if you can find a copy, the Colorado Trail Data Book has most of the info you want (water sources, milage between them, important landmarks and crossings, etc). Plus, its only $12 or so and small/light enough to bring with youon the bike. Not sure if you could find a copy in Flag but you can order it or find a copy in Denver near the start if needed. I'm planning on using that data book with a gps loaded with the course track Toby was awesome enough to provide. The combo of the two is pretty sweet!
cheers
anthony

First time racer this year but here's what I'll be running:

Lights: I've got a Black Diamond Storm and a Fenix LD22. I found that by removing the head strap from the storm, I can use some big zip ties and strap it to the faceplate on my stem. The headlamp mount rests perfectly over the hex bolts size-wise and helps keep it in place while pointing forward and down the trail. I'm running the Fenix on my helmet with the cheap rubber mount from TwoFish. This give me 2 waterproof lights with 150+ lumens and long run times or I can use the Fenix to boost to almost 300 lumens if needed. In reality, both lamps have 4 brightness settings if you want to adjust to save power and the storm has red light (to preserve night vision if that's useful) too. Plus, both are waterproof and take easy to find AAA/AAs. I've been taking this down some pretty tech trails at speed and nothing seems to come loose. Plus, having the Fenix on a quick detachable mount makes for a convient light when setting up camp at night.

Shoes: I'll be running the PI X-Alp Elites. They are the most comfortable shoes I've found to hike in and stiff enough for this type of riding (I'm also only 140lbs so might be too flexy for someone heavier). I went up about 1/2-1 size so I can wear thicker socks and have room for my feet to swell a bit. I think they hike almost as well as normal hikers but you still have the benefit of clipping in.

Cheers
anthony

ps sorry about the gigantic photos, not quite sure how to make them smaller....

Hey Zip!

So I've got the same plan as you. I'm hoping to land in Durango sometime between Friday night or saturday. I was already planning on renting a car and driving back to Boulder that weekend. If it works out so that we finish around the same time, I'd love to ride back together. We could split the cost and I could drop you off anywhere around denver. Send me a PM if you're interested and we can swap phone numbers and go from there. See you in a few weeks at Waterton!

Cheers
anthony

At this point, with the fires and low snow/creek flows, I wouldn't mind being on the wet side! Maybe I'll regret saying that in 5 weeks......

Would love to join you guys but will actually be up in Crested Butte getting some training in myself as well. Enjoy!

Cheers
anthony

I too had also recently thought about the FS limit although it seems from another thread(s) that there might be people starting ITTs earlier/later than the mass start on 7/30? I hope this isn't an issue because I've got my schedule/logistics set to show up the morning of the 30th ready to go!

Cheers
anthony

Count me in as well for this year! First timer and I'll also be at the GD on 7/30.

I like the idea of the glacier gloves, especially as I tend not to get cold hands (I usually ice climb in the winter here in CO with fleece!).

I also toyed with the idea of buying some gore-tex fabric and sewing simple overmitts. They would be pretty crude but cheap and would at least last for the race. That requires access to a sewing machine however......Anyone have any experience with gluing fabric vs sewing?

Thanks for the suggestion, these were one of the only options I'd seen. I wouldn't mind the $$ but I've seen mixed reviews on durability and don't want them to fall apart after 1 trip.

Hey all!

So first, starting to get excited for July 30th with the weather warming up here in CO!

I've been making some final-ish gear decisions and there's one thing I can't seem to come to a conclusion on, even with the tons of info online here: gloves. Right now I'm planning on my normal riding gloves + warm windproof fleece. I'd love to find just a gore-tex or event shell to throw over them if it pours but can't seem to find any. I understand nothing will keep your hands dry forever but what do folks usually plan on for their hands in the rain up high? Right now I'm thinking I'll either go bare-handed and keep my gloves dry in my pack if it's warm enough or go with the fleece as the windproof membrane keeps the rain out for a little while. Suggestions?

cheers
anthony

I'll second what Toby said about going with a waterproof bivy sans tarp. If I'm going to carry around a bivy, tarp, and possibly groundsheet, might as well get a light solo tent.

I've also got the Marmot Alpinist bivy. I've used it on some climbing trips and so far seems to work as advertised. I got a small amount of condensation on a cold night at elevation but only enough to dampen the outer fabric of my bag. I use a ultralight down bag that is NOT water resistant with the thought that is/when it does get damp from some condensation, it will dry out faster.

I haven't used mine for bikepacking yet but plan on using it this summer in the CTR. If I'm really worried about condensation in the rain (where I couldn't sleep with my face out), I've figured out a good way to use my rain shell draped over my bike to cover my head and keep the hood on the bivy open.

anthony

Hi guys! Figured I'd chime in as well but as a CTR rookie this year, realize my thoughts come from someone who hasn't done the race but has a good amount of experience in the mountains from climbing/riding. In case it helps to put my thoughts in context:
-I'll be riding a custom steel 29er hardtail 1x10 with suspension
-I'm about 140lbs
-Goal is to finish in 5-6 days (personal goal here, not something I'm bound by)

1) GPS: As a newbie, I'm def bringing the gps. I'll also have some select maps and the databook but the ease of mind and speed in navigating are worth it to me. I wouldn't want to make a big navigational mistake at a crucial point in my race and have that be the reason I don't make it. I haven't bought one yet but am planning on getting the eTrex 20. Color screen, buttons (i.e. no touchscreen), eTrex line established as great for bikepacking with replaceable batteries, and not too expensive. I'm not spending the extra $$ on the 30 because I already have a compass/altimeter on my watch. I use macs as well but am not a huge techno geek so as long as I can load it on another pc when needed, I'm fine without a bunch of software to play with.

2) Water filter vs Tablets: I've been thinking about this as well and while I have both, I'm leaning towards the filter right now. If I come across water in the race, I want to be able to stop, filter, fill up, and go with drinkable water then and there. I DONT want to be dehydrated and waiting for a tablet to work while being tempted to drink it. Everyone has things they do without to be light/fast but for me, I think having quick, reliable, albeit bulky water treatment will make me faster, not slower.

3) I'm with greg on this one. Coming from a climbing background, I am perfectly happy in a small bivy so I'm planning on that route for shelter. I've got a Marmot Alpinist which I got pretty cheap, is waterproof, and as long as I sleep with the hood well ventilated, minimal condensation issues. They are small, light, and take a minimum of time to set up and get sleeping. Like others mentioned, there are various tricks like using a jacket or your handlebars to keep vented in the rain. If it's not raining, I just sleep in the open and use it as a ground cloth under my bag. It might not be the most comfortable or spacious but that's what I'm used to so it doesn't bother me all too much. If the weather looks like a ton of rain, I might also bring a tarp for extra coverage but that will be a game time decision days before the race. I'll be using a light weight marmot down bag as it's light/small/warm and if it gets a bit damp, will dry out fairly quick in warm, dry colorado air.

4) Tires are something I'm still up in the air about. I'm leaning towards a tire with good sidewall protection over a light race tire for obvious reasons. With that said, I rode/raced all summer in Colorado on Maxxis Ikons with EXO sidewall protection (tubeless on AM Classic wheels) and they have been super tough for the weight with zero issues. Traction was just fine and they did fairly well in the mud. I like the look of the Conti X-King Protection too (if they ever get the 29er version out...). Anyone else have tire thoughts for the race?

5) Time limit: I agree with others here about a time limit. I've got some personal goals for a finishing time and racing but feel that if I set a certain absolute goal I HAD to meet, it wouldn't be good mentally or physically.

One thing I did want to ask folks about who've done the race is number of shorts. I'm torn between bringing 1 or 2 pairs of shorts. Obviously it might be nice to have 2 pair to switch/wash/etc but is it worth the weight and hassle for a race of this length?

Yikes! Long post but I find any info here helpful so just trying to contribute as well. See you at the end of July @ Waterton!

Cheers
anthony
 

Never had any serious hand issues but got a pair of the GS grips last year and I'll never use anything else. Awesome comfort over the long haul and still small enough to have good control. I went with the GS because the bar ends are a good compromise length wise with enough room for a few fingers. I did have some slippage issue initially on an Enve carbon bar but sprayed some cheapo sticky hair spray in there and they've been good for the past 8mo without any damage to the carbon. Can't go wrong with the Ergons for long rides in my opinion. See you in August @ Waterton!

Cheers

anthony

Thanks for the responses guys, more or less what I was thinking. Def. planning on the CTR this year but no TDR (yet!) so although it's rough, planning for multiple days as opposed to multiple weeks on the bike. As for what I want to get out of the race, I'm not planning on setting any records but am planning on "racing" as opposed to just riding to finish. We'll see how that goes.

Most of the main parts are new this summer as I had a frame made and replaced a lot of my old stuff when I moved things to the new bike. Like you guys said, drivetrain/tires/brake pads/cables/etc will be new but broken in going into the race but for a week or so long race, I'm planning on truing/re-tensioning my existing wheels and making sure bearings and other parts are good to go. Fork won't be new but will be getting a complete rebuild prior to start.

As for bike fit and saddle, I feel like I've got that pretty well set. Been on plenty of long rides/races over smooth and rough to tweak that stuff as you obviously find out real quick if you're in a bad position! Have to say, the thing I'm focusing on most (more than bikes/gear) is exactly what mikepro finished with. Making sure I go into things prepared mentally and willing to suffer, have fun, and deal with challenges as they come. That's what it's really about anyway, right?!

Cheers
anthony

So being pretty new to the bikepacking/ultraracing thing, I wanted to get some opinions from those with more experience about new parts for racing. Before a  big multi-day race (I'm specifically thinking CTR but could apply to others), what do you typically replace on your bike/person and start the race new with? I'm obviously thinking things like tires/chain/brake pads but there is also something to be said for having used gear that you completely trust and has plenty of life left. So what are some things you guys like to start fresh with before a long race? Figure this is sure to get a variety of opinions so fire away and thanks!
cheers
anthony

I picked up a marmot alpinist bivy this year and am planning on using it for the ctr next summer. Used it for some other trips and climbs already and pretty impressed. Picked mine up on sale for a bit over $100, about 15oz, packs to a bit bigger than my fist, and plenty of room for a 30deg bag, thermarest, and more space for gear inside. Haven't had to test it in a downpour yet but the nights I did use it got very little to no condensation with my face exposed. Its got a big flap you could lay over you face and not zip while still keeping water out (although you might get a bit of condensation that way). I believe its made from marmots waterproof membrane strata fabric. Seems pretty durable for a light bivy. Plus its bright orange! Dont know if people didnt know about this one but Im a far more experienced climber than bikepacker so I got it with that in mind as well.
cheers
anthony

Just wanted to say a quick thanks to everyone on the site who has given tips/suggestions/advice for the CTR and bikepacking in general! I decided a bit ago to pull the plug on my race attempt this year (due to feeling too unprepared experience and equipment-wise for my liking) so I won't be at the trailhead next Monday. I'll definitely see you out there in 2012! Good luck to everyone next week, be safe, and have fun!

Cheers
anthony

Perfect, nice and simple. Was thinking some kind of tape, electrical sounds good. Thanks!

Good advice here^ especially for those of us thinking of giving it a go for the first time this year! Completely agree that especially for those racing ourselves and trying to finish, leaving gear out because we think we can be faster without it is not always the smartest plan.

I'm planning on running 2 mtn feedbags as part of my CTR set up this summer with the possibility of a small dry bag or sleeping pad attached in front of the bars as well. Does anyone have issues with velcro/fabric straps on carbon handle bars? I'm thinking that 5+ days with rain/mud/grit/etc on the CT might get in there and with the constant shaking and rubbing wear into the bars. I'm not terribly worried as the carbon bars I've got are fairly stout construction (enve flat bar) but I know people have warned about carbon and straps on multi-day adventures. Did a search and all I found was people cautioning against frame bag straps on a carbon frame. Thanks!

Cheers,
anthony

Another thing about high altitude sunny days out here......don't forget sunscreen and sunglasses!