Thanks Norb!

We have reservations at the Cottonwood  now, and they're OK with us parking the car there too.  We're flexible though, so if we find a better option we got time to change things. Starting to study maps now, getting excited!

Curt

Thanks!

At least two of us will be driving up from Denver Sat Sept 5th for a Sunday (6th) morning roll out from Boise.  Touring/fun pace for 6 days following the smoke/fire route.  Plan on pedaling back into Boise Friday Sept. 11th,

Question - Can anybody recommend a hotel closest to the route, preferably one that would allow us to park car while we are on route.  Plan would be to get hotel reservations for Sat the 5th, and Friday the 11th.

Any other options for parking a vehicle for a week? Also, is anybody else planning on riding during this time frame? I know racers start on the 9th.

Thanks,
Curt

Photo of golden spike chat, via bikepacker magazine fb post

tried to post a pic, but got an "uploader full" error ( file was only 185kb)

here's a link: https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/GhaiXL2-mEP4XCJaJun2udMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=directlink

Also, Cass Gilbert has been touring all over North, Central, and South America on an Ogre, check out his blog:
http://whileoutriding.com/

I have an Ogre and think it is a great, versatile, bikepacking bike. I have it set up up with Arch rims, WTB Nano's, 3X9 gearing, and it has been a comfy ride, loaded or unloaded, singletrack or fireroads.  I originally built it up with woodchipper drops, but never liked them. I now have the alum Jones Loop bars and love the ride!

Did a couple multi day trips in Central Fl, and did a Banff to Whitefish, MT 5 night trip back in July. 

Surly made sure this bike can do it all, with mounts for racks, fenders, Rolhoff hub, and trailer. It's basically a Karate Monkey with a modified rear traingle.

I'll try to post a pic

I can highly recommend  the Gore brand socks. They kept my my feet completely dry on a recent trip crossing ice cold streams and flooded roads on a recent trip. I took my bike shoes off and carried them, and threw on the Gore waterproof socks over smart wool socks as I either pushed or rode through water. Then removed them, and put on the dry bike shoes. Very nice to have dry socks, and shoes. The Gore socks pack relatively light and take little space.

"BTW, does anyone know how the guy on the unicycle is doing?"

Gen the unicyclist, sprained his ankle and rested for three days in Eureka, he rolled out Wed AM and had a good day making it to Tuchuck campground ( we camped with him there). He should be rolling into Whitefish later today.

Two friends and myself were riding from Banff to Whitefish, an had the opportunity to meet Fixie Dave on the trail Tuesday late afternoon. He had just climbed Galton Pass and looked good, little banged up, but he looked strong and confident on finishing.

Looks like Larry H. is at the border!

71 yr old Larry Hipskind still in Canada, spot tracker indicates slow movement, maybe pushing?  Hope he calls in when he makes it to the US, would love to hear of his adventure.

Well said !

Wow!, Thanks for sharing that! Lots of time and work went into putting that together. Very nicely done video of an incredible Epic journey.

Thanks.

I have and use the 310's predecessor, the 305. I only use it trail running now, and it works great! Garmin's garminconnect web site is a great tool also for keeping  track of all your data, with very good and accurate tracks. I have worn it on the bike before also, but now use a Delorme for route/track viewing/navigation.

 Never had any problems, and very satisfied with it. You can still get the 305 for a heck of a lot cheaper than the 310 too.

The main difference is the new 310 is waterproof ( and wireless connect to pc, vs the 305's usb), so you can wear it swimming/triathalon etc. But the 305 is definitely water resistant, just not submersible. I have worn mine several times in pouring rain and never any issues. Mine is just over three yrs old, and use it frequently still with no issues.

IMO, it still is more geared to running and tracking though, and for the price of the 310xt plus accessories, you can get a good gps with viewable maps for on the bike.

Karlos is finally on the NoBo route! Greyhound lost is bike on his trip out there last week. Fortunately, the bike finally made it, but the box with his front wheel did not. But with the help of several generous people in the mtb community across the country, he began his dream ride a short while ago as a ITT NoBo. It should be quite the adventure!  Go Karlos!

Deanna Adams had a similar incident on her cross fixie last year as well. Important note to remember! It would really be quite the surprise at night.