Thanks for that.  I actually did the Monument Loop (or, the northern half of it) this past fall.  Good stuff.  I really want to tie in a portion of the CDT if possible.  I found the bike shop there in Silver City so I'll give them a call today.

I've got an open window to take either an overnighter or 2 nights next week (June 4-6th).  I live in Texas and can get to Silver City in about 9 hours.  I'm looking for something in the 75 to 100 mile range give or take on either end.  I came across this trip report and it looks pretty ideal though I'm not sure how much trail they did.  https://zenondirt.wordpress.com/2015/04/16/pie-town-bikepack-the-perfect-fusion-of-the-cdt-and-gdmbr/

The more singletrack the better but dirt roads and roads are ok to link stuff up.

Anyone got any ideas?
Thanks!

Your mom, though she is a little heavy.

you should probably just wear diapers you big old mountain dew drinking baby.   

The Original original gangsters?  Yep.  Revelate is still one heck of a company.

Yep.  Original original.

Yep, Eric and crew are legit and always have been.  They are the original OG's. 

Salsa El Mariachi Ti frame in size medium. Do you have one you want to sell?  Let me know at sherpaxc at g mail dot com

I'd agree with Joey.  I think an 8 day plan is going to involve either super early mornings or super late nights.  I could be wrong, but I'd imagine a 10 day route would be more conducive to having that tour/camping feel.  You still ride all day, but you will also have the luxury of enjoying some of the towns on resupply, and sleeping at night.  Just my thoughts. 

Intimidation is a good way to put it.  There is one stretch that took us 6 hours to go 30 miles (to get to Big Brushy campground).  Lot's and lot's of hike a biking and it was tough and lot's of the trail was overgrown.  I've done it 3 times now (and no more!).  Glad I did it...glad it's done.

So what are some of the "not to miss" sections of singletrack on this route?  If one were to tour this route at a casual pace (meaning sleeping at night) about how many days would you guesstimate?  For example, a casual pace for the Colorado Trail in my opinion is 10-12 days. 

Sherpaxc,
Fit that ride in yet? Based on THENNE's advice and the arrival of the in-laws, I'm looking at mid November.

Well, me and a couple buddies were going to do it last weekend and then the big rain event happened.  Instead we went out to Big Bend and did a trip out there.  Ugh...rescheduled for the spring I guess as I can't squeeze in another trip this fall. 

I've done all of that trail from the map posted above except for the LOVIT.  I'll say that other than the race part of the OT, much of that trail will be a lot of hike a biking when loaded down.  That being said, it's fantastic out there and truly rugged.  Water should be a non issue by mid/late November considering the amount of predicted rainfall!  I'm jealous if you complete that loop.  I've had it on my to do list and a planned trip TWICE now and been rained out both times.  Hopefully 3rd time is a charm. If you do finish it please post up any info and gps data.  That part of Arkansas is really one of my all time favorite places to bikepack. 

Nice write up.  Man, that is too cold for my Texas bones.  Looks amazing though.  Thanks for sharing.

I've gotta say, this is one of the more enjoyable discussions I've seen on here lately. 

I'm very interested to see a pic of the prototype seatbag that just uses the frame rails.  Interesting concept for sure.

Hey Joey, that's a pretty awesome concept. I've always been bothered by the bag sway. When I'm in the market again I'll have to give that bag a shot.

I wished I lived there!  Spent many trips in that area.  Jealous.
Welcome!

When I do it I will for sure do a south to north route. Just seems like ending in Banff is way more awesome than a gate.

Bueller? 

So are there any race write ups posted anywhere? 

Me and a buddy tried to do the Virginia mtb trail that was previously posted about but we could never get a response about route details.  We ended up canceling the trip.  If someone ends up riding it and is willing to post the GPX file that would be awesome as it is on my bucket list.

Mine did that too, but I solved that issue by running an extra stra through the seat rails and around the bag and cinched it up real tight. Winner winner...