Surly Disc Trucker on Great Divide

[gfb2md]

I just bought a Surly Disc Trucker thinking of doing some touring on roads.  But lately, I've been thinking of biking from Phoenix, AZ to Silver City, NM on the Southern ACA route then from Silver City, NM to Platoro, CO on the Great Divide route.  Any opinions on doing this route with my Disc Trucker?  PS-I'm 72 year old, male and no longer an aggressive biker.  

[offroute]

Sounds like a really nice plan. I did sort of the reverse, from Grants to Silver City then to Mesa on roads, etc. No issue I can see with your bike when set up for the task.

The GDMBR section you mention is rugged and high, with clay soil that can become impassable mud during and after storms. A bike won't make any difference, just the rider's desire to finish. Polvadera Mesa and a few other spots are fairly rugged surface that might have a rider dismounting a loaded bike for short distances, but you'll be going DH northbound on the Mesa proper on the most steppy part. Maybe a few other sections like that but nothing to make you want to change plans. All types of bikes and styles get through it. I saw a 70-something guy out there going slow and having a great time.

The paved alternates are mostly still spectacular and should be quick on a bike like yours, but try not to bivy on rez land between Grants and Cuba. Go for it and have a blast.