Rigs of DOOM 2026 (Part One)

The fifth annual DOOM event is organized by Andrew Onermaa of Ozark Gravel Cyclists, and for the first time, all three route options start in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Despite being relatively young, DOOM has quickly gained a reputation as a must-ride event for folks across the country. The first event was small, with under 30 riders participating, and the 2026 event is shaping up to be the biggest yet, with over 230 riders registered for live tracking. This year’s routes promise more singletrack than ever before, deeper backcountry miles, and terrain that changes the moment you think you’ve figured it out.

Riders can choose from LOViT or Leave iT (110+ miles), The High Watch (200+ miles), or the full Ouachita DOOM (325+ miles), each offering its own scale of effort while keeping the backcountry experience at the center. Most riders have their sights set on the full Ouachita DOOM route, but with over 100 miles of singletrack—including the Northwoods Trails, the IMBA Epic Lake Ouachita Vista Trail, the IMBA Epic Womble, and long runs of the Ouachita Trail—finishing won’t come easy.

As always, we worked with Andrew and the participants to showcase a massive list of over 100 riders and rigs participating in the 2026 DOOM event. With so many submissions, we decided to split the submissions into two parts. Scroll down to check out the bike and bag details, gear highlights, and what GPS device they are relying on to navigate. This year, we decided to focus on riders taking on the full Ouachita DOOM route. The 2026 edition sets off tomorrow, Friday, March 13th, a fittingly ominous date. Take a good look at the rigs below, and then head over to the Tracker page to follow along live. Stay tuned for a special part two, which will follow in a few hours.

Samer Abouhamad

Age 31 / Boston, Massachusetts (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be riding Doom on a Bombtrack Cale AL. The bike features a new pair of Kenda Hellkat Pro 2.4” tires, a 1×12 drivetrain with a 30T chainring, and WTB wheels. Redshift Sports aero bars, KS dropper seat post, Ergon GP5 handlebar grips.
BAGS: The centerpiece of my bag setup is a custom Bullmoose Softgoods frame bag along with two Bullmoose feed bags. I am running a Tailfin rack with the CargoPack top bag and mounted cargo cages for extra water capacity. On the downtube, I am using a 3L Tailfin pack. I am also using a Revelate Designs top tube bag and handlebar harness to secure a 10L dry bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: A Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite for my mattress, ZPacks Quilt, Sol emergency Bivvy bag, and a Fenix headlamp.
GPS DEVICE: I’m using a Garmin 1030 Plus to navigate, but will also have the route loaded on the RWGPS app on my iPhone (mounted with a Quadlock) as a backup. Garmin inReach Mini 2 for my tracking.

Ian Anderson

Age 49 / Rogers, Arkansas (USA)

BIKE: 2012 EL MAR Jungle Green, 10-50T Eagle, 38T front chainring, Fox Performance 32 SC missing lockout knob, Rekon Race Gumwall 2.35″, Pit Viper I Farted Sticker on seat tube
BAGS: Buckhorn top tube and stem bags, Lead Out small frame bag, random small top tube bag, Rapha handlebar bag rigged up to stay put, Revelate Designs saddle pack I borrowed from my little sister.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I bought this bike brand new in 2012 from Phat Tire in Nickel. It’s been through many changes.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 530.

Karim EL-Antably

Age 43 / New York City, New York (USA)

BIKE: Titanium Chiru Highlander with RockShox SID Ultimate 120mm flight attendant, 30T Wolf Tooth and 9-52T ethirteen cassette, Custom Nobl wheelset fitted with Son dynamo hub and Maxxis tires.
BAGS: Custom South City Stitchworks top tube and frame bag, Tailfin handlebar bag, and rear rack.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Magicshine Ray 2600B helmet light, kLite dynamo front and rear lights.
GPS DEVICE: I’ve got a Coros Dura computer and Android phone running RWGPS for redundancy.

Jacob Ashton

Age 34 / Bike Life (USA)

BIKE: Frankenstein’s Murmur returns to race Doom with pretty much the same “normal” 29er setup as last year, since it worked pretty well and now with over 10,000 miles on the frame. I couldn’t convince Starling to send me a Big Bird conversion kit; they don’t sponsor me anyway. Although the build is basically the same, all of the parts have been replaced or rebuilt after it survived the AZT, CTR, and border-to-border on Orogenesis in 2025. Another effect of an epic year of touring is vastly improved bike-handling skills and fitness, so hopefully I’ll be able to suffer a bit faster this year. Since I’m always curious about how much people’s bikes weigh, it comes in at about 33 lb (15 kg) without bags or aero bars, but with pedals, because it’s really hard to ride a bike without pedals. With the bags and stuff, it weighs more. I haven’t quite decided what I’m carrying yet, but it’ll easily push 40 pounds with food and water.
BAGS: Frame bag by Merz Bags with a Doom patch, Tribulus Endover handlebar bag, and a Revelate Mag Tank.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: New wheels and silent hubs with support from Onyx Racing. I had to buy everything else. Favero Assioma single for power data and Polar for heart rate. No sleep kit, full send.
GPS DEVICE: Coros Dura, smartphone backup.

Henry Barze

Age 27 / Birmingham, Alabama (USA)

BIKE: Santa Cruz Blur X0 AXS RSV, SRAM X0 Eagle AXS T-Type Drivetrain, RockShox Sid Ultimate Suspension, Reserve 28 XC Carbon Wheels, Vittoria Barzo XC tires, Favero Assioma Pro MX-2 Power Meter Pedals, Specialized Romin EVO Pro saddle, Profile Design 43 ASC Carbon Extensions with Race+ Armrest kit.
BAGS: Tailfin 3L Toptube Bag, Apidura 2.5L Racing Aerobar Pack, Apidura 0.5L Expedition Tool Pack.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: For optimized hand positions, I went with Spirgrips carbon bar ends wrapped in bar tape and some Predator Speed Plug Blips to shift when in my aerobars. To light up the singletrack, I have an Exposure Lights Mk18 attached via stem bolts and a Fenix HM55R Renegade strapped to my helmet.
GPS DEVICE: Wahoo Elemnt Bolt v2.

Carrie Bax

Age 44 / Hartsburg, Missouri (USA)

BIKE: Specialized Epic Evo with Continental Trinotal 2.4″ on the front and Dubnital on rear, heavily spoked Hunt wheels, Profile Designs aero bars, a Wolf Tooth 28T chainring, SRAM t-type (best birthday present ever) derailleur, a Son dynamo with kLite, a torpedo water holder between my aero bars with magneted straw, and a RockShox custom SID by Trail Labs in Springfield, MO.
BAGS: South City Stitchworks top tube and full frame bag made with the finest craftsmanship by Zach Smith. They fit and match my bike perfectly. I also have a Tailfin cargoPack rack.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My alpaca heart socks and down pants, oh, and also my bleep bloops on my aero bars.
GPS DEVICE: Coros Dura.

Karlos Bernart

Age 53 / DeLand, Florida (USA)

BIKE: Priority HXT 600 Pinion Gear box belt drive bike with electronic shifting, Nextie Carbon wheels paired with an SP Dynamo front hub and an I9 rear hub. Redshift Pro endurance suspension seat post paired with a Selle Anatómica X saddle for maximum comfort.
BAGS: Porcelain Rocket Harness holds a waterproof Rockgeist Front Roll, which houses a 2-person tent and sleep pad. Some homemade stem bags and JPaKs bolt-on Snak Pak, round out the cockpit. Oveja Negra half-frame bag will be full of food, and the Wolf Tooth dry bag holds the toolkit. The Ghost Cat fork bag strapped to the down tube via a Wolf Tooth Morse cargo cage holds coffee and hygiene materials. A custom Prototype dual bottle holder rounds out the center of the bike, providing capacity for 75 ounces of water and one stem bag for more snacks. In the back, we have my Cuben Fiber custom JPaks seat bag filled with clothing and sleep gear.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Can’t say enough about my Redshift Pro endurance seat post to keep me comfortable, and my KLite Dynamo lighting system to keep the trail lit as we push late and far each day.
GPS DEVICE: On the Bars I’ll have my Garmin Edge 1040 solar connected to a Garmin power pack, and as always will have offline maps available for mile marker and distance to restock verification while on route.

Quinlan Bock

Age 28 / Minneapolis, Minnesota (USA)

BIKE: I will be riding my 2022 Santa Cruz Blur. It is a pretty stock build; there are 2.4″ and 2.25″ Maxxis Aspens front and rear, respectively. Running Zip aero bars 70 percent for comfort, 30 percent for speed.
BAGS: The bike features two Tailfin bags and a Silica tool pouch bag. There is a 3L top tube bag that electronics and snacks will go in, and a rear rack bag that extra food, sleep gear, and clothes will be in. I will also have a Camelback chase on my body for water and extra food storage.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I love my Outbound lights so much, I have an Evo and a Hangover and really don’t have to think about them at all. 10k worth of calories in Skratch carb mix, my real challenge to myself out there is to consume all of it.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 540.

Wyatt Boehm

Age 22

BIKE: I am riding Doom on a frame that I built this past fall in the University of Arkansas’s bike frame fabrication class. I designed it to be a short travel hardtail for all-terrain bikepacking. It is a steel frame, and I am using Stans Crest and Arch wheels. I am running a Shimano XT 1 x 12 drivetrain with a Wolf Tooth 32-tooth chainring and Shimano SLX brakes. For my tires, I chose to use the Terravail Sparwood 29 x 2.2″.
BAGS: I am using Revelate Designs Tangle Frame bag and Mag-Tank top tube bag, a Rockgeist BarJam Harness in the front, and a Wayward-Riders Louise dropper post harness in the rear.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I am using a Therm-a-Rest Neo-Air Xtherm sleeping pad and Enlightened Equipment Revelation Quilt for my sleep system. I will also have a Gossamer Gear tarp in case of rain. I will have two water bottles on my frame and also an Osprey Raptor 14 with 2L of water in a bladder. I am using NiteRider front lights mounted to my bar and a Nitecore headlight attached to my helmet.
GPS DEVICE: I will be using a Coros Dura to navigate and record my ride. I have the route downloaded on my iPhone as a backup.

Micah Bray

Age 38 / Hendersonville, North Carolina (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be riding Doom on a 2024 Epic 8. The bike features a combination of GX, XO, and XX Transmission components with a 32T chainring, RockShox Flight Attendant, a new pair of Vittoria Mezcal 2.4” tires (trail casing without inserts) on Roval Control SL VI 350 wheels, and my trusty Code RSC brakes.
BAGS: The heavy lifting will be done by the Tailfin SpeedPack, which will hold all my sleep kit. I’ll have a Tailfin 2.2L Long Top Tube Bag to hold immediate needs, a Talinfin 1.7L Downtube Pack for all the cold gear and extras, two large SWAT bags within the frame for repair kit and spares, a Restrap Race Hydration Vest for extra water and food, and two HydraPak Breakaway bottles (740ml and 880ml) to hold carbs, electrolytes, or whatever drinks I pickup at a resupply.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: A SOL Escape Lite Bivy, a Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite pad, Sea to Summit Aeros Ultralight Pillow, Big Agnes Flycreek UL Quilt, and Sea to Summit Reactor Liner will make up my sleep kit. Really stoked on my Exposure Lights Six Pack 15 on the bike and Diablo 15 on the helmet for some nighttime singletrack.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 1040 Solar.

Andrew Cole

Age 28 / Durango, Colorado (USA)

BIKE: Chester, a 2023 Epic Evo Pro.
BAGS: Frame and top tube are from Zach at South City Stitchworks, handlebar roll from Bedrock Bags, and a Revelate Designs feedbag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Sleep kit and layers all fit in the handlebar roll, leaving the frame bag and top tube for snacks and water. I’ll also be running a dynamo setup to power all the gizmos, like my derailleur.
GPS DEVICE: After struggling with battery life across multiple events, finally splurged for an inReach Messenger, 28 days at 10-minute tracking!

Sean Cowie

Age 31 / Denver, Colorado (USA)

BIKE: 2023 Salsa Spearfish, Shimano XT drivetrain with 28T oval AB chainring, Hayes brakes, 120mm suspension, Forekaster/Ikon front/rear rubber.
BAGS: Hodge podge of Salsa, Revelate Designs, and Apidura.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Always the Botched Bikes Dragonfly double water bottle adapter!
GPS DEVICE: Coros Dura.

Joshua Cowley

Age 34 / Jefferson City, Missouri (USA)

BIKE: Trek Procal aka Marlin 7. Conti 2.4″ because they’re exactly 2mph faster. Big enduro hoops because Kev was right. Aerobars because I don’t leave home without em’. 28T chainring to crush on the flat paved sections. Electra Pinger bell to scare the bears away.
BAGS: South City Stitchworks because Zach’s big zipper bags swallow my gear whole. Tailfin mounts and rack because they don’t break in half. Lots of big ol’ bottles to carry calories and water.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Got a pretty sweet emergency bivy off Amazon for like $20. Nifty Albion burner deal to stuff down my shirt when I need to warm my cold heart.
GPS DEVICE: Coros Dura / RWGPS.

Erik Deitz

Age 40 / Prairie du Sac, Wisconsin (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be racing DOOM on my Canyon Lux Trail, 12-speed Shimano, 2.4″ Continental Dubnital tires.
BAGS: DIY frame bag, Tailfin bar cage/bag combo, down tube and top tube bags, Revelate Designs Shrew and Jerrycan.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: 28T oval chainring.
GPS DEVICE: Coros Dura and RideWithGPS.

Austin Denton

Age 34 / Longmont, Colorado (USA)

BIKE: Trek Supercaliber riding on a Roval carbon wheelset and Conti dubs 29 x 2.4″ tires. SRAM XXSL 10/52T and a 32T chainring. 110mm RockShox SID up front. SQlab innerbarends.
BAGS: Tailfin large toptube bag, downtube bag, and a Rogue Panda frame bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Keeping it simple with BC26r attached to a blendr mount on the bars and an additional BC26r on my head.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin 1040 with Ride with GPS on the mobile for backup.

Susie Douglas

Age 42 / Fruita, Colorado (USA)

BIKE: I’m riding an Ibis DV9 hardtail (120mm suspension) with a 1×12 drivetrain and a 30T chainring. I’m running DT Swiss EXC 1501 wheelset with 2.4″ Maxxis Rekon tires front and rear. SQ Lab Inner Bar Ends for different hand positions and aero options.
BAGS: Old Man Mountain Manzanita Cradle and 11L bag for clothing and quick access items, 2x Revelate feed bags for H20 bottles, South City Stitchworks Top Tube and Frame Bag (Food and bike repair storage), Old Man Mountain Elkhorn Rack and 9L Atlas Bag (Sleep Kit)
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Really stoked on the Old Man Mountain Manzanita Cradle for its functionality and how it avoids cable rub.
GPS DEVICE: Coros Dura and phone with Ride with GPS route.

Timothy Doyle

Age 35 / Baltimore, Maryland (USA)

BIKE: Ibis DV9, Shimano XT 12-speed mechanical, Fox 34 SC, I9 wheels, 2.35″ Mezcals, Prologo saddle, PNW dropper post, Ergon grips.
BAGS: Revelate Designs Shrew saddle bag and two feed bags, Restrap long top tube, Oveja Negra frame bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Ergon GS2 grips. I need functioning hands to get back to work after these big rides. GS2 grips paired with SQLab innerbarends do the job.
GPS DEVICE: Wahoo ELEMNT Roam and Ride with GPS.

Paige (Redman) Eldredge

Age 37 / Chichester, New Hampshire (USA)

BIKE: Specialized Epic 8 Expert (stalk parts) 34T, 10-52T, 2.4″ Continental Dubnitals (front and rear), Old Man Mountain Elkhorn rear rack, Profile Design aero bars, Ergon GP3 grips, Ergon SR Allroad Pro Carbon Women’s saddle, Wolf Tooth bike pump, Fenix bar and head lights, 1 million extra SRAM batteries, X-Track Race Carbon Pedals.
BAGS: South City Stitchworks feed/snack bags x2, SCSW long top tube bag, SCSW rear Love handles bag. Restrap front aero bag, and Avalanche dry sack.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: SCSW bikepacking bags FTW! And the Ergon grips so my hand nerves don’t fry! I may have hidden some NH maple syrup in my bags, too.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin 1040, route also downloaded on the Ride with GPS app.

Jonathan Fitz

Age 39 / Albuquerque, New Mexico (USA)

BIKE: Esker Hayduke, I9 wheels 2.5” Travail Ehline tires.
BAGS: Assorted bags from Rogue Panda frame bag, Dispersed top tube and handlebar bag, MLD dry bag held on with a South City Stitchworks love handles rack harness, and Farewell feed bags.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Dispersed top tube bag for so many snacks, inner and outer bar ends for maximum comfort, modified Tumbleweed T-rack to get the dry bag lower and out of the way of the dropper.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 530.

Charles Fox

Age 40 / Jonesboro, Arkansas (USA)

BIKE: Crust WoodChuck (Wombat). Thanks, Gavin and Crust. XX 12 Mechanical Shifting. X0 Crankset. Wheels are Michigan Cliffhangers laced to Profile front and King rear with 66mm Schwalbe Wicked Wills with Optis inserts. Nice new Paul levers attached to hand me down Avid calipers. Velo Crazy Bar and Spesh stem with North Woods ODI Shadow grips and plugs. PNW dropper with Flyer.
BAGS: Thanks Oveja Negra for the lovely bags. Most of the bags are Oveja. On the fork legs rest a Big Agnes 3 Hoop Bivy, Nemo ‘lite fillow, Sea to Summit thermal liner and Rab hut slippers in some S2S dry bags on Salsa cages (an exception to Oveja bagging). Front end has a Flyer and chair. Trunk bag has a Coda 25/35. Tools and tubes are in a black Giant saddle bag. Triangle has 6 lbs. or so of nom noms three pair of socks an extra bib sunblock and chammy butter. Top tube bags have Sawyer filter a power bank and small things. Spesh Oveja bar bags are full o’ food and beves. I’ll have a Dakine 1.5L bladder fanny around me waist.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: A 1.5L Nalgene sits snuggly in an Arundel anything cage under the downtube. I always wonder what everyone has in their bags. I mean I get the gist of it but like more specifically how much, where, what, ya know. Woodchuck should be right around 55 to 60 lbs. at any given time loads depending. So stoked!
GPS DEVICE: Garmin solar 840. inReach messenger. Exposure’s Maxx-D 15 on bar and Diablo 15 on L Specialized Search brainbucket.

Kyle Gilbert

Age 29 / Austin, Texas (USA)

BIKE: Ti Why Cycles El Jefe.
BAGS: Bedrock seat pack and JPaks top tube bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: kLite and dynamo, Ergon contact points.
GPS DEVICE: Hammerhead.

Clifford Green

Age 36 / Dallas, Texas (USA)

BIKE: Cannondale FSI with Fox 32 fork. Shimano XTR 34Tx11. Dual 180mm brake rotors for stopping. Maxxis Recon Race 2.4″ tires. Clip on areobars to give the hands and back a break.
BAGS: Apidura saddle and bar bag to keep my sleep gear dry. Ojeva Negra frame and feed bags. Evoc Hydro Pro 1.5+1.5 hydration vest.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Electrically, I’m running a SON dynamo hub, Exposure lamps, and a klite USB recharger. My sleep system consists of a Big Agnes insulated air mattress, puffy pants, coat, booties, and a Tyvek bivy.
GPS DEVICE: Wahoo Bolt v2. Suunto Run for music.

Philip Haigh

Age 41 / Dallas, Texas (USA)

BIKE: 2025 Yeti SB120 (no mods) running 2.5″ Maxxis Minion DHF tires to avoid flats.
BAGS: Apidura Backcountry rear top tube pack for electronics, Expedition top tube pack for hygiene items, Backcountry food pouch for snack foods, Expedition saddle pack for meals, Backcountry handlebar pack + accessory pocket for the tent, sleeping pad, and camp blanket, and Road Runner Co-Pilot Stem bag for cooking stove, fuel and lighter. Camelbak 2L also holds my water filter and small tools.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: As I plan on sleeping at least twice during this event, I’m stoked to take the Big Agnes Copper Spur UL Bikepack tent, Therm-a-Rest sleeping pad, and a camp blanket. I’m looking forward to knocking out the 330 miles, but know that sleep is critical for me to be able to do an event like this and the Copper Spur is made for these types of events.
GPS DEVICE: Wahoo Bolt and RWGPS for navigation, Garmin inReach for satellite tracking. Also downloaded the maps on my iPhone so I can use Google Maps and RWGPS through satellite only when available.

Brian Hall

Age 49 / River Falls, Wisconsin (USA)

BIKE: Rare Earth Cycle Crazy Cloud 32” XC full suspension prototype. Built specifically for Ouachita Doom and to be a part of the Concours de Doom frame builders event. 110/120mm travel steel XC bike rolling custom Berd 32” wheels with Nextie rims, DT Swiss 240 hubs and Maxxis Aspen tires. Wren fork, custom Rare Earth ti bar/stem combo, Shimano XT/XTR with a Madrone Jab derailleur. Color-matched Cyber Cycles steel cranks and Alugear 30t chainring.
BAGS: Custom bolt-on bags by my buddy Zach at South City Stitchworks, prototype Old Man Mountain handlebar cage and bag, Revelate Designs Shrew seat pack, and I will be wearing a San Util Saguaro vest pack.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Packing an OR Helium bivy, Therm-a-Rest Vesper 32 quilt, and OG NeoAir 3/4 pad.
GPS DEVICE: Wahoo Element Roam and Garmin InReach Mini 2 for tracking.

Kayla Hall

Age 31 / Roanoke, Virginia (USA)

BIKE: Trek Supercaliber, RockShox SID 110mm fork, SRAM XX1, One Up V3 dropper.
BAGS: Old Man Mountain Manzanita Cradle, custom frame bag by my friend Houston, one of a kind Oveja Negra rear bag that was the last in stock when I picked it up in person, South City Stitchworks Custom front Dry bag
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Borrowed Exposure lights, Zpacks quilt, Mountain Laurel Designs FKT bivy.
GPS DEVICE: Wahoo, and Ride with GPS on the phone.

Glyn Hanmer

Age 36 / Alma, Colorado (USA)

BIKE: Ibis Ripmo with shocks tuned towards pedaling efficiency.
BAGS: Hodge podge mix of homemade and modified bags plus stem bags from Oveja Negra and Swift Industries, and a couple of bags straight up strapped to the bars.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Custom sleep system: zip-in patch for jacket to turn down jacket into upper half of sleeping bag, modified down blanket for bottom half. 1lb of Jus’ Sugs (just sugar).
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 840.

Colin Hart

Age 21 / Boulder, Colorado (USA)

BIKE: Revel Ranger with custom aero bars, fast wheels, and a LOT of miles.
BAGS: Old Man Mountain Elkhorn topped with The Atlas 12L pack and a Restrap Top Tube Bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Everything about this bike is a highlight.
GPS DEVICE: I’ll be using a Coros Dura.

Keith Hildwein

Age 29 / Nashville, Tennessee (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be riding the Ouachita Doom on a 2024 Surly Bridge Club “Whipped Butter” with a few game-changing upgrades that include a RockShox Recon suspension fork and PNW dropper post! For the tires, I have a Maxxis Recon 2.4″ in the rear and a Maxxis Minion DHF 2.5″ in the front. To carry all my luggage, I’ve strapped on a handful of bags by South City Stitch Works from a full kit Zach outfitted for a prior tour I did across half of South America. The rear rack is the new Mule Rack by Reckless Components. The rig is otherwise pretty stock other than what I’ve replaced after damage, namely a new rear wheel by DT Swiss and a Shimano Deore derailleur.
BAGS: South City Stitch Works “Love Handles” holding my sleep system in a 13L Sea to Summit, Full Length Top Tube Bag, Full Frame bag with 3L bladder, Feed Bag, and Handlebar bag
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Definitely not the lightest rig out there, but it’s come a long way since my last tour.. literally!
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 840.

Grant Holcomb

Age 31 / Fayetteville, Arkansas (USA)

BIKE: Hauling me deep into the woods for DOOM will be my aptly named Surly Krampus. Featuring 29 x 3.0″ WTB Ranger tires, 130mm Pike suspension fork, SP dynamo hub, Supernova light set, Paul square taper cranks, and a “fits like a glove” Brooks B17 saddle.
BAGS: Restrap top tube bag (my favorite) and a roll top Ortlieb frame bag to carry my fuel. Two feed bags on the handlebars for extra snacks; one Revelate and one Surly. On race day, I will also be using an Ortlieb saddle bag for my sleep gear.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Nemo Dragonfly 1P tent, USWE 2L hydration pack, and a LifeStraw collapsible water filter system.
GPS DEVICE: My trusty Garmin 530 hooked up to a battery bank.

Jeremy Hornberger

Age 41 / Fayetteville, Arkansas (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be riding my Specialized Stumpjumper Evo. Too much suspension but I’m planning on enjoying the experience. It features 160mm RockShox Lyrik and 150mm RockShox Super Deluxe rear shock. It features new 2.35″ Vittoria Mezcal tires, 1×12 SRAM Eagle, 30T front chainring, and a pair of lighter Reserve carbon wheels. I’m running Cane Creek bar ends which are a game changer for hand positioning.
BAGS: My rear seat bag is an Ortlieb Seat-Pack QR, which allows me to still use some of my dropper post. The top tube bag is made by Rinhowalk. The small triangle bag is an inexpensive Rockbros bag that fits perfectly where I need it. I opted out of a roll bag and instead am using two fork bags. It makes my cockpit much cleaner. I’ll have 1L of water on the bike and a hydration pack to carry extra water and any extra things I might need to stuff onboard. I’ve also got two feed bags so I can carry lots of food.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I have a lightweight bivy, a lightweight 30-degree sleeping bag, and a very lightweight spring/summer sleeping pad for when I need to get some rest. For lights, I have a Fenix light, two extra batteries, two extra helmet lights for when needed, and a 20,000mAh backup battery.
GPS DEVICE: I’m using a Zoleo GPS device for tracking, and my phone and Garmin Edge 540 for navigation.

Walker Jones

Age 31 / Bentonville, Arkansas (USA)

BIKE: I’m riding my Trek Supercaliber with RockShox Flight Attendant, SRAM transmission, Exposure 6 Pack light, and Leap Components Blips.
BAGS: Custom South City Stitchworks frame bag and Revelate Designs supporting bags.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Botched Bikes Titanium Dragonfly Dual bottle mount and Keego squeezable titanium bottles.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 1040 Solar.

Dillon Jourde

Age 34 / Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (USA)

BIKE: Mason RAW hardtail with a 120mm SID Ultimate fork, riding on HUNT Proven Race XC wheels equipped with 2.4″ Mezcal (front) and Peyote (rear) tires. Shimano XT groupset (32T x 10-51), with a spider power meter. I swapped my beloved Redshift seatpost for a Wolf Tooth dropper to assist with the descents. Ergon GS3 grips (the ones with the little horns).
BAGS: A mish-mash of bags, but the custom frame bag from Rockgeist is the star of the show. Tailfin CargoPack and (recently added) Bar Bag system make up the bulk of the carrying capacity. Items needed close at hand will be stowed in the long top tube bag from Apidura and the pair of feedbags from Revelate Designs. A few Blackburn cargo cages are mounted around the bike, one of which will be carrying a Grayl water filter bottle.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’m on the ‘ride’ side of the spectrum, rather than ‘race’, so I’m packing a comfortable sleep setup. Nemo Dragonfly 1P, Nemo Tensor UL pad, Nemo elite pillow, Big Agnes UL Quilt. Other nice-to-haves are some spare clothes and a radar taillight for the highway sections.
GPS DEVICE: COROS Dura.

Jonathan Karpatkin

Age 30 / Newton, Massachusetts (USA)

BIKE: I’m racing on a 2023 Unicorn custom ti, built from the ground up as a drop-bar hardtail. Fox 34 120mm fork, SRAM Transmission and Cane Creek drivetrain, Race Face Turbine wheels fresh 2.35″ Mezcals. Finishing kit from Pro, Wren, and Easton.
BAGS: A mix of Tailfin, Oveja Negra, Cedaero, and a Revelate Designs feed bag, just in case. The Cedaero frame bag was actually made for my fat bike, but by pure serendipity, it fits the Unicorn perfectly, even down to the bottle bosses.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Prototype fork aero fairings by MassSpeedTech.
GPS DEVICE: After being let down by other head units, I’m seeing if the grass is greener on the other side with a Wahoo ELEMNT ROAM 3. Lights from Lezyne, Bontrager, and Black Diamond.

Don Keller

Age 69 / Hailey, Idaho (USA)

BIKE: I will be riding Doom on my Scott Stance Carbon Demon Slayer. The Slayer is outfitted with two new Vittoria Mezcal tires 2.25″, SRAM GX AXS 1×12 drivetrain, 30T chainring, XTR pedals, SQ labs 30×16° with Ergon GP4 grips. Exposure Toro 16 light on the bar and a Fenix BC26R light on my helmet.
BAGS: I will be running a combination of Revelate Designs that have worked flawlessly through multiple races. They include: a tangle frame bag, a jerry can, a Terrapin 14L, and two mountain feedbags. Also, one Dark Sky Rogue Panda top tube bag stuffed with goodies!
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Wool socks, wool boxers, wool jersey, Rab puffy (never leave home without it).
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 830.

Josh Kile

Age 26 / Bentonville, Arkansas (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be riding my Allied BC40 (bikepacking edition) that has kept me rolling for thousands of miles and recently turned gravel monster. Rolling on Zipp Hitop s wheels wrapped in Conti RaceKings in 2.2”. Packing light with a few small bags and a USWE vest.
BAGS: Revelate Magtank, Brooks Scape, and Redshifts Kitchen Skink Bag, along with a USWE Rush 8L vest for more snacks and hydration.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Obviously the big one is the bar. The Redshift Kitchen Sink bar has been great at turning this thing into a blast to ride long days. The added hand and aero positions, along with the suspension and dropper, have made bombing down gravel descents a hoot while still being a rush and adding a new thrill to ripping singletrack with the flared drops. Plus, what’s not fun about turning a few heads?
GPS DEVICE: My trusted Garmin 530.

Spencer McCullough

Age 31 / Denver, Colorado (USA)

BIKE: I’ve got my trusty old Soma Juice still running a 3x in the front. She’s taken me far. Hopefully, she can survive Doom.
BAGS: I’m running the Old Man Mountain panniers for this course, and then just small bags up front with food, repair gear, and electronics.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: The Hydrapak water filter in a bottle. Haven’t tested this much, but I’m hoping it helps me get over my hatred of filtering water.
GPS DEVICE: For navigation, I have a Coros Dura and then my phone as a backup. Then my inReach for Trackleaders.

Matt McLoone

Age 39 / Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (USA)

BIKE: Stoked to be riding Doom on my Mosaic MT-2 w/GX/XO Transmission. I am rolling on i9 wheels with Vittoria Mezcal/Peyote 2.4″ tires, 32T chainring and 120mm SID Ultimate. Outbound lighting with a couple of power banks to keep things charged.
BAGS: I’ll be storing my clothing in a Tailfin CargoPack, Snacks in a Cedaero frame bag and Andrew The Maker TT bag, and sleep gear in a Revelate Designs Pronghorn. I’ll also wear an Osprey Velocity hydration pack. My goal for the race is to find and eat at least 1-5 corn dogs. Hopefully, this goal is achieved.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’ll try and catch some z’s with my OR Helium Bivy with an Enlightened Equipment quilt and Ether Light XR Insulated Air Sleeping Pad and filter water with my MSR Trail-Shot. I also have approximately 30 Rice Krispies treats.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin 850. Hopefully, I’ll be able to manage the battery life.

Brant McMillin

Age 54 / Dallas, Texas (USA)

BIKE: I will be riding on a steel Chumba Stella I had them build for me as a 50th birthday present for myself. It has We Are One carbon wheels with a White Industries rear hub and a SON Dynamo hub up front. Fox 34 suspension fork. Vittoria Mezcal 2.35″ tires. A 1×12 drivetrain with an oval 32T chainring. I recently installed the Hope E4 brakes and rotors. I have Profile Designs aero bars installed where I strap my Big Agnes tent. Old Man Mountain rear rack.
BAGS: Bedrock Bags custom frame bag, gas tank, and handlebar bag (left side). Apidura food pouch (right side). An NRS Tuff Sack holds my sleeping quilt.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Enlightened Equipment sleeping quilt, Nemo Tensor pad, Big Agnes Copper Spur UL1 tent. Kleen Kanteen bottle is strapped to a Widefoot CargoMount cage mounted on the downtube.
GPS DEVICE: Ride with GPS on my Android phone.

Peter Montgomery

Age 32 / Fayetteville, Arkansas (USA)

BIKE: Specialized Fuse frame, 130mm Fox 34, Reynolds TR309S wheels, Conti Dubnital 2.4″ front and rear.
BAGS: South City Stitchworks frame bag and Love Handles rear harness, Tailfin top tube and bottom tube bags, Rockgeist BarJam handlebar harness.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Comfort by Ergon (cork grips), SQLabs (innerbarends, 60X saddle), Wolf Tooth B-RAD for double bottle setup on downtube. Lights from Gloworm.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 840.

Matt Morelli

Age 29 / Sylva, North Carolina (USA)

BIKE: Salsa Cutthroat with SRAM Eagle 10-52T x 34T Wolf Tooth oval chainring with Conti Cross King 2.3″ tires, a PNW Coast suspension dropper, and Redshift’s Shockstop Stem to help with the chunk.
BAGS: Rockgeist full frame, Gondola saddle, and Big Dumpling hip pack, Tailfin downtube, Revelate Designs Egress handlebar, and Restrap top tube bags on the bike.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Big Agnes Alpha Direct Sleeping bag liner matched with a SOL Escape bivvy will keep me warm all night long!
GPS DEVICE: Coros Dura computer, Apex 2 Pro watch, and heart rate monitor for navigation and health data.

Ryan Oberrieder

Age 29 / Kansas City, Missouri (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be riding Doom on a 2022 Specialized Epic Evo. I have Specialized Ground Control 2.35” tires, SRAM XO Eagle 1×12 drivetrain with a 32T chainring, and Specialized Roval Control carbon wheels.
BAGS: For my bag setup, I have the Rockgeist Barjam up front with the Horton front pouch. Dual Revelate Feedbags and a JPaks SnakPak. I also have an Oveja Negra Snack Pack on the seat tube and a MoosePacks seat bag under the downtube. Out back I have a Bedrock Black Dragon seat bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Nemo 32° bag, Tensor sleeping pad, and Outdoor Research Helium bivy. I may end up opting for a lighter setup as we watch the weather play out. Fenix BC26R on the bars and helmet for lighting with a sweet little adapter from Max at Mostly Forever Bikes.
GPS DEVICE: I’ll be using a Coros Dura, but will also have RWGPS on my iPhone as a backup.

Natalie Peet

Age 26 / Fayetteville, Arkansas (USA)

BIKE: Custom-made SSS (Slow Southern Steel) Warhorn made by local frame builder Jesse Turner. Custom SSS bars hand-bent by the hands of Bear Creek Ben. Cute lil bags made by Zach Smith at South City Stitchworks.
BAGS: Full-length top tube, feed bags, frame bag, and tool roll all matchy matchy blang blang from SCSW.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I got a lil piggy valve cap from Mad Monkey Designs that makes me smile every time I look at it. I also have a skull and crossbones sticker on my seat post to let the fools who are riding too close behind me know that I am a lethal weapon.
GPS DEVICE: Coros Dura.

Carter Persyn

Age 28 / Fayetteville, Arkansas (USA)

BIKE: Norco Revolver FS 120mm.
BAGS: Tailfin top tube, 3L downtube, and bar cage/bag system. two stem packs, a Moosepack saddle bag, and a USWE Rush 8L vest.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Fenix lights for battery swappage, 2.4 dubnitals for speed, merino wool on the body, and lots of gummy bears.
GPS DEVICE: Wahoo Element Roam.

Owen Pfeiffer

Age 31

BIKE: I’ll be ripping my 2022 Bombtrack Hook CXT carbon rocking a classic 1×11 SRAM drivetrain. Not out of preference, but out of mechanical ease. 34T ring with an 11-42T cassette. Some 45mm rambler tires mounted on upgraded 700c DT Swiss CRC1400s. There are no mountain bikes, only mountain bikers.
BAGS: Mixed bag of Apidura and Outer Shell. Nothing crazy.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Huge shout out to AARN eyewear and Bicycle components. Best chainrings in the game. Best eyewear obtainable.
GPS DEVICE: Wahoo ELEMNT Roam.

JEFF PRICE

Age 50 / EDWARDSVILLE, Illinois (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be taking on Doom aboard my Priority 600ADX titanium gravel bike with Mezcal 2.35″ tires. The drivetrain is centered around a Pinion gearbox paired with a belt drive. It is a sealed, magical box of gears that I do not completely understand but blindly trust, like ibuprofen or eating more fiber.
BAGS: I’m running a Green Guru full-frame bag and a reversed Silca saddle bag impersonating an aerobar bag up front. The rest is an assortment of interchangeable options that I will aggressively and pointlessly swap out at least five more times before race day.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My primary footwear will be my 45NRTH Ragnarok boots. I trained in these through months of freezing, soaking-wet conditions, and I am a firm believer in the phrase “dance with the date that brought ya.” Even if the Ouachita National Forest is unseasonably warm and they become wearable saunas, my feet will have to respect the process.
GPS DEVICE: Maps printed on two 8.5 x 11 laminated sheets of paper. I’ll also have a Wahoo Roam as a backup…just in case.

Josh Raleigh

Age 38 / Claremore, Oklahoma (USA)

BIKE: Otso Fenrir Stainless Sram Apex Eagle group 28T chainring up front. Vittoria Mezcal 2.6″ front and rear. Salsa Cow Chipper bars 52cm. Hunt Carbon Enduro wheels. Wren Fork with bottle cages. Wolf Tooth accents and bar tape. Outbound lights and 30,000mAh of batteries!
BAGS: Custom Rogue Panda gifts from my loving wife! Aeroe Spider rack with compression dry bags. 11L bar bag up front.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: D20 Valve stem covers. Carrying a tent and stove! Ugly mug and collapsible bowl. SPD sandals! Two doom bells from the Ozarks to join me on the Ouachitas.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin 1050 and Ride with GPS on my phone.

Dave Reed

Age 39 / Lafayette, Colorado (USA)

BIKE: Esker Japhy Ti XXL with pink bits and aptly named Doom bars.
BAGS: Homebrew pink top tube bag, modified stem bag with extra webbing, Rat King cradle with OR compression bag, Revelate Designs frame and seat bags.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: The custom top tube bag allowed me to sew in a nice strap for mounting the spot transceiver securely right up front, and the modified stem bag snugly fits an easily accessible bottle while the big Nalgene sits on the King Cage Manything cage down low. Sadly had to last-minute swap the matching pink 180mm White Industries cranks with the SRAM ones, but the carbon should at least lessen some of the weight of this beast!
GPS DEVICE: Spot Gen 2.

Jesse Reeves

Age 42 / Janesville, California (USA)

BIKE: S-Works Epic Evo with the standard setup. 2.4” Dubnitals, 32T chainring.
BAGS: Favorable weather forecast means a light setup. 4L stabilized seat pack for layers, 2.2L Tailfin Long Top Tube Pack for electronics and easy access odds and ends, MYOG wedge for carbs, and downtube bag for the repair kit.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Giving an Exposure Light a try (Maxx-D mk17), 180g mini-aero bar pad to relieve the hands, plastic 3D printed bits galore.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 1040.

Kurt Refsnider

Age 43 / Variable (USA)

BIKE: For a ghoulish event that’s not really a gravel race but also not a MTB race despite 100+ miles of singletrack, it seems like the logical bike choice for me (mind you, me being someone who has never ridden in the Ouachitas) is a gravel ATB. Or is it a mountain bike masquerading as a gravel bike? I don’t know – no point in wasting mental energy on what to call a bike, eh? What matters is that this bike makes him happy, it’s fun to ride all over the place, it’s comfortable for weeks on end, and it rides just like a mountain bike when the trails get rowdy. It’s my Pivot LES SL with drop bars (Redshift Top Shelf bars), Industry Nine wheels (SOLiX M hubs + Whisp rims), Shimano XTR drivetrain with GRX Di2 shifters, Wolf Tooth CTRL pedals, 4iiii power meter to keep me from getting too excited on the singletrack, and my trusty Ergon SMC Sport Gel saddle.
BAGS: Revelate Designs bags haven’t let me down in nearly 20 years, so that’s all there are on here – a custom frame bag still covered in Orogenesis dust, Gas Tank for snacks, dual Speedbags for snacks, and a Campomocha nestled beneath the little aerobars for more snacks.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: There’s not much else aside from the bike, snacks, repair kit, and Fenix lights to hopefully keep the ghosts at bay, a HM65R-T on the helmet, a BC26R on the bars, and one extra 18650 battery just in case.
GPS DEVICE: COROS Dura.

Cade Reichenberger

Age 26 / Denver, Colorado (USA)

BIKE: 2025 Yeti ASR, under-forked to 100mm with a Fox 32. Eagle AXS with 10-52T cassette and 30T chainring. Schwalbe Rick XC 2.2” pro speed tires front and rear.
BAGS: Custom frame bag and massive top tube bag from South City Stitchworks. I’ll also be wearing a Camelbak Chase 8 with a 3L bladder.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Keeping things light by not bringing aerobars because I think the new course is going to be climby and slow. Also keeping things light throughout the night with a big MagicShine front light + Fenix headlight combo.
GPS DEVICE: Wahoo Elemnt Roam and MapOut app on my phone.

Tyler Reynolds

Houston, Texas (USA)

BIKE: 2025 Trek Supercaliber 9.9. Trying the minimalistic race bike approach this time rather than the usual overbuilt beasts I typically race.
BAGS: Frame bag by Rockgeist. Wicked impressed by their turnaround time and build quality! Rogue Panda Gordito Grande up front.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I am bringing like two cups of water, a granola bar, and a superbike with me on this race. There isn’t a lot to talk about. My favorite piece of gear onboard is the bracelet my wife and kids made me.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin 840 with offline cellphone maps for backup.

Michelle Roth

Age 28 / Bentonville, Arkansas (USA)

BIKE: A very well-loved Santa Cruz Highball hardtail with a new cherry red SID Ultimate fork to clash well with the hot pink on the bike. Sticking with my usual Rekon Race 2.35” tires and two pairs of Togs to keep weight off my palms.
BAGS: Two Revelate Designs Feed Bags for liquid nutrition and the Rifter frame bag for everything else, plus a USWE vest with a 2L bladder.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Shokz headphones and a bumpin download playlist. Great Value S’mores Trail Mix as a cornerstone of my nutrition plan.
GPS DEVICE: Navigating with my Garmin Edge MTB. Going off memory as a backup.

Nathan Salle

Age 30 / Richmond, Virginia (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be riding a medium Chumba Sendero built around a 130mm front fork, full Shimano 1×12 drivetrain, and a set of Industry Nine wheels with 2.4″ Rekons front and rear.
BAGS: Bag setup is almost all Revelate Designs with a Dispersed Bikepacking frame bag. Can’t forget my Mica Cycles Rat Tail rack either!
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Nothing fancy, just tried and true gear that I’ve been using for many races. Exact setup will be a game-time decision based on weather and trail conditions, but will still bring gear to sleep out, and leave lots of room for food with the long distance between resupplies. Favorite piece of kit, though, is the bike itself! So fun to ride on a normal day out, but feels incredible and confident when loaded down as well.
GPS DEVICE: I’ll be navigating with a Coros Dura but will have the route downloaded on Gaia and RWGPS for close-up navigation on my phone.

Luis Orozco Sanchez

Age 27 / Berkeley, California (USA)

BIKE: Rodeolabs Showpony Proto V2, nicknamed “pig”.
BAGS: Apidura and Ortlieb (thanks Chaz <3). GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Trying for quick and light, which is challenging as I’m a complete squirrel and love to overpack, especially food. Sleep kit: SOL escape bivvy, Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xtherm pad, down pants, boots, and vest, bug net for da face. Luxurious eye mask and inflatable pillow. Fenix headlamp and bike light, Knog light as backup. Hydrapack water flux filter.
GPS DEVICE: What inReach Mini 2 for tracking, Coros Dura for navigation, Garmin Forerunner 955 for HR.

Johannes Santen

Age 36 / Oakland, California (USA)

BIKE: A METAL bike for a METAL course: my trusty Starling Murmur. 140mm Fox 36 SL in the front paired with 120mm travel in the rear, provided by a Cane Creek Air IL shock. Ready to shred in relative comfort. Drivetrain is SRAM X01/XX1 mechanical, and Magura 4-piston brakes will keep me from riding off a cliff. Shout-out to Madrone for helping me upgrade my derailleur.
BAGS: Rockgeist custom frame and top tube bags as well as front harness with an 8L dry bag (sleep kit, clothes) and dual feed bags. Lots of room for snacks! On the back, I have a tailing cargo pack for rain gear, a tarp, and some more food in case I miss the like one resupply on this route.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I put some elastic cord between my handlebars and the harness, which is a great place to stow and retrieve gear like a rain jacket without having to faff with bags.
GPS DEVICE: COROS Dura.

Joshua Shouse

Age 34 / Lexington, Kentucky (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be riding my Revel El Jefe rolling on 2.4″ Vittoria Mezcal front and Peyote rear. 1x12s X01 Eagle drivetrain with a 30T oval chain ring. Mica Rat Tail rear rack. 120mm Pike Ultimate fork. Ergon GP3 grips.
BAGS: I’ll be running a Revelate Designs full-frame bag, and a custom full-length top tube bag by Zach at South City Stick Works. I’ll also have a 9L Mountain Laurel Deigns bag taco’d by SSTW “Love Handles” harness. I’ll be wearing a Restrap Race Hydration vest in hopes of getting away without using handlebar and fork bags.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Really stoked on the top tube bag and rear harness from Zach at SCSW. These are both top quality and incredibly useful. Changing up my sleep kit a little, and I’m trying a Tyvek Bivy with my EE quilt and Therm-a-Rest pad just in case I need a nap. Picked up a FarPointe Alpha cruiser hoodie (courtesy of Neil’s layering video) that I’m also excited to bring along for the ride.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin inReach with a Garmin Fenix 6 for back-up.

Jesse Smith

Age 31 / Columbus, Indiana (USA)

BIKE: Stoked to be bringing my Allied BC40 back to its homeland for another go at Doom. Running a SRAM XXSL Transmission and a 120/120 Sid Flight Attendant suspension setup. Vittoria Peyote XC Trail in 2.4 and a Tailfin rack.
BAGS: Southcity Stitch Works custom bags throughout, featuring Zach’s new Lovehandles Harness for the rear rack.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Pas Normal Wind Proof Hooded base layer. Functions as a three-in-one base layer, balaclava, and windbreaker.
GPS DEVICE: Hammerhead Karoo 3. Really vibing with its mapping capability.

Josh Stair

Age 34 / Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be racing Doom at my “party pace” on my Fairlight Holt 2.0. RockShox SID fork. Vittoria Barzo and Vittoria Peyote 29 x 2.4″ on Hunt wheels. Shimano Deore XT drivetrain.
BAGS: The top tube and frame bag are made by me. Feed bags are Rockgeist and Revelate Designs. Sea to Summit dry bags for my sleep kit. Salomon 14L hydration pack.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Will be bringing my Durston 1P for shelter and Therm-a-Rest blow up pad for comfort. Profile Designs aero bars for the sections between the singletrack.
GPS DEVICE: I’m using a Coros Dura to navigate, but will also have the route loaded on the RWGPS app on my iPhone.

Chris Summerlin

Age 38 / Greensboro, North Carolina (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be losing my DOOM virginity atop my titanium Esker Hayduke. It’s sporting Roval Control SL wheels with Mezcals, a 12-speed XT drivetrain with Cane Creek eeWings cranks and a 30T chainring, four piston XT brakes, and SQlab Innerbarends.
BAGS: Rogue Panda top tube bag, Rockgeist frame bag and stem bags, and a Rockgeist dry bag and protector riding on an early version of the Mica Rat Tail rack.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Bivy, sleeping pad, and quilt for naptime.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 1040 and a Garmin Enduro 3 for backup.

Liz Thompson

Age 40 / Albuquerque, New Mexico (USA)

BIKE: I will be riding Doom on my super fun and trusty Esker Hayduke Ti! I have Perseverance Adventure Handlebars from Wren Sports with built-in aero bars. Absolute Black 28T oval chain ring to help me out with all the hills, and Vittoria Mezcal 2.35″ tires to keep me rollin’ and rollin’.
BAGS: I have a beautiful new top tube bag from Zach at South City Stitchworks, as well as a frame bag made by Buckhorn Bags. Snack bags from Ghost Cat Bags to hold lots of snacks (duh), and my favorite Send it Safely water bottle, and an Endover handlebar bag from Tribulus Limited. Will also use my Tumbleweed rear rack to carry a dry bag with my sleep kit.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My soon-to-be-acquired Doom bell to help me feel a little less alone at night!
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge Explore 2.

Bryan Thurman

Age 41 / Sylva, North Carolina (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be party-pacing Doom on my 2022 Surly Ghost Grappler. I swapped the drop bars for flat bars and swapped to a 29″ set of Industry Nine Trail S wheels. I will also be running the Old Man Mountain Divide rack.
BAGS: I’ll be running the Oveja Negra frame bag, Rockgeist handlebar bag, two outer shell stem bags, a Revelate Designs top tube bag, and a Sea to Summit dry bag on my rack.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Focusing on comfort, I went with the Oddmone riser bars and SQ Labs innerbar ends, as well as a Brooks C17 saddle.
GPS DEVICE: I’ll be using my trusty Wahoo Elemnt Bolt.

Toni Valley

Age 42 / Longwood, Florida (USA)

BIKE: 2015 Scott Scale, 12-speed SRAM AXS. Velocity Blunt 35 wheels with a matching dynamo hub and Sinewave beacon dynamo light.
BAGS: Ghost Cat frame bag, Jpaks top tube and front roll, Porcelain Rocket accessory bag, and Nuclear Sunrise stem bags. An Ortlieb Quick Rack and a Revelate Designs pannier. On my body, I will be wearing a Rockgeist hip pack.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I love my Outdoor School Shop Rain Mittens for the cold and my Bedrock Sandals when my feet are tired of my Converse. My bags are all great and all made in the USA. I will be riding wearing Ornot bibs and Ombraz shades.
GPS DEVICE: I’m using a Garmin 1030+ with attached backup battery to navigate, but will also have the route loaded on the RWGPS app on my iPhone as a backup.

Jacob Waterman

Age 33 / Springfield, Missouri (USA)

BIKE: Mosaic MT-2 with SRAM GX AXS drivetrain, 2.35″ Vittoria Mezcals, Fox 34 Factory SL fork.
BAGS: Top tube bag, rack harness, and feed bag by South City Stitchworks. Sew Bueno burrito bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: The bulk of my gear will be out back on my Slow Southern Steel rack. Sleeping pad, bivvy, puffy jacket, and pants. Water filter at the ready.
GPS DEVICE: Coros Dura.

Sarah Waterman

Age 31 / Springfield, Missouri (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be riding a Salsa Fargo flat bar with Vittoria Syerra 2.4″ tires.
BAGS: A hodgepodge of bags, including an Oveja Negra frame bag (bought from a friend), Buckhorn top tube bag (won in a raffle), and Oveja Negra handlebar bag (gifted from family).
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: A CamelBak loaded with Uncrustables.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 530.

Ryan White

Age 41 / Denver, Colorado (USA)

BIKE: Tumbleweed Sunliner, 2.6″ Vittoria Mexcal/Peyote, 30T Chainring and 1×12 SLX drivetrain for the ups and downs and copious singletrack. Mica Rat Tail rear rack with custom mounts and a prototype dry-bag rack up front.
BAGS: Centerpiece of my bags are the MYOG gear I’ve been working on; frame bag, flip-top stem bags, 3D printed direct-mount brackets for rack-top Tailfin bag (3L DT bag), and Rogue Panda Gila up front on the rack prototype.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Since I’m participating rather than actually racing, I plan on sleeping, so I have a Durston X-Mid 1, Sea to Summit Spark Quilt, Nemo Tensor pad, and a small cook kit for dehydrated dinners. I’ve got Fenix lights for early starts/long evenings.
GPS DEVICE: Zoleo tracker, Coros Dura GPS unit, and phone with Ride with GPS as back-up.

Seamus Woods

Age 49 / Brewster, Massachusetts (USA)

BIKE: Specialized Epic 8 with Shimano analog drivetrain and suspension remotes. 2.35″ Fast Track tires with Control casing and a 34T chainring. Ideally, I would have put tougher tires and a smaller chainring on, but I ran out of time getting my stuff together. At least I topped up the sealant, right?
BAGS: Tailfin rear bag, frame bag is for a Salsa Spearfish, but it mostly fits the Epic with just a little duct tape modification.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Sleeping kit is an Enlightened quilt with a RAB bivy and XS big Agnes UL ground pad. Used it on a 700-mile trek in Montana and it worked nicely.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin 1040 and inReach. Tried to order the Coros one so I wouldn’t have to worry about battery, but it didn’t show up. Probably my mistake, though.

Caleb Young

Age 33 / Athens, Tennessee (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be riding Doom on a 2022 Specialized Epic Evo. Will be rolling on Specialized Ground Control T5 29 x 2.35″ rubber. Mechanical, GX Eagle drivetrain 1×12, with a 34T chainring. Bike is pretty much stock, with the exception of carbon handlebars.
BAGS: Have quite a variety of bags for this bike. Top tube is fitted with an XL Apidura 2L racing pack. Frame bag is a Revelate Nook that holds my trailside tools. I’ll also have two Fidlock bottles mounted inside the frame. The cockpit has two feed bags: Rockgeist Honeypot and Rogue Panda Happy Jack. Holding my sleep kit in place and housing my Outbound Detour light; the Rogue Panda Blue Ridge harness. Lastly, I have my Old Man Mountain Elkhorn rack for holding a dry bag with extra layers and snacks.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’ll be wearing a USWE running vest to hold extra water, extra carbs, etc. Sleep will be a priority this trip. So my sleep/shelter kit will be my Marmot 1P tent, Exped ultra sleeping pad, SOL bivy blanket, with a Sea to Summit liner for backup.
GPS DEVICE: I’m using my Garmin Edge 840 to navigate the route, but will also have Gaia and RWGPS apps as backup.

Further Reading

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