HUGE fan of the Lakes.  I prefer the 165 because I'm not a fan of any ratchet system.  They are a bit heavy when compared to XC type shoes but the payoff is great traction when hiking.  As far as I know they are true to size. 

Mike Brown did the whole CT with panniers.  It's more a matter of gear selection I think.  If you can get your gear down to a small amount you don't need panniers. 

Looking at your blog those bikes seem like in good condition considering how long they've been out in the elements.

Dude, you can't post that and not show pics.  Sounds super epic!
Tease.

You would encounter the following...
1.  Pissed off backpackers who know you shouldn't be there.
2.  Pissed off Rangers who would ticket and possible arrest you.
3.  Pissed off mtb'ers for poaching and producing a bad rep for all of us that we work so hard to correct.

A velcro strap works great through the vent holes of the helmet.  The light is "just enough" on slow singletrack, especially climbing but I wouldn't use it at any kind of speed.  You'd out run the light.

It is beyond me how quick these guys are moving on such difficult trail.  Where do they keep the 3rd (and seemingly 4th) lung?  I need to get one of those!

Thanks for the updates Chris.  Man it's tough not being there this year.  As I sit here and watch my 3 month old coo and kick I'm reminded how worth it being here is though.  Good luck to everyone out there and safe travels.  As usual I'll be a total blue dot junkie for the next week or two.
Maybe next year.

Who can?

What was "interesting" about the TG route?  Do you have a ride review or any pics?

I was crap last year on the CTR, mainly due to my knees pooping out on me.  I was running a 32x22 and it was a good gear for me on a 29er.

Yeah...true...and you also sleep on the ground and weigh your toenails.

I agree.  Of all 5 sections I've done on the actual CT, the trail side data book and an odometer was all I needed.  Very well marked trail, now only if I could breathe up here.   

Did segment 13 from Avalanche TH to the Frontier Ranch camp TH (I used to be a camper at that YL camp so that was kind of cool).  Fun trail but man the air is thin for this low lander!  Great ride though.

I'm gonna try seg 14 on Wednesday.  Aside from the 1st "real" climb (I have no idea what that means in CO speak) does the trail stay somewhat true to the guidebook where it states that much of the trail is "moderate" in elevation gain/loss?

So I'm in BV.  Aside from the lack of oxygen everything else is all good.  So, my question is...Is section 14 from Chalk Creek to US 50 any good? 

Me too!  Stay with it Dave!

So what tires did he end up putting on?

Chris is insane.  He has tree trunks for legs.  I hope he kills it (and it looks like he's doing just that!).

Now if only Topofusion could be used on a Mac!!!

Holy Moly...Chris ain't even using his little camelback huh?  Wow, I'd like to see his gear list!
Go Chris go!!!