A few questions from a noob...

[plumbfire01]

Hello all. I am new to the world of BP and i am really looking hard at the schedule for next year.

I am a 28year old firefighter paramedic. I crossfit (coach mostly) olympic lift and mtn bike 2-3x a week for 1-3hrs at a time... I also just got a new road bike and will be doing a few spins (1.5-2hrs) at the station and about 2hrs a week on the road.
I have no other background other then this with biking and I have only ridden SC FLA and Western North Carolina (dupont, pisgah and tsali) I wouldn't say I'm a super skilled rider but my questions are as follows... I ride a 2014 Giant Trance 27.5 3..... I have ordered some custom frame bags and accessories from Jpak.....

How do i change training for the AZT 750 next year and is even in my wheelhouse roughly 6-8 months out?

What would be the ideal bike for bike packing? If money isn't an issue...or i save wisely for it rather....
Ive looked at yeti for my asheville nc biking life but think a salsa or a similar bike may be idea... also Carbon or Aluminum? I figured Alum for durability and etc..

Does anyone do these races with partners? I am a married guy and wife rides but her work schedule and mentality keeps her from this type of riding and having fun.. I have no idea how I will respond when i first hit a BP ride or keep up for the duration.> I have run a marathon and training is similar i guess? Long distance and hydration plus nutrition must be dialed in....

I am doing the Cross Fla Invitation Time Trial as a first ride in a couple months and ordered a few supplies so far... this is where I'm at

Ortlieb Handlebar Bag
Ortlieb SeatPost Bag
J-Pak frame bag and stem mount bag
Light& Motion Stella 500 and SECA 2000 Enduro
 not sure about clothing and shoes or regular shoes for this?

thinking of a big agnes super light tent and thermarest setup for sleep system (this isn't for the FLa Ride...just a thought for future ride)
not sure of water and food?
 Im sure ill have a thousand more questions but this is what i have and need input on so far... mostly training thoughts and equipment...

[Farawayvisions]

Hi there Plumbfire
I'm one of the 'partners'. Been riding for a year and a half now and love it. I'm not sure if your wife is as fit as you but I can give you one piece of advice if she isn't and you'd really cherish her company off road. Relax, slow down and enjoy the ride. Think enjoyment rather than endurance. I've written about some of our trips in Ireland, England, Wales, Holland and Morocco over the last 18 months. You are most welcome to drop by. :-)

[SlowRide]

Ive looked at yeti for my asheville nc biking life but think a salsa or a similar bike may be idea... also Carbon or Aluminum? I figured Alum for durability and etc..

I just rode Tour Divide on a Yeti ARC Carbon 29er and loved it. I beat the living hell out of the bike and had no real issues with it being carbon, from crashing a few times fully loaded with gear to taking huge rocks in the bottom bracket, this bike bore it all. The only thing I would suggest is to cover anywhere that your bags are going to rub the frame with electrical tape or such. It's a really subjective question though on both the bike preference and the frame material preference, you said you currently like Yeti's, so it would make some logical sense that you might like a Yeti for a touring bike. I've attached a picture of my Yeti ARCc loaded so you can get an idea of what's possible.

[plumbfire01]

Wow great info from both of you. I am torn between buying a 29+ HT or one of several bkes right now....Im hoping next year to do AZT 300 or 750 so i am thinking of a bike for longevity.   

 Salsa
 Giant anthem advanced 29er
 yeti sb95c xo1 or sb75 xo1 or 575......still not sure which is the more versatile bike to do everything i want... bike packing to keeping up with friends in asheville... (they climb like goats and I am still trying to catch up)

or even a santa cruz but not sure the model i would be fit best for ..much like the yeti situation.. will test ride them first anyway... just trying to narrow down choices.
The goal is to eventually do the Colorado Trail Race, AZT 750 and the Tour Divide..... i live solitude i guess.. the wife will support me and might ride some of it but not all.


Farawayvisions, thanks for the tips...it really falls right in line with what i needed to hear.... awesome site btw.