Over!  Done!  No more!!  No one should line up!  That way some middle-aged, out of shape, has-been with bad knees and a rubber duck zip tied to his bike might have a chance of getting pie first.

10th anniversary of the TD is this year.

Just gets better with age.

But you'll poke your eye out!

Last year, I had my passport packed away.  As I got to the border crossing, I was asked to present my passport.  Not having it immediately available, seemed to irritate the officer.  I wasn't detained, but this year, I'll have it ready to give to the officer when I pull up on my bike.

For water storage I used MSR 2 L bags in my Anything Cages.  They fold down when you don't need them.  Others I say were buying 1L bottled water at Cstores along the way and strapped them onto their fork cages. 

I used the MSR Dromlite bags, 2 L.  Durable, fits in frame bag or an anything bag. http://www.cascadedesigns.com/msr/water/storage/dromlite-bags/product

Last year I wasn't completely satisfied with my handlebar/aerobar/device holding setup on TD.  My Fargo has the stock woodchippers, which I like, with Profile aerobars.  With an etrex 30, cycling computer I really didn't have a good spot for a map case, let alone que sheets.  I came across BarYak http://www.baryak.com/products/.  What has been your experience with these, or your suggestion for having everything at your fingertips?  It's always a juggling act to try and make everything work, and a cost/benefit to everything on TD.
Thanks



Ordered the BarYaks.  Plus they are working on a map holding system for the bars.

I took light weight shoes in 2013 and last year. Never again. Tried them on Flathead, then quickly decided that off/on/off shoe dance wasn't worth it. Rest of race just waded with bike shoes - no biggy.

Your ten toes may vary

Glen

I remember riding Flathead very well with you Glen.  You switching out shoes, I, not having another pair just decided to wade the stream crossings.  After a bit, you stopped to put your cycling shoes back on and I rode ahead, only to find another crossing a mile or so up the way.  I thought that you may have decided to just wade them at that point.  Good riding with you, I don't think I met anybody that knew the route as well as you.  You really did your homework.  I hope you decide to do it again.

Speaking of TD2015, I'm interested in percentage of finishers by age group.  My gut feeling is that a higher percentage of those over 40 yrs old finished than those under 40.  Your thoughts?

Age and miles on wheel?

I purchased gortex socks, I guess they work.  They were a hassle to put on I thought.  I used them once, putting them on at Boullton Creek trading post, where many racers were putting on their rain gear.  The next day at Flathead river, I decided to just walk through the water, I figured my feet were going to get wet anyway.  For Sale: A pair of slightly used gortex socks, used once. 

and be prepared for more riders, and people in Banff.

Woodchippers

I'm thinking about changing out my '14 Fargo Ti to a Rolloff for a possible TD2016 run.  I did TD2015 and want to go again. We had some mud this year, but really were quite fortunate overall.  
For those who have used a Rohloff, what gearing options are you using and shifters.  What has worked for you and what didn't?

Thanks

Nice bike, did TD on the same bike this summer, except I kept the woodchippers.  Good price, somebody needs to give this bike a home.

The Red Bear was open when we were through there this summer.  We had a great breakfast there also.

I started with maxxis ikons, in Salida I rotated front to rear, installed a specialized fast trak on the front. The rear possibly would have made it to AW, but didn't want to chance it.  Next time, I'd look at the sparwood, but I'd not hesitate to use any of the ones used.  I had NO issues with flats.

I took a bivy this year, it worked ok.  I'd do a tent next time.  If it had been rainy it would,not have been fun in a bivy.  Heavy dew most mornings another reason. A bivy doesn't breath very well either.  Btw, the bug has bitten me again, I'll be 61 in February, you have to do these things while you can..

Eat like a teenager.  My TD grocery shopping was like this - Go into a Cstore, hit the ice cream bar freezer, take the frozen treat out of the package, place it on the counter, tell the clerk that you were making a pile, eat the ice cream.  Buy 2-3 Red Bulls, a Pepsi, Fritos, honey bun, some fresh fruit if possible.  Small individual packages of mixed fruit in juice was good.  Paydays, jerky was always good and maybe a frozen burrito for supper.   Your body needs to be able to process these delicacies.

TD Vets, talk to me why you decided to to TD more than one time?  After finishing this year in 29 days, as a 60 yr old, the itch is back to head to Banff in June to do it again.  There was never a time this year when I wanted to quit.  I did have neck soreness, but after a massage in Lincoln, it went away, maybe gained some neck strength.  I have the gear, just make a few adjustments, a tent this time, not a bivy for 1.

Did you do it again to try and beat your PR, or go to enjoy it more the next time?  Riding 5-6 mph for hours does get old, I'll admit.  Sometimes I'd wonder if I was going to finish.  I made some great friends along the way, and Trail Magic does exist.

Thanks for the comments,

On mailing boxes, my thoughts too was that trying to time when i get through the town, will it be open and there could be shops that would have what i actually need.  Thanks

Wondering if and where your PO's are for shipping supplies to?  I have been getting 3 boxes together, not sure where to send to.Thanks