Last year and this year I haven’t even used a camelback, and I’ve been able to fit enough junk in my jersey pockets. Granted, sometimes it’s a little tight, but that helps me be more picky.

On the subject of bikes, I, like you, are torn between my tank tour bikes (racks, fenders, triple… but weights 42 pounds), or my Fuji Pro, which has none of those. On the Fuji, I last night fitted a XT mtn cassette and derailure. Giving me 39 / 34. I really don’t want to do all that climbing on a 42 pound bike, but the downside on the Fuji is all the days clothes, food, water, etc, are on my back. Carbon seat post may not support one of those seat post racks, so not sure I want to try it.

Your thoughts on which bike ?

I also paid for the breakfest each morning, fig I would eat in town each night. It is still not too late to get the TOC dinners, but sounds like you suggest to find food on ones own, including breakfeast

Thanks !!!!!

The number of riders was fine and not excessive at all; I think it was around 1500 or so.
The 2nd day of the tour there was an issue with enough food during the climb up Grand Mesa. They really needed an extra rest stop in the middle of the climb. By the time the slower half of riders made it to the top they were out of food up top. I heard later they hauled many riders up to the top that were too slow because they knew they were running low on supplies. They did haul in some extra water for people still climbing, etc. because of the underestimation in how long it would take to climb up.
After that they seemed to organize well and it wasn’t a problem for the rest of the ride at all. In general I always carry extra water & food with me on long rides like this just because stuff happens.
There wasn’t an official “lunch” stop on the ride routes, just at the next overnight town. This coming year I likely won’t buy any of the meal options and instead just use the vendors in the town, as I wound up enjoying their food more anyway.