I have driven the PanAm highway as far as Panama.

If it were me, I would ride a Fargo (or something similar) with fairly wide road tires.  Something like the Schwalbe Marathon in 40's or 45's.  It's paved all the way to Panama at least - but the road surface isn't always the best.

The Fargo is a good all-around bike.  It can work well for touring/bikepacking on the road, non-technical trails and gravel roads.  It wouldn't be my first choice for more technical singletrack trails - but people do ride them there.  What type of surface and terrain do you plan to ride most?

If I were planning a trip of that distance, I certainly would want a new (or newer) bike with a proven design and components.  A new Fargo could meet that requirement. 

 

As both a long-time hiker and long-time cyclist I can understand how some hikers get pissed.  Some of us cyclists can be our own worst enemies in terms of greater access to trails.

I think your idea is a great one though.  

Awesome country!
Thanks for sharing the photos and story.

edit to add: Do you sell those jerseys in your shop?  I didn't see them in the link.

http://www.blackdiamondequipment.com/en-us/shop/mountain/lighting/revolt-headlamp

Can be recharged with a USB or operated using standard AAA batteries.  The versatility sound appealing.

I can't help but want a fat bike now! Great vid thanks for sharing.

+1
I keep finding reasons for yet ANOTHER bike!

Cycling close to Papallacta, Ecuador (11400ft)

Cool photos!
At first glance I thought they were of Mount Shasta in northern California.

Thanks for posting those.

According to this link:  http://www.continentaldividetrail.org/about-the-trail/cdnst-history/
The CDT traverses 21 Wilderness areas.  Designated Wilderness areas do not allow bicycle travel. 

There is an abundance of other info regarding the trail in the link.

http://velonews.competitor.com/2013/04/news/rebecca-rusch-smashes-kokpelli-trail-record_284147

Article and interview.  One TOUGH woman!  Well done.

Just an FYI,
I recently saw a Steripen combo pack on the shelf at the local Costco for $50.  It came with some sort of a pre-filter and a lexan-type bottle.

I'm not familiar with the various models so I can't offer much more info

The maps from ACA as mentioned above.
There is also a book that offers additional details on the route:  http://www.mountaineersbooks.org/Cycling-the-Great-Divide-P160.aspx

People ride the route in both directions.  Timing is important due to the relatively short summers, particularly in the north.

The Salsa Fargo is worthy of consideration for the type of riding you've described.

Looks like a great family trip. 
I hope to head there with my family this November.

Thanks for posting the pics.

 "I get it confused when I'm well rested, so I know it'd be a nightmare when you're tired, cold, wet, hungry and pissed off."

Good advice on the 20 vs. 30.
And I particularly like and can relate to the quote above - LOL!

-JRA
(aka: hbfa @ bp.com)

Jason,
Are you (or were you) living in Holland or Belgium?  Or did you travel there to tour? 

I would be interested in touring those countries at some point, particularly Holland with their network of bike paths.  I realize your tour was quite a few years ago, but how were your experiences with bike travel in those countries?

I like the tarptent Contrail - $200, 1 1/2 lbs, takes less than 2 minutes to set up, packs pretty small, includes bug net and bathtub floor.  Of course, the type of shelter you need depends on how much you want to spend, what you need it for, weight, etc. 

Don't know anything about the SD Light Year Solo but $100 for a worthy shelter sounds good to me.  Good luck with it!

Just curious, how do you rig it up when traveling by bike?  Do you carry some sort of pole, or just look for worthy stick? 

Most of the places I camp I like to have more bug protection than a tarp alone offers.  I appreciate being able to relax away from the mosquitoes, especially when they're thick!!

You didn't mention how many bodies you are looking to fit.  You can get free-standing solo tents that weigh less than the tarp in the link.  And if you're considering adding a bivy, the weight and bulk goes up even more.    

Light solo tent example:  https://www.bigagnes.com/Products/Detail/Tent/SeedhouseSL1

thanks!!

+1

Great trick 303!
Simple, yet ingenious.

My experiences with "breathable" hard shells is that none of them are really all that breathable.

I also use the Marmot Precip.  I prefer one size smaller for cycling than hiking.  I tend to do less bulky layering on the bike so I can get by with a tighter fit and less flapping in the wind.

The Precip is affordable compared to the other more expensive not-so-breathable materials.  So if you go over the bars and destroy it, it's not a weeks pay to replace.