does anyone have suggestion for getting in touch with the folks at carousel design works...?  I've tried a few emails with no luck. 

Any good suggestions for quality cycling computers that last in the rain and are reliable/don't need constant attention?  I'm thinking of bagging the gps and just going with a computer if its worth it...seems like they're necessary and I haven't had reliable ones that lasted in the past...

do most race with a pad or sleep on the ground/pack?  i've gone without for a few days but feel like it makes it harder to find a decent spot to put down for the night.

Planning on hitting the 2010 race, but have a few basic questions.  I have a decent amount of experience (CT, AT thru, lots of endurance racing), but just want to get some basics out of the way. 

I've never used a gps for anything other than basic pinpointing and elevation.  Do most spend the time in town to charge their gps...or periodically go without and push through.  In other words, is it a luxury or something people generally avoid going without?

I understand money spent is going to vary, but what's a good range? 

As far as tires, thinking high volume, low tread profile is good...something like the vulpine or karma?  Do most use tubeless...?

How much volume for frame bags...Currently have the epicdesigns seatbag and a talon 22.  I'd like to keep as much weight off my back as possible, and keep both bottle cages available? 

Any other basic advice or things you would have done terribly different or the same on your first go round would be awesome!  Thanks for any help.

any idea if its safe to park at the waterton canyon trailhead for 4-6 days?  also, did anyone have luck taking a bus out of durango w/ bike...?  thanks for any help.

Want to go lightweight with an LED light than I can safely ride at night with on the CT.  Would rather have batteries that can be resupplied (ie AA, AAA).  Thinking the princeton tec eos...would like to stay under $100.  Thanks for any help!

just curious how long SEG 22 and 23 would take a pretty fit bike racer weeny and how much hiking there would be (hiking/riding percentages...?).  i'm planning an ITT-ish type effort, but really don't want to hike for sustained periods of time.  thanks!

First off, does anyone go superlight and only carry a backpack.  My plan is to use a Talon 22 and was wondering just putting everything in the backpack would be better.  Then again, the ability to get the sleeping bag, some clothes, etc off the back seems like it would be worth it.  What are the best seatpost racks out there, and the best methods for attaching stuff?  thanks for any help.