Current configurations.....

A bike is always a bit in flux for me.  Fenders added or removed, changing a stem to improve riding position, swapping out touring tires for something more aggressive, and of course modifying racks, bags, and touring gear.  Partially, this is because I have too many several bikes.  Part of it is because I actually like messing with things.

Lately, at least in my mind, I've been gearing up for some off road touring.  I guess the popular term is gravel grinding.....an extended ride 75% or better on back roads and trails with a relatively simple gear list.  The grand plan is a route like this between here and Bend, OR.  I'm working on it from this side and a friend of a friend is working on it from the Bend side.  I'd say right now about 65-70% of the route is mapped.  So with this in mind, I've been tweaking again on the Fargo.  Right now here's how it's looking.

Yes, the flask is definitely part of any bike touring set up I design!

Basically, it's a Salsa Wanderlust rear rack with some REI panniers (which are currently on loan from the Preacher), a Revelate designs frame bag, and the Revelate Sweet Roll handlebar bag.  The panniers and frame bag are pretty self explanatory.  The Sweet Roll bag is kinda unique and cool.  Basically it's a dry bag, open on both ends with roll type closures.  So depending on how much you put in it you can make it larger or smaller.  It's mounts easily and has quick release clips that make it a "snap" to take on and off.  It also has multiple lash points and tubular elastic cord to hold maps or any additional bags you might want to attach to it.

The only thing I'm toying with is the rear rack and panniers.  While a traditional touring setup and capable of holding quite a bit of gear, they may not be ideal for the rougher terrain.  This would be an alternate configuration with an additional Relevate bag called the Viscacha rather than the panniers.

It mounts on the seat/seatpost like this.

Here's a fargo with the bag partially full.

And another fargo with the bag maxed out.

As you can see it holds quite a bit....but not as much as the panniers.  So I guess its all about how mimimalist you can be.  Anyway, that's what I've been messing around with, so I thought I'd share.  Hopefully, you're enjoying the potential that spring brings to your bike configuring efforts.

Keystone Canyon and Fenders....Do they get along?

It was kind of a grey, blase weekend.  Not the kind of day that makes you want to grab the bike and head out into the cold.  However, wifey kicked things off on Sunday announcing that she would be doing twenty miles of running.  So...the dog and I joined in on the initial 3 miles (our dog is older and kinda high mileage, so that's all she can handle....but she refuses to be left behind).  After that I was sweaty and already dressed for the conditions, so I decided to test out the Fargo with fenders on some rough terrain....and I needed pictures of the Keystone construction.  Here was the route:

Basically, up to the radio towers, over to the top of the UNR downhill course, down Evans Canyon, and up and over the Keystone connector.  A nice little loop.
  

Some of the Keystone single track is smooth....just perfect for fenders without rattly noise.

And some of it is bone jarring....and tests your fender install.  The fargo passed with only minor fender noise in the roughest terrain.

Back to smooth sailing.

The current configuration....getting ready for some gravel touring at some point.

Backroads touring and beer!

This is an excerpt from a Tour Divide ride.....



I'd love to have a month to do the ride, but it might not happen soon.  In the mean time, I've almost got a gravel / trail route planned from Reno to Blairsden, CA (home of the Brewing Lair of the lost Sierras).  It should be a nice day ride, resulting in beer and a test of a bike setup for this type of riding.

If you haven't already checked out the Brewing Lair, it's worth the visit!  See more about them below (click it):