Thanks for the insight.  Yeah, it's a 2 piece so I'm not real sure how I'm gonna handle that on the bike.  I have my eye on a 4 piece but I'm also building up my new frame so it's not the best time to go throw down another couple hundred on a rod.

Does Salida have a good fly shop?  What about CB?  I'll it up the one in Gunny for sure.

No, this is good stuff.  I've actually kept tabs on your blog since your first CTR attempt (mine too) and always looked forward to the fishing report even if it was over my head.

Would I be able to stretch that rod to an 8 ft 5 wt?  Or do you think that's just too much?  I'd like to try and get by with it this summer and if I really enjoy it get a more appropriate size for next summer.  But if it's not worth it...

I'm way more comfortable fishing beaver ponds/small lakes (we call them tanks down here) but really want to try more moving water this summer.  I'm such a newb when it comes to fly fishing trout though that it's pretty intimidating to me. 

Ah, yeah...Brookies.  Perch of the south.  Gotta love em.  They are beautiful for sure.

Here is a shot during a multi day backpacking trip in the Weiminuchi (sp?) Wilderness. 


You'll have to forgive the string, but that thing was mighty tasty cooked over some coals with some olive oil and spices after a long cold day.

This is a topic off of the other thread.  I didn't want to hijack MikeC's good thread.  He gave me some info to get started with but I'd like to ask any of ya'll with more info.

I've done some flyfishing in the past, quite a bit, but it's been over 6 years since I really did anything worth mentioning.   I've got a good opportunity to do a lot of fishing this summer in both CO and WY.  Here are a few questions I have.

1.  What would be the best overall weight rod for flyfishing?  Mainly hitting small streams and slow moving water and the ocassional lake (but not very often).  I know I'm looking for a jack of all trades and master of none but it is what it is. 

2.  How many fly options do you try to have in your fly box?  In bass fishing I only use about 3 or 4 different fly's but let's face it, Bass aren't what trout are (smart). 

3.  I'll be up on Monarch Mountain for a week the 3rd and part of the 4th week of June.  If one wanted to ride to some good water, where would one head to (this is where the bike comes in thus making this a legit thread on bikepacking  )

My wife and I will be doing a 6 week trip up to Colorado and WY.  I'm tinkering with my fly rod set up and my spin cast set up on the bike.  What I need is a good place to ride/fish.  Any place up near CB or Salida (I'll be spending a week in each place)?

I'll try and post a pic of my set up.  Mike, I'm super envious of your upcoming trip.  Bikepacking combined with fishing is about as blissfull as it can get IMO.  Yes you want to get from point A to point B, but the time it takes you to get there is dependent upon if you're fishing or catching.

I tried to do a search, but where can we find the pics of you hiking the GC with your bike?  Are there others who have done this (Mike C)?

This is awesome!

Ian, you are riding a very inspiring ride.  Keep it up!

What is Mark wearing?  That top looks like a dress shirt.

I don't think you'll find to much information on here about bike builds.  Maybe MTBR.com would be better for those types of questions.  There are a lot of excellent DIY'ers on here though so if you have a specific question feel free to post up.

Welcome!

I know most people on here are looking at this thread and not saying much because they don't want to speak out against someone who has really pushed the design envelope and helped with the development of our sport, but come on...there have been 3 threads about CDW already and none of them have started off positive.

I have a seatpack and handlebar bag from him, yes, they are very well made and I'm totally happy with them but I tried contacting him twice as well and never got a call back (or email) when I was inquiring about a full frame pack.  I don't know about you, but that isn't very inspiring.

If I were you I'd cut my losses and email Eric.  I think someone like Eric who is not only a great creator of gear but who is involved in these boards (without ever pushing his product) is someone who I'd want to support with my money.  I mean, the guy by far has the best threads on here!

I'm not trying to be negative but I think we as a community owe it to ourselves to be upfront about the gear makers.


Travis

Am I the only one that is trying to figure out the awesome pants Dylan is wearing?  They look like 80's BMX pants...

I'm gonna have to disagree.  You want to enjoy your time from the get go right?  Find a bike that suits your purpose and buy it either new or a used but in good condition.  Do you want to ride more on dirt roads or dirt singletrack trails?

Welcome to the boards...

Nothing but bliss...


We all agreed...

I've been a hammock user for about 3 years now.  Hammockforums.net is the best resource for info.  While not the absolute lightest set-up (though mine is in the SUL, but cost money) it can be done for cheap and still be light. 

I've been in one in a strong storm.  The only issue I really had was having to adjust the rain fly because it was catching so much wind.  Wasn't to concerned about things falling on me at all.  If I heard some cracking I might just move spots or something.

LOT'S of different makers out there. 

I just wanted to give a huge shout out to Corey for giving this thing a go.  This is a guy who just started riding about 2 years ago.  He's quickly becoming a very strong rider.  Good job my friend!

I also wanted to say, "Go Jackson!!!"  he is making us folks down in Austin very proud right now.  I've never seen him so focused leading up to this race and he is really kicking some butt out there!  Keep it up my friend!

I'll be staying the night on Thursday night at the RV Voyeur Inn off I-10 and Kolb Rd.

That sounds like a gross place to stay Jackson.  I'm ashamed of you.

Yes, there is a Gripshift.  I had bought new shifters and didn't want to buy new grips so I just measured and sawed them off.  They worked great with no issues at all.  Of course if you can exchange that would be even better!

Hacksaw and cut to fit.  Works just fine!

I haven't tried on the Manta so I can say for sure, but if it is the same backpanel/frame as the Atmos (and many other of their packs) I had some serious issues with the frame digging into my shoulder blade.  Mind you that I'm a little boney up top though.  I had to switch it out for a Talon 22 (and later to a Wingnut 3.0).

I use the same seatpack and backpack you use.  I also have the CDW handlebar bag and use that as well.  I would think a dry bag would work just as well.  That should be more than enough room for everyhing.   Sounds like a fun trip!