Nowadays teachers start back in early/mid August (Like the 10th) so it'll be iffy for me.  I'll keep my eyes posted to this thread to see what develops.

Would this be a summer time race?  As a teacher it's really hard to travel to do a multi day race.  I'm going to make some pretty big sacrifices to make the AZT next spring.  I REALLY want to learn more about this race. 

That looks very similar to my frame bag.  It also looks EXACTLY like my buddies "Village" frambag, color and everything.  Crazy.  Anyway, I'm gonna give this a go in some test runs.  May even use it in an upcoming Arkansas trip.  If it works there it'll certainly work in CO.

He had the choice between a trade or cash.  Sorry dude, he chose the cash!

Who does it?  How well does it work?  I'm thinking for the CT this year I may want to do that.  Trying to get as much weight off my back as possible.  I've never really done it though.  What size and what brand?  Do you use a bite valve or do you use a Platy collapsable? 

Thanks for the insight.

Check your pms

I use my CDW seatbag for commuting everyday.  I don't have to bring a laptop or anything, just a change of clothes and my lunch.  I keep shower stuff at work and whenever I drive it (at least once a week) I bring extra clothes/swap out old clothes and extra pair of brown and black shoes.  It works perfect for me.  I don't think it changes anything in how the bike handles, just weighs it down.

Dude, come on now Roland.  Your words seem a bit harsh and judgemental.  I'm sure you don't mean them to be, but saying for someone to be gone for a few days at a time is bad parenting (I'm paraphrasing here I know) is bad form.  Philosophy in parenting techniques are different for everyone.

As to the original question.  I have a 20 month old boy.  He is the joy of my life.  I also had to pretty much take the past 2 "seasons" of ultra rides, not races, off because I didn't feel right about being away and wasn't that fit to do them anyway.  That isn't to say I haven't had my fair share of multi day adventures but these have been limited to 3 days or so. 

Your new job sounds like it makes training tough.  In the end you'll have to make a decision.  Do you sacrifice some sleep for some more fitness or not.  There can be a balance there.  You can loose an hour and a half of sleep a night a few times a week or maybe get to bed earlier some nights.  I don't know the answer...just thinking out loud.

Hang in there for sure though.  My God, I'd give anything (up) for my son, he's so worth it.  Luckily, I believe that by being into the outdoors, being athletic, loving nature I am setting a good example.  I'm sure you'll do the same naturally.

It's so refreshing to see such a strong community come together on  :headbang:these boards.  You've already gotten some great advice from some very well respected riders on here.  It motivates me.  If they can do it I can do it!!!

Yeah, I've got the older guidebook and just haven't cracked it open in a while.  I'll need to order a new Databook as well.

Can anyone post up a list of the major food stops?  Anything from good gas station food to a grocery store would work. 

That's a fantastic idea.  I've done a couple road tours with him in the trailer (just overnighters) but you're right, it was a workout.  I'll have to incorporate that.  Only issue I have is the summer heat!

I would totally agree about having more upper body strength on a SS.  It is my primary ride.  I had a geared bike built specifically for multi day riding.  I found out that being labled a "SS'er" was as important to me as enjoying the experience of multi day riding.  I don't suffer anywhere near as much and I have zero qualms about being in my granny gear!

I would still do a fair amount of core training, weights, all that.  Pushing your bike for 4 hours a day is not something you do while commuting...

Oh yeah, one other thing (I hate getting pulled into internet discussion, but alas, I guess I am), I've got a fair bit of a commute by bike (40 mile rt) so I feel, and have come to see, that riding 20 miles twice a day most days does a fair bit towards getting a good bit of fitness.  And what's with the anger thingy?  You're not angry about my plan are you?  Different strokes right?

Well, I guess it's not the end all be all for me like it was 3 year ago.  I put all my cards on the table for the CTR.  It was my world for over a year.  Since having a kid I've come to realize that something like the Colorado Trail isn't what my life will revolve around.  Yes, I'll give it it's fair share of planning and respect, but I'm not going to loose any sleep over it this time around. 

I hike plenty with my kid in a backpack so I'd say that is training enough for the hike a bike.  I've also got a TON more days/nights bikepacking for multi days as compared to when I first attempted it.  I'm not racing it, I just want to finish the trail with my head held high and have a fantastic time riding my bike in the process. 

I've had to watch from the sidelines the past 2 summers, I'm excited to be involved this time around. 

That's what I thought.  Trained hard all year (much of it fully loaded) for the CTR on my SS in Austin.  Up all of the steepest/longest climbs and never had any issue.  Got out to CO and after the end of the first day my knees were just toast.  I could barely walk.  Well, don't walk, ride right?  Nah, not on the SS!  What a terrible and depressing outcoming!  Finally, FINALLY getting my chance at redemption this summer, but on a geared and front suspension bike.  Oxygen will be the limiting factor as I won't be able to get there early.

Not doing any kind of special training this time around either.  Just gonna do my daily commute to work and back and ride on the weekends.  Gonna worry more about the mental training than the physical this time around.  Riding it with a couple buddies will help as well.

SS looks fine for CTR. About 22x34 should do the job (for us mortals anyway). At least you'll be pushing a light bike.

Plenty of time in the saddle in the years before the race and extra thick chamois grease should help the undercarriage stay intact. Re-apply frequently.

An FYI, I use my CDW rear seat pack as a daily commuter.  The great thing about this bag (and the Revelate is the same) is that you can roll them up tightly if'n you're only using a tube/tool kit; or it expands greatly for more stuff.  I use it A LOT and it has held up great.  I highly recommend it. 

Racing vs. bikepacking:  I predict the lines will get clearer, technology will continue to develop for racers, and will continue to be low priority for bikepackers.

What do you mean by this?  It's an interesting statement, just not sure I follow.

Where would one fly in to if one were to come and give this thing a go.  My interest is peaked.

Jackson, Keith has this figured out.  We're leaving the car with his friends up there in the Denver area.

Perhaps you should vote for the 25th then to help me out I gotta do it before I start classes in early August.

Yep.  Got that same problem.  Gotta get back to the classroom.