Does anyone have directions or a video on how to install Fred Bars? Want to make sure I am doing it correctly before starting....

Pickle juice works because it is full of Electrolytes, but kind of hard to carry on long or multiday trip. Just use E-Caps (Hammer Nutrition) before, during and after the ride and the cramps should go away.

Once in a lifetime trip. Thanks for posting with all the pictures.

Plus one on the Sella Atomica Titanico seat...I have had mine for three years now and it is by far the best seat I have ever used and I have about 21 years of riding under my belt.

Plus frame bags are mostly custom fit for your bike, so if you change bikes you have to get a new frame bag whereas seat bags and handlebar systems fit other bikes...If you have more than one bike it can get expensive.

WTB; Does anyone have a Fred Bar for sale...

For me it is the Selle An-Atomica ...

Ever cared to dig in the history of the TD race?
In 2009 Erik Lobeck caught giardia south of Pie Town. He had to withdraw. Next year he returned and gave Matthew Lee a strong battle until his rear derailler ripped off in the sticky mud on the Old Bannack road. He finished in joined 2-3 position, but was later disqualified because he had made a move against the rules to get his derailler repaired.
In 2009 Per Eklof hit a pothole 30 miles south of Silver City. He never saw the finish line.
In 2011 Justin Simoni crashed on the CDT alternate, some 15 miles north of Silver City. He had showed true TD spirit by going in the snow-covered Flathead valley, bypassed by all other racers. He didn't get to the finish line.

The key thing there is they did not finish...the Krafts are going to...I felt bad for Justin in 11 Eklof in 09 but... they did not finish, no fault of there on.

Peter Sr sent me a text and said they are going to finish sometime hopefully in the morning if all goes well. Peter is a great guy on and off the bike, I hope all goes well for them...Just think if there was a cut off they would not be able to get a finishing time. With the problems they have had and are pulling through it would be ashamed to get cut...they are what the whole tour is about!

I talked with Peter Kraft Sr. yesterday. If the doctors clear his son they will be finishing in 30, 31,32 days, who cares as long as they finish. I have riden with both Peters in races and they are great people. I only wish I could experience something like this with my son. Peter Sr is sore but hey are not sure what is worng with Junior, hopefully just dehydration. I told him Jr was probably just stressed out from his dads crash and it took a toll on him. 20 years old, in the middle of no where and you see your hero (dad) come in all bloody and not remembering anything, it would get to most people...

I too agree with Rob. Just let everyone ride and do the besst they can. If you start with cut offs doesn't it become a race/event instead of a grass roots thing like it started. You need some rules to keep the playing field even, but don't over think it. How could you tell some guy who is in his 60's or 70's and riding as fast as he can that he is to slow therefore, he is being dropped from the leaderboard. It is a race against yourself to the finish. Just let everyone ride and have a great time doing the best they can...If you want a race just keep up with the front 10 riders...

1.5 times the record or 2 times the record who cares...the race is for personal gain. Let everyone line up and get the feel of a group start and whenever you finish that is your time, 15 days or 29 days who cares. The whole thing is personal growth. You can't stop people from coming so embrace it. I like watching the front runners, middle of the pack and the ones bringing up the rear. I am 53 and until now could not take the time off or have the money to do the race. Now that I am getting there, you want to tell me I can't. I bet the places along the route love to see the riders coming through. Relax and enjoy it for what it is...FUN!

You need to check out the Huracan 300 in Florida on March 15. Jump in with your wife. It is flat and goes through some beautiful areas of Central Florida...

PM sent...

I plan on riding in the southeast mostly...I was looking at Trek mostly because that is what the LBS sales here, but no longer. I am open minded at this point.

I am looking to purchase a new bike. I currently am riding an aluminum frame and was wondering which is better, a Ti or carbon frame? I would like some imput before pulling the trigger. I was looking at carbon, but now I am thinking Ti.

All I can say is that it works and taste great. After long rides I am not hungry, but I also don't feel bloated or full.

Go for it...or you will wake up one day like me and wish you had. Family and work really make taking that much time for yourself hard.

I did a long ride Saturday at race pace and had no stomach problems...The reason: I tryed a new drink, Spiz, it worked great and tasted great. You can check it out at spiz.net. I asked for a freee sample and they sent it in two days. I tryed it Saturday and by that afternoon I placed an order. If you have stomach issues I would strongly suggest you give it a try. There are two flavors, chocolate and vanila. I used the chocolate. It tated like Chocolate milk or maybe a better caomparison is a Yohoo. My riding partner knew it must be good when at the 50 mile mark I was mixing another bottle and spilled some of the mix on teh neck of the bottle and licked it off, not wanting to waste it.

I kick it in high gear and try to out run them. If that does not work I yell and give a little squirt from my water bottle and as a last resort a kick in nose...