Hi Folks,  I probably was more negative than I should have been. Probably more of a personal reaction from an introspective look into how I might have thought about it and made decisions myself in a similar situation. I have been there, even gone over the line in a bikepacking ultra that put me in the ER.  I certainly can’t impose my values or decision making on others.  Anyone who scratches weighs their own risks and rewards and makes their own personal decisions and those are the right decisions for that individual at that time.  Can’t argue with that.  I just had a visceral reaction that I probably shouldn’t have generalized on the racers or community so quickly.   It is amazing, however, the emotions and mental game we have to wrestle with preparing for and participating in these events.

I don’t want to point anyone out by name, but several riders and their reasons for scratching this year quite bothered me for some reason.  Maybe I am reflecting personally on what I would have done in the same situation in the ultra races I have participated in.  Anyway, everyone has their right to make the right decision for themselves and not everyone would agree with my opinion, but I just wanted to get it off of my chest.

I’m just going to throw this out there. Not trying to be ugly, however, it is my opinion that it is extremely poor form to quit a race because you can’t set a new record or because you can’t win the race.  I think it disrespects the other racers and the community in general.  These races are about many things, including, adversity and how you deal with it. Examples from both sides of this view by multiple riders this year.   I’ve said my peace.   Thanks,  Scott.

What's up with everyone appearing to be off route?

That is REALLY nice!  Great job.

Ultra-light bikepacking race bag design #2, the addition of the 3-compartment top tube bag. Also weighing in at 78 grams. So far that's a total savings of over 1lb from my old bags! Going to test them on a 3 day trip this weekend 😀

Thanks for the compliment.  Yes, that is exactly what that cutout is for.  That has been my pet peeve during hike-a-bike with a loaded bike.  No handhold.  I haven't seen it done before either, but wanted to give it a try.

Scott.

Installed

Hi, this is my first attempt at sewing.  Decided to make a racing frame bag out of Cuben.  It turned out at 78 grams.  Learned a lot with this first one.   Already have ideas for changes next time around.  Going to make some gas tanks next.

Scott