Any others try Tyvek for constructing their bags?  I am wondering how the durability has been over the last few years for those of you who have been testing your MYOG Tyvek bags. 

Forgivemenick - hi, i'd like to take u up on ur services with maps etc. - i've also left message on ur website - can we discuss?

sure thing Dr!

I would need to see the gpx file, talk to you about the scale of the map that is desired (how zoomed in you would like to view it), what sized sheet you would like (from 8.5in x 11in all the way to 3ft x 4ft is possible) as well as the material you would like it printed on.  We can discuss what base map (street map vs satellite imagery, etc) as well as landmarks/towns/locations shown on the map.  Obviously the more elaborate and the larger the size will increase the costs, but I can do many things on a very tight budget if need be.  Feel free to contact me directly at:

fogivenick <at> gmail <dot> com

Cheers mate,

Nick

I get saddle sores occasionally, though they are very localized, deep tissue, boil like sores and only overture exactly between my sit bones (illiac crest is the anatomy term I believe) and my saddle..that skin at that pinpointed location. I never have had a rash.
I have used many different shorts and chamois creams, but still get then occasionally.
Best thing I have found is to clean and disinfect the area as often as possible.
I used diluted tea tree oil and rubbing alcohol immediately after rides and do not sit in my riding shorts for any period of time after every ride and that seems to help.

I use gps visualizer at least once a week for simple file conversions, but ”Ride with gps” is also fantastic

You can always ask a GIS specialist like myself to make you some PDFs at desired scales and extents.

Thanks for the reply Matt.  My etrex 30 should be here tomorrow or the next day and I can't wait to try it out. 
On the video, I don't remember seeing any cycling specific clothing (riding shorts, jerseys, helmet, shoes etc).  I am sure thats a given, but otherwise, I think I saw every thing necessary.  Oh, I also take it that you have a plan for stopping at places to charge up your ipod and cell phone as well as buy food.  I guess mentioning those things would help so we don't worry about you missing essentials.   Also, I didn't see much in the way of toiletries (tp, toothbrush/paste, chamois butter, chap stick, sunscreen, etc).  Those things can make a big mental difference on a long ride and so can wiping down the face, neck, arms and legs with a wet washcloth occasionally.  I view them as nice to have, but not essenital, however, they make a huge difference in my mental state...mostly it feels like I am wiping the slate clean and starting anew, not having to feel like I am continuing a brutal epic quite as much if that makes any sense.  I will be cheering for you Matt.  Go get em!

Thanks for taking the time to make the video and post this up.  Not as ambitious as you to do the 400 this year, but it is on my bucket list for sure.

BTW, how do you like the etrex 20?  I am purchasing the etrex 30 today!

Hi all you bikepacking adventurers!

Nick here from San Diego.
Started mtbing in the late eighties when my dad bought me a 24" quality mtb that matched his. Those 24" wheels and 21 speeds got me into all kinds of adventures from about age 9 to 14.  Even took it on multiple overnight trips with the boy scout troop I was a part of then.  We camped at the beach in Carlsbad or at Lilac Oaks campground in Valley Center.  Although it was road riding, it was a long distance for us boys and I was hooked. Did a bunch of Sierra Nevada 50+ mile backpacking trips with those same kids and my dad.  My love for bikes and backpacking started early.  Bought my first 26" mtb with my hard earned cash when I was 14 or 15 and didn't listen to the advice of friends and family when they said I should save for a car or at least gas money.  I wanted a great bike to ride. That one was the Mongoose Hilltopper, I still have the frame hanging in my garage, it was my first converted to singlespeed rig.  Years passed, the Mongoose collected dust in my late teen years, then I volunteered in Hawaii and shipped it with me.  Rode it all around Volcano National Park and had an awesome long ride down to the coast where lava poured into the ocean.  Climbed back up, ran out of water and had to hitch a ride home.  Got a GT Outpost in 2000. First mtb with full suspension.  Did lots of upgrades, took it to college with me in the redwood forests of northern CA.  Realized after a couple years of thrashing it that I needed a AM/FR rig. Bought a Haro X6, like a Santa Cruz Bullit pretty much. Loved it.  It was a heavy beast of a bike.  Moved back down to San Diego, married my wife and bought a Titus Motolite.  Realized on this bike that I wanted to do endurance racing and anything involving long, long rides.  This year, I wanted something that can go the distance and yet will need minimum maintenance (read as "rigid ss 29er"). Enter El Mariachi with Fargo fork. One week on the bike and I love it already.  Can't wait to plan a bikepacking trip in the San Diego mountains somewhere this fall.  Any ideas?  Btw, Seat Boy, good to see you here.  I always enjoy your posts on mtbr.

I wrote about the build I chose and why I chose it here:

http://forgivenick.wordpress.com/2011/07/31/el-mariachi-build/


It may change to make it more "bikepacking friendly", suggestions are welcome for sure.

Here is my initial impressions ride report for week #1 after about 70 miles on the new bike:

http://forgivenick.wordpress.com/2011/08/06/el-desafio-or-el-mariachi-week-1-initial-impressions-ride-report/


I am in San Diego by the way and looking for good routes for my first bikepacking trip.  I have seen one route on this site in San Diego County around the Pine Valley, Noble Canyon, Cuyamaca area.  That looks like a good option, but it would be nice to try some routes closer to home in the western part of the county.  If you know a route and place to stay overnight, let me know.