Well, just to add my thoughts to this discussion.  I'm leaning towards a 36-22 for a NB attempt of the TD this year.  Without the experience to back it up, I am concerned about that 3rd week.  IMHO, a week using 36-22 seems really pleasant (~12 hr days).  But I have spent more than a few moments looking at the 19, 20, 21t rear cogs lying on the workbench.  BTW, it seems to me that larger ring/cog combos make chains last about 50%, or so, longer, at least.

aaron, greg bachman here.  I'm planning on heading out to the west end once school's out, and if the weather is not wet.  Um... not planning to do the GL as of yet, and I might be starting June 2nd or 3rd.  Really depends on the conditions so I may end up on pavement, more or less.  To give you any beta might be too late, but I could try to call you from say, Nucla.

I, for one, keep thinking of doing the "route" versus what I have normally been doing out there - which is just meandering.  That country is hauntingly beautiful and I love being "lost" on the plateau.

I live in Silverthorne, Colorado.  Right on the Tour Divide route.  I've been using the Pearl Izumi BLACK arm coolers up here and in the desert for the past 2 years.  I really like how they work - I was told they reflect the sun's radiant energy as well as, if not better than the white arm coolers due to the fabric used.  I've never tried the white ones, so I can't comment on any differences between them.  I used to exclusively wear light wool long sleeve jerseys and undershirts - still do because I can wet them down for cooling.  With the arm coolers I can wear a baggy shirt for more effective cooling and I have found that I usually don't need to wet them down for cooling at high altitude or in the desert when the temps are up.

I voted for Tarryall.  Having ridden both and doing more than a few rides a year in that area of 285/South Park I, for one, find the ride up to Kenosha breathing exhaust and feeling a fair amount of negative energy and downright harassment degrading to the experience of the rest of the CT.  I intend on doing a itt southbound some time this summer -- shooting for under 7 days WITH Tarryall.

Pretty sure we've drifted off topic.

Yep, we sure have, sorry about that

Just to chime in on the Melvin idea.  Tried it as a 3x1 setup on a rigid karate monkey for a long hard ride in Utah (Dixie 311), thought it was great. Also used it for riding around Summit county, CO - lots of long steep days on that bike.  The setup has a nice low profile and I've run it with and without a front der as a 2x1.  I ss mostly and I've literally a couple thousand hours riding a fixed (mostly on the road/track, some mtb).  My .02 for ss on the divide is as Jefe said... what will it feel like on the flats after 1-2, even 3 weeks?  This gives me pause for running a ss on the divide route... still thinking about it though.  Good luck to those who do decide to run ss!

Just to kind of chime in here, with consideration to a couple of the contact points previously mentioned, I've had good luck using Lantiseptic.  As far as I know you would need to carry all you needed or get more in mail drops as I've never seen it in stores.  The stuff works great on the taint. 

I've also used it short term on feet (had dry and cracked skin on one foot, then it started to rain... tissue wouldn't heal, causing a fair amount of pain with hiking) with success (i.e., kept me going).  This episode occurred on a 4 day "bikeabout" of the Colorado plateau going from desert to alpine conditions.

Man o' man, all this talk about racing the KT gets me thinking.... full moon in may in the desert.... climbing up to the pavement watching riders meet vehicles and getting packs...  I, for one, got so pissed off that I vowed never to do a "race" there again, I'll do it on my own thankyouverymuch. 

I'm leaning toward a July 25th start, so I can be recovered after a brevet, But damn, I did want to try this ride under the full moon.

my .02
Having and using a SPOT for me has been about giving peace-o-mind for other folks, namely the signifigant other.  Also, for a few friends it's been a real hoot for them to watch my errant scurryings in various locals (going in cirlces on the grand loop has elicited some marked comments and real ongoing humor).  Oh yeah the Perltzman effect, I believe its happening (just read about how autos are safer but certain kinds of accident rates are increasing).  But, does it affect my preparation and willingness to push my limits?  I spend too much time getting my sorry butt ready for events and perhaps I'm a bit old school (military training and such), so I would "like" to believe, as my SO says:  "you got into this, now get yourself out" and that I always can.

Well all, I made it in, but not on the route.  Had a really great time, challenging, interesting.  Did I really do ALL the hard parts in the dark?  Really needed more food so decided to go look for some.  After that adventure I then realized that going back on route would be too interesting.  So, instead climbed back up through Brian Head and over cedar breaks and down to the finish.  Must say I'm still processing it all... fantastic experience!

Just to let y'all know - I've downgraded to just getting out on the Paradox and Tab to get a GPS track, look at the different routes on the paradox, test equipment and clear my head.  Wishing JimL the best.  Visions of dixie are running through my head...

Once my addled brain clears from teaching high school students, I'm planning on heading out there... exact date TBD.  Snow... we will see what we see, this could be more of an attempt at experience and miles vs. finishing the exact route.

48 year old knees here, been SS for 6 years now (riding, racing, limited bikepacking).  Now and then I use 2-3 gears on the front which IMO is "easier" on the knees for long, hard multiday stuff (ctr) for me anyway, but that means less walking, and walking can be oh so good during a week of riding.  But the more I dwell on it, I've a mind to chuck the gears and keep it always simple (grouch reaction to having maybe raced too much with the requisite technoweenieness).  I've also ridden a fixed on the road for around 34 years.

I too will 2nd the gazetteers - wonderful for dirt road explorations in Colorado.  And... thinking of gps, I'm biting the bullet, I'll be getting an e-Trex and topofusion.  Then I can go back to wandering around the colorado plateau and see all the places I was lost.

Hi all, I've been lurking here way too long; so first of all I've got to thank Scott for the grand idea of this site.  The vibe here is one of true inspiration.  I'm Greg Bachman, raced road, track, and mtb amateur and pro for a couple of decades back east, I can't go fast anymore. I've raced a bit overseas.  I've worked on a doctoral in biomechanics, and have 2 degrees in exercise physiology.  Love to go from geeking out on equipment (the limited amount I can afford) to riding just about any kind of bike or ride (bikepacking, brevets, track...) as much as I can.  I also run ultras, well no 100's till next year with the goal being Leadman on a ss.  Live in Silverthorne, CO -- yep, right on the Divide Route, so the desire to attempt is ever so growing.  I ride mostly 29er ss rigid, but have been messing around with a 2-speed KM for things like the CTR (since I'm looking at 50 years of age soon).  See you out there!

Just to let you guys know, I lived in Montrose for about 6 years, up to 2006, mtb riding all over the place.  Ranchers and others, possibly not taking kindly to people traversing the Unc plateau, would routinely take out and move carsonite signs, perhaps just to mess around -- not sure why.

oh boy, oh boy!
some spring rides with moab in mind
GLR - I wrote it now I gotta do it
run a couple 50 milers (spring desert and bighorn)
CTR - no gimping out!

Thanks for the updates and to whomever said "if you feel like dropping wait until tomorrow". Otherwise I have run and rescued my racer.  good advice for those families member who are watching and reading.  Greg B was having a low point in BV but with sandwiches, coffee at Bongo Billy's he was up and moving and feeling great again.  (all within a matter of hours).