I learned that Fall in Austin is amazing.  I learned that riding with a few friends all day with all your equipment makes the normal trails extra exciting.  I learned that calling a friend and telling him to put the lights on and ride out to meet us with a 6 pack of beer is brilliant.

I also learned that I hate sleeping on the ground.  I am a hammock user.  I lent my hammock, underquilt, and tarp to my friend who didn't have anything but really wanted to camp with us.  I just bought a Thermarest Neo-Air to try out.  I was hoping I would like it with my tarp and really lighten my load.  While it was lighter, I got zero sleep and woke up with sore shoulders and hips.  Totally not worth it. 

I just ordered a new sleeping quilt that is down, will take me to 30 degrees, and weighs only 16 oz   That's right, 1 pound!  Anyway, it was worth crappy sleep just so I knew that it wasn't going to work for me. 

Good times.

I know a guy who custom makes quilts and it's all ultra light for bikepacking/backpacking.  I bet he could make something in your price range.  PM me if interested.

VERY  COOL!

Now we need someone to map the legal sections (ALA Adventure Cycling and the GDMBR). 

Or a bivy...

Size small. Conduit SL. Color is red. VERY lightly used. Right zip. I believe it's a zero degree.  Perfect for winter!
$50 and buyer pays shipping. 

Willing to trade if you have something interesting.  Looking for a windshirt, 40 degree bag, other interesting stuff...

Travis

Chris,
  I'm glad you brought this up.  It kills me reading about how many batteries racers go through.  I know it pretty much has to be done but it still makes me cringe.  That's a lot of waste.  I don't have anything else to add, that's just something that has always been on my mind.

That's the info I'm looking for I guess.  The temp ratings.  So the Ion and the Houdini are more for in the 40's-50's and even low 60's? 

I agree with the wool.  This is my system right now when it's between 40ish-50ish.
1 midweight wool l/s top with arm warm warmers on
1 lightweight jacket. 

It might seem overkill to you all but I'm from Texas and to me cold is anything below 50.  At least for the first part of fall/"winter". 

What I was thinking was 1 light s/s wool base, 1 midweight wool l/s top and the windshirt. 

Experiementing is fun but it gets expensive!  Thank goodness for Salvation Army and wool sweaters.

Ultimatley I guess I just want to know how well the windshirt breathes. 

Thanks Dave.  That jacket looks nice but it's DOUBLE the price of the Dri-Clime!  Mamma Mia!

So I'm looking for some advice.  I have the Sierra Designs Microlight Jacket and it works well for light rain and wind but it gets super duper clammy.  As anyone tried the Marmot Dri Clime windshirt on the bike?  Does it breathe better?  I'm not to concerned with total rain as I have a rain jacket for that.  Mostly I want to use it for a windblock but not get the condensation that I get with my SD Microlight.

Thoughts?  Opinions?

Ain't that the truth.

Something else to check out:
http://home.trainingpeaks.com/training-and-nutrition-plans/training-plans/lynda-wallenfels.aspx
I don't have any experience with her, but she's got awesome creds. Plus, her husband is also one of the better endurance riders around.

Quite the understatement.

Looks like a fun time.  Thanks for posting up.  Gives me something to day dream about today. 

Annual bikepacking trip to Arkansas.
The Colorado Trail (though not the race)
Bikepacking trip in NC in June
Random overnighters in town.

I refuse to spend another summer stuck in Texas.  It was ok this past summer due to our newborn, but we got a pop-up now and will be dragging that thing across the US next summer.

Oh, and who said the bikepacking season is over?  In the south we get to ride all winter!

Thanks for the write up!  I have to say, that is A LOT of stuff you are carrying.  Looks heavy.

I'm gonna bring this up with my local shop. Sounds like a great idea.

Village, let me know when you get around to doing that.  I'd love to come over and get some help.  I've got basic sewing skills but would need guidance on some of the trickier parts (putting in zippers for one). 
Thanks!

I might have to give it a go over the Christmas holiday.  I tried one a year ago and just couldn't get it figured out.  I have CDW handlebar and seatpacks and am very happy with it, but wouldn't mind trying to do something myself.  I took a sewing class at Jo Anns a year ago and that really helped me.  Man, being patient isn't my strong suite and sewing definatley needs that!

anyone care to share their frame pack pattern?  I think it would be neat if CDW or Epic came up with something where you could buy a kit from them (fabric, pattern) and you sew it ala Ray Way kits. 

I just sleep.
MMMMM....sleeeeeeeeep.
Hammocks and 8-plus hours.
But, oh yeah, I'm touring,  not racing....

Helpful, huh?

Amen Brother...Amen.