I have to say the GPS file depot maps are impressive and display well enough on the 605. I'm not planning the route too much beforehand, I just have a start and end point in mind and a timeframe to stick too - will let LK, serendipity and the fun-o-meter dictate my daily route.

I've run a Revelate Tangle bag and Viscacha seatbag on my Cervelo S2 (Red, 3T kit, Zipp 404 firecrest CC) - I'm very particular about my Cervelo and this setup is awesome with no rubbing issues on me or the bike (I use barrier tape on frame rub points). I like how it maintains a fair amount of aero streamlining. Could even run a Revelate 6" Sweetroll between the bars If I needed more storage, but it kinda goes against the concept of fast, light road ultra-distance touring/Audax/Randonneuring. Also run an X-Lab Stealth Pocket 100 on the top tube for snacks and the like.

Hehe, it all mounts up though. A week ago one of our suppliers told me he will be receiving his new batch of ti fat frames (new aussie brand) so now that coupla hunge $$ has to go towards a complete ti fat build. I'd already spent a bit of coin dialling in the ti fargo for this trip. Yeah, I hate the problems I have

Thanks for the tip on file depot.

I have a trip coming up in AK and Oregon, I will be taking my aging 605 Garmin for base mapping, as well as paper maps. I need to get a basemap for the garmin with topo and major/minor/backroads on it (my 605 only has aussie topo/basemaps) for these areas, the more detail the better as I plan to travel off the blacktop as much as possible between Portland and Klamath Falls on a fat. The 605 is the same as the 705, just without HR bundle, so it accepts micro SD for alternative maps.

Please help me with a reliable and secure source for these requirements - the genuine garmin options here are pricey and I'm running out of coin for this trip.

Miki, with your UK riding you might be better with a synth jacket, given the high levels of rain. Something like a belay jacket with a few pockets (act as pseudo vents), check out the Montane Flux as a guide. It has a low cut back and long arms, differential layering of Primaloft in key areas.

Yeah, ouch. But great device if you have a diverse range of stuff to recharge for extended trips. So much power out of the hub, seems such a waste to only use it for LED lights.

B & M e-Werk.

Framebags - no. Gastank type bags - yes, but only when climbing out of the saddle - knees tend to rub on the sides.

Found it, was the midget trailrat:

http://store.kamprite.com/catalog/Midget-TrailRat-p-16137.html

Yeah, even though I have my system ready, I'm now rethinking about the 'hammers. Calling JayP...

You wanna know the best thing about those adventures? Your partner is there to share it. These will be priceless memories - the rain, the mud, the vistas, the rainbows and the people you meet. Once kids come along, it all changes...

...in a good way, you just have to adjust the adventure to suit the abilities - skill them up early and get out there!

I saw these a coupla years ago at an interbike kinda show (Ausbike).

I still don't know what to say.

Brainchild of a couple of aussies, IIRC there was also a trailer that was like a BOB on steroids.

knife.
Mg firestarter.
whistle (all three above in the one tool)
cash.
gel/goo/honey tube

Point taken.

It will be over 100F the next few days here, good time to layer up and condition the feet, one way ticket to stink city please...

  Calling El Jefe...

Theres a product we use here called Bushmans, this stuff is the bomb for keeping biteys off you and your gear. Varying strengths, DEET based.

I've heard sandflies/midges are only an issue mainly around coastal or standing water areas, up in the mtns it's a bit different, then you gotta watch out for the Keas...

wow. really nice.

wife asked if i'd be willing to take a year and work from scotland (her job, i'd have to make something up, or take care of the kids).
i said hell yes...

First time I'd ever heard the phrase 'Sugar mommy' was a couple of years ago, at a conference of bike mechanics in LA. I'm sure you could make something up, is there a job description of 'pro bikebacker'? 

Some great pics, my eyes hurt from all the green terrain awesome

Glad you enjoyed reading 

Rims are Kris Holm municycle trials rims, 19" 36H double wall with eyelets, bombproof

Tyres are Nimbus Cykolites, 19" x 2.5, lighter than the benchmark tyre - Maxxis Creepy Crawler

I've got an update to do, as soon as I get a chance to work on the blog...

Plan has now changed due to work requirement (needed back in the shop earlier, seemed the bosses at work and at home didn't want me away for close to 5 weeks)

So now will be ITI camp in AK, then a day later flying to Portland for a training course, then a lazy week and a bit until the next conference in Portland, then fly home. Sad to leave Alaska so soon after camp.

So it seems all my riding will be in Oregon, no choice. I'm not one for man-made structures, beer or coffee, natural wonders are my thing. So, loose plan is to see as much as possible, on or off the beaten track. I'll buy some snowshoes and explore areas I can't ride, never snowshoed before. Plan to head east from Portland to Mt Hood/Hood River, south to Bend, head for Crater Lake, west to a trainline then back to Portland for last conference. My old Rand McNally has quite a few POI's to visit, but I'm sure there are more...

The maps I get will determine the route. If I can only get road maps, then roads I shall follow.  If I can get trail/backroad maps, then these I will follow. I just want it to be an adventure.

Okay, I'll have to sort out a vb when I land, not a common item around here and my outfitter is steering me away from them (experienced Yukon native) and I trust him, but I trust you guys too. At the very least, I'll throw some bread bags into the kit, trial it on one foot. Camp is only 5 days, in AK, winter - what could possibly go wrong