I have a Surly Wednesday and really like it as both a bikepacking rig and my only mountain bike.  It sometimes feel a bit slower than previous bikes I've used, but my average speed and times are about the same, so maybe it is just the buzz on those big tires.
Cheers

Looks good.  I love my AWOL. Just the one water bottle?

Thank you for sharing.  Looks amazing. enjoyed the use of time lapse too.

Very nice. Thanks for sharing.

I would also be available anytime 19-27 Sept.

Anywhere along the sheltowee trace?

http://www.sheltoweetrace.com/maps/

It has always seemed to me that the choices are few and far between for offroad, especially bikepacking, in Ohio, but you might do a ride along the Little Miami and hit the offroad riding at John Bryan and Caesar Creek and anyplace else along the way that offers the chance. 

A lot of people use the C&O as a simple and easy first foray into bikepacking.  NPS wants you to pay more for the privilege.

http://parkplanning.nps.gov/document.cfm?parkID=177&projectID=56153&documentID=63244

Please comment at the link, and if you are local, consider attending one of the public meetings.

I just got a cheap down mummy bag from Walmart. There is NO way it would make it to its advertised 32 degrees, but it makes a lovely sleeping quilt with foot pocket and packs down soooo small.  My older bag was just too bulky for most use, but I'd find a way if it was going to be cold.

I think lots of us take it easy.  My motto is "Half the distance, Twice the time.

Offroad and Gravel - Monocog turned Multicog


On Road and Gravel - Riv Quickbeam with SA 3-speed hub.

Keep saving and go for a Surly ECR when they come out?

Maybe Velo Orange will have another option soon.

I was goofing around over the weekend looking for a way to get a bag to stay on the front part of H-Bars and put a couple of old bar ends up there.  Looks kind of stupid, but were pretty comfortable.  I could splay my arms wide and rest elbows on the flat part of the Ergons, or tuck in over the top of the bag.

I'm no expert, but I kind of categorize it this way. YMMV, of course.

Touring
All Travel by bike, from fully loaded with full racks and a trailer to credit card touring with nothing but cash/card and maybe a change of clothes. Can be on any surface and trail, but the more you carry, the harder technical terrain becomes.

Ultralight touring. 
Combining the concepts of ultralight/minimalist hiking with travel by bike. Differs from Credit Card touring to me primarily by including the utility/means of camping outside and possibly cooking. Paved road, gravel and light trail.  Load carrying might be with light rack or traditional bar bag and Carridice saddle bag. Probably what I do and enjoy the most.

Bike Packing.
Taking the concepts of ultralight touring further along to equipment and terrain (and weather?) not usually associated with bicycle touring.  Mountain bikes and bags that attach without racks.  Off road and technical routes which would be much more difficult to ride with more traditional equipment. Getting farther from the beaten path.

No matter what, its all good.

Very Nice!  Thanks for sharing.  My envy quotient just pegged.

Promising.

Must add to my list.

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This weekend should be spectacular on the Canal.

Amazing.  Thanks.

Howdy Folks. I'm John Foster. I just finished the 2010 Tour Divide.

Welcome John.  I enjoyed following your progress on the TD.  I like your name too.
Cheers,
John Foster Gorham

But that is with 1989 gear.  Rack, Panniers,etc  I bet with a full suspension bike and UL bike packing setup, it might be less impractical.  Maybe...

If anyone wants to pay my way, I'll give it a try!