Cool, thanks! I guess I should clarify that I'm only planning on the 300, so cold should* only be an issue for me going over Lemmon. That said, I'm always cold so I'm sure I'll overpack in some regards.

My main concerns are if I'm trying for sub 3 days how best to understand the pacing, about how far people get each day, and smart places to find sleep/nap spots, the more reliable and crucial water resupply places, etc. I'm coming off my rookie attempt of the CTR and I made some really stupid sleep choices, I just kinda rolled off the trail randomly in some really dumb places (lots of debris, on a slope) when there were perfectly good flat spots just a few miles further if I had known....

Also, can someone write my term paper for me, I just found out it will be due Monday Nov 1 which puts the stress on me to finish quickly!! 

Hey all, hoping to re-start the chatter in anticipation of the Fall GD.

Curious for the veterans, especially the Spring '21 crew with the new route, what your strategies were around how much food/water carrying capacity, reliable resupply places, good spots to catch a few zz's, how much extra clothing you brought, etc. you might be willing to hand off to a rookie?

Cheers!

Ok another question.

Is there a website that I buy topo maps of the route (and specifically which ones show the route the best), and/or does an old-fashioned cue sheet exist? Either parts or whole course. I like to have a reliable backup when technology (Garmin) gets wonky.

Cheers!
Liz

I'm sure every year is totally different and nearly impossible to judge the weather, but do you have a ballpark idea of temperature swings for day/night? Chances of it being at/below freezing at nights? 

I like the idea of a simple tarp with a bivvy, something totally enclosed to keep out the bugs and wet. I just ordered some Enlightened Equipment down pants which, paired with a warm jacket, maybe could substitute for a full sleeping bag, then just bring a small quilt. Once I get them I'll experiment to see how warm they are.

Tires, I always go overkill with something burly, I have a hardtail designed for racing, not bikepacking, and I am a bit of a bull in a china shop as far as bashing into things, so Ardent 2.4's are my favorite. So far (fingers crossed and knocking on wood) no punctures or sidewall tears!!

Thanks Tom!

And thanks Dave, those were some interesting and entertaining reads. Sorry about your injuries. I can sympathize with the "arse" injury, that got me as well when I rode the Smoke n Fire in Idaho. I renamed the route the Dust n Washboard. Now instead of obsessing on types of shelters, I'm trying to figure out how to keep my bum dry....

The idea of having an emergency bivvy but planning on sleeping in the bothies is enticing. After reading Dave's posts, it sounds like a shelter where you can be totally enclosed is preferred due to the midges. I'd like to keep going as long as possible as well, and will look at the locations of the bothies.

Snow is falling in the Rockies, it's a great time to sit inside and plan this out.

Great! I can't wait.

davebarter, your links unfortunately didn't work.

I think right now my big worry is judging weather and how to deal with rain, as I'm used to much drier climates. I'd like to run light, and wondering if I could get away with just a tarp and ground cover versus a tent? And here's a really stupid question, are there enough trees in Scotland to tie off a tarp? All the pictures I see it's wide open terrain. I know I can use my bike, but I'd have to take that into consideration on which tarp to buy.

Thanks!!

Hi all, first time poster, and also relatively new to bikepacking/racing. I am a veteran of various types of ultra/long one day races but only just getting into the wonderful world of bikepacking. Of course I instantly fell in love and am hooked. I live in Durango and have the CT in my backyard, but I know too much about how hard that trail is so I haven't yet attempted the CTR. Maybe 2021.

So surprise to me when I applied for and was offered a spot for the Highland Trail 550 this May 2020! I am both excited and terrified. I know it's easy to get bogged down in the details of gear/route logistics/etc. when really all I have to do is go ride my bike and have fun, but aren't we all on some level Type A'ers?

So I don't know how much of an international audience this forum gets, but thought it'd be worthwhile to reach out and see if there are any veterans of this race or anyone else planning on riding it this year? I would love to geek out on gear choice, bike choice, etc. and get any tips. Also since I live in SW Colorado I know practically nothing about taking care of myself in rainy environments...

Cheers/Slainte!
Liz