Check out here: http://alleghenymountainsloop.blogspot.com/2012/01/allegheny-mountains-loop-2012.html

Clockwise for the bikepacking version with the Ridge Alternate and Mountain Lake alternates after getting past Glady and going SB.

I'm planning to ITT it in late May.  Training is going well, hopefully I'll be in good shape.

I couldn't get the photos to upload.  Email me if you're interested and I'll send them to you.  BTW, I live in New Jersey.  If you're not local then we'll work out shipping rates, etc.  Thanks,

I'm selling my mountain bike.  (payton.macdonald@gmail.com)  This is an awesome ride.  Less than 200
miles, mostly pavement (I used it for commuting).  I also used it for two
Xterras and it is very race-worthy.  Retails for $1250, I'm selling it for *
$800*.  It has a few scratches, but otherwise is perfect.  It has never been crashed or dropped.  I've kept the chain very clean, as well as the rest of the bike.  The chain shows no sign of wear.  This would be a great
first mountain bike, or an upgrade for someone looking to get into a
race-quality bike.  Also a great commuter bike.  29er wheels roll over
everything.
Photos attached.  I'll be posting this on ebay in a week, so if you want it
or know someone who does please contact me soon.  Tis the season to buy a
mountain bike . . . Please let your friends know who might be in the
market.  Thanks!
Specs:
Model: 2010 Specialized Rockhopper 29er expert
Frame: aluminum
Size: 21"
Derailleurs: Sram X5
Drivetrain: Shimano
Brakes: Tektro Avriga disc brakes
Fork: Rock Shox
Rims: Alex Rims RHD double wall
tires: Specialized fast track (in great shape)
Pedals and Ergon grips that are pictured are NOT included in sale.  Bike
computer (Trek incite 6i) for an additional $50.

I'm upgrading my mtb and am looking at the Cannondale flash line of hardtail 29ers.  My LBS supports Cannondale and I've got a good discount coming my way because of the tri team I'm on.

So my main consideration is weight.  I'm trying to get it down, down, down . . .

I'm looking at either the Cannondale Flash Alloy 1 29er or the Flash Carbon 3 29er.  Question: how well does a carbon frame hold up for long bike packing trips/races like the TD or AZ 750?  Anyone have any experience or thoughts on that?  Between the training and attempting TD I'll put on at least 6,000 miles next year (assuming I finish it all . . .).  I'm a pretty light guy at 160 lbs, and won't be doing a ton of gnarly single track, but some.

Second question: anyone ever have any problems with the Lefty fork?  A friend of mine pointed out that one potential drawback is that the Lefty fork and wheel combination are C-dale exclusive, so if I have any problems in more remote areas I may or may not be able to find a replacement.  But of course that's a general consideration anyway . . .  thoughts?

Thanks,

Wow Wow Wow, thanks so much guys for starting to work on this.  I'm planning some DIY Ironman-distance off-road triathlons next year and looking for some longer mtb routes in my area (I live in North Jersey) and this is perfect.  Now I just need to find a lake where it's legal to swim for a long distance that's close to the bike route.  Let me know if you have any ideas . . .

At any rate, please let me know if there's anything I can do to help you guys expand this route.  I'm not a pro mountain biker, but can hang okay. 

Sheesh, an East Coast version of TD sounds brutal.  Rocky, rooty single track for thousands of miles? . . .   

Thanks so much.  I'll definitely pick up the eTrex 30.  And thanks to everyone for such detailed and thorough answers.  This is clearly a great community.  I hope I get to meet some of you next year.  Ride safe.

Trainer + ipod + structured workout equals tolerable.  Trainer without tunes or structure equals misery for me.  Pool for variety and building cardiovascular base.  Strength training to mix it up.

Do you have an opinion about the Farming Oregon 300 in comparison to the etrex hc or the Dakota?

Thanks so much!  Very helpful.  Where does one get the file for the TD?

Hi guys and gals,

I apologize if this is a stupid question, but I could use your help with GPS selection.  I'm hoping to race the TD next year.  I have no delusions about going as fast as the top riders, but I want to try to go as fast as I can and ride long, full days.  Many folks have said that GPS units are better for speed than maps.  I plan to carry both, but I'm not clear exactly how the GPS unit works in regards to navigation.

Can you program the TD route into the GPS?  How does that work?  Do you download it from somewhere and then move it from your computer to the GPS unit?  How accurate is it?  For folks who have primarily used the GPS have you also had to open up the maps?  Finally, if you can program the route into the GPS, is it pretty clear when you're supposed to turn, etc?

I'm looking at the Garmin Oregon 300.  Any thoughts on whether that's the right one for this kind of adventure?

For my little local bikepacking trips here in NJ I'm just printing up Google maps and combined with my smart phone I can get where I'm going, but I know the smartphone won't work out on the TD . . .

Thanks so much,
Payton

It looks like the 300 has almost exactly the same features but without the camera etc.  Any one using the the 300 and have anything to share?  Thanks!

For the Oregon 550 can you program in a route ahead of time like the TD and then set it up to help you navigate?  As in "turn left in fifty meters". Or "beep!"

Thanks so much, I appreciate your responses.

If all goes well I'll toe the line next June 8, 2012.  A few newbie questions, though. Forgive me if they've already been answered, I may have missed the posts, though I did look . . .

1.) Tire pressure for TD? Just curious what the vets found works best.  (I ride my mtb to work on pavement and jack them to 60 psi, but then down to 30ish for when I ride gnarly East Coast single track.)

2.) GPS or maps or both?

3.) lights?  I'm planning on bringing a headlamp for camping at night, but I'm curious how many folks actually ride at night. Seems like there should be plenty of daylight at that time of year . . .

Thanks!  I hope to meet some of you next year,
Payton

I'm in for next year.  My wife is supportive and I teach so I've got the summer. 

Specialized Rockhopper 29er expert, 59 (I'm 6' 4").  Jeremy Cleaveland made me some SWEET bags.  But with everything loaded I'm sitting around 45 pounds.  Ouch!  (My time trial bike weighs in at 22 lbs)  Not sure if there's much I can do about it as the bike itself is pretty heavy, but I do love that bike, it's an awesome ride . . .  Using a tarptent, thermarest, etc, pretty light gear too.

Anyway, just curious how heavy other people's rides are.  I'm looking at doing TD soon so I'm getting things all worked out . . .

Thanks,

Payton

Hi guys,

First post, hope I'm not going over something that's already been discussed, but I couldn't find any other posts on this.  Just wondering if there are any recommended bikepacking trails in the North Jersey, Eastern PA, southern NY area?  I'd like to start doing some shorter (1-3 day) trips in the next year or so.  Bike most of the day, camp, wake up and trail run for a few hours, then bike some more, repeat. 

Someday I'd love to do the Tour Divide, but with two little kids at home I'm not sure that's the best idea for my marriage ha ha!  So, shorter trips for now. 

Thanks for any tips, awesome forum and site by the way.

Payton