This is the exact reason I use the MSR Reactor and it's coffee press accessory. Just because I'm sleeping in the dirt and wiping with leaves doesn't mean I have to be uncivilized.
(I also have the GSI coffee press for when I'm using my bush stove, little more bulky but not bad if you split the load.)

http://www.velorutioncycles.com/accessory-bags/bedrock-bags-honaker-hydro-pack

Click the local advertiser! I think he'll have them in stock in a few weeks .

Ditto

What maps did you order? I'm certainly interested in purchasing them as well!

@saubbie23, man I've been following your blog, I eagerly await new posts. Your humor makes me giggle too, more than one coffee through the nose incident has occurred.
I have a question for you, do you know if the VMBT follows any of the AML routes?
The reason I ask is because my brother and I are in the BETA* collection stages of doing the VMBT. He wanted to do something profoundly memorable. I started throwing out ideas but he lives in Virginia (I used to) and wanted it to be closer to home, for some reason he thinks it'll be EASIER than the Divide or the Colorado/Arizona trails etc. Whatever. He currently lives near the northern trail head and we both went to Va Tech so I think this ride is exactly what the doctor ordered.
Anyway, I'm sure I'll pester you for more info as time goes on. Like I said, our planning is at the "yeah let's do that one!" stage.
And finally, Pal, thanks for putting forth the effort to write about your experiences and record your travels with so many pictures. It gives many people something to day dream about.
Aloha

* the word beta has got to be the replacement for last years "uber"...

Howdy guys. I'm also interested in this route. I stumbled across it when searching for an alternative to the AT because it doesn't allow bikes. My brother is midlife crisis-ing hardcore and I'm always up for a challenge. He still lives in the Commonwealth, near the northern trailhead and used to go to Tech so this ride is spot on for us. After searching all of the google I've hit the same road blocks as you. Just the gpx tracks and Ron's blog. Unfortunately the earliest we can go is probably first half of August. Sooo... If you do end up taking this trek I'm going to ask on behalf of my brother and I and everyone else if you could please share any information you can! I'm particularly worried about the gpx files being deleted from Bikepacking.com and ridewithgps.
So I really hope you go and it's awesome, I'll be here checking out how your trip goes.
Curtis

Hey joeydurango, (awesome user id btw).
1st, I don't have anything helpful to add as far as your intestines go. My life's experiences lead me to suspect it's a combination of slower metabolism/stresses of working but what do I know?
You didn't acquire some sort of parasite by drinking weird water? I've heard crazy stories from people that have hiked in Latin America and Vietnam. Just spit-balling there.
2nd, I clicked on the link in your post and HOLY COW!!! You sir need a little more advertising presence. What an excellent store! I'll be visiting in person in the next year or two, whenever I get out west. And I'll be pointing and clicking my way through there as well, one thing I want in particular is out of stock but I have my credit card in hand.
Hope you feel better man, physically and spiritually.

Darn good light for the money. I have one that I use for commuting. It lasts a little over four hours on old (like eight years) Nimh rechargables, I'm sure it would last MUCH longer if my batteries were new. It's been in some heavy rain with no problems. It's a little more heavy and bulky than my Sigma and not as bright but the price and choice of available batteries make it a no brainer.

Looking good my man!
What fork are you using?
And did you do bottom bottle cage with zip ties?
Getting ready to take my el Mariachi up to northern Wisconsin at end of the month. 

This should really be in "introductions" but you asked, the short answer is it was the next logical step. This is just using two sets of gear in my basement at the same time. I recently purchased a new mountain bike after many years of road riding. Always liked to backpack. Riding from a trailhead to a nice place to camp sounds awesome. My time off now days is limited as I have two young children and my wife and I both work. So if I do manage a few days a year for a little 'me' time bikepacking seems like a lot of bang for the buck. So to speak. Hopefully this is something I can get my family into.