Content by Neil Beltchenko The planning, preparation, and test rides play a huge part for me in getting ready for a race such as the Colorado Trail Race (CTR). To me it is half the fun, even writing about it is making me super excited to get on the trail. In the past, I was always the guy dialing his setup hours before the race. This year, however things are a bit different. I planned a little more in advance than I usually do. So far I have been riding my rig for two weeks now, this has helped me figure out where things need to go to make them easy to access. It has helped me figure out the best weight distribution. Most importantly, it has helped me train for riding a loaded bike. With all of this, I’m sure I will figure out that changes need to be made on the trail, but for now knowing I put the time in has given me a little more comfort. After I finished last years CTR I told myself I would never do it on a hard tail again, I also said that after my first stab at the Arizona Trail Race. This time I listened to myself, the Salsa Spearfish is one of the more efficient full suspensions with the newly incorporated Split Pivot design. Not only that but it will likely save my neck, back, and ass from severe punishment. Although some have attempted and/or completed this route more times than me, I believe that my two previous trips on the the CT have helped me establish what I need and what I need to leave at home. Below is everything that will be strapped to my bike, a few items were left out, a few were kept, and tough decisions were made. Bikepacking is so personalized which is why this activity is so neat. Colorado Trail Race Gear

Oveja Negra Saddle Bag

  • Marmot Atom 40* Sleeping Bag
  • SOl Escape Bivy
  • Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisper down jacket
Colorado Trail race gear

Oveja Negra Frame Bag

  • Repair Kit
    • Spare cable
    • Stick of tape/thread (electrical, duct, athletic).
    • Super glue
    • Valve core remover
    • Valve core
    • Patch kit
      • Patch kit
      • Rotor screw
      • Chainring screw
      • Quick link
      • Presta to Schrader adaptor
    • Derailleur hanger
    • Tire lever
    • Tire boot
    • Spare brake pads
    • Zip ties
    • Roofing tap patch
    • 20oz Co2 cartridge and injector
    • Spare stans
    • Tube
    • Pump
    • Lighter
  • 2L MSR Hydromedary
  • 5 Tailwind Nutrition Stick Packs (1000 calories)
  • Small first aid kit
  • Chain lube

Side pocket

  • Aquamira tablets
  • Rudy Project clear lenses
  • Lens cloth
  • Iphone
  • Ipod Shuffle
  • Headphones
  • Colorado Trail Databook
  • Chain rag

Colorado Trail Race Gear

Porcelain Rocket Handlebar Bag (actually Salsa anything cage bag)

  • Mountain Hardwear rain jacket
  • Sierra Designs knicker rain pants (homemade)
  • Pearl Izumi (PI) vest
  • PI knee warmers
  • PI arm warmers
  • PI Barrier gloves
  • Buff
  • PI headband
  • Smartwool cap
 

Bedrock Tapeats To-Go Bag

  • Spare AA and AAA batteries
  • Ay-up lighting system batteries
  • Button Hole
Colorado Trail Race Gear

Nuclear Sunrise Stitchworks Titan Tank

  • Starting with 5,060 Calories (including stick packs in frame bag)
    • 5 Tailwind Nutrition stick packs (1000)
    • 5 Honey Stinger Waffles (800 cal)
    • 5 Honey Stinger Energy (500 cal)
    • 4 Honey Stinger Chews 5 (800 cal)
    • 2 Tuna packets (200 cal)
    • 1 Cliff Bar (260 cal)
Colorado Trail Race Gear

On Me

  • PI bibs
  • PI base layer
  • PI Griggs Orthopedics jersey
  • Specialized Rime Shoes
  • PI cycling cap
  • Rudy Project Sterling Helmet
  • Rudy Project Noyz sunglasses
  • Water Bottle
  • Jerky/nut mix (500 Calories)
  • Ay-up light on helmet

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