RE: Rocky Mountains

From: Steve Fuller [[email protected]]
> I would want to travel as light as possible for any extended time off
> pavement in the mountains. 

I agree with Steve.  I have no personal experience in the Rocky Mountains, but have done a lot of bike touring in the Cascade mountains.  The less that you carry the more fun that the riding is.  

2 small panniers, a saddlebag, and a handlebar bag should be enough for a week long tour.  Half of the space and most of the weight goes to food.  Don't worry about bringing a lot of clothes, no one is going to care what you smell like.  Bring what you need to stay comfortable in a variety of conditions, and a second pair of bike shorts to stay hygenic.

You can go pretty light on the camping gear, you'll be sleeping like a log after riding a touring bike 70 miles per day up and down mountains (not to mention that some of the ultralight camping gear is incredibly comfortable).  

alex