Rigs of the 2023 Stagecoach 400

The Stagecoach 400 is California’s longest mountain bike route, following an incredible stitchwork of dirt doubletrack, sandy desert roads, technical singletrack, urban bike paths, and rolling tarmac. The route features the three distinct biomes of southern California: craggy, forested mountains; spectacular, desolate desert; and the ocean, with its rich coastal canyons and urban center of San Diego.

New for 2023 was the addition of the Sideshow, a self-paced ride along a shortened version of the full Stagecoach route a week before the main event. It’s not a race but rather another way to enjoy the route. As usual, there are no prizes and no entry fees, but the organizers will be raising funds for the Idyllwild Outdoor Education Booster Club, which helps provide kids learning experiences in the great outdoors.

This year, we’ve put together rig details on more 40 riders who were out tackling the Sideshow route or are planning to take on the full Stagecoach 400 on Friday morning. Dig into the rigs below, then head over to the event page to follow along live.

Blake Bockius

Age 60 / Truckee, California (USA)

ROUTE: Sideshow
BIKE: Otso Voytek Plus-Fat. I’ve been riding this bike fat all winter. I changed out the fork and tires for the Sideshow. Shimano XTR drivetrain with SRAM XX1 10x52T cassette and chain, Magura MT7 brakes, Light Bicycle wheelset with Hope Pro 2 hubs, Niner carbon fork, Raceface stem, bars and cranks, Fox Transfer 200mm dropper that allows 85mm of drop with seat bag installed, Wilderness Trails 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 full-frame bag from Chubby Bag Co. I like to use it for gear and my 100oz. hydration bladder. The other bags include an Oveja Negra Gearjammer seat bag, Bootlegger fork bag and Chuckbucket bar bag, Bedrock bar bag, and a Rogue Panda Monumental Loop top tube bag. On the bars, I have a Rockgeist Bar Jammer harness with an Ultra PE Dry Bag and a Porcelain Rocket Nigel.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: For sleepy time, I have a Nemo Hornet two-person tent, Big Agnes mattress, Feathered Friends Humming Bird 20/20 down sleeping bag, and my luxury item is a CooCoon pillow. My lighting is 1-Exposure Diablo lights and a basic headlamp. For navigation, I’m bringing two Garmin Edge 1030 and picking up on my phone.

Steve Briley

Age 58 / Moab, Utah (USA)

ROUTE: Stagecoach 400
BIKE: I will be riding a Chumba Stella Ti. The tires are Vittoria Mezcal 2.35″ front and back. Drivetrain is SRAM XO1 12-speed with 10-50T cassette and 32T chainring. Running a SON dynamo with a Sinewave Beacon.
BAGS: Frame bag is a Rockgeist. Revelate Designs seatbag and Pronghorn up front. I also have a Pack NW for the top tube.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Sleep set up includes an Enlightened 30-degree quilt, SOL bivy, and Uberlite Therm-a-Rest. Garmin 1030 for navigation. Going to try the Cane Creek eeSilk seat post.

Brendan Collier

Age 45 / Idyllwild, California (USA)

ROUTE: Sideshow
BIKE: I’m coming back stronger than a 90s trend with my Esker Hayduke. It’s got custom splatter paint done by Peter Lee, a polished silver wheelset from Velocity, and a chopped Tumbleweed rack to keep the gear weight as low as possible.
BAGS: The real standouts are the Road Runner Buoy bags, which are sized just right and can nearly double in size if needed. The standard Oveja Negra frame bag fits perfectly, and the small Swift Industries bar bag holds enough stuff without taking too much from front-end handling.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: An ultralight tarp from REI will be my shelter, along with a Western Mountaineering sleeping bag and a Therm-a-Rest Neo Air 3/4 pad.

Sammy Crane-Solis

Age 37 / Vista, California (USA)

ROUTE: Stagecoach 400
BIKE: 2022 Trek Procaliber, Shimano mixture of XTR/XT 32T chainring 10-51 cassette, 4iii power meter on 170 cranks, Fox Factory 100mm fork, 100mm SRAM AXS dropper with Ergon SM saddle, Spinergy MXX30 wheels fitted with 2.20 Kenda Boosters.
BAGS: The piece de resistance is my colorful frame bag, which I designed and made myself. My rear top tube bag is also homemade by my husband. Thanks, Edgar! My front top tube bag is an Oveja Negra Snack Pack, and my front harness is also Oveja Negra. The seat bag is a Rockgeist Gondola, my only one that fits with an AXS dropper. Lastly, I have the standard two Revelate feed bags for water and food.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My sleep system is an ultralight and waterproof Sierra Designs Backcountry bivy, a Big Agnes Air Core pad, and a Big Agnes Pluton UL40 sleeping bag. It’s my lightest setup yet! I will lug around my Mountain Hardwear synthetic jacket for the cooler morning and evening temperatures, along with a light bright Columbia rain jacket for wind and moisture and most importantly, visibility. I am hoping my clothing will cover all the different weather and terrain situations. My most exciting revelation: NO CHAMOIS!

Matt Davis

Age 54 / Meridian, Idaho (USA)

ROUTE: Stagecoach 400
BIKE: I’ll be riding the Stagecoach 400 on a 2022 Salsa Cutthroat C X01 Eagle AXS. I’ll be rolling 29 x 2.25” Vitoria Barzos, 1×12 drivetrain with 36T chainring and 10-52T rear cassette. Add-ons are Profile Design Aero Bars. Rock Shox SID Ultimate SL front fork, S-Works Power W/Mirror seat.
BAGS: All Revelate Designs bags; Tangle frame bag, Terapin seat bag, Egress Pocket handlebar bag, Mag Tank, and Feed Bag for the cockpit.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Super cool Gear Blocks front fork bottle holders (and an awesome sponsor), Garmin eTrex GPS, 2x Flip36 Goal Zero power banks, Bontrager ION 120 helmet light, Cat Eye handlebar light.

Sarah Didier

Age 35 / Mission Viejo, California (USA)

ROUTE: Stagecoach 400
BIKE: For my first Stagecoach 400, I decided to ride my 2022 Open WI.DE bike in a slightly beefier version. My gravel girl is now on a pair of Easton EA70 AX 650b wheels with Maxxis Ikon 2.2” tires and the initial 42T chainring got swapped for a 38T. She comes with a SRAM AXS Eagle 10-52T drivetrain (I got an extra battery to survive the ride) and SRAM Force brakes.
BAGS: Riding an XS frame definitely makes it more challenging to find the right bags, and I had to measure all clearances almost to the millimeter. I now have an Oveja Negra Superwedgie 3L frameback, a Restrap Race 7L saddle bag, a Revelate Designs top-tube bolt-on bag as well as a handlebar feedbag (both borrowed from a friend), and a small burrito bag in the front (not on the picture). All this leaves room for a bottle on the seat tube and another one under the downtube.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’m excited to use my new Garmin InReach Messenger, which will give me and my loved ones some extra peace of mind during the ride. Also, given my minimalist bag setup, I’ll be bringing a tiny foldable backpack from Decathlon that I can stash in my pocket and use in case I need to carry more food and drinks for some sections of the course.

Jon Dominy

Age 51 / San Diego, California (USA)

ROUTE: Sideshow
BIKE: Cutthroat frame with a SID ultimate dropped to 100mm. Garbaruk cassette and chainring with a RATIO 12-speed conversion. Ritchey Beacon XL bars, Specialized seat, Light Bike wheels. Paper map and phone for navigation.
BAGS: Pretty much all Relavate Designs.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: REI ultralight bivy with a nice pad and pillow to make up for a vintage CAMP 7 down bag.

Gregory Dyas

Age 48 / Carmel, Indiana (USA)

ROUTE: Stagecoach 400
BIKE: I’ll be running a fairly compact, light setup on a 2021 Salsa Cutthroat. Its 2.35″ Specialized Renegade tires roll on Roval Control Carbon wheels. The 30×10-52T drivetrain is controlled by SRAM Force AXS + XX1 rear derailleur, and I’ll be relying on the RockShox XPLR AXS 27.2 dropper to make those descents and trails spicy.
BAGS: A Rogue Panda custom frame bag is doing most of the work here to hold gear while the Shrew saddlebag carries my sleep system and jacket, and your standard mix of a top tube bag plus two feedbags keeps smaller items and lots of food in reach. Lastly, critical tools and repair gear are secured on the down tube with a Voile strap.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: The bottom half of the frame bag holds Apidura’s 3L hydration bladder perfectly just above the bottom bracket and should carry plenty of water along with two large bottles on the fork blades and a Katadyn BeFree filter. For short sleeps, SOL’s Escape bivy + Therm-a-Rest ultralight inflatable pad will have to suffice on the trail. Given the recent heavy weather in SoCal, those minimal fenders are definitely staying on.

Emily Elliott

Age 37 / Redlands, California (USA)

ROUTE: Stagecoach 400
BIKE: 2016 29″+ titanium hardtail made by Scott Quiring in Michigan. I was lucky enough to come across this workhorse second hand, a dream come true! Fork: 120mm SID. Wheels: Light Bicycle carbon enduro rims laced to SON Dynamo and I9 Hydra hub. Tires: 2.6″ font and 2.4″ rear Teravail Honchos. Bars: Doom Bars’ Ti Bikepacker’s Delight. Power: Cinq5 headtube charger + buffer powerpack. Gearing: 32T oval chainring x 10-50 11-speed cassette. PNW suspension dropper.
BAGS: Front Rack: The Jack Rack holding a Salsa dry bag. Rockgeist frame bag. Rogue Panda/NightBird top tube bag. Revelate Polecat bags on the downtube and strapped to the seat. Nuclear Sunrise feed bags. 5L water capacity.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Going with the 50-degree Snugpak Jungle Bag and pairing it with down socks, insulated pants, and down jacket. The sleeping bag is the most awkward thing for me to pack and this method lets my layers do work on and off the bike while minimizing the sleeping bag bulk. Ask me later if I froze or not. The Jack Rack is probably the unsung hero of my setup. It’s sturdy, reliable, keeps the load low and tucked in without rubbing/drooping, and leaves room for aero bars/lights/computer whatever. It’s been through some stuff and hasn’t let me down. Pro tip: carries a bag of tortillas without folding or rolling.

Dana Ernst

Age 48 / Flagstaff, Arizona (USA)

ROUTE: Stagecoach 400
BIKE: I’ll be riding my trusty Binary Bicycles titanium SSP decked out with a pair of Vittoria Mezcals, Eagle AXS drivetrain, Fox 34 fork, Ergon saddle, and dropper post.
BAGS: Frame bag, top tube bag, and handle bar pouch are custom jobs by Dispersed Bikepacking. I also have a Bismarck Bottle Bucket and Happy Jack Snack Sack by Rogue Panda mounted to my handlebars.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: For lighting, I have a Fenix BC21R attached to my handlebars and an UltraSpire light for the helmet. I’ll be wearing a Salomon hydration vest with a 2.5L bladder and I’ll have capacity for another 1.5L on the bike.

Carlos Garcia

Age 47 / Murrieta, California (USA)

ROUTE: Sideshow
BIKE: 2019 Salsa Cutthroat Apex 1. Vittoria Mezcal 2.25” in front and 2.0” on the back. Drivetrain: Sram PG 1150 1×11 – 34T chainring.
BAGS: Half frame bag Salsa EXP, Top tube Salsa EXP, Fork bags Salsa EXP (2), strapped to: Large Tailfin cargo cages (2), Seat bag 16L Spinelock Revelate Designs, Handlebar feed bag, Ecopak EXP200 by Revelate Designs, Tailfin small cargo cage under the frame that will have a spare tube and miscellaneous tools inside of repurposed coffee bag grains. Ultralight double cradle bar to attach a dry bag. Hydration: 3L vest bladder EVOC Hydro pro 3 + 16 oz frame bottle.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: This equipment setup had served me very well in the previous iteration of the SC400 (’22), minimal changes. Very excited about new tent Lunar Solo by Six Moon Designs.

Graham Goff

Age 53 / Bozeman, Montana (USA)

ROUTE: Stagecoach 400
BIKE: After riding a rigid drop-bar bike for the last two years, I’m going to mix it up and will be riding a full-sus 2021 Marin Rift Zone 2. The bike is stock except for a Tumbleweed Prospector bar with inner bar ends, some Ergon grips and an Ergon saddle. I’m running a 2.4” Maxxis Ardent on the front and a Vittoria Mezcal 2.25” on the rear.
BAGS: A mix of Apidura and Revelate plus a custom frame bag with matching top tube bag from Ghost Cat Bags.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’ll be carrying a OR helium bivy and a Patagonia hybrid sleeping in a Sea to Summit compression sack hooked on to my Profile Designs aero bars.

Doug Hanna

Age 57 / Longmont, Colorado (USA)

ROUTE: Stagecoach 400
BIKE: For my second run of the Stagecoach, I’ll be running a Moots Mountaineer with a Fox SC 34 fork. Carbon wheels with a Son Dynamo hub, Mezcal 29 x 2.35s, and an XT/XTR with a 28t chain ring.
BAGS: Revelate Designs frame and handlebar bags, Oveja Negra seat bag, Jerry Can and Chuck Bucket, and Rockgeist feed bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I love all of it but my custom side-entry Dispersed Bags bivy is pretty sweet! I will fill it with a Nemo pad and Therm-a-Rest quilt.

Jacob Hora

Age 18 / Victor, Idaho (USA)

ROUTE: Stagecoach 400
BIKE: I will be racing on a Gen 1 Rodeo Labs Show Pony with a Fox 34 step-cast. The bike features Shimano XTR drivetrain and XT 4-piston brakes. This bike also has Industry Nine Ultralight 280 carbon wheels laced with Victoria 2.25 Mezcals. Another feature this bike has is a small pair of aero bars which I hope come in handy.
BAGS: I will be using a Tailfin carbon rack system as well as a Tailfin small cargo cage on my down tube. The top tube bag is an FBJ creations product.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Since seeing the forecast, I prepared with a reliable rain kit from PEdALED. I love their rain pants because they are cycling-specific and are tapered so they don’t rub your chain all.

Chad Hubbard

Age 49 / Temecula, California (USA)

ROUTE: Stagecoach 400
BIKE: I rode the same bike and set up on the AZT last year, even though at times I wish I had some squash at times, its a full rigid. The bike is a Salsa Woodsmoke with a 1 x 11 drivetrain and a 28T for putting in one low and jeeping over the trail. I probably waste more time than I should adjusting the air pressure on the Ikon 27.5 x 2.8”, but the pressure will make it a different bike altogether. I also run a dropper post, but getting it to work with the seat bag was a little tricky. I had to raise the post height and make up a limit strap (rope) so the seat bag post strap would not interfere when it was going up and down, it actually works well. The other thing I wouldn’t ride without are the two Bikage adjustable water bottle holders on the fork for holding tight to smart water bottles, gatorades, beer cans, etc. In addition to those for water, I run a Dakine hip sack that holds up to two liters of water so I can load up to 4 liters of water when needed.
BAGS: Fat Bike Jesus main frame bag works out so sweet, so much room I just have to be careful not to pack too much crap just because I have the space. I run the Revelate Spinelock 10L seat bag, which is equally spacious and functional. The Spinelock system is the best, no dog tail wagging, it stays put. The Revelate Gas Tank is super nice to grab quick snacks and gels out of while riding.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: A Gossamer Gear solo tarp using the bike handlebar (bike laid on its side) keeps me dry at night and packs tiny (6 oz and takes the space of a pair of socks). I lay down a tyvek ground sheet with a Big Agnes UL inflatable pad and crawl into an REI 30-degree down bag but will probably buy a similar temp-rated down quilt one day. I always carry a platypus micro filter that I can screw on the top of any water bottle just in case. For Stagecoach, I’ll just use my phone with a small external battery and the Ride with GPS app to find my way. Then I use USB-C cables for quick charges and available stops with power.

Sam Johnstone

Age 67 / Julian, California (USA)

ROUTE: Stagecoach 400
BIKE: 11-year-old Motobecane ti9er. All new Shimano, 2×12 drivetrain, 26/36T with 10-45T cassette, brakes, shifters, derailleurs. Hand-built carbon wheels.
BAGS: Frame bag and top tube bags by Oveja Negra for some color. Revelate Designs Terrapin seat bag. Salsa cradle with dry bag up front.

Joe Mangan

Age 32 / Salt Lake City, Utah (USA)

ROUTE: Stagecoach 400
BIKE: 2017 Rocky Mountain Suzi-Q 70, 29 x 3.0″, carbon i9 wheels, SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain, Brooks Cambium C17 saddle. Probably the only bikepacking rig I’ll ever be able to manual.
BAGS: Salsa Salsa Salsa, Revelate Designs Spinelock for sleepy system and extra burritos. Extra baggage includes mommy issues.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: California burritos for fuel, a flask of whiskey to calm the quiet terror of being alive.

Sean Mankiw

Age 32 / Tujunga, California (USA)

ROUTE: Sideshow
BIKE: Trek Farley.
BAGS: Custom Alpine Luddites top tube bag, miscellaneous Revelate Design bags, Road Runner front bag with Amazon cargo net on Salsa cradle. Oveja Negra lunch box.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Bora 2 kite (120g) for some rest on a windy day, Sony a6000 camera, park tool GSC-1 brush, Areo bars with a Wolf Tooth EnCase bar kit hidden inside. CamelBak Chase vest 1.5L and 1L San Pellegrino bottle vole strapped on aero bars.

Sean Martin

Age 43 / Los Angeles, California (USA)

ROUTE: Stagecoach 400
BIKE: Cervelo ZHT-5, SRAM Eagle GX, Race Face Era Cranks, Fox Step-Cast 34 Fork, Fox Transfer SL Dropper, Race Face Arc Wheelset, Maxxis Rekon Race Tires.
BAGS: A mix of Apidura Racing (Top Tube and Frame pack) and Backcountry bags (Front and Saddle), Outershell Stem Caddy (x2) and a Apidura Hydration Vest.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My beautiful lady Natasha got me a North Face Summit Assault bivy for Xmas, super stoked to try that out! Past that just keepin it fast n loose!

Ian Murray

Age 54 / Ashland, Oregon (USA)

ROUTE: Stagecoach 400
BIKE: Canyon Lux Trail with 1x XT.
BAGS: A mixed bag of mixed bags.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: It’s super comfy.

Billy Nixon

Age 56 / Victor, Idaho (USA)

ROUTE: Stagecoach 400
BIKE: Why Wayward V2 with a SRAM XO 10-52T cassette, 32T front ring. King headset and BB, Ti Moonmen Moonriser handlebar, Paul Boxcar Stem, Paul Clamper brakes, Oynx Hubs, Mezcal 2.35” tires.
BAGS: Porcelain Rocket Mr. Fusion seat bag, Rockgeist frame bag and fed bags. JPAKS Footlong SnakPak. Revelate Harness and Pocket and custom front roll. Rouge Panda downtube bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Nemo Apollo 3p, Enlightened Equipment Quilt, Sea to Summit Aeros pillow and Etherlight XT mat. Garmin Edge 830, and did I say the Moonman Moonriser Ti Handlebar? It’s 830mm wide, 24 degrees sweep, and 3 inch rise.

Jeremy Nolan

Age 29 / Vista, California (USA)

ROUTE: Stagecoach 400
BIKE: I’ll be riding Stagecoach on my 2010 Specialized Stumpjumper SS. It’s currently set up with a Niner carbon fork, 11-speed Deore groupset with 32T up front and an 11-51T cassette. Other highlights include a Redshift suspension seatpost, and 2.35″ Vittoria Mezcal tire up front and 2.25″ out back mounted on Hunt X-Wide wheels.
BAGS: I’ll be using a cheap but well-loved Moosetrek frame bag for a water bladder, food, and tools, and a Revelate Designs handlebar roll for clothes and camp gear. Other items will be in a RockBros top tube bag and Blackburn cage.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: The Redshift seatpost is a godsend and really makes the bike ride comfortably. I also recently added Ergon GP4 grips and am in love with them. Oriflamme Canyon is going to be a bumpy ride on this setup, so any added comfort helps!

Mateo Paez

Age 30 / Bend, Oregon (USA)

ROUTE: Stagecoach 400
BIKE: 2021 Specialized Epic Hardtail will be raced using fast and light technology. Highlighted are the Schwalbe Racing Ralphs in 2.35”/Super Ground casing. My high mileage contact points will be gracefully handled by the Ergon SR All-Road Core Saddle and GS-3 grips. Best in the game.
BAGS: All of the bags are custom-made by my good friend Sam Powell of ThreeSisterThreadworks. We have worked together for years developing the finer details of quick-draw storage efficiencies that arise while touring but shine when racing!
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: kLite for ultra-high lumen torch beams and charging capabilities wired to SP Hub. GoPro Black9 & Sony RX100 for capturing memories and emotions. No aero bars. No sleep system. No cellphone.

Mark Pruitt

Age 62 / Livingston, Texas (USA)

ROUTE: Stagecoach 400
BIKE: I will be riding a 2021 Viathon carbon hardtail. It has 29 x 2.2” Specialized Fast Trak Control Gripton tires and a SRAM 12-speed Eagle with a 32T oval chain ring. I’ll be using aero bars with bar ends.
BAGS: I have a Moose Trek frame bag with a 2L hydro pak and a Revelate Designs tail bag. I also have two feed bags and a phone holder that has two small bags over the top bar.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’m carrying a North Face mummy bag and a Tact Emergency Bivvy 2.0 sleeping bag cover. For lighting, a Fenix LD22 is attached to the handlebar and I wear a sofirn rechargeable headlamp. My navigation is a Wahoo Elemnt Roam.

Drew Raney

Age 26 / Bakersfield, California (USA)

ROUTE: Sideshow
BIKE: Kona Unit Rigid 29er running SRAM GX AXS, Columbus carbon fork, TRP brakes, and hand built Industry Nine Hydra wheels on Stan’s Flow Rims with 2.35” Vittoria Mezcals. 32T Five Dev chainring, 10-52T Garbaruk Cassette in the rear.
BAGS: Oveja Negra frame bag and drybag holster, a mix of Revelate Designs feed bags, accessory bags, and the Shrew as my saddlebag, Dispersed Bikepacking bolt on top tube bag!
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’ll be trying out a 15 oz Therm-a-Rest Vesper 32 degree quilt, Sea to Summit UL sleeping pad, and an outdoor research bivy bag for my sleep set-up. I’ll be rocking my team’s distinctive purple Grizzly Cycles kit and running an Edge 530 + RWGPS for navigation.

Jesse Reeves

Age 39 / Reno, Nevada (USA)

ROUTE: Stagecoach 400
BIKE: This will be my maiden voyage on the new custom Mosaic GT 2X. It’s built around pretty low and racy custom geometry, but with clearance for true 29er tires. For this race, I’ve chosen the trusty Mezcal TNTs in the rather slim 2.1″ variety, but plumply mounted upon some wide carbon hoops and Hope hubs. Drivetrain is a mix of GRX, Ultegra, and XT, all of the 11-speed Di2 variety. Gearing is pretty broad with a 34T up front, with an 11-46T in the rear. The touchpoints include a Specialized Mirror saddle, Cervelo Carbon bars with a bit of flare, modified Redshift stem (-10 degrees), and an aero bar setup. This includes a Garmin mount, for the Edge 830, a light mount for one of the two Fenix BC26Rs I’ll be using, as well as additional shift buttons. For this somewhat shorter event, I’ve opted for battery-powered lights and a cache battery for the USB charging needs over my dynamo setup in hopes of eliminating some of the mental energy associated with juggling the charging efforts.
BAGS: All the bags/mounts are of my own making. As a constant tinkerer, this is the third iteration that I’ve finally settled on. All four bags are sewn using Liteskin fabric and seam sealed to limit water intrusion. The rear bag (clothing) is mounted on top of a small aluminum tube stabilizer rack that bolts to the seatpost clamp. The rack has a shaped HDPE platform insert that I then mounted a bottle cage to. A Voile Rack Strap loops up through the seat rails and keeps everything compressed, but easily accessible/removable. The bag itself can be removed in a few seconds. The frame bag (food) and top tube bag (electronics/essentials) are of similar construction, and utilize a bolt on design, with heat-molded Kydex internal structures to keep their shape and keep them in place. The downtube bag (spares/tools) is a hybrid roll top with a zipper, which allows me access to my tools and repair kit without unbolting the bag from the bike. No handlebar bag, cause #aero. Although, I will be wearing a minimalist running vest for extra water capacity through the desert.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: All the clothing, with none of the sleep kit. Despite this being a race through the desert, after freezing during a wet multi-day race last year, I’ve added some layers, and really put thought into the function of each piece. This includes a bunch of tailoring, alterations, and even the fabrication of a couple of garments from scratch.

Florian Schleich

Age 40 / Burbank, California (USA)

ROUTE: Stagecoach 400
BIKE: Will be riding my Yeti ARC this year. Stagecoach modifications include Maxxis Recon Race tires and Ergon GS2 grips. Got pretty beat up on the gravel bike the last two years, so I’m looking forward to having some squish!
BAGS: Oveja Negra saddle bag and top tube bag mounted to the seat post. Aeroe handlebar spider up front to keep things in place. Double feeder bags to carry all of the snacks.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Nothing out of the ordinary here – OR puffy jacket and a body bag, NeoAir pad, Yeti rain jacket, and shorts.

Jason Shafer

Age 41 / Pasadena, California (USA)

ROUTE: Sideshow
BIKE: I’m riding a new rig this year, a 2021 Why Cycles El Jefe size M, dubbed “Space Cowboy.” The focus is an FKT: Funnest Known Time (thanks to route creator Brendan Collier for that one!) and I’m VERY excited to be doing the first of its kind “Sideshow,” riding the route in it’s originally intended direction (reverse for most folks). Keeping most of my dropper, threw on a Maxxis Ikon 2.4″ in the rear and a half-worn Maxxis Ardent Race 2.4″ in the front. These will be maximized by some beefy 37mm wide carbon NOBL rims (WOW!). 1×12 SRAM drivetrain with a 32T oval ring, 52-10T cassette. This thing is a backcountry singletrack-ripping bikepacking beast!
BAGS: I’m running Revelate Designs all around. Frame bag, two feedbags, Terapin seat bag, and Sweet roll + harness on the bars. Oveja Negra top tube bag for a splash of color. I wear an old Camelbak Mule as well which accommodates 3L of extra water when needed and tons of expandable storage for pizza and burritos. I wear the ol’ spandex uniform, so my jersey pockets are also a well-used cargo area.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’ll be overprepared for a good time! Thanks to a rare, wet California “winter,” I’m packing full gear (rain, camping, maybe even a stove?), Lux Big Agnes tent w/ Nemo bag and pad. Lights are Fenix PD36 (helmet) and BC26R (bars). Garmin Edge 530 gets me where I need to go with Gaia on my iPhone as backup. Katadyn water filter. Contact points are ODI grips, Ergon saddle, Shimano shoe pedals. Couple of secrets: spokes in the left bar-end, the Lezyne tubeless insert kit in the right bar-end, 1UP EDC pump with EDC tool stashed inside attached to the left side on the bottle mounts, and 1.5L of water in a downtube-mounted Nalgene.

Laurel Smith

Age 29 / Seattle, Washington (USA)

ROUTE: Stagecoach 400
BIKE: 2018 Surly Karate Monkey 27.5. Mostly stock, minus the suspension fork, wheels, and aerobars. Heavy but generally reliable.
BAGS: 15L Ortlieb seat pack (sleep stuff + weather-related clothing), Revelate frame bag (food), Revelate Mag Tank 2000 (food), front bag borrowed from a friend (misc).
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Excited for the suspension fork. Bluetooth speaker is for bears on my likely inevitable nighttime climb into Idyllwild. Not packing super light, weather looks bad.

Patrick Smyth

Age 29 / Irvine, California (USA)

ROUTE: Stagecoach 400
BIKE: Riding my Slug Gasser, shreddiest hardtail ever. All levels of shimano present, Deore to XTR. 28T Blackspire oval. Some sketchy fast Maxxis tires and Revgrips for the hand cush.
BAGS: Loophole handlebar bag and feed bag, all upcycled material and the colors just make me happy. Custom frame bag by Alex R-J, Raw Burger Special theme (Hot Pink on the inside!). Psyched to finally be able to have a 3L bladder in a small size frame thanks to Alex. Revelate Shrew just making the cut with minimal clearance.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Not bringing it out, but EXTREME GREEN saved me from having to ride this with poison oak rash all over.

Wyatt Spalding

Age 23 / Phoenix, Arizona (USA)

ROUTE: Stagecoach 400
BIKE: I’ll be riding my Kona Honzo DL that is setup singlespeed. 32×22 gearing. Rolling on DT240/Son Dynamo hubs laced to carbon hoops and a 140mm Fox 34 fork. 2.4”
Bontrager SE4 tires.
BAGS: A mix of Revelate, Dispersed, and Bedrock Bags. I’m also using some Austere Manufacturing cam straps to secure a Sea to Summit dry bag to the bars.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’ll be using an Enlightened Equipment quilt paired with a Montbell bivy for any sleeping. A Sinewave Beacon for dynamo light and USB charging.

Clayton Stich

Age 30 / Sam Diego, California (USA)

ROUTE: Stagecoach 400
BIKE: I’ll be riding the Stagecoach 400 on a 2021 Revel Ranger with a RockShox Pike up front. The bike is built with Revel’s carbon wheels wrapped in Vittoria Mezcal 2.35″ tires, a 12s Eagle drivetrain with 30T chainring, and a long and low stem and Salsa carbon flat bars with Profile Designs clip-on aero bars.
BAGS: My primary bag is a Tailfin aeropack for sleeping gear and spare clothes, a Rogue Panda top tube and feed bags for small bits and snacks, and an Apidura mini frame bag to house batteries and charge on the go. I’ll be wearing an Ultimate Direction ultra vest for flexible water and larger food storage.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: A mud fender up front and Tailfin out back to keep the mud out! Borah Gear UL bivy, EE quilt, and NeoAir pad for shelter. Outbound Lighting lights out front and on the helmet and a Garmin Varia radar light on the back to see and be seen. Hammerhead Karoo 2 and plenty of batteries round out navigation.

Roland Sturm

Age 60 / Santa Monica, California (USA)

ROUTE: Sideshow
BIKE: I’m taking my Seven titanium this time, but I also have a steel Niner and Salsa Mariachi. All very similar, with the same oddities: Jones Bar, bar ends, and Brooks saddle. Essentially unchanged from what I rode on the first Stagecoach 400 in 2012. Of course, I have tried carbon, full-suspension, dropper posts, 1x drive, any goofy fashion that came around. But always come back to steel or titanium hardtail with a front derailleur. About the only change in the last 15 years: At the beginning of 2023, I lowered the gearing because I seem to need a supergranny for loaded tours by now. The Seven has a 24×42 (my other bikes are still at 26X36).
BAGS: Revelate bags, everything is on the bike, no backpack.

Edyn Teitge

Age 13 / Hailey, Idaho (USA)

ROUTE: Stagecoach 400
BIKE: Lynskey MT29 with Salsa Firestarter Fork.
BAGS: Revelate Designs Ranger Frame Bag, Road Runner Bags Handlebar Bag, Blackburn Tool Bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Two Klean Kanteen bottles for water, SON dynamo hub with Klite Wiring harness, I might be racing a 2015 Scott Scale with all the same components depending on if some parts arrive soon enough.

Rafael Torres

Age 49 / Vista, California (USA)

ROUTE: Stagecoach 400
BIKE: 2022 Sonder Broken Road v2. Looped with Logos eudae 29 wheels wrapped in Mezcals 2.25 in a rigid package with an ENVE fork. The right amount of give supplied by an eesilk seatpost. Mixed Eagle GX/xx1 mechanical 1x set up, 34T with a 10-52T cassette. Cockpit consists of flat bars and Fred bBr/aerobar set.
BAGS: My bags are a mixed batch. Revelate Designs Shrew seat pack, Alpkit frame bag, Restrap toptube bag, Wanderlust stem bag, and Restrap aerobar bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: To help keep it conservative, I will pedal with a pair of Garmin Rally power pedals. Navigation through a Wahoo Bolt, and a Widefoot Litercage to carry a Nelgene water bottle.

Jeremy Tullo

Age 34 / Redlands, California (USA)

ROUTE: Sideshow
BIKE: All-City Gorilla Monsoon
BAGS: I am running a few different bags for this. Ortlieb seatpack, Blackburn frame bag, two Orucase stem bags, and a Sea to Summit dry bag. Not pictured is a Camelbak Chase hydration vest.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I don’t think there’s anything too outstanding or extraordinary about this set up. My sleep system is all packed in the rear which includes a ground sheet, bivy, pad, sleeping bag, and liner. The frame bag has 3L water capacity as well as tools and hygene stuff. The stem bags are for easy-access snacks. I have a few extra clothing items packed in the dry bag. The vest holds an extra 1.5L of water. The Sinewave Beacon 2 will make sure that all my electronics stay online while on course.

Dylan Turner

Age 37 / Flagstaff, Arizona (USA)

ROUTE: Stagecoach 400
BIKE: My trusty bulletproof steed is a 2018 Motobecane Fantom titanium hardtail paired with a Fox Step Cast 34 120mm Fork. Drivetrain is a mix of Shimano XT and SLX 1×12 with a Wolf Tooth 30T front chainring. The rolling bits are Light Bicycle AM930 carbon wheels laced to DT Swiss 240 hubs with a Maxis Rekon 2.4” front and Rekon Race 2.35” on the rear. Cockpit includes a PNW Components Cascade 125mm dropper with an Ergon SM Pro saddle, 800mm Renthal Fatbars and Ergon GS1 grips.
BAGS: Bikepacking bags include a Revelate front harness with a Sea to Summit Drybag, Revelate front pouch and feed bags, Dispersed Bikepacking Gear mega top tube bag, and frame bag. As always, no seat bag – only a tool wrap.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Ultralight sleep system is an SOL Escape bivvy, Tyvek ground sheet, Klymit Inertia X-Frame pad, Mountain Hardware Phantom Spark 28-degree bag, Klymit Pillow, and Goose Feet down booties which can double as hand warmers – all compressed in the front roll. Bonus items for this race and its forecasted cold and muddy conditions are some extra warm/wind gear, waterproof socks, Kahtoola Instagaiters, and mud flaps!

Timur Tusiray

Age 34 / Goleta, California (USA)

ROUTE: Stagecoach 400
BIKE: I’ll be riding the Stagecoach 400 on my trusty 2022 Salsa Fargo. Modifications from the good folks at The Mob Shop Ojai include Teravail Honcho 2.4s, Fox 32 Step-Cast suspension fork, and a Selle Anatomica saddle.
BAGS: Revelate Designs and an Oveja Negra Superwedgie wack pack.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: 36oz Soma Further bottles and 2L Hydro Flask with Katadyn filter for sipping. Fenix lights and a Wahoo 2/iPhone for navigation. OR Helium bivy, Klymit pillow, and lots of warm clothes for naps. Goodrs for daytime and Stoggles for nighttime.

Darlene Usi

Age 33 / San Diego, California (USA)

ROUTE: Stagecoach 400
BIKE: Meet Honeydew, a 2022 Specialized Diverge Sport Carbon in size 49cm (yay for tiny frames!). Everything is stock (SRAM Apex, 1×11 drivetrain, 11-42T cassette with a 40T chainring). The only upgrade are the tires, Rene Herse Oracle Ridge (700 x 47mm) to tackle the desert portion of Stagecoach.
BAGS: The custom splatter paint frame bag and top tube bag were created by Andrew The Maker. Rear Tailfin trunk bag and rack system. Two feed bags in the cockpit by ROGOVbags from Etsy. Sea to Summit dry sack for sleeping bag and an Oveja Negra Front Loader for mounting. I’ll wear a Hydroflask hydration hip pack to carry burritos, pizza, snacks and cookies.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: This is my first ultra-endurance race, so I’ll shelf my tent and attempt the tarping method over my Mountain Hardwear Bishop Pass 15-degree sleeping bag/Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm sleeping pad. I have a Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT for navigation and a Garmin inReach for location tracking. A Tiger Tail foam roller is included as a luxury item. Also, a few pieces of flare to sport (a Lord of the Rings Hobbits pin, a Saguaro National Park cactus pin, and an “Escape” Desert Landscape pin). These pieces gently remind me that my flare, bags, and bike color represent my form of self-expression and discovery.

Magnus Verbrugge

Age 50 / Victoria, British Columbia (Canada)

ROUTE: Stagecoach 400
BIKE: I’ll be riding Stagecoach 400 on a custom 4XL Habanero Titanium Hardtail (I’m 6’9”!), with a Salsa Firestarter steel fork, DT Swiss M442 wheels and Maxxis Ardent 2.4” tires. Jones Bars and a Selle Anatomica saddle complete the setup. XT groupset with 1x drivetrain that seems to have two gears less than it should. I’m using three 20,000mAh Anker power banks for all my power.
BAGS: I am bringing a Porcelain Rocket Mr. Fusion seat bag, Moosetreks frame bag and bottle bags, and a Rockbros top tube bag. I also have a MTB pack with a 3L hydration bladder strapped to my seat bag, which I will fill and wear during the dry stretches or when I have reloaded with food. Rogue Panda tool pouch below the downtube for all my tools.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My 25-year-old down MEC 2C bag with Sea to Summit ultralight sleep pad and a cheap but waterproof bivvy make up my sleep system. I will cook coffee and oatmeal with a titanium pot and a no-name ultralight pizo stove. InReach on board for Trackleaders dot and an iPhone with QuadLock mount for all navigation.

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