Yeah, I could see how it wouldn't be the most pleasant mid-day though.  Reversing the direction would also make it a bit more of a grunt.

For sure.  We rode it westbound several years back, and it was, like, 100 degrees.  Then we found ourselves right in the middle of a monster lightning storm.  Definitely made for some interesting riding/racing for the trees.  In terms of detours, though, it is pretty enjoyable I think.  Not racing this year, but I can't wait to get back out there.

Alex Harris just finished!  Nice.  Still ahead of the former men's record.  Excellent effort.

I've been using the Black Sheep Mountain Moustache bars for a couple years now.  I really like the back sweep - allows me to sit up quite nicely while just cruising along, but get back into a "normal" position for downhill or climing.  XT hydralic brakes work well for to keep the brakes in a good position, with the hinged clamp and all.  I've been happy.  Just did the Kokopelli on them last month - so nice, and the long Ti bars soak up a lot of the little bumps.  2 sets of ESI Chunkies round out the goodness.  Yeah, I put 2 grips (end to end) on each bar end.

I'd post pics, but I'm a dummy, and have no idea how.  I'll try to post pics of the bike someday.

Steve

Cripes, I leave my computer for a couple hours and come back to Kato being ahead by over 8 miles.  

C'mon Josh!  You got this!

Not sure that it was so much a "holier than thou" rant, but I definitely remember it being an "if you coming to race, then race" doctrine.  Back when Toby was on here to instigate forum threads into novels.  Maybe I can find the thread...

This may have been the one:
http://www.bikepacking.net/forum/ultra-racing/racing-or-riding-the-td/msg18382/#msg18382

This probably wasn't the rant, though, that somebody else pointed out. 

Maybe no sleep planned until finish.....

Dang, I don't know if I'll get any sleep until they finish.  I definitely won't get much work done... this has been exciting!

I've heard Chattanooga's a great place.  The dirty south doesn't bother me one bit, actually... I mean, you were talking about Drive By Truckers album, right?  No, just kidding.  Humidity and bugs really don't irritate me too much, but maybe I've changed after living in the high desert for several years now. 

I'm still in the Fort for now.  My wife loves it here, and there's a lot to be said for that alone.  However, I'm still searching, and I've opened my horizons to pretty much any place where I can readily do what you've mentioned, wiese - climbing(trad, sport, & bouldering), paddling, and of course, riding.  My real only requisite is that there is water and mountains.  The rest will happen naturally with like-minded people and an adventurous attitude.

Thanks for your suggestion!

Steve

Both good points above... I wouldn't do it, either.  Not to mention, I don't know about the Kuat Rack, but I have a 2-bike 1UPUSA rack on the back of my Jeep, and by itself it's not inherently light.  Cripes, it must be 50-60 pounds by itself..., but damn if it ain't an awesome rack. 

Bummer, dude!  Yeah, the Rose Garden was pretty gnarly.  We saw you guys coming down the hill as we were filtering water out of puddles.  I think you would've finished... the final 50 miles, in my opinion, is pretty tame compared to the stuff at the Rose Garden and just before.  Just big climbs and fast, smooth descents.  Between Mason Draw Campground and the top of Sand Flats Road was the worst part... ultra-gumbo death mud for about 2 miles.  That sucked.

Sounds like you got a good ride in, though.  Awesome to meet you guys, and I'll have to stop in sometime and check out the shop in Carbondale!

Steve

For whatever it's worth - these packs look great.  My buddy and I were passed by these 2 animals on the Kokopelli this last weekend.  We only got a very brief look at the packs, but they look stout.  I think Kevin (riding the extra-cycle you see in the photo above; owner of the company) said they're out of Carbondale, and he was a positive, cool dude.  Good meeting you guys, and hopefully you made your finish into Moab on time!

Steve

Rad.  Thanks, kullaberg.  Much appreciated.

Anybody have an update on the Kokopelli Trail conditions as of late?  A buddy and I are planning to ride it over Memorial day weekend, and I'd appreciate any information out there, conditions-wise.

Thanks,
Steve

To revive an old thread...

I'm not training for anything 'cept long rides, overall health and stuff, but to echo what mikepro mentioned - yoga.  Seriously worked wonders for me, too.  My simple regimen includes push-ups, planks, pull-ups, deadlifts, running and riding... but not much makes my body feel as good as yoga.  Feeling strong is one thing, but feeling strong without aches and pains is just dang nice.

Do it.  I'm quite interested, as well, after hearing about the benefits and decimating zippers of my own.  I'd be excited to see what you cobble up, since I just don't have the time of my own to dream something up.  Good luck.  Keep us posted!

Surly does make a 36t 94bcd, but they are a five bolt.

Ahhh.  Gotcha.

What about Surly's stainless chainrings?  Pretty sure they make a 94mm x 36 tooth, don't they?

Have a look in the "Personal Setups" link at the top of this page - lots of good advice in there!

If I lived in New Mexico, I'd definitely be game for this.  What a great idea!

Good luck!

I think what bmike-vt is trying to say is that if you're lower than a certain gear ratio (ring/cog-wise), Rohloff will not warranty the hub, even though it'll probably never break with the force you're able to apply by yourself.  Not sure how much, or if crank arm length plays into the warranty junk.  They're just covering their asses.  Sheldon Brown did a decent job explaining it here: http://www.sheldonbrown.com/harris/rohloff-impressions.html

Steve

I run Porcelain Rocket bags, as well as a few others cobbled into my kit.  PR is top notch.  I've got 2 seat bags, a bar bag, and a frame bag... all of which are going strong.