poppa Inc.)

Ok, got the addenda set updating the US sections, now I am curious, any help with Canada, without a map? I can't find much info about CA if someone would be so kind as to let me know how many miles from start to Elkford, and Elkford to Sparwood. Also curious if any one has a recent map with the canadian section and could spare it for a while or interested in selling it? Happy to buy one, none available from ACA. Did some planning, yikes, kinda crazy to be just writing such big numbers down! I am having some issues finding my birth certificate, and thus getting a passport. Once that is taken care of, my LOI will be next.

This is both terrifying and wonderful, peace Jefe

I don't have the particular mileage on hand at the moment but PM me and I can try to send you photos of the cues from my maps to help out until ACA gets their map supply re-upped.

I would also think about reading TD blogs. You could almost get all the info you need by piecing together bits from different places. (Don't discount the touring blogs, they have quite a bit of route info.)

Ha, I always have a thought or two....
In general I think you have the right idea, 6 L capacity with the ability to add some extra cap by temporarily loading up with a extra bottle or two will work fine imo. Most days 6 L is more than enough, even to much sometimes. 

The factors to consider for water supply come down to:
A)   how sure are you about the next water source, rookies are at a disadvantage here
B)   how fast are you moving vs the distance to the next stop
C)   Heat –2010 was a cool yr TDR wise but it had a few warm days
D)   And ‘time of day’, ie: you might need more if you are coming up on a dry camp followed by a dry section the next morning

Of course these factors are dynamic and need to be evaluated multiple times per day.  Especially if you follow a “go light & fast” food/water strategy vs a more conservative ‘always have extra’ approach.

Personally:
I spent a considerable amount of pre-race time studying water and food re-supply points and had the major ones marked out on my profile sheets.  During the race I was constantly evaluating my current stock against my expected upcoming re-supply points.  I truly enjoyed working out this daily logistics puzzle.

A typical water load for me looked something like:
1.   2L frame mount bladder –usually filled with Pepsi and if available, ice –replaced during the day as needed with tap or UV’ed water, more Pepsi, lemonade etc
2.   1L bladder- water only-rarely used during the day-this was for back up supply and ‘camp’ needs
3.   I usually had 1 or 2 disposable 12 oz bottle(s) of Pepsi or lemonade that I would dump into my 2 L and mix with UV’ed water sometime during the day
4.   When the timing was right I would try to buy a smaller bottle or two of juice during my last re-supply stop of the day—1 for a dinner/bed time treat and 1 for a fast/easy morning drink/cals as I packed up.

Anyway as far as water goes, I rarely carried more than 4 L away from a midday re-supply stop, but sometimes I had more than 6. 

Man, my hydration set up sure sounds a lot like yours. It's almost like I read about it on some sweet blog somewhere....

I think the amount of liquid sounds about right for the length between refills as well. At least given what I am used to drinking (Liter/hour) for my long rides now.

How's about hydration concern. From what I have gathered reading here and on blogs, ~6 liters is enough for a mere mortal. I'm planning on having roughly 5.5 liters capacity knowing I can grab an extra bottle of liquid and throw it in my jersey pocket if need be for the drier stretches.

Any thoughts on liquid capacity?

I used Body Glide on the CTR last year, and I got some serious butt chafe anyway. I'm testing alternatives. Have you used it successfully for long rides in the past?

Body glide is all I have ever really used and it has seemed to work well for me. Thoughts on other types of chamois cream?

Consider Lantiseptic instead of Body Glide, medical grade skin protectant for bed sores, etc. Been using it for 24 hour + road events.

Thanks. I'll give that a try.

How does it all pack out?  Are you happy with the final weight?  Ha, If so you are done to soon.

Pillow-replace with a stuffed bag ?

First Aid Kit
If you have a off the shelf kit I would consider tossing it and replace with something like:
Your choice of naproxen
A few small Band-Aids (for fingers etc)
Roll of elastic adhesive bandage, for a major wound or broken bone

Bike Kit:
Individual tools or a “lighter” multi tool??
Tubes, tube patch, tire plug kit—are you running stans? If so—light weight tubes, 2 self stick patch’s and your duck tape might do
Magic Candle not needed as you have a lighter for an emergency fire
Chain links?  1 golden link and your chain breaker should do to get you going
Extra hanger if geared?

Re-supply--might add some luxury/favorite food to snack on while you repack

Thanks for the input Marshal.

The gear packs out well. Im not sure about the final weight as I have all my Epic/Revelate gear packed out for snow biking right now. I suspect that it will weigh less than the winter gear, 14-15 lbs, by a good bit. I really want to be under 10 lbs when I hit the TD though.


Pillow- I just seem to sleep better and feel less sore with a pillow vs clothing. I just found this http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/flexair_ultralight_pillow.html and will likely be using it. I figure if I wake up more refreshed, it will be worth it. I think I read from a wise man that optimal recover is key...! (Besides 15 grams isn't a huge weight penalty for a little sleep luxury)

First aid kit- The thing was store bought a few years ago but it has been transformed into more of a home brew contained in the package. Only a few ounces at this point. I'll be sure to add the suggested tape. (Nice post by the way)

I am going tubeless. The items you listed are in line with my kit.

Multitool- Really this is a set of Allen wrenches, plus a few other small tools. I got that tip from Mr. Lee on these forums somewhere. (Lighter and much easier to work with.)

Magic candle, gone. (I think it was still listed from the snow bike gear.)

You're right about the chain links. I might take a few golden links though. (Maybe just an out Playin of the adage that rookies carry their insecurities on the divide?)

Spare Hanger- I'll add it.

Also I noticed that I didn't list bug dope. As an Alaskan I am ashamed....


Thanks again for all the input. If anybody here hasn't read Marshal's blog (doubtful), you should check it out. I have countless pieces of advice from it.

So, I know that gear and kits have been discussed on previous threads and such but they seem a bit inactive now. I don't want to beat a dead horse but I feel like I need a sounding board for my maniacal planning. The good lord knows that my wife and riding buddies are a bit tired of hearing about The Divide.

Here is my gear list, I'm positive it can be improved. Anybody care to comment?

BIKE

Bike
Aero Bars
Handlebar Bag
Super Twink
Frame bag
GPS
Cycle Comp (back up but I might go with a second GPS instead)
Condensed cues (backup to be used if I don't take the second gps)
Light(s)
Nano Raptor tires

Shelter

Bivy
Bag
Pad
Pillow


Body kit

Ultralight sport Toothbrush/paste
Bodyglide/anbesol/baby wipes
Toilet paper
First Aid Kit
Sunscreen

Logistics

Cell
Credit Card/Cash
Batteries
SPOT

Bike kit

Chain Tool
Lube
Cleaning brush
Tube (x2??)
Tire Patch Kit
Allen wrenches
Super glue
Medical scissors
Zip ties/Duct Tape
Lighter
Golden link
Brake pads
Spoke tool
Magic Candle
zip ties
patch kit
tire plug kit
spare bolts
chain links



Clothing

Rain Jacket
Rain Pants (knickers!!)
Gloves/rain gloves
Down Jacket
Race Kit (jersey/shorts)
Arm/leg warmers
Light wool hat
Light shortsleeve wool baselayer
Integral VBL booties


Hydration

Water filter
Water bottle
Water bladder


Resupply Package

Shorts
Jersey
Chain
Body Glide
Sunscreen
Tire
Tube

Yep, heard the same thing but when I checked they indicated no new maps coming anytime soon.  Not sure I could wait until April if they were.....I've spent a week just planning logistics for the first two days!! 

When did you talk to ACA last? I got some intel from Carla (map/route program director at ACA) last August saying that the route would be updated in March '11.

I bought the maps anyways and have been working on my route knowledge bank, knowing that I could update the few changes that came out later.

Thinking about this for 2011. 

http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/177-8614629-7016048?asin=B0026WQ72A&AFID=Froogle_df&LNM=|B0026WQ72A&CPNG=sports&ci_src=17588969&ci_sku=B0026WQ72A&ref=tgt_adv_XSG10001 


24 is the new 29!

Nathan

Ha!

I double dog dare you!

Triple dog even!!!!

So I have been thinking of my letter of intent coming up in a couple months and I was thinking that the 2011 challengers should do a theme to our letters, like we should all use movie quotes to say our intent. This is the type of crap that goes through my head while riding.

Here is my stab at a movie quote letter.....(All Goonies quotes!)



Heeeeyyyyy yoouuuuuu guuuuyyyyyysssssss!!!!

Rocky... road?

My bike! I want my bike, I want my bike, I want my bike.

What (am I) doing? It took (me) 376 lawn jobs to get that bike! That's (my) most favorite thing in the world.

Trust your dear old mother boys. Throw 'er into four-wheel drive and hold on to your hats.

Big Poppa

In all honesty, you do pay a few more bucks for Revelate's stuff. It's a good thing because you get what you pay for. The stuff is made by hand, by a guy who tests his product by doing stuff like this http://www.bikepacking.net/forum/index.php/topic,309.0.html .

If you want something made by a machine or a sweat shop worker that doesn't know what it means to rely on your gear then there are ways to save two dollars. If you want to rock gear that can handle this........   

N-M

........ then buy Revelate!!!!!

http://www.epicdesignsalaska.com/

I'll be there.