Rigs of the 2024 Colorado Trail Race

We’re proud to present the Rigs of the 2024 Colorado Trail Race (CTR) as our ninth rig roundup of the year. More than 70 riders are registered for this year’s grand depart, which takes off from Denver this Sunday at 4 a.m., following a roughly 530-mile route through the Colorado Rocky Mountains to Durango in the state’s southwest. The Colorado Trail is no walk in the park, with over 300 miles of technical, tire-eating singletrack, elevations ranging from 5,500 to a hypoxic 13,200 feet, and a high probability of thunderstorms, hail, and even snow.

The 2024 CTR is shaping up to be an exciting event, with several strong riders lining up for the grand depart. Last year’s Tour Divide winner Ulrich Bartholmoes is lining up with an interesting bike setup that has folks wondering if a drop-bar mountain bike with no dropper post will be enough to handle the course’s technical terrain. This year’s Tour Divide fastest singlespeeder, Alex Kowalski, is also racing and, like Ulrich, hopes to complete the Triple Crown Challenge (Tour Divide, Colorado Trail, and Arizona Trail) this year. Other riders to watch out for include Abe Kaufman (2023 TNGA Winner), Karin Pocock (2024 Oregon Timber Trail 300 Winner), Tim Tait, Matt Annabel, and Leila Husain.

As always, we’ve worked with this year’s riders to collect bike and gear info for over 50 people taking on the route. Scroll through and get a good look at everyone’s rigs below, then head over to the 2024 Colorado Trail tracker page to follow along live.

Laura Anderson

Age 45 / Boulder, Colorado (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be CTR’ing on a FS 2018 Specialized Epic named Stella. Shout out to my husband for helping me keep her in stellar form! I’ll be rolling 2.4” tires and a 1×12 drivetrain with a 30T chainring.
BAGS: Going with Rockgeist front / rear bags + handlebar water bottle bag. Revelate bags for Top Tube.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: An Old Man Mountain rear rack has been a clutch addition to my setup and allows me to use my dropper post. I have a luxury sleep set up: Big Agnes tent, 30-degree sleeping bag, Sea to Summit air mat, pillow….and sleeping pants/shirt.

Matt Annabel

Age 49 / Carbondale, Colorado (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be riding ‘Blue’, my singlespeed Revel Wayward. Blue is geared 32x22T with an out-of-spec 140mm fork up front. I’m not even gonna try to hold her back.
BAGS: Forward top-tube bag and the best front-roll on the market by Dispersed Bikepacking. Custom frame bag and rear top-tube bag by Rockgeist. Feed bags by Revelate Designs. And yeah, there’s a backpack… a 20L Ultimate Direction Fastpack.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: From my neck will hang the sawed-off derailleur hanger of my favorite bike. I call it the ‘fail-hole.’ It’s the one part of most bikes designed to fail in the face of adversity. This one took me to the end of my first ultra – the only ultra I’ve ridden with extra gears. I’m grateful for that, but I don’t bolt-on doubt anymore. Its new job is one of greater purpose and strength—to channel all the love and growth this race has brought into my life.

Ulrich “Uba” Bartholmoes

Age 38 / Girona (Spain)

BIKE: BMC Fourstroke 01 Two—it is a totally custom build with Beast Components TR30 Carbon rims wheels with a SON Dynamo hub up front, a SRAM Eagle XX1 Drivetrain (32T x 10-52T), a RockShox SID suspension fork and Beast Component Dropbars. Pulley wheels and all bearings are low-friction ceramic parts by Kogel to ensure smooth pedaling. The tires will be Hutchinson Kraken 2.3”. My favorite highlight on the bike is my Supernova M99 DY Pro front light. It’s the brightest I have ever seen and will be my laser sword to conquer the nights!
BAGS: I will use the Apidura Backcountry series with the 4.5L saddle pack, a custom full frame pack with approx. 3L, the 1L rear top tube pack, and the 1.8L top tube pack—make a total of 10 liters to carry clothes, spares, and food. More capacity, if needed, I will find in my Apidura Backcountry Hydration Backpack, which also features a 2L water bladder.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: The bike and the setup for the race are inspired by my Tour Divide setup. Mainly, the frame is different, but other parts have proven to sustain great adventures. My focus is on a good balance between weight, comfort, durability, and, above all, reliability. All components have been tested for many thousands of kilometers and will for sure serve me well.

Emma Bateup

Age 25 / Wellington (New Zealand)

BIKE: Juliana Wilder with 29 × 2.35″ Ardent Race tires, SRAM 1×12 drivetrain, 30T chainring, Fox 120mm front/115mm rear, Burgtec MK5 flat pedals, Garmin eTrex 20.
BAGS: Dirtbag Utility Co. custom frame bag, BP Bike Bags top tube bag, Apidura Backcountry handlebar bag, BBB rollpack saddle bag, Camelbak Octane 9 vest.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Ground Effect Clothing keeping me warm and dry, Smith Optics for protection, Escape bivvy bag, and Marmot sleeping bag.

Chris Besnia

Age 39 / Gunnison, Colorado (USA)

BIKE: ‘The Gunsmoke’ Custom Handmade Single Speed Goodday with the smoke & mirrors powder finish, 28 X 17T gear ratio.
BAGS: Custom Curiosity Bike Bags with Copper Mallow flower X-PAC on the Rattler Bar Bag and Desperado Seat Bag and Copper Mallow Applique on the Framepack and Bento Bandito bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: The Goodday Spacer-cradle rack, Enlightened quilt, MSR Freelite 1 tent.

Bex

Age 39 / Salida, Colorado (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be riding my Santa Cruz Tallboy (Viola!). Running the SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain with a 32T chainring, 10-50T cassette, Roval Control SL carbon wheelset with Pirelli Scorpion 29 x 2.4″ tires.
BAGS: Fish-Ski handmade frame & top tube bags. Rocking the Rogue Panda Ripsy on the saddle, which allows for full rear travel even with a dropper and Viola’s small frame—it’s been a game changer! My front roll bag is the Backcountry Apidura as is my in-frame 1.5L bladder. Feeder bags are a mix of Apidura and Revelate Designs.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My shelter and sleep kit consists of an OR Alpine AscentShell Bivy, Big Agnes AXL air sleeping pad, and Western Mountaineering Terralite bag. Another game changer is the Aeroe Spider handlebar cradle, which keeps all the gear held safely above the cabling! Navigating with the Wahoo Element Bolt, apps on the phone as a back-up. Garmin InReach mini for tracking and the Fenix HM70R for those long dark night rides! Kahhh leh go!

Marshal Bird

Age 68 / Grand Junction, Colorado (USA)

BIKE: Specialized Evo Epic, 29er. 29 x 2.6″ Maxxis Forekaster in the front, 2.35″ Specialized Ground Control in the rear, AXS wireless 1×12 w/28T chainring, no dynamo, Suspension Fox130/110mm, navigating with a Garmin 1040 Solar.
BAGS: Two are Tailfin, two are Revelate Designs, and main frame bag is a custom Rockgeist, will also use my old 15L Vaude backpack.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Same bike I used for this years TDR, but minus the aerobars and pannier. Made it CTR singletrack ready with wider bar, beefier tires, dropper post, 65mm cranks and 28T chainring. I ditched the flats for clipless to avoid flats bumping/shredding my calf’s during the many singletrack hike-a-bike sections. Gear includes an old Zpacks 1-person tent and 32-degree sleeping bag.

Xavier Chiriboga

Age 42 / Quito, Pichincha (Ecuador)

BIKE: Thanks to my friends at HUNT and SRAM who helped put together this last minute borrowed frame. Canyon Lux World Cup CF 6 with HUNT Proven Race XC Dynamo Wheels and a mix of SRAM Components, complete with wireless AXS shifting. I carry spare batteries for my shifting and a power bank to charge accessories. My light is an Exposure Revo. I will carry six bottles and try not to stop too often for refills, but will rely on my BeFree filter along with two-part Aquamira as a failsafe. Thanks to James Stokoe and the HUNT crew along with Jason Kiefer for race prep support. Super special thanks to Winnie and Iver Johnson for the inspirational frame stickers!
BAGS: My friends at Urcu bags have me covered for some frame and bar storage along with a simple Revelate Designs seatbag and feedbags.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’ll not likely be sleeping much so no sleep system, let’s just focus on the bike. HUNT Proven Race XC Dynamo Disc wheelset that is about to launch. This Canyon frame with locking Sid Ultimate fork and locking Sid Luxe Ultimate rear shock is an absolute rocketship.

Sean Cowie

Age 30 / Denver, Colorado (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be racing the CTR on a 2020 aluminimum Salsa Timberjack with NOBL carbon wheels and a Tag Metal carbon handlebar. 29 x 2.6″ Maxxis Forecaster (front) and Rekon (rear), 1×12 mechanical, no dynamo, RockShox Spektor (130mm/0mm), Wahoo Elemnt Bolt v2.
BAGS: I squeezed a Rogue Panda bag with an Apidura 3L bladder into the frame paired with Apidura race and Restrap top tube bags. I will also be using a Bedrock Bags Entrada handlebar bag, a Revelate Vole seat bag, and a Bedrock Bags downtube bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’ve ergonomified my cockpit since the last race and added a carbon handlebar, SQLabs Innerbarends, Wolf Tooth Extra Chunky grips, and Cane Creek bar ends. An OR AscentShell bivy and Enlightened Equipment quilt will be my sleep system.

Christophe Dijkmans

Age 33 / Liege (Belgium)

BIKE: I will race the CTR on a custom Cannondale Scalpel SE 120mm built as always by my friend Allcapol. Lefty Fork, ERASE Rear wheel (Spoiler: The front one will come soon with the right hub…) with 29 x 2.4″ Hutchinson KRAKEN tires. SRAM AXS drivetrain and dropper seatpost. FIZIK Argo Vento Adaptive saddle.
Shimano XTR with Galfer Discs and pads.
BAGS: Full kit from Tailfin. Some proto, some from production.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Albion kit. Exposure Lights. Outdoor Research Helium bivy, Therm-a-Rest UberLite and Cumulus Quilt as sleeping system. Salomon ADV15 hydration vest and Katadyn water filter.

Gregg Dunham

Age 45 / Thousand Oaks, California (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be riding an El Jefe titanium hardtail with ti bars. My saddle is an Ergon SM pro and grips are the Wolf Tooth Fat Paw’s paired with Cane Creek Ergo Control Bar Ends. The fork is a RockShox Pike Ultimate. Gearing is a 28T chainring with the 12-speed Eagle 10-52T cassette. I’m very excited about my recent addition of Onyx hubs and Nobl wheels and the 4 piston Hope Tech 4 e4 brakes.
BAGS: I’ve outfitted my bike with finely crafted Dispersed bags along with Mountain Laurel, and Revelate bags filled with all my tools, layers, and snacks.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Zpacks Hexamid Pocket Tarp, Zpacks Solo quilt, Synthetic Enlightened Torrid Jacket, lighting by Fenix, and navigation by Wahoo.

Colt Fetters

Age 34 / Durango, Colorado (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be riding a Buena Onda Ti Hardtail, a bike designed for terrain just like the Colorado Trail. With 29″ wheels, 130mm of suspension, a roomy cockpit, and a supple yet snappy Ti frame that is built in Durango. The bike sports a 130mm Cane Creek Coil Helm fork, Eagle AXS drivetrain, 29″ Industry Nine Carbon Enduro S Wheelset, SON Dynamo hub, and 29 x 2.6″ Rekons. OneUp Carbon 35 Riser bars, Wolf Tooth Mega Fat Paw, and Ergon G2 winged end caps will help keep the hands comfy.
BAGS: The frame bag is custom-made by Dispersed, handlebar bag is the Moab Bag from Bedrock, with a Jpaks Footlong EXT on the top tube and Revelate Designs Feedbags. Still deciding if I need to wear a BD Distance running vest for overflow.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: In my previous 2018 ride, I opted for a bivy-only sleep system: that sucked. This year, I’ll be using a Rab UL35 sleeping bag, Klymit Inertia pad, and a BD bivy.

Patricia George

Age 50 / Denver, Colorado (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be riding (not racing) the CTR on my WhyCycles Big Iron, which I have named “Big Hope.” Built by Elevation Wheel Company in Colorado Springs, the bike features a new pair of Maxxis Rekon 29 x 2.5″ tires on custom Nextie wheels, a 1×11 drivetrain with a 32T chainring, and Industry Nine hubs.
BAGS: I’m running the Aeroe Spider Handlebar Cradle and Aeroe Spider Rear Rack with Aeroe dry bags. I’m rocking the Oveja Negra Bodega Full Frame Bag and Chuckbuckets (Wack Pack!).
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’ll be using a Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL1 Bikepack Tent and I’m carrying my water system and rain gear in my trusted Mission Hauser 10L backpack. Garmin 1040 Solar for navigation.

Rocky Gingg

Age 35 / Durango, Colorado (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be pedaling on a Pivot 429 with a 120m Fox 34 Fork. XT build, 30T chainring, and Reynolds wheels with I9 hubs. Rolling on Maxxis Rekon 2.4″ front and back. OneUp dropper and bars with Wolf Tooth Fat Paw grips. For navigation, I’ll be using a Garmin Edge 540 Solar.
BAGS: Frame bag, seat bag, and front top tube bag by Bedrock. Revelate Designs Pronghorn on the bars. Oveja Negra rear top tube bag and Chuckbucket for a bottle and snacks.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: OR Helium bivy and a SOL bivy for good measure. Fenix BC26R and HM65R for lights. USWE Rush MTB vest for hydration. Shokz headphones for some tunes along the way!

Matan Guttmann

Age 26 / North Vancouver, British Columbia (Canada)

BIKE: I will be riding a well loved 2018 Salsa Timberjack. After cracking one two many stock cheap I have treated myself to a pair of We Are One Fuse rims laced to DT Swiss 350 hubs, 2.6” Maxxis Rekons, XT four piston brakes and a 120mm Fox 34 Stepcast fork. Swapping out Jones bars and opting to try out SQLab 30X C bar with Ergon GS3s and SQLab Inner bars ends, for all the hand positions!
BAGS: Custom Rogue Panda frame bag. Rockgeist Gondola seat bag. Revelate Pronghorn up front. Homemade (by my sister!) downtube bag for repair kit. Top tube bag is Bedrock. Two Outdoor Research feedbags on the bars, one for water and one for bottomless snacks (I’m looking forward to seeing how many Bobos it can fit).
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I will be wearing a Salomon Active 8 vest to load up with as many Bobos. For lighting, I have a Cygolite Ranger 1400 and a Fenix BC26R on my bars and a Serfas 500 on my helmet as well as a backup Petzl Aktik. My eTrex broke two weeks before this trip so I will be learning to use an Edge 830 on the fly (auto reroute IS turned off). After feeling what it is like to get rained on all night in only a bivy, I will be taking a small sil tarp to keep me a bit drier. Short Therm-a-Rest Neoair and a WM Summerlite bag. My dad and I toured the route together two years ago and I am looking forward to recalling all the wonderful memories as I go (and hopefully still enjoying it as much as I try and go twice as fast).

Hunter Hamilton

Age 38 / Allenspark, Colorado (USA)

BIKE: 2020 Orbea Rallon with 1×12 GX Eagle, X01 Cassette/Chain, Wolftooth 28t oval, JPaks and Bedrock Bags Combo (a lot of bike for the CT, but the only mtb I have on a teacher salary). Industry Nine 1/1 29” with 2.5″ Maxxis Minion DHF and 2.3″ Maxxis Aggressor, no Dynamo, Fox 36/GPX2 160mm front/160mm rear), Garmin Etrex 30.
BAGS: JPaks Ruksak, Refugee Harness, and Footlong SnakPak; Bedrock Bags Entrada Handlebar Bag, Black Dragon Dropper Seat Bag, Custom Frame Bag, Honaker Accessory Bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Hyperlite XMid 1 (after hitting bivy burnout last summer) and Western Mountaineering Flylite 37 degree bag, Katadyn BeFree Water Filter for super fast filtering, tiny Nalgene jar with my dog Mogli’s ashes; one of my favorite pieces is surprisingly a cut off pair of Ultimate Direction V2 rain pants that get a ton of use beyond just rain and packs down to nothing.

Jason Hanson

Age 52 / Florence, Arizona (USA)

BIKE: I will be riding a Binary SuperBxc with SRAM 1×12 and a 26T chainring, Maxis Ardent 2.25″ and 2.40″ tires on NOX wheels with Industry Nine hubs.
BAGS: Bike Bag Dude frame, gas tank and top tube bags, Tailfin with a Mountain Laurel Designs bag, Revelate Designs handlebar bag .
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Zpacks sleeping bag, Garmin 1040 Solar and my Etrex 30 for navigation.

Jennifer Hanson

Age 57 / Florence, Arizona (USA)

BIKE: My bike that I will be riding is a Binary SuperBxc with SRAM 1×12 with a 26T chainring, Maxis Ardent 2.25″ and 2.40″ tires on NOX wheels with Industry Nine hydra hubs and a Fox 34 120mm fork.
BAGS: Rockgeist frame bag and top tube bag, Revelate Designs gas tank and handlebar bag, Tailfin with a Mountain Laurel Designs bag for my sleep kit.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Zpacks sleeping bag, Garmin 1040 Solar, and an Etrex 20.

Nolan Van Harte

Age 29 / Salida, Colorado (USA)

BIKE: For my first attempt at the entire Colorado Trail, I’ll be riding my 2024 TREK Supercaliber SLR Gen 2 with OVEJA NEGRA Bags. 120mm/80mm Rockshox Suspension, 1×12 SRAM AXS Transmission, 30T Chainring, Reynolds Blacklabel wheels with DT Swiss 240 hubs, Maxxis Rekon 2.4″ tires (60tpi EXO+), Fenix BC26R lights, Garmin eTrex for navigation. CTR Rookie here!
BAGS: The bike features Oveja Negra Bags: the Bodega Frame Bag, Top Tube Snack Pack, two Chuckbucket Handlebar Bags, and the Front End Loader. Bedrock Bags saddle pack. EVOC 1.5L Hydration Vest.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Super stoked on this combination of Oveja Negra bags allowing for convenient snacking and plenty of empty space for my resupplies along the way. Minimal but essential sleep/emergency kit with a down sleeping bag and bivvy. All the rain gear and some extra dry layers to change into in between storms.

Seth Holmes

Age 39 / Longmont, Colorado (USA)

BIKE: Pivot Trail 429. For my third rip down the Colorado Trail, I’ll be rolling on Maxxis Rekon Race 2.4″ tires mounted on Reynolds wheels/i9 hubs. 28T oval chainring. Ergon Saddle and Wolf Tooth grips. SRAM Transmission drivetrain with eeWing cranks, XTR pedals.
BAGS: Custom Jpak frame bag. Jpak LargeFarva SnakPak on the top tube. Revelate Designs Shrew bag behind the saddle and a Mountain Laurel Designs dry bag mounted in a Goodday Spacer Cradle Rack.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Garmin 840 Solar for navigation. Fenix BC26r light and headlamp will lead the way at night. Zpacks Plex Solo light tent, Therm-a-Rest Uberlite pad, 40° Sea to Summit sleeping bag to keep me warm and dry.

Leila Husain

Age 27 / Brevard, North Carolina (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be out there with my trusty gal, Izzy Bear, a 2020 YT Izzo. She’s a 130/130mm downcountry bike that pedals like a champ and rips descents. Izzy’s wheels are a set of Carbon Industry Nine Trail 29ers linked up to some Hydra Hubs. For tires, she’ll be sporting a set of maxxis, a Forkaster 2.4″ in the front and a Reckon 2.4″ in the rear. Outfitted with a 1×12 sram X01 mechanical drivetrain and running a 30T chainring and 10-52T cassette. My fork is a Fox 34 FIT 4 (130mm) and the rear shock is a Fox Float Factory (130mm). For navigation I’ll be following the long line on my Lezyne Mega XL GPS. This is my first year attempting the Colorado Trail, true rookie status.
BAGS: In the front of my bike I have a Mountain Laurel Designs front roll and harness system. On my handlebars I have a set of Rockgeist flat feed bags so my knees have room to pedal when standing up! Moving on to the top tube I have my tools strapped on with a Wolf Tooth bag and I’ve jerry rigged a ½ bontrager framebag on the top tub using Voile straps. For my framebag, I have a custom Rockgeist bag that I absolutely adore (Thanks Hannah! You the best). On the downtube, I have a Revelate Designs bag. On my person, I’ll be wearing a USWE Rush 8 MTB vest to carry water and extra snacks!
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Just a big big shoutout to all the folks that helped me get to the start line, I love you all.

Nicolette Jones

Age 25 / Carbondale, Colorado (USA)

BIKE: Vassago Optimus Ti, Specialized Ground Control 29 x 2.35″, 30T chainring with 1×12 Shimano XT, no dynamo, Fox 34 120mm, Garmin Edge 540.
BAGS: I made all of my bags: small saddle bag, frame bag, handlebar bag and a top tube bag. I’ll be riding with a backpack as well.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I like my bike a lot. It’s fun to ride and I am stoked to spend as much time as I can on it!

Abe Kaufman

Age 41 / Harrisonburg, Virginia (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be riding a Transmission Spur with a Fox 34SC 120mm fork, 1×12 SRAM Transmission with a 30T chainring and 10-52T cassette for all the climbing on route. The cockpit features comfy Ergon grips and some inner bar ends wrapped with bar tape that can be used for an aero position for the few sections of wilderness detour. Contact points are rounded out with Shimano XT pedals and an Ergon saddle. Tires are a 2.4″ Maxxis Rekon front and 2.4″ Rekon Race rear with a lightweight insert for more flat protection.
BAGS: Running a Tailfin Aeropack for easy storage of extra clothes and my sleep system. Tools and spares stored in a downtube bag, electronics in the top tube bag, and lots of tasty snacks in the Rockgeist frame bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Fenix lights extra batteries and Nitecore power banks to keep me riding through the dark. A bivy, quilt, and Therm-a-Rest pad will hopefully allow me to catch a few hours rest when needed!

Jeff Kerkove

Age 46 / Buena Vista, Colorado (USA)

BIKE: The 2024 Canyon Lux Trail CF over-forked with a 130mm FOX Factory 34 fork gets to have all the fun at the 2024 Colorado Trail Race. Efficient, durable, and lightweight this set up has proven it is up to the task to handle the varied terrain found along the Colorado Trail. The 2024 race kit is leaner from past trips down the Colorado Trail, but still contains the essential equipment to have a safe and enjoyable journey. Contact points will stay comfortable with the Ergon GS1 Evo grips and SM Men saddle. Maxxis Ikon 29 x 2.4″, Shimano XT/XTR 1×12, No dynamo, FOX Factory 34 130mm front / 115mm rear, Garmin eTrex 32x.
BAGS: All bags are from Topeak except for the frame bag, which is a custom from Team Strempke at Dispersed Bikepacking. I’ll also be wearing a Salomon hydration vest with ample room for various quantities of water and food.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: A SOL bivvy, Montbell down jacket and down pants will make up my sleep system. Lights are a mix of rechargeable Fenix products. Clothing items included spare Sportful bib shorts, spare Swiftwick wool socks, wool Buff, GORE rain jacket and pants, Sportful rain mitts, Sportful warm gloves, Sportful arm and knee warmers, Limar Air Stratos helmet, Pearl Izumi X-Alp shoes, medical / self-care kit, bike repair kit, iPhone, credit card, and cash.

Jake Kern

Age 30 / Brooklyn, New York (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be racing CTR on my single-speed 2024 Esker Hayduke, dubbed “Bigfoot” because I barely fit this XL that I so desperately wanted for that extra frame bag storage. More frozen burritos this way, iykyk. A nice palette of browns seemed to suit the vibe. 29 x 2.6″ Maxxis Rekons front and back. Some wheels I built up with Hope hubs and Nextie downhill rims. 32x22T gearing. Pike Ultimate fork 130mm travel. Fenix lights on the bars and helmet. Elemnt Bolt for nav. Previous tourer, rookie racer.
BAGS: Dispersed bags on the frame, Jpaks on the bars.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: A Montbell bivy, Big Agnes 40-degree bag, Gossamer Gear solo tarp (shout out to my old pals at Gossamer!), inflatable pillow, and one single rectangle of Z Lite under the hips will make up my camp gear for the race.

Alex Kowalczyk

Age 30 / Durango, Colorado (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be riding a Salsa Timberjack set up singlespeed. 29 x 2.35″ Specialized Ground control tires paired with Industry 9 Enduro S rims. Gearing set up 32x22T. No dynamo. Front fork is a Marzocci Bomber 130mm. Navigation will be done through the phone on Ride With GPS app set up on the quad lock handlebar mount.
BAGS: 27.5L of storage between the three main bags. Frame bag: Revelate Ripio. Handlebar bag: Revelate Sweetroll. Seatbag: Rockgeist Gondola. Complimentary bags include two handlebar feed bags, a Revelate magtank, and a jerrycan. Hip pack will be worn as well. Should be more than enough storage for the gear, food, and water.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: The Outdoor research Helium bivy will at least keep me out of the elements with just enough rest to keep moving. 40 degree Perigren bag. Perigrine Aerie air pad. Fenix BC26r for lighting at night. Favorite pieces of gear, I think, will end up being my puffy pant/jacket set up.

Alex Kowalski

Age 30 / Fayetteville, Arkansas (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be taking on the CTR in the format of an ITT on the morning of August 15th aboard my Beady Little Eye steel single pivot full suspension from Starling Cycles of Bristol, UK with some freshly built Nox Teocalli rims laced to I9 Hydra hubs via some Berd spokes. Rocking a wacky 20 degree backsweep moto bar from Stooge (really hitting my British roots on this build) with lock on Wolftooth grips and Cane Creek bar ends. 29 x 2.4″ Bontrager XR4 tires, singlespeed 34×23 gear ratio, no dynamo, Fox 34 Factory and RockShox Deluxe Select+ (120mm front/90mm rear), Garmin 1040.
BAGS: Rocking custom Dispersed Bikepacking frame and top tube bags, Revelate Shrew seatpost bag and feed bag and Mountain Laurel Designs dry bag wrapped up in an EVA foam sleeping pad attached to the handlebar via voile straps.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Beyond excited for the full squish on the Beady Little Eye. Hyperlite tent paired with two sleeping pads and a 40 degree bag should provide quality sleep out there. DOOM gremlin bell will keep the good juju flowing.

Jacob Loos

Age 26 / Bella Vista, Arkansas (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be racing the CTR on my singlespeed Chumba Stella with a 120mm Rockshox Pike Ultimate fork. I will be riding a 32x23T gear ratio with an Endless Bike cog.
BAGS: I’m using an Old Man Mountain Elkhorn rack, South City Stitchworks full length top tube and full frame bags, and a Platypus 12L hydration pack.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Hope Tech 4/E4 brakes keep me confident on steep mountain descents, Wolf Tooth dropper post, and Cane Creek bar ends.

Gerrit Mack

Age 36 / Scottsdale, Arizona (USA)

BIKE: 2018 Giant Anthem Advanced 1. Schwalbe Nobby Nic tires Front and Rear 29 x 2.6″, 11-speed Shimano Deore XT shifter & rear derailleur 30T up front, 11-46t cassette, no dynamo – Tacamo solar charger battery bank instead, fox 34 120mm up front, fox float rear shock, Navigation: Garmin Edge 840 solar, Previously attempted in 2021 on a different bike and rear hub bearing blew out and ended my northbound ride in Lake City.
BAGS: Dispersed Bikepacking custom frame bag, JPaks custom halfpipe top tube bag, Revelate generation 1 handlebar harness, JPaks DropperPak v2, with a Nuclear Sunrise Silo and downtube Fuselage bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: No backpack for me, everything is on the bike, thanks to the Jpaks halfpipe and the major main triangle space this Giant Anthem has to offer, allowing me to pack 140 oz in a bladder and keep that weight/center of gravity low to improve handling performance and keep my back cool and fresh.

Gordon MacMillan

Age 39 / Gunbarrel, Colorado (USA)

BIKE: 2022 Santa Cruz Blur TR, Maxxis Aspen tires, XT/XTR components, Code brakes, Wheelset handbuilt by C3 in Golden using Light bike rims w/ DT hubs.
BAGS: JPaks bags consisting of FramePak and Footlong EXT SnakPak, Revelate Pronghorn front bag, Rockgeist Honeypots for bottles, Revelate Vole seatpack.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Fenix HM65R-T headlamp, Knog light and Wahoo Bolt for the electronics. Sea to Summit Spark sleeping bag, bivy and Nemo pad makeup the sleep kit. Cyclite race backpack for a bit extra carrying capacity and water.

Chris Mayfield

Age 31 / Gunnison, Colorado (USA)

BIKE: I will be riding the Colorado Trail on my custom Goodday Hardtail the “Delicate Arch” inspired by the furthest flying boomerang made my father, Jim Mayfield back in the 80’s. From black, white, to raw steel and its colorful array of paint splatters, the bike peels away the veil of time and slickrock to the hay day of Moab mountain biking culture. Forged Carbon Berd 29 x 2.6″ wheel set, Schwabie Wicked Will tires, all pro kush in the rear, XC kush in the front, MRP ribbon w/ 150mm of travel, 12 speed Shimano Deore drive train. 30T chainring and 165mm cranks.
BAGS: Four of the six bags on the bike were handmade in Gunnison, CO. The frame bag, top tube bag, and the mini handle bar bag all feature these petroglyph characters straight from Mayfield’s Delicate Arch. On the frame bag, a snake charmer tames the danger and the spooky squashed lizard scares away evil vibes. These two bags, the seat post bag, and the large compression sack were crafted by Arly Landry (Curiosity) The mini handle bar bag was made by Tim Neyman (Teknikul) for quick access to the the goodies as I go.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: The Enlightened Equipment Enigma sleeping bag. Big Agnes fly creek bike packing tent. Tamales, tamales, tamales.

Garrett McDaniel

Age 37 / Lafayette, Colorado (USA)

BIKE: 2023 Ibis Ripley AF, 29er Industry Nine wheels and hubs. Rekon front and Ardent Race rear tires. Fox suspension: 130mm front and 120mm rear. Garmin eTrex for navigation. I attempted the CTR in 2022 – the goal is to finish this year!
BAGS: Custom Rockgeist framebag, Revelate top tube bags, handlebar bags, feed bags, and downtube bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I am using a bivy/tarp sleep system. I have opted not to have any rear cargo to keep the rig light and fast.

Drew McIntosh

Age 39 / Moab, Utah (USA)

BIKE: 2017 Chromag Surface. It’s not a hardtail, it’s a Chromag. 29 x 2.6″ Maxxis Forekaster up front and 29 x 2.5″ Maxxis Aggressor on the rear. SON dynamo keeping the Sinewave Cycles Beacon 2 shining. 1×11 Shimano drivetrain, RockShox 150mm Pike, Tumbleweed Persuader bar with Rockgeist BarJam. Wahoo doing the navigating. Brooks Swift saddle.
BAGS: Nuclear Sunrise all the way! (two titan tanks, giant custom frame bag and a custom handlebar bag)
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: A heavy handed setup with steel frame, large travel fork and beefy tires but this bike never hesitates on rough terrain.

Kyle Messier

Age 37 / Canmore, Alberta (Canada)

BIKE: I’ll be on a Santa Cruz, Blur TR for this adventure. For the CTR I have put on some 4 piston Magura MT7 brakes to keep things under control on the descents and to save some hand fatigue. I’ve also opted for some heavier duty wheels than normal, I’ll be using Reserve 30SL carbon, 28 spokes with DT Swiss 350 hubs. Front tire: Maxxis Ikon 2.6″, Rear tire: Maxxis Rekon Race 2.4″, Sram Transmission drivetrain with a 28T chainring, Fox 34 step cast 120mm fork, Fox Float 115mm shock, no dynamo, Wahoo Roam to keep me on track.
BAGS: Frame bag is from Wild North Gear, Rear harness is from Wayward Riders (love this thing) dry bag in it is Revelate Designs, Top tube bags are Apidura, Down tube bag is Apidura, Front harness/ cockpit is drj0n Bag Works with a Revelate dry bag strapped to it.

Tom Nemann

Age 47 / Denver, Colorado (USA)

BIKE: I am riding a new-to-me Why Cycles S7 V2 and fortunately it only moves forward. The Flow MK4 wheels have I9 Hydra hubs, and it currently has an XT Groupset. Running two 29 x 2.6” Ikons, 1×12 drivetrain, it is Dynamo-free, and is rocking a Fox Factory fork (130mm). Etrex 32x for navigation.
BAGS: Oveja Negra Front End Loader holds a Saltyroll and Cedaero Tank Top Pack is straight from Two Harbors, MN. Generic top tube bag for cookies, trail worn makeshift Alpkit frame bag, and homemade down tube bags.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Fenix lighting to spot eyes and a Timberbell for those two moose that greeted me on Georgia pass. 30 degree quilt, Nemo Hornet tent and Xlite pad for slumber. And hopefully my Black Diamond rain shell sees limited use.

Leland O’Connor

Age 37 / Fort Collins, Colorado (USA)

BIKE: 2023 Specialized Epic EVO Comp. Upgraded with EThirteen drivetrain and wheels/tires. Otherwise I have been very happy with this simple build kit, economical and durable. 29er Ethirteen Carbon Wheelset with 2.4″ Optimus tires. SRAM GX shifting, EThirteen 1×12 drivetrain, Rockshock suspension. Trusty Garmin eTrex 20x for Nav, Exposure Toro front light with a cheap headlamp mounted to my helmet.
BAGS: Main frame bag is a CerroWorks prototype, courtesy of John Cutter out in California. Seat bag, top tube front bag, and handlebar bag from Revelate Designs. Old top tube rear bag for tools. Sunlite water bottle holders.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’m going with no backpack on this run. Handlebar roll is all clothing and sleeping, with sleep pad on the front. 3 water bottles, 2 on the bars, one in the rear of the frame bag. Love the CerroWorks frame bag, custom made for this frame, has tons of expansion for all my food and works great loaded or not. Sleeping with tarp, pad, and sleeping bag liner, but I also got puffy pants and a jacket. Can’t wait! Good luck to everybody!

Chrissy Oliveri

Age 47 / Crested Butte, Colorado (USA)

BIKE: I will be riding the Colorado Trail on my Pivot Trail 429 with a mix of Colorado made bags. 29″ wheels with 2.4″ Maxxis DHR on the front and 2.4″ Maxxis Rekon in the back. I have a SRAM Eagle drivetrain, Fox 34 130mm front suspension and 120mm rear suspension. I’ll be using a Garmin Solar Edge 1040 for navigation and a Garmin InReach mini for tracking.
BAGS: Most of my bags are custom made bags by Goodday + Curiosity here in Gunnison, which include a frame bag, Rattler Bar Bag, small bar bag that goes with the Rattler, and a top tube bag. I have spacer cradle rack from Goodday + Curriosity that securely holds the bar bag. In addition I have a JPaks SnakPak and 2 JPaks RukSaks. On my saddle I have a small Bedrock bag. I have a Wolf Pax hip pack for water.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’ll be taking an Outdoor Research Helium Bivy, 28 degree Sea to Summit sleeping bag and pillow and Therm-a-Rest NeoAir sleeping pad. For lights I have a Fenix BC26R lon my handle bars and Fenix HM65R on my helmet with a few extra batteries. Nitcore and Aniope power banks. I think my favorite item I’m taking is my long sleeve wool hoodie from Ibex.

Eric Ortolano

Age 27 / Gunnison, Colorado (USA)

BIKE: Handbuilt 4130 steel hardtail. This was my “teaching demo” for a frame building independent study which I lead at Western Colorado University as apart of the Engineering Partnership Program with CU Boulder. The frame has a peach ice-cream powder coat done by Goodday+Curiosity, a 64° headtube, Paragon Machine Works sliding dropouts, bottle bosses for direct mount frame bags, and plate yokes for larger tire clearance. 29 x 2.6″ Kenda RegolithPro tires, SRAM Eagle 1×12 drivetrain, no dynamo, Fox 36 150mm fork, Garmin Edge 840 for navigation.
BAGS: Bags made by Goodday+Curiosity. Full front triangle 2 compartment bag, Bento Bag, Saddle Bag, and handlebar stuff sack. Bags are themed off of the 1980’s Toyota sun raider.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Black Sheep titanium moto bars, Brooks B17 saddle, Vans Cult grips, Schayer Composites thermo-moulded carbon fiber canister for tools and tubes.

Steve Petrar

Age 43 / North Vancouver, British Columbia (Canada)

BIKE: I will be racing the Colorado Trail on a 2021 Transition Spur called “Magic Carpet”. I’m bucking the Rekon trend and running the most Canadian sounding tires, eh? That’d be Teravail Ehline’s 2.5″ front / 2.4″ back. This bike has a set of custom wheels from We Are One Composites, with an Onyx Vesper rear hub and SON28 Dynamo front. It’s got an AXS drivetrain and dropper, Magura brakes, and a RockShox SID Ultimate fork.
BAGS: I’m trying a new setup with the handlebar cradle and rear “Spider” rack from Aeroe. So far they seem solid. These will have an 8L and 12L drybag filled with my sleep system, apparel, and whatever else I can cram in. Otherwise I will wear an Osprey MTB hip pack.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Alpkit bivy with a MEC ultralight sleeping bag and air mat for sleep. I’m worried about weather and don’t love being cold, so I’ve stuffed in some extra jackets and a pair of Showa Temres fisherman’s gloves to keep my paws warm and dry if it rains. Illumination will be with a K-Lite MTB dynamo light and a Fenix headlamp on my helmet.

Reinhold Plackman

Age 49 / Grand Rapids, Michigan (USA)

BIKE: Second time riding, first time racing the Colorado Trail on my custom Scott Quiring built ti 29er hardtail. 130mm Fox 34, mechanical Eagle drivetrain, We Are One carbon hoops shod with 2.6″ Schwalbe Nobby Nics.
BAGS: Bags by Relevate, Rogue Panda, Oveja Negra, Rockgeist, and Osprey.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Lights by Sinewave, Fenix, and Outbound. Navagation via Wahoo and Mapout recharged from a SON dynamo. Sleeping in a OR Helium bivvy on a Nemo pad in a REI Magma 35 bag. Nutrition by Little Debbie.

Johnny Price

Age 38 / Cloquet, Minnesota (USA)

BIKE: Esker Hayduke single speed 32 x 21T, Fox 34 fork, Wolf Tooth Resolve dropper, i9 wheels, Maxxis Rekons 29 x 2.4″, Whisky Milhouse handlebar, SON dynamo with kLite.
BAGS: Dispersed bags all around. Custom frame bag with horizontal baffel, seat bag, top tube bag, feed bag, and handlebar roll to hold all the goodies.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Dispersed bags, Wolf Tooth Resolve dropper.

Jason Reamy

Age 39 / Tijeras, New Mexico (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be racing the CTR on a Specialized Chisel aluminum framed hardtail. 29″ Ride Hifi wheels wrapped in Maxxis Rekon 2.4” tires. I’ll be running a SRAM Eagle 1×12 drivetrain with Shimano XT Brakes. Fox 34 front suspension. Garmin eTrex for navigation. AA battery powered lights, no dynamo.
BAGS: I have a mix of Rogue Panda and Revelate Designs bags. I’ll also be carrying a Black Diamond running vest with a 2 liter bladder and lots of snacks.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My sleep kit consists of a 20 degree Enlightened Equipment quilt, Uberlite sleep pad, Zpacks Soloplex tent, and an inflatable pillow for super comfy nights.

Jesse Reeves

Age 40 / Janesville, California (USA)

BIKE: S-Works Epic Evo. AXS T-Type Drivetrain, Shimano Four Piston Braking, BTLOS Wheels with Schwalbe Rubber. High Post FTW.
BAGS: All homemade bags and mounts with Liteskin and Challenge fabrics, including a matchy-matchy hydration vest. Full MYOG sleep-kit up front, clothes out back, spares/tools and food in the framebag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Lots of batteries, a shoulder sling, and CatTongue tape.

Cade Reichenberger

Age 24 / Lakewood, Colorado (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be racing the CTR on my Colorado Trail-proven 2020 Scott Spark. My Spark and I completed a tour of the trail last year, made some gear improvements, and now are ready to go back to complete it with a little more urgency. 29 x 2.35″ Schwalbe Thunder Burt Rear, Racing Ralph Front. SRAM Eagle 1×12 mechanical: 10-50T cassette and 30T oval absolute black chainring. No Dynamo. Fox 100mm rear, Sid Ultimate 120mm front. Wahoo Elemnt Roam.
BAGS: Custom Broadfork Bags feed bags. Restrap Race Long top tube bag. Porcelain Rocket saddle bag. DIY main triangle bag. I’ll be wearing a Camelbak Chase 8 to carry all my water.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Not bringing much for sleep gear to keep things light, only an SOL emergency bivy. My DIY frame bag only weighs 25 grams and holds all my rain gear. Also have some small 3D printed “aero bar” arm rests for the occasional road sections.

Greg Parham

Age 42 / Durango, Colorado (USA)

BIKE: Niner Air 9. Rockshox SID Ultimate 120mm. Syncros Silverton 1.0 wheels. 1×12 SRAM Eagle 10-50T. Race Face Next R cranks with 30T oval Absolute Black chainring. Answer 20/20 bars. SRAM Level Ultimate Brakes, 200mm front rotor, 180mm rear. Selle Anatomica leather saddle sitting on a 27.2 Ti seatpost. Shimano SPD/flat double sided pedals for maximum versatility. King SS bottle cages and anything mounts. Maxxis 29 x 2.6″ Rekon front tire, 29 x 2.4″ Ardent rear.
BAGS: An eclectic mix of bags acquired over the years including an older Oveja Negra seat bag, Revelate full frame bag, JPak footlong Snakpak, a no name stem bag, and the small “map” bag from a Bedrock handlebar bag that holds my first aid kit and some other small bits but also straps my sleep pad/tent tarp/SOL Bivy roll to the handlebars. No handlebar bag needed since these items are all waterproof. I made an aluminum rear “rack” that stabilizes my seat bag but has holes drilled to mount cages-left side for an extra water bottle-right side holds a dry bag with my rain gear.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Hands down my favorite piece is a little 25 gram titanium stove called the Hornet. Paired with a 550 mL Toaks ti pot, folding ti spork, and 4oz fuel canister, I’ll be enjoying hot coffee, hot breakfast, hot dinner, and hot water bottles to warm my feet/hands if need be! I’m bringing an Alpine Ridge Outfitters down quilt and a bunch of wool clothing. Five Ten Trailcross shoes for the HAB! Hydrapak 30oz Breakaway filter + 3 extra 30oz bottles for hydration. Bike carries everything-I hate wearing packs!

Karin Pocock

Age 44 / Crested Butte, Colorado (USA)

BIKE: This is a new to me Santa Cruz Carbon Chameleon. His name is “Will” and he’s built a little different than my previous Chameleon, “Charlie.” Running NOBL Wheels TR 32 wheelset with I9 Solix hubs and Maxxis Rekon 2.4″ tires. This is a brand new NOBL wheelset to me after this past season on the TR 37s and I’m super excited to ride them on the CTR. Drivetrain is blended X01/XX1 with a 32T oval and 10 x 50T cassette. Fox 34 Stepcast 120mm fork and SRAM G2 rsc brakes.
BAGS: This is a mixture of Oveja Negra, Wolfpax, and Dispersed. Stoked for this first run with the dispersed top tube bag (thanks Andrew & Katie for making amazing bags) and to have traded my front roll for a Wolfpax lunchbox.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My favorite piece of gear is my custom rolltop fanny pack from Kya at Wolfpax. Another key item for the monsoon season is a Sea to Summit tarp that’s also a rain poncho for when the lightweight Arcteryx rain jacket isn’t enough and it’s time to hide under something more substantial. Lots of batteries and a Fenix BC26R light to make it through all the night riding and waterproof coated neoprene glacier gloves when the bike gloves won’t cut it in the cold and wet. A big pile of try hard and a very small bivi kit round out the set up on the bike this year.

Stephen Scherle

Age 35 / Durango, Colorado (USA)

BIKE: Ill be racing on my MUSA Titanium Buena Onda hardtail. Built in Durango, this bike is at home in the alpine as it is on slick rock. I’ll be riding on 2.25″ Maxxis Rekon Race tires on I9 enduro S rims. Drivetrain: Singlespeed 32X22T with Raceface oval chainring and Wheels MFG 22T cog.
BAGS: Frame bag: Dispersed Bikepacking made an awesome bag that has a place for all my treasures. Top tube bags: Andrew The Maker top tube bag, along with the footlong ReStrap top tube bag, fit nicely together to hold my drugs and candies. Still not sure if I will need my Relevate Designs Pronghorn bar bag.

Alex Schultz

Age 30 / Marquette, Minnesota (USA)

BIKE: Ibis Exie with mechanical SRAM 1×12 Eagle, 29 x 2.4″ Berd XC with Maxxis Ikons, Fox 34 SC fork, 120mm front/100mm rear, Navigation with Garmin Edge 1040.
BAGS: Morrow Packs built custom, Apidura bags on the handlebar and downtube.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: A sleeping pad combined with a quilt, have not taken one on the CT yet!

Mike Symons

Age 47 / Phoenix, Arizona (USA)

BIKE: For my rookie attempt at the CTR, I will be riding and pushing a Fezzari aluminum hardtail on Nox carbon wheels with some fresh Maxxis Rekon 2.6″ tires and I9 Hydra hubs. The drivetrain (12-speed) and brakes are all Shimano XT/XTR, except the crank is SRAM, and the chainring is a 30T absoluteBLACK oval. Rockshox Rekon Gold 120 fork. Deity flat pedals to compliment my comfy Salomon hiking shoes.
BAGS: I have a mix from all kinds of folks. Frame bag and front top tube bag from Broadfork. Rear top tube bag by Rogue Panda. A Revelate Designs Joey downtube bag. The newest addition that I am super stoked about is the handlebar roll by Dispersed Bikepacking.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Protection from the rain while sleeping will be either a Big Agnes Fly Creek UL1 or a Gossamer Gear Solo Tarp and SOL Bivy. Game time decision. Navigation via an Edge 530 with backup navigation loaded on my phone. Fenix BC26R on the bars and a Fenix flashlight on the helmet with ample batteries for those. 20k mAh battery bank. Big Agnes 20-degree bag. Montbell rain jacket and pants. Osprey Talon on the back.

Tim Tait

Age 41 / Nucla, Colorado (USA)

BIKE: This time down the Colorado Trail I’ll be riding a Transition Spur with 29 x 2.4″ Rekons, Roval wheels, the spinniest of mechanical eagle, a 120mm Pike upfront, Hope brakes and One Up bars and dropper.
BAGS: Dispersed Frame bag, seat bag and top tube bag, with a Revelate Egress handlebar bag, and a homemade rear top tube bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: A shiny trash bag and a thick rain kit.

Bill Talley

Age 28 / Durango, Colorado (USA)

BIKE: “E Z Zebra” my second 2022 Canyon Lux Trail. Huge shoutout to Carlo at the Canyon warranty department for helping get me a new frame a couple weeks ago after I discovered the main pivot bolt was stripped bare. 100/120mm Rockshox suspension, SRAM GX AXS, 30T chainring. OneUp carbon bars, Ergon GA3 grips, Wahoo Elmnt Roam. ENVE M630 rims, i9 Hydra hubs, 2.4″ Maxxis Rekon/Forekaster EXO+. Exposure MaxxD & Joystick for lighting, TimberBell for big cat defense.
BAGS: Sleep kit on the bars in a Sea to Summit dry bag with ski straps. Revelate Shrew and Joey for layers. Bedrock custom frame bag and Revelate feedbags reserved exclusively for food. Oveja Negra jerrycan for repair kit. JPaks Farva for electronics and random stuff. USWE Rush 8 hydration vest with Hydrapak inline filter for scoop-n-go hydration.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My last CTR was 2022, and the weather was…weathery. I learned some hard lessons, and this time I’m ready for the essence of wetness.

Audrey Tangye

Age 53 / Birmingham, Alabama (USA)

BIKE: I will be riding the Colorado Trail Race on a 2017 Custom Titanium hardtail from Mosaic Cycles. My bike has new MAXXIS Rekon 2.4″ Exo+ tires front and back. SRAM Eagle 1X12 drivetrain with a 28T chainring, Industry 9 hubs and Nox carbon wheels, a Fox Factory 32 suspension with 110mm of travel. I am using SRAM AXS shifting.
BAGS: I will be using a custom Rockgeist full framebag, a Rockgeist Mr Fusion Seat bag and frame, a Rockgeist top tube bag, Revelate jerican and two Revelate feed bags and a Revelate Ultra PE Dry Bag Double Opening with a Oveja Negra harness on the front handlebars.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I am using a Z-Packs Hexamid Solo Tent as my shelter with a Sea to Summit Spark 30 degree bag, a silk liner, and a Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite sleeping pad. I will have a Garmin 1040 for Navigation, an Outbound helmet light and a Fenix BC26R light for handlebars. I will carry an ultralight backpack from Ultra lite sacks as well as two 1 liter Zefal water bottles for hydration with a BeFRee filter.

Dylan Turner

Age 39 / Flagstaff, Arizona (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be riding my 2023 Specialized Epic Evo with Fox Factory suspension and full XTR drivetrain with four piston brakes and 180mm rotors. Race Face stem, carbon bars and wheels, Ergon GS2 Grips, Ergon SM Pro Saddle, Maxxis Rekon 2.4″ front tire and Rekon Race 2.35″ rear.
BAGS: DIY front roll, Rogue Panda Blue Ridge Cradle, Dispersed Top Tube and Frame Bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Ultralight sleep system is a Borah Gear Cuben Bivy, Klymit Inertia X-Frame pad, Mountain Hardware Phantom Spark 28 degree bag, and a DIY 6’x9’ silpoly tarp. Tech includes Garmin Edge 1040 Solar, Fenix BC26R, Ruizu MP3 Player, Spot Gen3. Bonus items for this race include legit rain gear: Montbell Torrent Flier Rain Jacket, Gorewear C5 Rain Pants and Waterproof Socks. Also packing lots of Squirrel’s Nut Butter, Tailwind Endurance fuel, Embark Maple Energy Syrup, a sleeping mask and ear plugs!

Eric Weninger

Age 42 / Driftless, Wisconsin (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be racing (err pushing) a new-to-me 2023 Esker Hayduke rigid singlespeed with a borrowed Salsa Fargo carbon fork and Redshift Softride stem. The wheels are stock from an old bike (Formula rear hub, Shimano front hub, WTB i30 rims). Brakes are BB7’s with new 180mm rotors. Controls include a Surly Sunrise bar, old bar ends for extra inboard hand positions, and Ergon GP3 grips. Maxxis Rekon 29 x 2.8″ front and 29 x 2.6″ rear (not pictured), 30T Absolute Black Oval & 23T Endless Cog, no dynamo, Garmin eTrex 32x.
BAGS: Zach at South City Stitch Works made a custom full-length toptube bag full of Good Energy! (snacks & power), including a 20k mAh cache battery, Fenix BC26R with four 5k mAh batteries, & Petzl Actik Core (AAA or rechargeable pack). The frame came with a custom 2-piece JPaks framebag; the lower bag is for food and extra water capacity (1.5L bladder & Sawyer Squeeze), while the upper bag contains my “supplies” (tool/repair kit, first aid, tube, sealant, toiletries, etc). An Alpine Luddites seat bag contains my rain gear and thermal top. A Revelate Designs Harness holds a dry bag with OR Helium Bivy, 45deg synthetic bag, synthetic puffy jacket, extra socks and a spare fox suit. A 3/4 folding foam pad is attached to the Harness as well (not pictured). Each fork leg contains a 26oz bottle, and the downtube a 23oz smart/life bottle for filtering (not pictured).
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’ll be wearing my notorious fox suit and consuming copious quantities of Embark Maple Energy! I can’t thank Corey, Brett, Andy, Tim and Brandie enough for helping me get a bike and gear together, I wouldn’t get to the starting line without y’all!

Further Reading

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