The route travels through five states; Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, and New Mexico, primarily along dirt roads with a mix of pavement and single track thrown in. You’re tasked with completing the course completely self-supported in as short of time as possible, relying on services and resupplies found in the small towns along the route.
Packed up, I would be pedalling a 57-pound mountain bike with drop and aero bars laden with a bivy, sleeping bag and pad, layers of clothing, spare batteries and parts, tools, three litres of water and the capacity to carry up to two and a half days worth of food.