advice for long hut to ut ride?

[fixedgeargirl]

I've done a similar tour on a hardtail (with a bunch of old-timers) on the Kokopelli trail from White Pine, CO to Moab. We did our own SAG and cooking, all of which was arranged by a professional guide friend.

I second what SadieKate said about babywipes. Make sure you keep your *ahem* clean at the end of each day. I was also told to hang my shorts chamois side to the sun each afternoon and not wear the same pair two days in a row. I did this and didn't have a problem. Other folks on the 8-day tour were not so lucky.

If this is fully supported, you may still want to bring your own snacks to have in your pack while you ride. My guide friend chose to buy junky granola bars and other things I just plain don't like as ride food. Having a store of things I know I like and know work for me was invaluable.

Do you live in the area? Are you familiar with the vagaries of weather at 10,000 feet? Hypothermia in July is entirely possible, even likely, if you're caught in a hail storm/downpour 5 miles from the truck. By all means carry your rain jacket every day. On those high alpine days having an extra layer of warm clothes in your pack can save your life. I'm not saying that just to be dramatic, I lived in the area, at 9000 feet, for 30 years. When the temperature drops 20 degrees in 10 minutes and icy rain begins to pelt your unprotected flesh, things can get dangerous, fast.

ETA: I was sooo glad to have my down booties to wear around camp at night!

Have an awesome trip ! Rain or shine, you will be in one of the most beautiful places in the world !!