Rigs of the 2026 Pinyons and Pines

Pinyons and Pines is an esteemed bikepacking event that starts and ends in Flagstaff, Arizona. The grand depart has been running annually since 2019, and each year the route changes, dishing up new surprises, challenges, and stunning trails around Prescott National Forest, Coconino National Forest, and beyond. This year’s route is 413 miles long, with over 39,000 feet of climbing, and it follows a mix of singletrack, doubletrack, dirt roads, and the occasional stretch of pavement.

With help from event organizer Dana Ernst and this year’s riders, we rounded up bike and gear details for over 50 folks taking on the route. Scroll through and get a good look at everyone’s rig, and then head over to the 2026 Pinyons and Pines Tracker page to follow along live. Stay tuned for updates and photos from the trail, courtesy of Wyatt Spalding. Riders take off tomorrow morning at 6 a.m. local time from Flagstaff Bicycle Revolution. Before we dive in, find a quick update from Dana Ernst.

The 2026 Pinyons and Pines Route

By Dana Ernst

The 2026 edition of Pinyons and Pines, which starts at 6 a.m. on Thursday, May 14th, is the longest version yet, coming in at 413 miles with 39,000 feet of climbing. This year’s route passes along the edge of Sedona, utilizes some new singletrack in Cottonwood, climbs over the Bradshaw Mountains (twice!), and takes in some of Prescott’s best singletrack. There is also one mandatory out-and-back summit on Mount Union in the Bradshaw Mountains, adding an interesting twist.

This is an unsanctioned event. There are no fees or prizes, but every effort is made to record each rider’s finish time. A start time and route are provided, and it is up to the participant to understand the route. Riders are responsible for their navigation and well-being. The goal is to finish the entire route while each rider sets their own pace. Riders can choose between solo and duo (two-person team) categories.

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We have roughly 70 riders expected to start on Thursday morning. There are quite a few heavy hitters on the start list! A few names to keep an eye on: Alex Schultz, Cade Reichenberger, Chase Kaufman, Cruz Blue, Jeff Kerkove, Karin Pocock, Leigh Bowe, Quinn Travis, Rei Rey, Rocky Gingg, Sam McLaughlin, Sarah Didier, Sarah Higgins, Timon Fish, and Tyler Arnett. There are also two teenagers lining up: Cruz Blue (age 17) and Liam Kennedy (age 18). Our elder statesman is Eddie Urcadez, at 63 years old. Moreover, we have 11 women and two non-binary folks lining up. We are proud of these numbers, but there is room for improvement. More is better. Women and non-binary riders: we would love to have you participate in next year’s edition of P&P! Come join us.

Flagstaff sits at the base of the San Francisco Peaks, on homelands sacred to Native Americans throughout the region. The Peaks, which include Humphreys Peak (12,633 feet), the highest point in Arizona, have religious significance to several Native American tribes. In particular, the Peaks form the Diné (Navajo) sacred mountain of the west, called Dook’o’oosłííd, which means “the summit that never melts.” The Hopi name for the Peaks is Nuva’tukya’ovi, which translates to “place-of-snow-on-the-very-top.” This year’s course traverses the ancestral homelands of the Hopi, Ndee/Nnēē (Western Apache), Yavapai, A:shiwi (Zuni Pueblo), and Diné (Navajo).

Kristen Alan

Age 31 / San Francisco, California (USA)

BIKE: A Santa Cruz Highball that answers to froggy. 1×12 SRAM NX Eagle drivetrain. SRAM Level T hydraulic disc brakes. RockShox SID SL Base fork with 100mm of travel. Tubeless Maxxis Rekon Race 29 x 2.35″ tires. Pro Sirin Performance Saddle.
BAGS: My favorite bag is my custom safety cone frame bag made by Willard Armero. I have a Baryak installed that holds my Rhinwalk 8L handlebar bag. I’m also using a Tailfin pannier rack in the back, and a Revelate Designs Mag-Tank 2000 top tube bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Not pictured: My Albion Cargo Vest that has carried me through all my long rides this year. Sleep kit including Feathered Friends Egret UL 20 sleeping bag, and my Outdoor Research Helium Bivy. I will be riding in my Bedrock Clogs because I am deeply committed to clog life.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 840.

Tyler Arnett

Age 42 / Scottsdale, Arizona (USA)

BIKE: 2016 Scott Scale.
BAGS: Tailfin Aeropack, Rogue Panda framebag, Revelate Designs top tube bags, and an unknown handlebar bag.
GPS DEVICE: Wahoo bolt.

Jimmy Awad

Age 35 / Salt Lake City, Utah (USA)

BIKE: The Scott Spark RC will be carrying me through the Pinyons and Pines. Rolling on Vittoria Peyote’s 2.4, DT Swiss XRC Wheels, XO Transmission, Front to back 120 mm Fox Suspension with full lockout. And holding on to Salsa Cow Chippers, with Profile leaner bars equipped with blips.
BAGS: Custom Frame Bag by the One Leg Designs, Restrap Top Tube Bag, Burra Burra Handlebar Harness with Sea to Summit compression sack. While I wear the Scott Endurance TR’ 12 Vest.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Emergency bivy with down jacket and pants for minimal and light sleep kit, for when we sleep?? Light motion 650 so I don’t see everything that’s out to get me in the night, rather not know.
GPS DEVICE: COROS Dura / Garmin inReach Messenger.

Chad Baily

Age 29 / Bozeman, Montana (USA)

BIKE: Specialized Epic 8, SRAM 90 Transmission (32T x 10-52T), SQlabs innerbarends, Maxxis Rekon 2.4″ tires front and rear.
BAGS: I’ve got a mix of bags on my bike: Ovejra Negra tool bag, Revelate panniers on an Old Man Mountain Divide rack, feed bags, and a top tube bag, homemade frame bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: USWE backpack with water and extra snacks and Old Man Mountain fork mounts for extra gas station goodies. Sleep system: 40 degree quilt, polycryo ground sheet, a pillow, some base layers, and a houdini.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 840.

Nick Bierman

Age 28 / Salt Lake City, Utah (USA)

BIKE: My new Revel Ranger has been itching for her first race. I’ll be running Continental Dubnital 2.4” tires, Shimano XT drivetrain, SQ LAB inner bar ends and foam grips to keep me comfy.
BAGS: Zion components twin cage for 2 bottles and a frame bag for the win!
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Got some sweet custom bags from Venture Handmade that will be carrying my sleep kit, gummy worms and maybe some rice crispies?
GPS DEVICE: Coros Dura.

Cruz Blue

Age 17 / Flagstaff, Arizona (USA)

BIKE: Ibis DV9. Dissector tire on the rear, Recon Race tire up front. SRAM Level master cylinders, G2, 4 piston calipers. Painted pedals by Olie.
BAGS: Rogue Panda frame bag, feed bag, rear bag, and top tube bag. I also have 1L Rogue Panda bike bottles. Mica Rail Tail (yes, it is called Rat Tail, is that not the coolest name ever?).
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Aerobars, Brooks style. Ultralight bivi dylan style, Custom light mounts on helmet and Aerobars, designed by yours truly (me). Custom water bottle holder for downtube, not sure if it will work though. Prototype rack bag by Rogue Panda.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 840 plus.

Allison Bohn

Age 36 / Flagstaff, Arizona (USA)

BIKE: My 2022 Juliana Wilder XT with 6,500 miles and counting. The handlebar has glow-in-the-dark “inner” bar ends with cut and taped ESI grip pads.
BAGS: I’m trying something new this year and using an Old Man Mountain Elkhorn. It feels great, and I can even use my dropper. It’s supporting two Revelate Designs nano panniers that will be filled with my sleeping pad, clothes, and extra food. My frame bag and top tube bag are Rouge Panda. Bar bags are from Kasybag and Oveja Negra; they will hold 32oz bottles and snacks. My sleep kit is attached to the bars using Voile straps and a custom bar extender.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Enlightened Equipment 30F quilt with silk liner, Nemo Tensor pad, Lezyne front light, and Nitecore head lamp and power bank. I will also have a neck wrap that I plan to dip in cattle tanks along the way to stay cool as I was just diagnosed with MS last year. Fight MS!
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 530.

Cami Bohn

Age 38 / Flagstaff, Arizona (USA)

BIKE: Ibis Exie GX with a brand new rear Rekon Race, since I ran my last one completely bald.
BAGS: Rogue Panda! My frame bag will hold 3L of water on my small frame. The Ripsey will hold my quilt. Two Oveja Negra chuck buckets hold 32 oz bottles filled with Tailwind and Celsius. Clothes and a sleeping pad will be up front in a Revelate Designs Salty Roll. An Oveja Negra lunch box will be attached to that and stuffed full of cherry pie and hot dogs. Jk, unless I can find some on route, then maybe.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Fenix lights. Capacity to carry 5L and maybe a few cans of Red Bull and Gatorade. Crinkly Tyvek will be my ground sheet.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin 530 for navigation.

Leigh Bowe

Age 45 / Flagstaff, Arizona (USA)

BIKE: Otso Fenrir.
BAGS: Oveja Negra frame wedge (still alive after pro zipper repair, thanks to Okey Dokey Co!), Old Man Mountain rack, Dispersed custom top tube bag that was made for the hubbie’s old bike that was recently sawed in half (RIP).
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I am bringing a proper sleep kit and prioritizing recovery during this long P&P, Feathered Friends down quilt + Klymit 3/4 pad, and an old REI brand garage sale bivy.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 540.

Eddie Bowers

Age 47 / Flagstaff, Arizona (USA)

BIKE: I’m riding a hardtail Salsa Timberjack XT 29er with SQLab bars and saddle. The fork has 130mm of travel.
BAGS: I’m rolling with Rogue Panda frame bags and their Kaibab Cradle steerer tube mount, along with Rockgeist Microwave Panniers and drybags.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’ll have a Feathered Friends quilt, Nemo Tensor pad, and Naturehike inflatable pillow for warmth and comfort when napping. The pillow excites me the most!
GPS DEVICE: I’m navigating with my iPhone and Ride with GPS.

Gwen Cameron

Age 37 / Palisade, Colorado (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be pedaling my stock Salsa Timberjack XT Z2 with Vittoria Mezcal XC Race 29 x 2.4” tires.
BAGS: My Timberjack is rigged with an Oveja Negra handlebar harness, seat bag and feed bags, Revelate Ranger frame bag, and the Rogue Panda top tube bag of my dreams with custom fabric. Triangle-mounted King Cages are on standby for big water carries.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’ll have a 1L BeFree filter to stave off giardia, $2 for the water machine at Spring Valley, and a bivy sack that’s a little bit better than a trash bag.
GPS DEVICE: My Coros Dura will keep me on track.

Lawrence Dennis

Age 56 / San Antonio, Texas (USA)

BIKE: Polygon Bend.
BAGS: Custom-made Rogue Panda Frame and Top Tube bags. Frame bag fits a 3-liter bladder and odds and ends, mostly room for food. Top Tube bags for tools and snacks. Kaibab Cradle with Gila Dry Bag fits my sleep system, bivy, quilt, sleep pad, ground cover, and puffy coat. Salsa anything cage with a dry bag fits extra clothes.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Red Shift Top Shelf handlebar and suspension stem, with Maxxis Icon’s to smooth out the bumps. Two Fenix BC26Rs and Shokz headphones.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin 830 Edge and Garmin inReach Mini.

Sarah Didier

Age 39 / Mission Viejo, California (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be on my Scott Scale hardtail bike, full carbon frame with FOX 32 fork offering 100mm of front travel. The wheels are from Light Bicycle, carbon rims with DT Swiss 240 hubs, mounted with a Maxxis Rekon Race 2.35″ tire in the front and Maxxis Aspen 2.4″ in the rear. The drivetrain is a mix of SRAM Eagle 1×12, with mechanical shifting and 34T chainring for a 10-52T cassette. I’m using Profile Design elbow pads for the longer road and gravel sections, but without the aero bars because I don’t like having them on a mountain bike. Instead, I put a homemade 3D printed U-bar to mount my front light. I’m bringing two Fenix BC26R lights, one on the bike and one on my helmet, also attached to a homemade 3D-printed mount.
BAGS: I have a lightweight rack from Old Man Mountain in the back with the 9L Atlas Rack Pack, as well as their Axle Pack in the front with two dry bags for maximum storage flexibility. On the top tube, I’m using an Atelier Fiks bag, custom made for my full-suspension bike but working perfectly on this bike too. It’s purple and I love it. I’m also carrying the Osprey Tempest Velocity 20L backpack.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Bringing my Big Agnes 40F down sleeping bag and the Outdoor Research Helium bivy this time, so I can try this thing called “sleep” for a few hours every night.
GPS DEVICE: I’m using a Garmin Edge 540 to navigate, and I also have the course on my phone using the Map Out app (love that app).

Timon Fish

Age 40 / Albuquerque, New Mexico (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be on my 2018 Giant Anthem with a mishmash of old and newer components. Fox suspension, SRAM XX/XO drivetrain, PNW dropper with Specialized Mirror saddle, Thomson bars with SQ labs inner bar ends and blips, Ergon Fat Grips, Fenix BR26R light, and a LD22 on the helmet.
BAGS: Tailfin top tube bag and rack. 2x Revelate feed bags. Osprey running pack with a 2L bladder.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: MLD Bivy and Enlightened Equipment puffies just in case. A mix of Gore and Rapha gear for riding.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin 840 with Garmin Fenix Enduro3 as backup.

George Foster

Age 37 / Mancos, Colorado (USA)

BIKE: Epic Evo. Mostly stock, Rekon 2.4″ front, 2.35″ Rekon Race rear. First race on Transmission, lots of extra batteries. PNW loam bars.
BAGS: Tailfin bar cage, love not rubbing and mashing cables and keeps the light high and bars clean. Dispersed custom top tube bag. Revelate seat, downtube, and feedbag. 4.5L capacity.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: SQlabs innerbar ends, random foam pads for aero on the front bag. Going Nicolette-inspired, no pad, and will regret. Just e-bivy as it’s looking to be quite warm. Assioma power pedals.
GPS DEVICE: Coros Dura.

Nico Francis

Age 27 / Flagstaff, Arizona (USA)

BIKE: Ibis DV9, 1×12 drivetrain with a 28T chainring. Ergon saddle and grips with Togs thumb grips.
BAGS: All homemade bags and front roll harness, Osprey Seral 4 hip pack.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’m slow, so I’ll be carrying a sleep kit: Katabatic Pinon Bivy & Western Mountaineering UltraLite sleeping bag. Clothing highlights: Alpha Direct “Lorax” sweater (it’s fuzzy & obnoxiously orange), and my homemade sun shirt.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 540 with Ride With GPS on my phone as backup.

Rocky Gingg

Age 37 / Durango, Colorado (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be riding my Sanitas Root designed and built here in Durango. 120mm up front with Spank Flare drop bars. BERD wheels with I9 Hydra hubs and Maxxis Aspen tires.
BAGS: Dispersed top tube bag and a Bedrock seat bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’ll be using a Fenix BC26R and HM65R for lights. Nitecore power banks. USWE Rush MTB vest and a light sleeping kit with a SOL Bivy.
GPS DEVICE: Coros Dura.

Sarah Higgins

Age 27 / Salt Lake City, Utah (USA)

BIKE: Specialized Epic Evo with a Maxxis Rekon up front and Ikon in the rear.
BAGS: Rogue Panda Ripsey and frame bag, Nuke Sunrise Harness
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: 18,000mg of electrolytes, Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Pad, Salomon running vest to carry the cals and fluids. Looking rather toasty next week!
GPS DEVICE: Wahoo Elemnt Bolt, RWGPS for backup.

Elijah Hughes

Age 23 / Salt Lake City, Utah (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be piloting a Specialized Epic (130/120mm) equipped with SRAM Motive brakes and a SRAM Transmission drivetrain. I’m rolling on Specialized Fast Trak in the back and Ground Control in the front on Specialized Control SL wheels. I’m also running aerobars on a MTB for the first time—it should be a wild ride.
BAGS: My kit is packed into a trusted Outer Shell saddle bag with my sleep system and layers. My BroadFork top tube bag, and stem bags will handle the gas station snacks, while a Black Diamond Distance 22 bag covers the rest.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: The sleep setup features an Enlightened Equipment 50 degree quilt and a Nemo Tensor pad, all wrapped in a freshly fixed Outdoor Research bivy. I’m also stoked with how the aerobar cockpit turned out with the integrated light and computer mount.
GPS DEVICE: The Coros Dura is in charge of all recording, navigating, and DJ responsibilities.

Aaron Johnson

Age 41 / Truckee, California (USA)

BIKE: Chumba Sendero Ti singlespeed. 32x20T gearing. Maxxis Rekon Race 2.4″ in front, Ikon 2.6″ in rear.
BAGS: Frame and top tube bags from Dispersed, Revelate Shrew seat bag, and a Revelate aero bars bag. Also wearing a Salomon running vest.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: First time trying out aero bars! Also going chamois-less (wool boxers with Ergon gel saddle) to see if that helps saddle sore issues, wish me luck. Full comfy sleep kit. Dynamo hub to power the night. 5L water capacity.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 1040 Solar.

Jacob Johnson

Age 32 / Durango, Colorado (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be tootin’ along on my titanium Kokopelli Hardtail lovingly named Hell Bitch. I’ve been running a Shimano XTR drivetrain and just added a new 32T RaceFace Era carbon chainring. The wheels are DT Swiss EX 511 with 350 hubs that I pulled from my enduro bike ‘cause they’re bombproof. For Pinyons, I’ll be riding on 2.25″ Rekons front and rear, with Cushcore in the back. RaceFace Era bars and mega Wolf Tooth grips to hopefully reduce fatigue. Fox 32 fork and Transfer dropper. King Cage bottle cage on the downtube that’s seen better days.
BAGS: My good friend Danielle made me this amazing framebag from heavier-weight dyneema with some incredible watertight zippers. I love that thing so much. The upper section will stash food and paraphernalia. The bottom is for bike repair and maintenance, as well as first aid. Up front is an Osprey Escapist bar bag to house extra layers and my sleep kit. 1.5-liter top tube pack from Tailfin gobbles up my electronics and more snacks. I’ll also be wearing an Osprey Duro Pro 10 hydration vest.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Easy Coffee Roasters instant so I got that dog in me. Some bright lights from Lezyne: the Megadrive 2400+ up front, and the Stripdrive Pro 400+ on the seatpost.
GPS DEVICE: Coros Dura on the stem. Coros Apex 4 watch as a backup if needed.

Chase Kaufman

Age 37 / Fountain Hills, Arizona (USA)

BIKE: Riding my well-worn 2018 Intense Sniper Trail. Rolling quicker than my typical with Conti Dubnitals on Berd HAWK30 Gold, 110mm RockShox SID SL, SRAM Eagle drivetrain with a 30T oval chainring, Shimano brakes, PNW dropper. Fenix lighting with BC26R on the bar and HM65R on the helmet.
BAGS: Kitted out the same as how I rode the AZT300 last year. A full set of Rogue Panda bags with two Happy Jacks on the bars, two on the top tube (Alamo, Rincon), and a Ripsey seat bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Most notable are the Berd wheels. I’ve had good success with their spokes and love the serviceability so am looking forward to rolling with the wheelset.
GPS DEVICE: Coros Dura and Garmin inReach Mini 2.

Liam Kennedy

Age 19 / Tucson and Flagstaff, Arizona (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be riding my 2022 Fezzari Signal Peak TR with a 2.4″ Continental Trinotal up front and a last-gen Fast Trak in the back. SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain with a 32T oval chainring on my Rotor PM cranks. The cheapest aluminum bottle cages you can find, and some need-to-be-bled SRAM G2 brakes. Profile Design aero bars that might not make it to the finish.
BAGS: Mostly self-made, with mostly Ecopak and ripstop. Handlebar is an Oveja Negra harness and Revelate Designs dry bag. Almsthre Saddlebag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Prioritized cost and durability over anything else. Will be using a bivvy and extra pair of clothes as my sleep system to have more motivation to ride through the night.
GPS DEVICE: My beloved COROS Dura.

Jeff Kerkove

Age 48 / Buena Vista, Colorado (USA)

BIKE: The Canyon Lux Trail CF Di2, featuring a 120mm FOX Factory 34SL fork, promises an expedited experience at the 2025 Pinyons and Pines. Efficient, durable, and lightweight, this setup has proven capable of tackling diverse high-desert conditions. Contact points remain comfortable thanks to the Ergon GS1 Evo grips and the Ergon SM Men saddle. Additional highlights include the reliable Maxxis Aspen 29 x 2.4″ tires, DT Swiss XMC carbon wheels, Shimano XT / XTR Di2 components, and the Coros Dura for navigation.
BAGS: All bags are from Topeak. On my back will be a Salomon hydration vest with ample room for assorted hydration and Maverick’s best snacks.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: The night will be illuminated by Exposure lights. Clothing items include Assos jersey and cargo bib shorts, Sportful short finger and warm gloves, Sportful arm and knee warmers, Swiftwick wool socks, a BUFF, and a Mountain Hardwear down jacket. Other items include the Abus AirBreaker 2.0 helmet, Pearl Izumi X-Alp shoes, a medical/self-care kit, Topeak mini tool and tire repair kit, Aeron TPU tubes, iPhone, credit card, cash and quarters, and an emergency bivy. GOREWEAR wet-weather clothing will be added if the forecast calls for it.
GPS DEVICE: Coros Dura.

Keith Kofoed

Age 40 / Western Springs, Illinois (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be riding Pinyons and Pines on my Revel El Jefe in the “Duo” category with my older brother and best bud, Mike! It’s set up 32x21T on Velocity Blunt 35s with Onyx Vesper in the rear and a SON Dynamo up front. Teravail Camrock 2.4″ in the rear and Maxxis Rekon Race 2.4″ up front.
BAGS: Custom main frame bag was done by Morrow Packs out of Marquette, Michigan (thanks, James!). Two dry bags are Rogue Panda with their Kaibab Cradle up front. Oveja Negra Chuckbuckets.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: The Mica Rat Tail rear rack is great. I’ll have a lightweight sleeping bag and Sea to Summit pad along with my Durston Mid 1 fly, should I need it. Rain pants and jacket will be with me too.
GPS DEVICE: I’m using a Garmin Edge 840 for navigation.

Joe Mangan

Age 35 / Salt Lake City, Utah (USA)

BIKE: 2023 Stanton Sherpa Ti+, extra spacious Rogue Panda frame bag, RockShox SID Ultimate, 2.6″ and 2.8″ tires, Brooks C17 saddle, aero bars with Cult x Vans grips.
BAGS: Salsa Anything Cradle Voile-strapped to aero bars, Rogue Panda frame bag, Salsa Anything cradle ziptied to the downtube, tools Voile-strapped to saddle, and a few more Voile straps just in case.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: headphones playing mostly Black Sabbath, MF Doom, and Pinback.
GPS DEVICE: Coros Dura computer and Garmin inReach.

Sam McLaughlin

Age 32 / Flagstaff, Arizona (USA)

BIKE: This year I’ll be riding a 2024 Giant Anthem (100mm rear travel, 120mm fork). Wheels are DT Swiss XM421 rims laced to Industry Nine Hydra hubs, tires are Maxxis Rekon (F) and Ardent (R), both 29 x 2.4″. The drivetrain is all SRAM, but a mix of 11-speed (shifter, derailleur, cassette) and 12-speed (crank, chain). Brakes are SRAM Guide RSC with metallic pads. Other parts include a BikeYoke Sagma saddle on a OneUp V2 dropper post, ancient but indestructible Shimano XT pedals, and ESI Extra Chunky grips.
BAGS: Rogue Panda Blue Ridge handlebar harness, Topeak & Blackburn feed bags, Blackburn front top-tube bag, homemade partial framebag and rear top-tube bag. I’ll be wearing a Camelbak Chase 8 hydration pack.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Lezyne light and Nitecore headlamp for trying to push through the dark. Inflatable pad and an SOL bivy for some deluxe dirt naps. A whole lot of Tailwind and a water filter. I’m going to start the ride wearing a brand new pair of socks. Fresh socks are hard to beat.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin eTrex 20 for navigation, plus Gaia on my phone as a backup. Garmin InReach Mini for tracking.

Benjamin Miller

Age 53 / Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be riding a 2025 Revel El Jefe with Vittoria Mezcal, SRAM AXS drivetrain, and SID Ultimate Fork.
BAGS: Tailfin front, rear, and top tube, with JPaks grab bags, and a custom frame bag by Bryan Couchman of Steady Co. in OKC.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: OR Helium bivy, Enlightened Equipment quilt, Donkey Label (Minneapolis) and Albion kit, Exposure light, set of SRAM blips to increase hand positions, and purple highlights. I am still thinking through the water situation and watching the weather for other gear choices.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin 1040 Solar.

Brent Millichap

Age 30 / Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be riding my steel jack hammer, a SOMA Juice steel frame, finely calibrated by Garrisons Cyclery. Rock Shock Pike 120mm of travel, 34T / 10-52T, 165mm cranks, Reserve Wheels, DT Swiss Hubs, Continental Dubinal tires 29 x 2.4″, and Shimano XT Brakes.
BAGS: Rogue Panda frame and top toob shooter. Revelate Designs Terrapin seat post bag and Salty Roll handle bar bag. Revelate and Rogue Panda feed bags. Old Man Mountain through axle fit kit with Wolf Tooth titanium cage attached.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Fenix lights, Apidura frame bladder, few pairs of socks, loose almonds, sugar packets, merino wool, and a Gremlin bell to keep the evil spirits away.
GPS DEVICE: The sun setting in the west and rising in the east, but mostly a Garmin Edge 800.

Brian Murphy

Age 39 / Flagstaff, Arizona (USA)

BIKE: Sklar Tall Tale XL built by the homies at Flag Bike Rev. Ti Doom bars, Sklar rack on the rear. Reserve wheels, Maxxis Forecaster 2.4″ in back, 2.6″ up front.
BAGS: Both bags from Dispersed.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Rogue Panda Kaibab Cradle on the front. Light sleeping kit.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 540.

Gnar Nasty

Age 46 / Flagstaff, Arizona (USA)

BIKE: Riding the ultra wave with my Revel Metal Wayward Ti frame featuring a fast and lightweight Nobl carbon TR32 wheel set wrapped in Maxxis 29×2.4 Rekons. Doom custom-made Ti crossbar handlebar to get that posture upright and comfy, Paul stem clamp, One Up dropper, and flat purple pedals, Cane Creek Hellbender bottom bracket & bar ends, Wolf Tooth seat clamp, headset, fatty foam grips, 19T cog, XT Deore cranks pushing 32x19T single speed gearing. Fox Performance 34’s keeping it squishy up front.
BAGS: Frame bag and top tube bag are custom-made by me, consisting of Gore-Tex camo and black Cordura. Revelate Shrew bag on the saddle and Pack2Ride feedbags hanging off the bars for keeping the snacks readily available.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: As per usual, going light with an emergency bivy for quick dirt naps should temps get chilly. Always rocking my Kahtoola gaiters to keep the rocks out. Couple of Niterider Lumina lights clamped to the Profile aero bars to light up the night along with my Fenix headlamp on the helmet. Botched Dragonfly’s mounted to the frame to carry some sugary H2O.
GPS DEVICE: COROS Dura.

David Nelson

Age 40 / Flagstaff, Arizona (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be riding the PnP on a 2025 Salsa Spearfish. Features a Reserve 28 Carbon wheelset with Maxxis Forkaster tires front and rear. Plenty of hand position options with Ergon grips, inner bar ends and I’m thinking of throwing on some aero bars. This is my first PnP, so I will be riding it with a little more comfort than most people. I couldn’t leave home without my Exped inflatable pillow!
BAGS: Rogue Panda in the Dark Sky series for my frame bags, Tailfin fork mounts, and a couple Revelate Designs feed bags.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Katabatic Wren bivy for my shelter with a Katabatic Flex 30 degree quilt and a Nemo Tensor sleep pad.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 840.

Joe Pavlik

Age 37 / Flagstaff, Arizona (USA)

BIKE: My trusty Soulcraft Holy Roller. This frame is over 12 years old and has seen huge sections of Arizona and the divide. I’ve been using the same Rohloff hub just as long.
BAGS: A mish-mash of bags since no one company makes what I prefer. Rogue Panda frame bag, Swift Zeitgeist handlebar bag, Revelate Mag Tank, Mountain Laurel Designs prototype Pico v3 panniers, dry bag and fork bags.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Durston x Dome 1+, Therm-a-Rest NeoAir, Big Agnes down sleeping bag, wool layers, Sinewave Beacon 2.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin 1040 Solar and Garmin Forerunner 955 solar as backup.

Karin Pocock

Age 45 / Moab, Utah (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be riding my Santa Cruz Highball with NOBL TR 32 carbon wheels and Vittoria Mezcal 2.25″ tires. SRAM XX1 drivetrain with a 32T oval and 10x50T cassette. Race Face Next flat bars with SQ Labs inner bar ends and aerobars put together with pieces from profile designs and pro missile. Flat pedals and dropper from One Up Components.
BAGS: Dispersed frame bag, top tube bag and down tube pouch. Andrew and Katie outdid themselves with the most space I’ve ever managed to have both in the frame and top tube storage. The Old Man Mountain 9L Atlas rack pack and prototype rack are allowing me to bring a light sleep kit and still manage to have nothing in front of my bags (this is a first for me and I’m stoked to have a clean front end). Chuck bags up front for water bottles since this is going to be a hot one!
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I just acquired a Zpaks 40 deg quilt that I’m pretty thrilled to use and it should be the perfect fit for the forecast temps and my desire to get a few hours of sleep. SOL Bivy, tools and repair items from Silca Velo and a Rab Veil 12L running vest round out my kit. I can flex up to 7L water capacity if I really need to (hoping not too) and have lots of space thanks to the new bags for the longer food carry to Prescott.
GPS DEVICE: Coros Dura.

Nic “Darwin” Rakestraw

Age 40 / Flagstaff, Arizona (USA)

BIKE: 2024 Kona OuroBoros. NOX Carbon Teocalli Wheels with a SONdelux Dynamo hub. Vittoria Mezcal 2.25” tire up front and 2.1″ rear. Shimano GRX 1×12 Drivetrain with a 36T chainring. Ritchey Beacon XL Drop Bars with Pro Missile Areobars.
BAGS: Evolved Supply Co. Custom Frame Bag. Brooks Scape Seat Pack. TailFin Bar Cage System.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Custom GooseFeet Gear “Elephant Foot” Bag in conjunction with Zpacks UL Down Jacket sleep system. Zpacks Altaplex Tarp with doors.
GPS DEVICE: Wahoo Element Roam 3 and Garmin Mini 2.

Cade Reichenberger

Age 26 / Denver, Colorado (USA)

BIKE: 2025 Yeti ASR, under-forked to 100mm with a Fox 32. Eagle AXS with 10-50T cassette and 32t chainring. Schwalbe Thunder Burt 2.4″ rear and 2.35″ Racing Ray in the front. Nobl TR32 wheels with Berd spokes.
BAGS: South City Stitchworks frame bag and top tube bag. I’ll also be wearing a Camelbak Chase 8 with a 3L bladder.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I forgot to pack a bivy and aerobars.
GPS DEVICE: Coros Dura + MapOut app on my phone.

ReiRey

Age 41 / Flagstaff, Arizona (USA)

BIKE: Esker Smokey, Manitou Mattoc Pro 150mm, SRAM X01 Eagle 165mm Crankset, Oneup Carbon Handlebar, PNW Range dropper post, Sram Motive Disc brakes, 30x20T gear ratio (SRAM chainring, Wolf Tooth cog), Maxis Aspen 29 x 2.4″ front and rear.
BAGS: Rogue Panda Canelo Harness, Rogue Panda Top Tube, Okey Dokey Frame bag, Rogue Panda Ripsey Seat bag, some chuck buckets, Salsa everything cage.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Digging the Almsthre hip pack, and going big and light with an all foam Nemo Switchback pad.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin inReach Mini.

Ian Richter-Rodenburgh

Age 31 / Salt Lake City, Utah (USA)

BIKE: Stanton Switch9er under forked with 120mm SID. Blunt SS rims and Paul hubs. Rocking a 32 x 21T.
BAGS: My bag highlight this year is my Kawa Designs lunch box. That thing will be holding my sleep kit and most of my layers, all while looking so svelte. Also, the always-reliable and gorgeous frame-and-top-tube bag from Broadfork Bags. I will be carrying a Pa’lante mini joey for extra water storage and room for all the souvenirs and snacks.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My tiny aero bars that make me feel fast. Shout-out to Saturday Cycles for always supporting me, even when I do everything at the last minute.
GPS DEVICE: Coros Dura. Let’s hope it keeps me on this contrived route.

Austin Rupe

Age 34 / Flagstaff, Arizona (USA)

BIKE: Canfield Nimble9 (Over the edge edition). RS Lyrik 150mm fork. Carbon Reserve wheels with 2.6″ Conti Magnotal tires to keep the descending fun. 12-speed SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain with 32t chain ring. SRAM code brakes.
BAGS: Rogue panda bags all around. RP blue ridge bar harness, Mica rat tail rear rack.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: OR Bivy set up for sleep. Lyzene light. 6L water capacity including hydration vest.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin 1040 with iPhone back up.

Jack Scherer

Age 22 / Flagstaff, Arizona (USA)

BIKE: Santa Cruz Blur, 100mm/107mm suspension, SRAM T90 drivetrain, Maxxis Rekon Race 2.4” EXO/TR tires, old Profile Design T2 aerobars.
BAGS: Rogue Panda Ripsey Seatpack and frame bag, Restrap top tube bag, Camelback feed bags, small dry bag with tools on the downtube.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’ll bring an extra 3L dry bag to strap to the aerobars for the long food carry out of Cottonwood. Full sleep kit for a proper snooze.
GPS DEVICE: COROS Dura.

Alex Schultz

Age 32 / Tucson, Arizona (USA)

BIKE: Revel El Jefe with Manitou R8 fork and Berd Hawk 27 wheels, Shimano Di2 XT drivetrain with 32T chainring.
BAGS: Morrow Packs frame and Top tube. Old Man Mountain rear rack system.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Clothing layers from Ocean and San.
GPS DEVICE: Coros Dura.

Michael Scott

Age 49 / Salida, Colorado (USA)

BIKE: 2025 Esker Hayduke, Shimano XT 1×12 drivetrain, SRAM Code stealth brakes, SRAM XO crankset with Wolf Tooth 32T oval CAMO chainring, Tumbleweed Persuader bars, chopped down Profile aero bars, I9 Hydra rear hub with We Are One Triad rim and (new) Maxxis Rekon 2.6″ tire, Onyx front hub with Spank rim and (worn) Maxxis Forekaster 2.6″ tire, and RockShox Pike Ultimate fork with 130mm travel.
BAGS: Custom Rogue Panda frame bag, J Packs top tube bag and chuck bucket.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Sleep kit depending on conditions currently: SOL bivy, 50 degree quilt, and thin foam pad. Fenix headlamp and bar light with a couple extra batteries.
GPS DEVICE: Coros Dura.

Mike Sowers

Age 45 / Mesa, Arizona (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be riding an Ibis DV9 hardtail. Front squish will be provided by a well used Pike with I9 wheels and nearly bald Bontrager tires. Opting for flat pedals and Cane Creek bar ends to maximize feet and hand happiness.
BAGS: Rogue Panda frame bag and Rincon top tube bag. Revelate Designs front roll, down tube, and gas tank bags with dual feed bags.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Hydration from an overstuffed Osprey Raptor.
GPS DEVICE: Navigating with a Garmin eTrex 20.

Blue Taylor

Age 18 / Prescott, Arizona (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be riding the pinyons and pines on an old Raleigh singlespeed with a Surly fork for more mounting options. The bike is full rigid and I am running a 32T chainring in the front with a 20T in the back. The bike is a budget build so no crazy parts but a very fun bike to ride.
BAGS: the frame bag that I am using is just an REI one I bought off of marketplace so nothing special but does the job. Running just one feed bag and a trek top tube bag width will hold charging stuff as long as a Revelate Designs Terrapin seat bag that holds my sleep kit.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: For my sleep kit I am going pretty light, just a 30 degree sleeping bag and half of a foam pad as the full one strapped a bit weird on the bars.
GPS DEVICE: I will be using a Garmin Edge 520 plus that I am borrowing from a friend, and for a satellite phone I will be using a Garmin inReach Mini 2. This is a super budget setup that I just rode all the way across New Zealand. (With gears) the total bike build cost only about 700 dollars not including bags. Super exited to see how it goes with a singlespeed setup.

Jeff Taylor

Age 62 / Haute Cabin, Vermont (USA)

BIKE: Bingham Built Nomad. Against my better judgement after a failed derailleur during the Stagecoach 400 forcing me to single speed; a mullet SRAM Force/GX wireless Transmission drivetrain, 30T / 10-52T. Can’t happen again right? Mix of Bingham Built, Cane Creek and Chris King bits. SRAM Level brakes with 180 rotors. NOX Teocalli rims laced to a Chris King rear hub and Son Dynamo. Vittoria Mezcal, e-bike trail casing, 2.4″ front and 2.4″ Peyote rear. RockShox SID Ultimate fork. Berthoud saddle for comfort. Ritchey Comp Beacon XL handlebar with Farr clip on aero bar. Shimano XTR pedals.
BAGS: Tailfin rack and Cargo Pack storing my sleep system and kit. Frame bag for food and water by Joe at JPAKS. Oveja Negra handlebar bag for incidentals and snacks. Tailfin down tube bag for repair kit and extra storage. Camelback Ratchet hydration vest. 4.5L water capacity.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Sleep system consists of a Sea to Summit Spark 50 degree bag, MLD Bivy, Mountain Hardware Ghost Whisperer UL Hoody and a tin foil foam pad I found in a ditch in Kyrgyzstan. Exposure Sixpack monster truck front light and Exposure Joy Stick on the helmet.
GPS DEVICE: Coros Dura.

David Tschan

Age 33 / Santa Monica (Switzerland)

BIKE: My Pinyons & Pines rig will pretty much also be my rig for this year’s Tour Divide and this will be one more chance to test everything. Last year was my first time riding an ultra on a MTB, so I just rode a stock bike right out of the box. This year, thanks to eBay and Facebook Marketplace, my Canyon Exceed got a bit of a makeover: carbon seat post, carbon rims, lighter fork, handlebars with more sweep and some cranks with a power meter so we can see what we’re doing.
BAGS: I’m using a set of loyal and well seasoned Apidura bags. The frame bag has been with me since my first ultra in 2021. Still going strong.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: As always, I’ll be using a CrankTank for hydration, which allows me to keep any sort of weight off my back and carry all of my liquids as low as possible on the bike. I’ve also been testing some custom molded handlebar grips by Adventure Hydration to reduce the stress on my hands that can occur during an ultra. The grips are mounted on flat bars with 20º sweep and I have to say, my hands are loving it.
GPS DEVICE: Coros Dura of course. That thing slaps.

Dylan Turner

Age 41 / Flagstaff, Arizona (USA)

BIKE: Chaparral Angeles Ti, Fox 32 Performance 100mm SC Fork, Shimano XT Di2 wireless drivetrain, Reynolds Wheels, 2.2″ Conti Race Kings, Profile Designs Aero Bars.
BAGS: Dispersed full-length top tube, Dispersed seat bag, Outer Shell 1/4 frame bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: SOL escape bivvy, puffy things, Fenix light, Team no-chamois.
GPS DEVICE: Coros Dura.

Eddie Urcadez

Age 63 / Tucson, Arizona (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be riding the 2026 Pinyons and Pines on my Niner One RDO SS. The bike features Maxxis tires, 32/22T drivetrain, Stans True & Tested wheelset.
BAGS: Custom Rogue Panda Design Frame bag. Co. on one side and Az. on the other. Rogue Panda downtube bag. Revelate Designs top tube bag, two feedbags and a Pronghorn on the handlebars. Oveja Negra Gearjammer Seat bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Sierra Designs bivy and quilt and a Big Agnes Air Mat. Fenix Handlebar light and Outbound Light on helmet.
GPS DEVICE: I’m using a Wahoo Element Roam to navigate.

Diego Velasquez

Age 28 / Moab, Utah (USA)

BIKE: Trek Supercaliber, riser aero bars, some inner bar ends, and Ergon grips. 30T oval chainring.
BAGS: Mix of Revelate and Dispersed.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’ve been riding some heavy steel bikes (much love) for the past couple of years; excited to be on a light bike for a change.
GPS DEVICE: Coros Dura.

Aaron Weinsheimer

Age 57 / Salida, Colorado (USA)

BIKE: Esker Hayduke.
BAGS: JPaks frame bag, Tailfin handlebar and top tube bag, Rogue Panda buckets.
GPS DEVICE: Coros Dura.

Matt Wilhelm

Age 39 / Bend, Oregon (USA)

BIKE: Ragley Big AL, “The Pandemic Pony”.
BAGS: Revelate does the heavy lifting with the water storage and sleep kit and misc food/gear, Jpaks for the top tube sandwich, Rogue Panda for the handfuls of on-the-go Haribo’s and Cheez-Its.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Frida’s Upside down peri bottle for freshness.
GPS DEVICE: Coros Dura to show me the way.

Further Reading

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