Originally Posted by
TulsaJohn
"I could do 3 80 miler days carrying the bare minimum and paying for lodging or 5 days and carrying camping gear. I'll not bring cooking gear and will pay for food along the trail. "
Friendly reminder that 80 miles on the trail is much harder, all things being equal, that pavement. The crushed limestone takes about 15%-20% extra energy, especially if the trail is the least bit wet. It is doable of course, but if your pavement limit is 80 miles, you will be tested doing 80 miles on limestone.
Tailwinds, John
Couldn't agree more. We were set on doing 80 miles a day over three days many many years ago but unfortunately the riding conditions were not the best and it was brutal. By adding that single extra day, it was so much more enjoyable where we could actually stop and see the sights and smell those roses.