Hey for anyone else reading this thread, I'm looking to start on July 16th or July 17th from Denver.   Also open to other routes, especially in the PNW, but I only have two weeks off from work (15th-30th of july).   

Hey Ya'll,

Thanks for all the responses, I really was not expecting so many!  I have some good and bad news.  First the good news- I now know when I can take leave.  The bad news- its from 27 Aug to 11 Sep, so considering the travel time from WA to CO I'll probably be riding from 29 Aug to 7 Sep.

These dates are later in the summer than I expected (July), but that is what the military gave me.  At least the snow pack should be less of an issue.

If anyone is interested in riding during that time period just respond or shoot me an email (mjbunker@sbcglobal.net)

-Matt

Adventeurs- Hey thanks for expressing interest in riding with me.  I am still waiting on specific vacation dates from my company, but I should know within the next month or so.  I would be potentially down to do a different route if for some reason you can't ride the CT, mainly since I think that riding with a partner is more fun than riding solo, but I'd prefer to ride the CT.

Mtnbound and Yagi- thanks for the advice.  I've already picked up a copy of the "data book", however it doesnt seem as helpful as I thought it might be, especially since I'm thinking about riding from the opposite direction.   I still might get the Official Guide book as well and I've heard good things about Erik the Blacks Colorado Trail Pocket Atlas.  Thanks again!

Hey Ya'll.  I plan on riding the Colorado trail this summer and am looking for a partner(s).  I plan on riding from Durango to Denver and would like to average 40-50 miles a day.  I'm not sure exactly when this summer, but it tentatively looks like it will be early July (I'm still not sure the exact dates when I can take off work).  A little about me- I'm 24, male, from the Seattle Area.  This will be my first major bikepacking expedition, however I have done a month long traditional tour before (averaging about 60 miles/day- not bad considering we didn't train! )  I will most definitely train for this though - plus the altitude is going to be a real killer for the first few days since I live at sea level.  

Please let me know if you are interested in joining or if you have ideas of other forums where I could find a partner.

Also to those who have done this before, what is the easiest way to get back to your car?  Hitchhike?

-Matt