Does anyone have any insight into what the weather is typically like along the route in the fall?
Are forest fires more or less common?

Riding across the country for time with no support definitely isn't unprecedented.  I know there have even been a few attempts at semi organized races along these lines, but I expect Jay to make pretty good time compared to previous riders.

I think he decided to deviate from official RAAM because it seemed a little contrary to the no idle mantra to ride across the country with 2 vehicles, at least one of them essentially idling behind him the whole way.

I think it's a great idea.  Dangerous, but still pretty cool.  Looking forward to seeing him in 2 days when he passes by.

I would carry bear spray for the Montana and Canada section.  No question. 

I was just talking to the author of Mark of the Grizzly who was updating his book to include mountain bike encounters and he mentioned that hunters, photographers and mountain bikers are the groups at highest risk of being attacked in bear country.  Mostly because we are quiet and tend to travel alone.

I'm not sure how many violent encounters could have been prevented with bear spray, but I doubt having it could make things any worse.

Making a lot of noise and just paying attention is probably your best defense, but I'd pack some spray also.

P

Thanks for the suggestions so far.

I had a 60 csx a long time ago, but it always turned off when it if got jiggled around.  The repair from Garmin was about $150 bucks.   I never sent it in.  It seems like it's hit or miss whether you end up with a unit that dies as soon as it gets beat around.  I'd guess this is what happened with that guy's Dakota.
I'll look back into the 60csx and check out the Dakota.

P

I'm feeling too lazy to do my own research.

Any recommendations?  What's the latest and greatest out there for bike packing?

I have a e Trex HTC (I think) that is dying.  My biggest complaint with it is that I cannot see the screen worth a damn in intense sunlight.

Thanks.


Pete

I remember tons of hiking. Mostly on and off.  So much that I considered hurting Scott a few times during the trip just to make myself feel better.

I would bring shoes that are good for walking.
P

Zero for 3

No, actually the point is that it's organized more discreetly, but it is still organized like in years past.

There is no more Kokopelli Trail Race. Sometimes a handful of people get together and time trial it, even alternating directions and starting at midnight as per the traditional race. But there is no organized event.

Earlier this summer, I toured the route over two days. It was a beautiful trip and I was able to see most of it, thanks to minimal night riding. I'd highly recommend this approach. :-)

We did have a race this year and last.   Just post your email on the forum and I'm sure the right people wil contact you.

I saw Jefe yesterday pushing his bike along the Gateway road in the muk right before the turn off for Taylor Flats Road at about 2:30 in the afternoon.  He was planning on taking the regular GL route.  When I came back through there a few hours later the mud had firmed up a bunch.
Also, bumped into some bow hunters right in the area that claimed two campers had been killed the night before by a bear.