Rigs of the 2022 Colorado Trail Race

Following the Rigs of the 2022 Silk Road Mountain Race feature we published earlier this week, we’re back with the Rigs of the 2022 Colorado Trail. Once again, nearly 70 brave riders are registered for the roughly 530-mile ride from Durango to Denver, with nearly two dozen others registered to ride the route as part of an individual time trial outside of the grand depart. The Colorado Trail travels through the Rocky Mountains and includes around 300 miles of singletrack at elevations ranging from 5,500 feet to a hypoxic 13,200 feet. The weather and trail conditions change quickly, massive thunderstorms and hail are certainly not out of the question, and riders must be prepared and move swiftly to successfully navigate the entire route.

As always, we’ve worked with the participants of this year’s event to collect bike and gear info for nearly 40 riders who will be taking on the route. Scroll through and get a good look at everyone’s rigs, then head over to the 2022 Colorado Trail Tracker page to follow along live.

Dave Abney

Age 53 / Vail, Colorado (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be attempting this monster of a ride/hike on a 2016 Ibis HD 3 full squish. 27.5” wheels with 2.8” Schwalbe Noby Nics. 2X Shimano XT gearing.
BAGS: Revelate Designs Gas Tank, 2 Mountain Feedbags, Harness with roll and Vole seat bag. The small custom frame bag is from Bedrock Bags. I’ll be wearing an Ultimate Direction pack on my back.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’ll be sleeping in a Western Mountaineering Flylite bag, a Nemo Hornet tent, and yes, on a sleeping pad, a Big Agnes AXL. My lighting will be Fenix BC21R on handlebars and helmet. Katadyn BeFree for water filtration.

Matt Annabel

Age 47 / Carbondale, Colorado (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be racing my first CTR on a 2017 Why Cycles Wayward running 2.6 Maxxis Recon rubber (front and back) and Ergon GP3 grips for hands that still work at the finish.
BAGS: Mostly by Revelate Designs though my absolute favorite is a little lunchbox by Oveja Negra that holds the few things I need within easy reach. My secret weapon is an REI Flash 18L backpack – a glorified stuff-sack lightly loaded with rain gear, water filter, and extra water storage for the dry sections. I’m not a fan of large seat bags—packing them, repacking them, dragging my arse over them—heck, even looking at them! But as a Clydesdale, I really need that bag space. So, I went with a Tailfin Aeropack. The top-load, hard-mounted, design is less fussy to address when I’m tired, and the low position keeps the bag out of my business. Less faff. More forward.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: The decision to leave the stove at home was internal confirmation that I do actually intend to race this thing. Such concessions did not extend to my sleep system. With rain in the forecast, I’m opting for the Big Agnes Fly Creek UL1 tent (over a bivy). That, along with a Sea To Summit Spark 40 degree bag and Therm-a-Rest Neoair Xlite pad should buy me some Zs. Otherwise, it all boils down to beef jerky and confetti cannons.

Brad Bensley

Age 47 / Cheyenne, Wyoming (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be hiking alongside this stock 2021 Salsa Horesthief with a 30 tooth chainring up the Tenmile Range.
BAGS: The bags are a mix of Salsa, Ojeva Negra, and Revalate. Tailfin suspension mounts to add some bottles and storage on the forks.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’ll seek shelter under a Big Agnes Fly Creek and comfort in a Big Agnes Pluton bag.

Chris Besnia

Age 37 / Gunnison, Colorado (USA)

BIKE: Custom Goodday Gunsmoke SS 28 x 19, 29+ 2.6″ MAXXIS minion DHR gumwall tires, Derby i35 rims, onyx hubs, Fox 38 fork 150mm, Custom Goodday Spacemoose bar/stem combo bar, custom Goodday bar ends, integrated bar bag cradle, Ergon GA3 grips.
BAGS: All the bags are waterproof, custom, color-coordinated and integrated Curiosity Bike Bags made from vinyl-backed canvas and 70 denier PU coated rip-stop with cowboy flair; Embroidered globe mallow on the framepack and a six-shooter on the bento.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Enlightened Equipment quilt, Mountain Laurel Designs Shelter, Snow Peak pocket stove, TentLab Duce shovel.

Blake Bockius

Age 60 / Truckee, California (USA)

BIKE: Otso Voytek Plus-Fat, this is my fat bike in the winter with a different fork and wheel set. Shimano XTR drivetrain with SRAM XX1 10×52 cassette and chain, Magura MT7 brakes, Light Bicycle wheel set with Hope Pro 2 hubs, Fox 34 Stepcast 120 fork, Raceface stem, bars and cranks, Fox Transfer 200mm dropper that allows 85mm of drop with seat bag installed, WTB Volt Ti saddle, Crank Brothers Candy pedals. Wolf Tooth products include the seatpost clamp, Dropstop chainring, Valais 25 dropper stopper, and headset.
BAGS: I’m running a plethora of bags including my new frame bag from Chubby Bag Co. The oldest bag on my kit is a Carousel Design works bar bag. I’ve had this bag for 10 years, and it’s still going strong. The other bags include a Oveja Negra Gearjammer seat bag and Chuckbucket bar bag, Bedrock bar bag Porcelain Rocket Nigel bar bag, and a Rouge Panda top tube bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: For sleepy time, I have a Nemo bivi, Therm-a-Rest NeoAir X-Lite mattress, Western Mountaineering HighLight bag, and my luxury item is a CooCoon pillow.
My lighting is two Exposure Diablo lights. For navigation, I’m bringing two Garmin units, the Edge 1000, and my trusty eTrex.

Will Bodewes

Age 25 / Durango, Colorado (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be riding a 2014 Kona Raijin Titanium Hardtail 29er. This machine is rigged up with a 1×11 drivetrain, PNW Pine Dropper, and a 120mm Fox factory fork. The wheels are e*thirteen TRS Race with a 2.35 Maxxis Ardent Race in the front and 2.35 Ikon in the rear.
BAGS: The main frame bag is a custom Rogue Panda and the top two are cheap ones off Amazon because I ran out of money. We’ll see how it pans out.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I also will be traveling with a REI Ultra Running vest with a 2.5L water bladder and a separate water bottle for mixing up Tailwind drink mix, which is my lifeblood. In other gear, what’s more interesting is what I’m not bringing. No sleeping bag, no Bivvy, no sleeping pad. This thing is built for speed and minimal sleep. Again, we’ll see how this pans out. But don’t worry, I did bring rain gear, a down jacket, plastic rain ponchos, and a tarp. Other than that, I will be using an eTrex 20 for navigation, a Katadyn BeFree water filter, Petzl ACTIK Core Headlamp mounted to the helmet, and a tactical flashlight mounted to the bars.

Marco Capote

Age 42 / Boulder, Colorado (USA)

BIKE: For CTR 2022, I am riding my Waltworks Single Speed. My only bike, this 120mm front travel hardtail has proven to be the perfect big mountain companion. Equally at home on the detours as it is shredding the gnar. The drivetrain is a Surly Stainless front chainring paired to an Endless Bikes cog. I’ll be running a Maxxis Dissector in front with a Recon in back.
BAGS: I’m running various bags from my collection. Frame bag and front sling were made by Greg Wheelwright in Boulder, Carousel Designs top tube bag, Revelate Designs seat bag, and an eVent bag for the sling up front.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: 2022 will be a slightly more pared down year compared to previous trips. I’m leaving stove at home and trying to minimize the junk while still packing a tarp and good rain jacket. I’ll also have a backpack with a 2.5L bladder and space for more food.

Romulo Cobos

Age 44 / (Caracas/Venezuela) living in Lafayette, Colorado (USA)

BIKE: YETI ARC, Fox 34 140mm fork, XT brakes, Maxxis Ardent tires, 1×12 speed SRAM group.
BAGS: Revelate Sweet Roll for warm equipment. Revelate frame bag for food and water, top tube Revelate bag for easy access food. Apidura Backcountry seat back for sleeping equipment. Topeak top bag for tools and first aid.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: OR Helium Bivy, and Therm-a-Rest NeoAir for sleeping. Garmin Etrex 22 for navigation. Following the latest weather prediction, I am adding the Big Agnes tent cover. Katadyn Befree filter. Gemini Titan 2500 for lighting.

Aaron Ehlers

Age 34 / St. Paul, Minnesota (USA)

BIKE: I’m riding my Chumba Stella Ti with 120mm Fox 34 Step-Cast fork and 125mm Fox dropper. Single speed is geared at 30×22. Tires are Maxxis Rekon 2.6 on Santa Cruz Reserve 30SL rims. Exposure Toro headlight and Joystick helmet light for night riding.
BAGS: Up front I have a Cedaero Barhopper bag for clothing. Top tube bag is a Revelate MagTank 2000. Frame bag is custom made by my wife and will store my food and toiletries. Underneath the down tube is a Revelate Joey bag that has my repair stuff in it. The seat bag is a Blackburn Outpost and has my entire sleep system. Osprey bag for water and extra snacks.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Enlightened down booties first used during the Divide this year. They kept my feet warm and happy, and I’m excited to try them again.

Chris Fisher

Age 39 / Cape Town (South Africa)

BIKE: Giant Anthem Carbon 29er. SRAM AXS 1×12 34T. Stans Arch rims on Hope Hubs with Maxxis Ardent 2.4″ tyres. SQlab inner bar ends.
BAGS: Revelate Terrapin 14l seat pack, Cycle Africa Handlebar harness, Apidura food pouch x2, Topeak top tube bag, and OutThere MS2 15 litre backpack.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Taking a tent as we are not really racing. Full, comfortable night’s sleep is a priority. Navigation via Garmin Edge 1030. Led Lenser headlight and bikelight both run on AA batteries. Lake mx168 shoes are great for walking, especially for wider feet. The Freedom Challenge gets us very accustomed to picking up bikes rather than pushing due to the numerous fences and very steep hike-a-bike sections, so I will be sticking to what I know and trying to keep the bike relatively light with more weight in my backpack than your average rider. I find bike carrying less strenuous than bike pushing on rough terrain.

Greg Fisher

Age 46 / Bloomington, Indiana (USA)

BIKE: Kona Hei Hei 2017 with Shimano XT build.
BAGS: Revelate Designs – Mountain Feedbag x2, Mag-Tank, Jerrycan, Terrapin, and Sweetroll.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Fenix BC30 V2.0 bike light; Wahoo Elemnt Roam for navigation.

Carlo Gonzaga

Age 48 / Johannesburg (South Africa)

BIKE: I’ll be riding my first CTR on a well-worn Specialised Stumpjumper. My hopes and dreams are grounded by a pair of 2.8” Schwalbe Rocket Rons on Roval carbon 27.5” rims. I’m assured the distinctive clatter of Roval hubs serves as an early warning for bears. My 30T chainring mated to an e*thirteen 9-50 cassette should bring some relief to burning quads, while the Power2Max power meter will be utterly useless on the CTR. At least I’ll objectively know how weak I am. Arrestor gear comprises multiple Hail Mary’s and Hope Tech4 brakes on 180mm and 200mm rotors. A Specialized power saddle will, unenviably, be nearest my unwashed bib shorts six days in.
BAGS: A 14L Apidura Expedition handlebar bag retains all my sleeping kit and their saddle bag keeps my other junk, in the trunk. Revelate Tank, Jerry, and Feed bags swallow the rest of my kit and food. I like a 20L Camelback hydration pack for water, food, and to transfer saddle bag contents on long hike-a-bikes.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Garmin 1040 solar with an extra battery pack keeps me pointing the right way. A Black Diamond Icon headlight and Gloworm Adventure bike light will fight the dark forces. Sleeping kit is an OR Helium bivvy, Sea to Summit Spark bag, and Therm-a-Rest Uberlight something-or-the-other mat. Been used once. As in one night. In my garden. I carry spare silver linings for the inevitable mishaps.

Rhino Knifer

Age 45 / Hell Mirage, Arizona (USA)

BIKE: Salsa El Mariachi Titanium Singlespeed (M). Black Sheep Ti seat post. Roca Roja Horquilla Ti Fork. Stan’s Arch MK4 laced to DT Swiss 240S with Sapim CX-Ray by Dave at Speed Dreams, on tubeless MaXXis Recon 2.6 and Ardent 2.4. XTR brake system with IceTech 160mm rotors and metal pads. SS Drivetrain is Absolute Black Oval x Huge Endless Cog with Shimano 8-speed chain, Gravity carbon crank, Mavic carbon pedals. WTB Volt for sitting, Salsa Bend 2 Bar in 17 deg sweep, with ESI XL Chunky, held together with shiny Thompson bits.
BAGS: In the rear, old-school Carousel Design Works Escape Pod (M), an original Nuclear Sunrise Stichworks harness in X-Pac and Tuftarp, with X-Pac compression bag and removable zipper-front pouch. The middle bags consist of all Rockgeist bags in LiteSkin 21 X-Pac fabric, a custom framebag, two Honeypot Feedbags, custom Cache bag in the front, and custom Medic bag in the back, with a downtube strap-on Stake bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Old Osprey Syncro (modified). Merino wool clothing, rain gear by Enlightened Equipment and Z-packs, Enigma custom quilt by EE, OR Helium Bivy, Katadyn BeFree filter. Lighting consists of Fenix BC26R on a stem-plate mount, Fenix HM65R on the helmet, Fenix PD32 with 2-Fish mount as backup, and a Black Diamond Spot Lite 200 for camp/hike. Navigation with Garmin eTrex 30x. Rime 2.0 Hydroguard shoes. Spurcycle Frankenbell and a Titanium whistle for hours of self-entertainment. No music, just nature.

Arly Landry

Age 30 / Gunnison, Colorado (USA)

BIKE: Custom 2022 Goodday Ti Bluebird with 27.5 + 2.8″ Surly Dirt Wizard Tires, Bike Yoke 160mm dropper, Rock Shox Yari 150 mm fork and a micro-shift 10spd drivetrain, Thompson Ti bar, Extra Chunky ESI grips.
BAGS: All the bags are waterproof, custom, color-coordinated and integrated Curiosity Bike Bags made from vinyl-backed canvas and 70 denier PU coated rip-stop.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Enlightened Equipment quilt, Big Agnes 1P Fly Creek tent and air pad, Katadyn be-free water filter, Custom Goodday Spacer Bar-bag cradle, ultimate direction Hard-rock 100 vest.

Hannes Meyle

Age 35 / Zurich (Switzerland)

BIKE: 2018 Specialized Epic with SRAM XX1 mechanical shifting, Magura MT8 Brakes, Specialized Command Seatpost and Quarq Powermeter. To be able to crawl up at least some of the Colorado Trail uphills, I mounted a 30T chainring that I had to mistreat with a rasp to make it fit on the powermeter spider. For more fun on the CT downhills, I upgraded the bike with a 2022 SID Ultimate Race Day 120mm fork. Spirigrips inner barends, tubeless tire setup (Maxxis Ardent Exo TR 2.25 in the front; Specialized Ground Control 2.1 in the rear). For navigation, I am using a Garmin eTrex touch 35.
BAGS: I prefer biking over packing, therefore I kept my bike light. The Exped waterproof bag (bivy bag and warm layer for the night) is attached to the handlebar by two simple straps. Other than that, bags from Apidura: Top Tube Bag with custom straps, Backcountry Saddle Pack 6L, two food pouches (0.8 and 1.2L) that I hope to fill with breakfast burritos at some point. The rest of my gear and food has to fit in my 15L Osprey running vest with 2.5L water capacity.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Normally, my Epic goes by the name “Pici.” For the CTR however, I will call it “Packy.”

Matt Mustin

Age 41 / Andrews, North Carolina (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be riding my 2022 Marin Pine Mountain 2 XL. I really love this bike. It is a bit heavy, but is built to take a beating. It’s outfitted with Shimano SLX 1×12 drivetrain, Maxxis Ikon 29 x 2.6, OneUp flat pedals, Jones H bar 2.5, and some extra water bottle cages cause I sweat a lot!
BAGS: I have Revelate bags from front to back except for my cheap Walmart tank bag. The Handlebar Harness from Revelate is awesome and soooo versatile. Also, I’ll be sporting my Camelbak Rogue from 1999. Those things never die!
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I love my solar charger/battery bank from Stealth Angel. It works perfectly, and I’m sure it’ll see plenty of sun on the CTR. The tent I’ll be using is a North Face Stormbreak 1. It’s cozy but roomy enough and keeps me dry. My sleeping bag is a NatureHike down bag, and I will be snoring on an ultralight Therm-a-Rest. Lastly, I scored some nice La Sportivas and hopefully will have some happy feet during all the hike-a-bike.

Myca Mustin

Age 14 / Andrews, North Carolina (USA)

BIKE: 2011 Salsa Spearfish XL. This bike is light and fast. I’ll be riding on a Maxxis Ikon on the rear and a Maxxis Forekaster on the front.
BAGS: Ultralight WoHo bags from front to back with the exception of a gaudy tank bag that my dad bought from Walmart! I’ll also be wearing my Camelbak.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Tent is a Eureka Solitaire, sleeping bag is a Naturehike down, and bedroll is a foam pad. Probably my most prized piece of gear would be my collapsible fishing rod. Hopefully dad will stop at some good fishing holes!

Denny Newell

Age 52 / North Logan, Utah (USA)

BIKE: Santa Cruz Tallboy, Reserve wheels + Maxxis Ardent 2.4, SRAM XO 1×12 (28T, 10x52T).
BAGS: Dispersed frame bag + Revelate Designs Sweetroll, seat bag, Jerrycan, Gas tank, Mountain feedbag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: 3L water capacity (2L bladder in frame bag, 2 bottles). Garmin eTrex 30 GPS, Fenix LD22 flashlights (1 on bars, 1 on helmet), OR Helium bivy, Neo Air pad, Sea to Summit Spark 28 bag.

Robert O’Kruk

Age 30 / Nelson, British Columbia (Canada)

BIKE: 2019 Lynksey Ridgeline Pro. 11-51 Casette, Rockshox Sid fork, carbon Race Face cranks, PNW Coast Dropper, Stooge Moto Handlebars, Shimano XT Brakes, Maxxis Ardent Race 2.35 in front, 2.2 in back. Ergon GP1 grips. Custom Metroid/Samus mudguard. Ergon SMC Core saddle.
BAGS: Mostly Revelate bags + Orange Cat Packs frame bag and Wayward Riders Louise Dropper Post Harness. K-Edge Garmin mount + 3D printed mount adapter for Garmin etrex.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Bringing a pretty bomber rain gear setup (Arcteryx Beta jacket, 7mesh thunderpants, Showa Temres 282-02 gloves, and Rab Vapour liner socks), Ergon GP1 grips (godsend).

Kyle Peterson

Age 32 / Jackson, Wyoming (USA)

BIKE: Salsa Ti Timberjack. SS: 32x22T, oval. What you can’t see: Cane Creek Hellbender 110 BB, Sram Code Brakes, Easton EC90 bar ends pulled from my BarYak, DT Swiss 240 hubs, Shimano flip flop pedals. Reckon if I fully assembled the bike, there’s no one else to blame if it falls apart.
BAGS: JPaks Dropper seat bag (sleep kit, second chamois and socks) and Footlong toptube bag (FOOD), Salsa Frame bag (essentials, FOOD), Roadrunner California Burrito bar bag (rain kit, cold temps kit), storage keg under downtube (emergency repairs).
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Not pictured, Arcteryx running vest: hydration, food, rain jacket, Katadyn filter. Exposure lights.

Karin Pocock

Age 42 / Blue River, Colorado (USA)

BIKE: Santa Cruz Carbon Chameleon Race Face Arc 27 offset wheels with DT Swiss 350 hubs. Maxxis Rekon Race up front and Ardent Race in the rear.
BAGS: Mix of bags from great bag companies: Oveja Negra Bodega Frame bag and snack pack, Rockgeist Barjam and ultra PE drybag, JPaks Footlong, Revelate Feedbags, and Bedrock Bot bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: The Rockgeist Barjam has changed my world this year, and I doubt I’ll ever go back to a non-rigid front harness. The Sea to Summit Spark II sleeping bag is also a key piece of equipment for a great sleep without taking up too much space or weight. A final shout out to the Big Agnes Fly Creek UL 1 which has been an amazing tent for many, many miles of singletrack.

Kyle Quinn

Age 35 / Littleton, Colorado (USA)

BIKE: Salsa Timberjack Ti (a.k.a. Becky), singlespeed 32×23 oval ring, 130mm Pike Ultimate, Whisky rims on 350 hubs with 2.6 Rekons, Oneup dropper, Wolf Tooth -2 degree headset, Fasst Flexx bar, and Ergon saddle and grips.
BAGS: Jpaks custom frame bag and footlong, and a few other bits from Revelate, Bedrock, and Oveja Negra. I also have Salomon vest that will stay stowed away and used for extra calories from BV to Silverton.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Arc’teryx jersey, down hoodie, and hard shell. Mont Bell Bivy, Sea to Summit Spark II sleeping bag, No chamois, and my Spotify playlist with everything from 2Pac to John Denver.

Alex Robertson

Age 33 / Boulder, Colorado (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be riding my 2022 Santa Cruz Tallboy.The drivetrain is made up of SRAM GX components. I dropped the chainring down to 30 teeth for a nice crawler ratio of 30:52. I love how well this bike climbs and descends through rough terrain.
BAGS: Most bags are from Revelate: Sweetroll, Mag-Tank 2000, Shrew, and Jerrycan. I’m using a frame bag I made myself from X-Pac and Cordura. I’ve tried to keep things as small and light as possible to avoid compromising the handling and geometry of the bike. Some of my bike toolkit lives on the bottom of the down tube in a K.E.G. storage vessel from my local shop, University Bicycles. Not pictured is my Ultimate Direction Ultra Vest I’ll be wearing for hydration, food, and on the bike layers.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My shelter is a combination of bivy and tarp from Borah Gear that weighs under a pound with guylines and linelocs, while my sleep system is a Sea to Summit Spark 40 degree bag. I’m wearing a long sleeve Pearl Izumi UV protective jersey as I’ve enjoyed having lots of pockets and some extra protection from the sun. I’ve loved my Pearl Izumi X-Alp Summits on my shakedowns as they perform almost like hiking shoes in the technical, steep hike-a-bike sections. I’ll be using my dad’s Victorinox pocket knife to honor his memory and carry on his adventures.

Eliza Sampey

Age 39 / Van Life (USA)

BIKE: Racing my 2022 Revel Ranger, 120/115 suspension, rolling on Revel RW30 wheels with Industry Nine Hydra hubs, and Maxxis Rekon 29 x 2.4 tires.
BAGS: Custom framebag from Rogue Panda Designs, Alamogordo and Rincon top tube bags, an Oracle down tube bag, and two Bismarck feed bags. Rogue Panda handlebar harness for my front drybag, and a small prototype Rogue Panda saddle bag to accommodate my serious lack of dropper post clearance. I’ll carry a 20L backpack for the longer food carries.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: As the weather’s looking more Scottish than Colorado-ish, I’m carrying a similar setup to the one I took on the HT550 back in May. I’ll bring my Slingfin Splitwing tarp with vestibule, and I’ll likely leave my water-resistant bivy I usually run on the CT at home. I’ll bring a real raincoat and full rainpants, and quite possibly a tiny stove/fuel for safety if the forecast looks the same on Saturday as it does right now. Again carrying a sleep kit of Therm-a-Rest Hyperion 20-degree bag and Uberlite pad, a small down puffy, wool socks, and a merino tshirt and 3/4 long underwear that will hopefully remain my dry layer throughout, plus a tiny packtowl to sop up the excess water on my body at the end of the day from everything soaking through. This was all a good call in Scotland and I think it’ll be so again. Lights are a pair of Fenix PD35 tactical flashlights, and my eTrex 20 is currently on the fritz so I may be going by memory with a backup track on GaiaGPS. Fortunately, I’m no stranger to this trail at this point. Hopefully my bike and body will remain intact this time and I’ll finally get a finish of my fourth attempt.

David Scott

Age 41 / Klamath Falls, Oregon (USA)

BIKE: 2021 Salsa Spearfish, Fox 34 SC 120mm fork with hose clamped bottle cages. All Shimano components: SLX brakes & XT 32Tx10-51T drivetrain. Tires are (different than shown) newish Maxxis Rekon 2.4 front and Ardent Race 2.35 rear tires on 29” WTB rims. Rear hub is an Onyx Vesper. PNW riser handlebar and dropper post. Ergon grips and saddle. SQlab 411 inner bar ends, silicone grips inside of those.
BAGS: Rogue Panda custom frame bag for food and batteries/power bank. Revelate Sweetroll with warm clothes and a bivy bedroll (OR Helium, 30deg down quilt, lightweight air mattress). JPaks seat bag with rain layers, more warm layers and a freeze dried food. Wolf Tooth B-Rad pump bag on the downtube with Tubolitos, tools, spare and repair parts. Nathan TrailMix 12L trail runner backpack with 2L bladder (Sawyer filter inline), a few lighter layers, and the Garmin inReach mini tracker.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My favorite piece of gear is the fast and silent Onyx rear hub. It’s not the lightest, but I’m 100% hooked on rolling with a silent hub. A pleasant bell on the bars helps me not be too sneaky! Navigating with a Fenix HM65R headlamp and BC26R bar light, Wahoo Element Bolt and apps on the phone.

Greg Shepherd

Age 50 / Centennial, Colorado (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be riding my Carbonda FM1001 carbon frame with a 140mm Pike fork, 130mm Fox shock, One Up dropper and pedals, SRAM drivetrain, Shimano XT brakes, Roval Control carbon wheels with DT Swiss 350 hubs, and 29 x 2.6 Maxxis Rekon tires.
BAGS: I’ve got a custom frame bag by JPaks, Bedrock Black Dragon seat bag, and several other Revelate bags. I will also be taking an Osprey Talon 6 waist bag for an additional 2L of water, etc.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: For sleeping, I’ll be carrying a Big Agnes Fly Creek 1P tent, NeoAir XLite pad, and an REI 30 degree down bag. I’ll be using a Garmin 530 for navigation, a Garmin InReach mini for communication, and a Fenix PD36R / Lezyne 1300XXL for lights.

Justin Simpson

Age 32 / Denver, Colorado (USA)

BIKE: Moots Rogue YBB with a 1×11 and 26T ring.
BAGS: Original custom JPaks from 2016.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Emergency Bivy, Emergency Blanket, small synthetic vest, wool long sleeve/beanie, and raincoat/pants/gloves.

Cameron Swengel

Age 28 / Roanoke, Virginia (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be racing on a 2021 Ibis Ripley V4. The bike features a SRAM GX Eagle 1×12 drivetrain with a 10 to 52T cassette and 30T chainring, Fox Factory 130mm front and 110mm rear suspension, Stans Flow MK4 rims laced to Industry Nine Hydra hubs, and Maxxis Rekon 2.4″ front and Rekon Race 2.4″ rear tires.
BAGS: The bags are a combination of a Rockgeist custom split triangle frame pack and Revelate Designs Vole on the seatpost, Jerry Can Bent on the top tube, Gas Tank and Feed Bags on top tube and handlebars, and Joey on the down tube. I will also be carrying an Osprey Siskin 5 backpack with a 2.5 liter water bladder.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I am incredibly grateful to Dan Lucas (aka Danny Stanny) at Cardinal Bicycle for lending me his rear shock in a time when spare parts are in short supply. I also enjoy my waterproof SealSkin socks when it is wet and cold. They are so warm!

Alex Tiberio

Age 35 / Pitkin, Colorado (USA)

BIKE: I’m partaking in my first CTR on a custom Goodday, the Rhinestone Cowboy, sporting a SRAM Eagle drivetrain with a 30T chainring. A leather Brooks saddle, 29 x 2.6″ Teravail Kessell tires on Velocity Blunt 35 Rims with Onyx Hubs. Up front, I have an Oddity Razorbar with Goodday Cycles Handle Horns and Front Rack.
BAGS: My bike has a custom integrated Curiosity Framebag as well as Curiosity Bento and Bar bags. A couple of Oveja Negra Chuck buckets and a Porcelain Rocket Saddle Bag. Water will be in a bladder in my frame bag and on my waist belt.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’ll be sleeping in a BD Beta Light Shelter in a 0° Enlightened Equipment Revelation Quilt.

Seth Holmes

Age 37 / Longmont, Colorado (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be riding my Pivot Trail 429. Fox suspension, Shimano drivetrain with an AbsoluteBlack 28t oval chainring, and Reynolds wheels rolling on Maxxis Ardent Race 2.4″ with Cushcores front and rear.
BAGS: I’ve got two bags from Rockgeist: a custom frame bag and a Gondola seat bag. Up front, I’ll be running a Mountain Laurel Designs ultralight drybag that houses my shelter, sleeping pad, sleeping bag, and warm jacket. Some feedbags up front from Revelate designs rounds out the bags on the bike. I will also be wearing a Salomon Adv skin 5 vest with a 1.5L bladder.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’ll be using a ZPacks Hexamid pocket tarp as my shelter, with a 40º Sea to Summit bag, and Sea to Summit sleeping pad. Illumination provided by Exposure lights for some fun night miles! A beefed-up rain kit after a few very wet cold rides recently in the Colorado high country.

Greg Strauser

Age 57 / Monument, Colorado (USA)

BIKE: 2015 Ibis Tranny 29 full-rigid with Enve fork, Enve 60/40 wheels with fresh Maxxix Ardent rear and Recon front tires, 39×24 single speed Gates Carbon Drive. Answer Pro Taper 20/20 bars with a stubby tri extension that makes a good platform to strap on my hydration vest when not wearing it.
BAGS: Revelate Mukluk frame bag repurposed to this rig, Revelate Gas Tank for hygiene stuff, a brand-spanking new JPaks FarvaPac top tube bag for electronics, fire source, and identity/cash/cards. Homemade bottle bags using mesh and simple nylon webbing for fast drainage.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Old Man Mountain rear rack with Ortlieb PVC duffel for shelter/warm gear: Closed-cell ground pad, Alpkit bivy with Montbell Super Spiral sleeping bag for quick deployment, Z-Packs 11P shelter for monsoon protection when required, Patagonia micro puff down, alpaca socks, Icebreaker full wool bottoms and Castelli wool sweater in Sea-to-Summit e-Vent sack. Repair kit and first-aid kit down low in the frame bag, Castelli rain kit (top, knickers, hood), Tailwind Nutrition, and CT Databook above the repair kit. Left side of frame bag has trowel, Leatherman Skeletool, Lezyne pump, 4/5/6mm Y-wrench, and headlamp. Bladders for H2O and Tailwind nutrition, plus 2x Talenti gelato jars for cold soak quinoa and oatmeal on the go. Revelate bar pouch has additional food (tuna, Honey Stingers, Clif bars) and a bear bag. eTrex 30 and Lezyne GPS cycle computer for navigation. Fenix bar and helmet lights with a 3rd 21700 battery. Wool 150 wt tank and shorts and wool compression socks with full-length OR trail pants and L/S wool zip top as required for heat retention and abrasion/bug protection. Salomon trail runners with 5.10 overboot gaiters on top of DMR V-12 platform pedals. Garmin inReach Mini tracker.

Garrett McDaniel

Age 35 / Lafayette, Colorado (USA)

BIKE: I will be riding the Colorado Trail Race on my trusty do-it-all Surly Karate Monkey. The bike features an upgraded GX drivetrain and XT brakes. I will be running
Maxxis Ardent Race tire in the rear, Rekon in the front.
BAGS: My bag set up is 100% Revelate Designs.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Bivy, sleeping bag, and pillow with a rain tarp will keep me sleeping well at night. I will be carrying an eTrex 30 for navigation and a running vest for hydration.

Julia Fisher

Age 38 / Cape Town (South Africa)

BIKE: Giant Anthem Carbon dual suspension 29er. SRAM AXS 1×12.
BAGS: Apidura 14L seat pack, Cycle Africa Handlebar harness, Apidura food pouch x2, Topeak top tube bag, and Salomon 20L backpack.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Taking a tent as we are going to be soaking up all the trail vibes and aiming to limit night riding. We’ll see!

Mary Ehlers

Age 33 / St. Paul, Minnesota (USA)

BIKE: Salsa Ti Timberjack with a Pike fork and SDG dropper. Enve wheels with industry Nine hubs and Maxxis Rekon Tires.
BAGS: Dry bag on handlebars for my sleep gear. Custom framebag to carry food. Small seat bag and the Relevant Joey downtube bag for repair items. Osprey Salida 12 backpack for water, rain gear, and miscellaneous things.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Exposure Toro light on the handlebars and Joystick on my helmet. Outdoor research Helium Bivy with a DIY sleeping and booties.

Kevin Conerly

Age 35 / Brevard, North Carolina (USA)

BIKE: 2021 Specialized Epic Evo. SRAM Eagle Drivetrain – Race Face Next SL w/ Stages Power Meter, 30T / 10-52T. Shimano SLX Brakes. Fox 34 SC and Float DPS. S-Works Power Saddle dropped by an X-Fusion post. XT Pedals. Ardent Race 2.35″ + Cushcore XC for low pressures and lotsa grip. Fenix BC26R and Fenix HM50R headlamp. Stan’s Crest Carbon Wheels w/ a steel axle. Garmin 530. Garmin inReach Mini.
BAGS: Evoc Handlebar Bag, Revelate Gas Tank, Revelate Terrapin 8L, Revelate Mountain Feedbag x2 packed with cookies from my wife.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: SOL Escape Bivvy, Sea To Summit Spark 40F Bag, Arcteryx Nuclei FL, Outdoor Research Rain Gear, Pearl Izumi kit, and X-Alp Elevate shoes.

Richard Jara

Age 28 / Salida, Colorado (USA)

BIKE: Freshly squeezed Pivot Les 29″ hardtail frame built up with Whisky components, No.9 Mtn Boost Fork. Hand laced No. 9 30W Rims with Dt Swiss 240 hubs and competition J-bend spokes. Mixed SRAM Eagle XX1 and X01 drivetrain paired with Sram Lvl Ult. Brakes.
BAGS: Oveja Negra bags made with love, including their Gearjammer seat bag, Chuck Bucket handlebar bag, and Wack Pack Bodega full-frame bag. Not pictured, snackpack large at the stem and snackpack small towards the seatpost.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: SOL escape bivvy, Garmin Etrex 30, Big Agnes Zetto Jacket.

Cameron Bristol

Age 24 / Denver, Colorado (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be riding my very well loved Surly Karate Monkey down the Colorado Trail. A fresh pair of 29 x 2.6” Maxxis Rekons (yet to be installed). PNW dropper post with a Brooks C17. The aggressive geometry + dropper post + relatively small fit means this bike rips downhill. 1×11 mostly Shimano Deore drivetrain squeezing a 51T ring in the rear and a 28T front chainring for an epic granny gear. Ergon GA3 grips and Rockshox Pike (130mm travel) fork.
BAGS: JPaks Framepak and Footlong EXT sporting the coolest color combo in town. Salsa Anything Cradle holding the sleep system. A small dry bag Voile-strapped to the seat post for that extra bit of food I’ll need between BV and Silverton. A Nathan Pinnacle 12L Hydration Vest for easy access to water and snacks.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Garmin Inreach Mini for tracking and SOS, Garmin Edge 830 for stats and navigation. Two Light in Motion Urban 1000 headlamps for night riding. Specialized Rime 2 shoes. First CT tour I destroyed a brand new pair of Shimano XC5s. The Rimes will be on their second go round, proving to be durable. OR Helium bivy for keeping somewhat dry and a Sea to Summit Spark 28 to sleep warm. Some caffeine pills to take the edge off my 3:00 am starts.

Peter Hogan

Age 27 / Boulder, Colorado (USA)

BIKE: Bike is a Specialized Epic Hardtail. Rockshox SID fork with 100mm of not-so-supple travel. Underpowered 2-pot brakes and 160mm rotors for extra speed. A 32T chainring to make sure I stay in shape while spinning up the many climbs ahead. 2.25″ Rekon Race tires front and rear on DT hubs and Kappius carbon hoops. The highlight is the sworks power saddle with mirror in 143mm. No chamois required.
BAGS: Bags are all Jpaks with the exception of a Revelate Shrew for my rain jacket and some extra repair stuff. I’ve got 5L of waterproof storage on the bars, two feed bags, a top tube bag, and a saddle bag. A running vest will round out storage.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’m running two Fenix PD35s on the bars and plenty of lithium batteries. Using a Wahoo for nav, a Garmin Inreach for late night texting, and an iPhone for entertainment. For sleep I’ve got a 40 deg quilt and a Montbell bag cover. Jorts will come up in the rare moments of afternoon sun.

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