Wow great info from both of you. I am torn between buying a 29+ HT or one of several bkes right now....Im hoping next year to do AZT 300 or 750 so i am thinking of a bike for longevity.   

 Salsa
 Giant anthem advanced 29er
 yeti sb95c xo1 or sb75 xo1 or 575......still not sure which is the more versatile bike to do everything i want... bike packing to keeping up with friends in asheville... (they climb like goats and I am still trying to catch up)

or even a santa cruz but not sure the model i would be fit best for ..much like the yeti situation.. will test ride them first anyway... just trying to narrow down choices.
The goal is to eventually do the Colorado Trail Race, AZT 750 and the Tour Divide..... i live solitude i guess.. the wife will support me and might ride some of it but not all.


Farawayvisions, thanks for the tips...it really falls right in line with what i needed to hear.... awesome site btw.

Hello all. I am new to the world of BP and i am really looking hard at the schedule for next year.

I am a 28year old firefighter paramedic. I crossfit (coach mostly) olympic lift and mtn bike 2-3x a week for 1-3hrs at a time... I also just got a new road bike and will be doing a few spins (1.5-2hrs) at the station and about 2hrs a week on the road.
I have no other background other then this with biking and I have only ridden SC FLA and Western North Carolina (dupont, pisgah and tsali) I wouldn't say I'm a super skilled rider but my questions are as follows... I ride a 2014 Giant Trance 27.5 3..... I have ordered some custom frame bags and accessories from Jpak.....

How do i change training for the AZT 750 next year and is even in my wheelhouse roughly 6-8 months out?

What would be the ideal bike for bike packing? If money isn't an issue...or i save wisely for it rather....
Ive looked at yeti for my asheville nc biking life but think a salsa or a similar bike may be idea... also Carbon or Aluminum? I figured Alum for durability and etc..

Does anyone do these races with partners? I am a married guy and wife rides but her work schedule and mentality keeps her from this type of riding and having fun.. I have no idea how I will respond when i first hit a BP ride or keep up for the duration.> I have run a marathon and training is similar i guess? Long distance and hydration plus nutrition must be dialed in....

I am doing the Cross Fla Invitation Time Trial as a first ride in a couple months and ordered a few supplies so far... this is where I'm at

Ortlieb Handlebar Bag
Ortlieb SeatPost Bag
J-Pak frame bag and stem mount bag
Light& Motion Stella 500 and SECA 2000 Enduro
 not sure about clothing and shoes or regular shoes for this?

thinking of a big agnes super light tent and thermarest setup for sleep system (this isn't for the FLa Ride...just a thought for future ride)
not sure of water and food?
 Im sure ill have a thousand more questions but this is what i have and need input on so far... mostly training thoughts and equipment...