My wife and I rode tne GDMR in '98.  In those days your only choices were panniers or a trailer (or both).  I rode the first half with panniers.  My wheels self destructed at about the CO border.  I used a BOB and front panniers from there to the Mexican border and had no more wheel trouble.  My wife continued with panniers and her wheels didn't fail until New Mexico.

I intend to ride the route again in a couple oy years,  i am still leaning towards using a trailer because 1) I carry lots of stuff, and 2) I want to be able to carry lots of water.  And, just to go further against current trends I think I will do it on a full suspension bike.  I am looking at a Toute Terrain Mule which will work better than a BOB with a full suspension bike (I hope).

Think I am crazy?  Maybe.  I'll probably be the slowest rider on the trail.  When you guys run out of food and water in the arroyo country of NM maybe I'll be able to help.