and why does there need to be an organizer? seems like there is plenty of information floating about to go do what anybody wants to do and if there intention is for it to be public then Trackleaders can pick that end up if you so incline to hire them for there service. and if people want to leave on the same date then that will happen through these outlets.
am i missing something? what is it that people are looking for from an organizer that you can't figure out right now - through others and the archived material?
i don't think it matters at this point if the website goes stale and there is no one person to ask curious questions too. it will carry on just fine without.

If I can avoid starting the TD this year... I'm in...

love it Robin... think of it as the "not the TD race..."

Just bringing this to the top of the list...thinking about it A LOT!

Anybody game?

Seems like the perfect maiden voyage trip for the Colossal Ti...

i cover my basis in a broad way, to many times dealing with uncomfortable eyes and times of contacts being blown out of my eyes...i use / carry 30 day contact lenses for primary use. throw in a few pairs of daily disposables, and prescription glasses. funny enough my regular sunniies fit over my prescription glasses so i can get away with day use.
you are bound to have eye problems when pushing the limits of sleep and with the conditions over that amount of time you are bound to get some crap in your eyes. being able to rest your eyes naturally and let them flush out will go a long way.
good luck.
-JayP

WTB Rocket V - will not / have not use(d) another saddle.

4 Tour Divides, 4 AK trips, a Trans US and so much more...it works for me! Dedicated 5 years now on every bike I own.

The cheese grader was a hard lesson learned about saving weight in the wrong places.

the sock itself provides a level of insulation

love them folks at RBH and there socks but i would argue the above comment...might provide more bulk then insulation...

If I can get the time off work, then I will be coming from Alberta Canada.

Do it!!! Bring friends, spread the word, shaping up nicely...

Have you all seen the new video posted on the home page -  http://fatbikesummit.com/

How many seasons are you getting out of a pair?

I am happy getting 2 seasons out of them. I will say my seasons are all year and I use them pretty heavily throughout winter and summer. As an idea I turn them into lightweight shoe covers when they get worn.

Vapor Barrier socks -
Personally I graduated from Seal Skinz to RBH to glorified plastic bags - http://www.integraldesigns.com/product_detail.cfm?id=672
I prefer the thickness of the Integral Designs, thin, it keeps the options open to layering with preferred socks...
I have miles upon miles in all of these. I use to use Hydropel a fair amount in the days of multi sport adventuring to help wick moisture, keep trench foot at bay, and prevent blisters. I am very cautious at using lubes in any area, feet or butt, in multi day events as it gets into your clothing.

-JayP

curious...

orienteering is so fun and sort of a dying trade unfortunately...due to technology. everyone seems to be looking for the best GPS of sorts anymore and nobody is asking how they take a bearing and stick to it and what the best way to measure distance on a map is.

would love to hear of a bikepacking event that solely relied on map n compass. most adventure races ban GPS, for good reason, orienteering is a skill!

curious if anybody else likes bikepacking by map n compass. it's a great way to get the big picture and not this little screen. yea, a lot of people use both but have you just ventured out without the GPS? try it, it is awesome and you might even get lost for a little bit.

learn hand tools before power tools is what i learned in trade school.

just a thought,
jayP

FYI...

wore my Wolve's yesterday with one 45Nrth wool sock. it was a 3+ hour snow ride and came home in the dark - single digits (probably zero in the dark) and coming downhill for the last hour at 10+ mph creating a windchill. my feet were toasty, my fingers on the other hand went numb...

-JayP
i work here and we have some comin...http://shop.fitzgeraldsbicycles.com/

i have built several winter shoe systems using similar products from previous posts with success. But i am super, super psyched on the 45NRTH Wolvhammer. I received a pair yesterday and have to say way impressed! Lots of volume and you won't have to build a system to the outside which is what we all have been doing.

FYI - the shoes i made and wore across AK several times had a perminent gore-tex gator system and it actually produced a lot of moisture inside. Yes, I had warm feet but had to deal with wet materials, frozen materials, boots that took forever to dry, not enough volume etc. It's fun to make gear but remember what you might have to deal with.

I am glad I am not going to deal with that this year...and grateful there is a company dedicated to making products for winter riding.

And on top it, it is not cheap to buy those products, modify them, and spend your time trying to make them right. it sometimes takes multiple tries and still not perfect.

things to consider...

-Jay

after riding plastic bikes for about 6 years, road and MTB, i thought they were the best at the time. this year i have ridden ti exclusively and have to say i will probably never purchase a carbon bike again. the only thing i have to back up my experience is miles and a fair amount to actually make a decision. i strictly race long distance and the light has finally came thru. ti is the real deal, a bike for life. just my 2 cents, if you have the cash purchase a ti rig.

carbon is nice for the shorter distance racer and weight weenie minded individual IMO. loved em when i rode em, but learned...

the subject is nothing to laugh about. anyone ever have frostbite down there? i can remember a few harsh times nordic skiing where i just had to stop and thought i was going to puke...

when i first started riding in the winter on snow i went camando with no padded shorts. used some wind briefs, long underwear and my top layer which is a pair of wind front nordic pants. i learned the hard way that no chamois for me was no good after my first run in AK. running that silly spyder web seat didnt help as it acted as a cheese grader...

after much geeking out, thats what i do, for the past several years i run a pair of Smartwool Cycling Shorts, a pair of lightweight wool long underwear and then a windfront nordic pant with side zip venting. cant remember ever putting on an extra something or taking off anything to regulate temp. this is a bottom system that works for me in +30* to -40*F.

Getting_Dressed_With_JayP.mov

stay warm!

-jayP

Yes it is happening and it is the 2nd Annual. So, in case we missed you on the invite only first year, it is open to ALL this year with a full 3 day Festival! Education, group rides, race, games, demo's, etc and yes - beer.

Check it out and reserve the dates - http://fatbikesummit.com/

From here on out the website will be filling up with more detailed info and excitement.

Guaranteed to be a FAT time, see you in January!

-JayP

Just a heads up if interested in learning more about Winter Bikepacking on snow from a very passionate riding couple.

Tracey and I (JayP) are looking to hold (2) 3 day camps in Island Park, Idaho (the Moab of snow riding).

December 14-16 and January 18-20

We are working on securing the permits so we can hold these camps and details are just about finalized.

This has taken some time and we are stoked to share our knowledge, experience, and place we ride.

We are limiting 6 per camp and taking names for pre-booking now. Contact one of us directly with any questions if interested - jay@jaypsdirt.com or traylp@gmail.com

Thank you.
JayP

combining bags works, but nothing compares to real down loft in a real temperature rated bag for the temperature that your bike packing in. i have compromised, geeked out on all different combos of sleeping systems - bottom line is there is always compromise...the question when trying to put together a "layering system" is what, where and how are you willing to compromise and what are your goals and how long are you out for.

i love going light and compromising when goal driven and racing.

i hate the above when i am casual touring/exploring.

i use love ALL my Montbell sleeping bags, the spiral stretch is sick!

-JayP

This should be interesting...JayP seems intent, and even though I only know the guy through his adventures, I have a feeling that when he puts his mind to something, it'll be fun for the rest of us to watch!   Is he carrying a spot so we can track him?

SPOT = yes

starting to drive tomorrow...should be leaving Spray River trail head Monday ~4 a.m.

-JayP

Jay P making his thoughts be known....not too happy with the situation at the front this year it seems....
http://salsacycles.com/culture/tour_divide_the_view_from_the_sidelines

This article makes me pissed off and I am trying to figure out why...maybe because he is clearly calling into question the leaders' integrity, while at the end saying "I do not put anybodys efforts to the side."

don't be pissed LTrain, this is all good fun! totally fine with the situation at the pointy end of the race this year, just pointing out things of change with progression. makes me curious what the future holds for TD, maybe becoming more of a ride then a race...which is fine but not how it started or it's intent.

making a point through typing words is sometimes tough (at least for me), i hope everybody takes everyone's opinions and thoughts with this in mind. hard to explain every little feeling and thought.

ride with a smile,
jayP