I am having some trouble finding resources for bike packing routes in Mexico.
I want to get down to Chiapas, (southern Mexico), next December.  I don't really care where I cross the border.  I know I want to visit some archaeological sites in the South in December.  If anybody is aware of some blogs or something showing the routes of those who went that way before.. ...

Side note: I got a 26 inch wheel bike for the trip because of the difficulty in fining 29 in tires.  I soon remembered why I have a 29er.  They get over obstacles the 26er dose not.

I clicked
google maps
directions
bicycle icon
then zoomed in until the bar in the lower left corner said 10 miles.

The first thing I noticed was the pacific Northwest trail.  Apparently it is an official bike route, at least in places.  The dark green line goes through Olympic national Park.  On roads open to cars the dark green line stops then restarts where the road ends.  The Idaho Centennial trail was shown in a similar fashion.  Looks like the Arizona trail is also a broken green line on google maps.

Amtrak
I have seen bent frames from airlines
I have seen smashed derailleurs from Greyhound, and read about Greyhound not delivering a bike to Antelope Wells. (Did he ever get it back).

So far the train has worked. 

"from October to June, the park turns into a snow covered wilderness, receiving an average of 533 inches of snow annually''
http://www.nps.gov/crla/planyourvisit/index.htm

http://nw-trail.org/
These guys have meeting and group rides.  They are strong trail advocates.  Forest park is a the largest city park in the US.  Check their calender and meet up for the group ride.  Many of them work in the bicycle industry. 
also check the bikepdx calender, you never know, maybe there will be a trade show or something.

http://cielo.chrisking.com/bikes/mountain-bike-details/
The local hub maker makes bikes as well.

http://www.renovobikes.com/badash-29er/
This is the one I dream of.

http://www.ahearnecycles.com/
another maker of quality bikes in portland

No sales tax in Oregon.  Get a good one and take it home.
read bikepdx

Red wood forest is one of my favorites.  These are the tallest trees on earth. A ride south from the red woods might be bearable, ( no snow shoes?)

I am retracting my statement about this trail or that one.
Oregon is a soggy muddy mess in February. I'll be in Mexico

The Pacific Crest Trail is for hikers only.

Oregon is full of natural wonders.  None of them do I visit in February.
Are you able to change your time frame to September? July?
Powell's book store is the largest in the world.  Read between the lines on that one.
I saw a shirt at the fair today, it said "the Pacific Northwet."

Humboldt Redwoods State Park is a neat place in California

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoobomb
Try this one Sunday night.

Take day rides and forget about the over night ones.  Save your days off and spend them further south.  Don't park a ti Fargo on the side walk in Portland and expect it to be there when you return!

They come in the night and take your food. They don't always wait for you to fall asleep.  Like a giant rat that is not afraid of you.  They carry disease.  Their sharp teeth cut through the fabric of your tent. The clever monsters can undo a latch. they roam free from Canada to Mexico.

worst animal = raccoon
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raccoon
Either a plastic jug of some sort or hang your food pack from a thin tree branch.

bike & hike sells imba mt bike trail maps
http://bikenhike.com/portland-bike-n-hike

February is winter in the Pacific Northwest  Winter = rain
It rains much less on the Eastern slopes of the Cascade mountain range.
Try the Hood River area if you like winter trail riding.

unlikely you will get a break in the weather to check out Tillamock state (rain) forest.
http://www.oregon.gov/ODF/tillamookstateforest/docs/NonMoto_TrailGuides/NonMotoTrailGuide_vAug2011.pdf
Route 5 will drop you at the trail head, check the winter weather again first
http://www.tillamookbus.com/schedules.htm

http://cotamtb.com/

http://bikeportland.org/

Limiting use of electronic gear puts honest people at a disadvantage.


How about more checks to see if a person actually pedaled the entire course?

Some colors reflect light better than others.  Somewhere exist a fabric that could be incorporated into a bike bag.  Everything has a second use.  Why not use your bag as a reflector?  For example, The lower rear section of a tail bag could be made of reflective material.  When rolled closed the reflective material would face the rear no matter the volume in the bag.

Who makes better reflective material?
Better is defined as noticed from a greater distance.
Also, rip proof, light weight, sewing machine friendly, etc.

What about reflective powder coat?
It does exist, but does it work?

neither

price aside, get a hard case.

other ideas
http://www.adventurecycling.org/features/shippingbikecases.cfm

http://parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/recreation/ictgpsresources.aspx
they have posted gps info and alternate routes around wilderness for bikes

looks like an energetic person could take a train to Glacier then ride the pacific northwest trail to the idaho centennial trail

then end up in nevada not sure which way to go

The hope noise grows on you.  It is good for the bears and coyotes to hear you coming.
The rear hope lasts a long time, bearing for front and rear are replaceable. I paid about $80 and had the bearings ordered last year. 
Steal cogs on the aluminum carrier = chew, marks, ugly, etc.  Still works fine just ugly.
The front Hope has a little play in it, even after the bearings are replaced.  I bought an xt front hub and plan to relace the wheel hopefully it will be stiffer.  Stan's Flow rim still going strong

I am happy with the hope rear hub.
Hoping to get another .

The front hub needs to be stiffer, to much side to side movement.
They last longer than other hubs and are trouble free.

Certainly I am not the only one who has considered pedaling around the Mayan Empire next December.

The first thing That comes to mind is road conditions.
Soft sand?
Hard pack?
2.55, 2.1, 1.75?

Please note, replacement tires for a 29er come in the mail down there.

All hotels anywhere near a Mayan ruin have been booked solid for over a year.



If anyone is familiar with the road conditions and terrain... ..

Anyone able to clarify this statement from the leader board?

Derailleurs & suspension (2)
Gears & suspension (53
do 2 people have derailleurs and no gears?

Gears & no suspension (39)
No derailleurs & no suspension (1)
One gear (only) & no suspension (6)

No derailleurs & suspension (1)
One gear (only) & suspension (3)

amtrak stops both places
http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?c=Page&pagename=am%2FLayout&p=1237405732511&cid=1237608344114

last year a guy stayed there about a week waiting on greyhound to find his lost bike.
Anybody know if he ever got his bike back, / or / what did he buy for a replacement?

so far the train guy has treated my bike much kinder than the bus guy.

Has anybody used rim breaks with Stan's rims?
I have a pair of Stan's Crest rims sitting around collecting dust.

Should I use them on an old bicycle with cantilever brakes?
I expect someone already tried it, how did it work out?

135? 142? 9? 15? 20? 100? 110?
What is the standard axel size for the next 5 years?
Are some of these new sizes the new standard or a passing fad?

So many choices to make.

http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/info_desk/route-maps/

also try north and east

ferries transform the world from [beep beep!] to friendly, aren't you the lucky one

http://kingcage.com/products-waterbottle-cages.html
iris cage
this style is bendable and will hold a quart juice bottle.

http://www.topeak.com/products/Bottle-Cages/modulacage2
also holds a quart tomato juice botle

Ocean Spray Cranberry Juice Cocktail 32 oz style bottle works well

1.5 Lt bottles require a velcro toe strap around the neck of the bottle and the frame

http://www.eurekatent.com/

http://www.rei.com/product/787079/patagonia-nano-puff-pullover-jacket-mens
good for a few more degres than fleece
I perfer wool, it is comfortable and does not stink as much.  Wool is heavy, very.

My 2 ply Malden fleece wind blocker jacket is heavy and takes up a lot of space.  It is also wind and water proof and warm and comfortable.  I had the lady cut the sleeves 6 inches longer so they can cover my fingers on the bike.

I got the Patagonia pull over and the   
http://www.rei.com/product/801580/novara-verita-bike-jacket-mens
to replace the fleece.  Lighter less bulk etc. sounds good on paper.

The fleece is more comfortable. If the weather turns for the worst, I trust it more.

A cheap old style non breathable wind breaker jacket is light weight warmth. One with a good zipper.

My 3 ply gore wind stopper jacket is good a little past freezing