Well good lord, isn't this the CTR Discussion thread?  You know, where people can discuss logistics?  Yes, I have the databook, have the mapbook, have the GPX File and have ridden it.  I was just trying to have some discussion.  This is a forum afterall. 

I'm not asking how much water I need.  I'm asking how much you carried.  I'm having flashbacks of ~6 or 7 years ago when people were holding their cards closely to their chests about gear and logistics.  That in my opinion is not the way to grow a sport.

YMMV

What is the driest stretch and how much water would one probably want to carry between it?

I'm totally not a fan of the 5.10 insoles.  I replaced them with the insoles from my Vans. 

Noticed you're from Austin. Used to live in TX and rode much in Austin. CO miles don't really mean anything. Elevation profile is the big deal. But pick up the CO Trail guidebook and pocket book from the CO Trail site.

Thanks.  I have both already.  I've ridden the CT before, but I'm taking a slightly different approach this year and will have access to food drops. 

Anyone have a mileage breakdown of towns starting from Waterton?
~Bailey
~Breck
~Leadville
~BV
~Silverton

I did the Colorado Trail with an Event 8L stuff sack and 2 straps.  It worked ok.  It would get floppy on me on some of the longer descents and I would have to readjust the straps at times.  Got the job done though.

I now have a Revelate Harness and it is WAY more secure and easier to load/unload.  Great product.  Eric knows his stuff.

They look hot.  I think I'm sticking with my nicely broken in Freeriders.  I just cant justify the expense yet for a new pair of kicks.  Please give a post ride review of how they faired on the CT.  I'll make sure to do the same.

Thanks.  I generally stand a bunch while riding.  I can't imagine not hitting my knees which would drive me bonkers.  Guess I'll have to pass.

Do people not hit their knees with these?  I'm hesitant to buy one because it seems like I would hit my knees when standing up to pedal. 
Thoughts?

Good review.  Did you get much heel slippage?  For the life of me I couldn't stop getting heel slippage with the Aescents.  It is a non issue with the Freeriders though. 

One thing I'd recommend with the Five Tens is to buy a pair of Dirty Girl gators to keep out the debris.  I get a lot of junk in my shoe.  The tires I use don't help (Ardents) but still, a lot.  The gators keep things nice and clean on the inside.

I'd like to see what the new Impacts look like compared to the Freeriders.  I saw a side by side of the new/old Impacts.  It's very obvious the difference between the two.  Couldn't find a pic of new Impacts and Freeriders.  I like the look of the dot pattern as well on the new Impacts.  I'm also a fan of the red.  I never liked the all black. 

Man!  Those new impacts are way nicer looking than the old ones. I think I will also be ordering me a pair. Thanks for the heads up!

Have you done much hike a biking with the xvi?  Interested to hear hoe the smooth sole works out. I love my regular Freeriders.

No thoughts?  Bummer.

Ok, so I didn't want to get off topic too much on the CTR specific thread.  I will not be racing, just through riding the CT.  My friend and I have the luxury of taking our time and even more of a luxury of having our wives pull our travel trailers from Waterton to Frisco, to BV, to Saguache, to Durango.  The timing won't be exactly when we get there, but will all be within a day or so.  For example, my wife will probably stay an overnight in Saguache at a local campground the day before I get there.  I won't get to see her (I think) but she can drop off a couple days worth of food for me that would get me to Silverton. 

My question is, what is the best method to retrieve this cache?  Is a bear vault the only method (I can come back and pick up the vault or whatever) or would a hardy plastic bin that has been secured work?  It seems like a bear vault would be the best decision, but many times on through hikes and bikes I see coolers filled with drinks and snacks as Trail Magic and they don't seem any worse for wear.

Thoughts?

Try riding with some flat pedals/shoes combo.  You may have to lower your seat a hair.  Sounds crazy, but it helped me.  That and some rest.  Dont worry.  If you are truly fit, you're not gonna lose much by resting.  Good luck.  It sucks I know.

I just used 5.10 freerider elements on Black Ops Nylon pedals in AZT750, best shoe to flat grippy and power I have experienced yet in the flatty world. In 20 years. Never will use a trail runner again. Pedals were old too on their 3rd race. No filing of pins stock.

Did the element version make your feet hot?  I worry about that.

I sometimes think that this would the ideal approach. I ride clipless, but clearly see the advantages of flats on something like the CTR. Alas, I've been too nervous to change. I should probably just suck it up and do it...

Believe me Toby, I too was too nervous, proud, vain, blah blah blah.  I mean, everything I've ever known was about being clipped in.  I don't remember who I first saw riding with flats.  I think it was either Jefe or maybe Jason(?), the dude from Salida that rides the MClung (I remember the bike!).  Anyway, something just clicked and I realized that it has to be worth a shot.  I read up on HOW to pedal correctly, foot placement, and all the other things I spend to much time looking at on the internet.  Then I just realized I needed to do it.  Kind of like bikepacking. 

I'm not saying it is a whole new world.  But man, when it is time to walk my feet are sure thankful for my shoe choice. 

Now I'm going for a ride...clipped in.  

Anyway, I feel your pain when it comes to hesitating. 

Obviously if it gets wet/slick out and it's just flat dirt, it isn't the best traction wise but there are some many roots/rocks that it is honestly a non issue with the 5.10's. 

Regarding foot placement.  It's also a non issue.  I think Yogi if you gave it a chance you would probably realize it's a bit of an over analyzation. 

Funny how any thread that mentions flats turns in to a clipless v flats debate.  Like I said before, I pretty much always ride clipless.  I feel like I get more power on the steep technical climbs and more secure.  BUT!  When there is a lot of hiking involved I turn to the flats. 

What I haven't mentioned is that I also have a bad case of Morton's Neuroma in my foot and need a shoe with a wide toe box, hence my need for comfy shoes on multi days.

I agree.  I think it would be fine.  For sure make a note (laminate it or some how make sure it stay's dry).  Good luck.  Sounds like a grand adventure.  Take pics and post em up!