gerry, Thats what I was considering, a MEC National. of course, it doesn't come fully outfitted, I have to pay for additional things such as racks, panniers, possibly aerobars, additional bottlecages, etc.

So to go on GDMBR its better to use a mountain bike, preferably a hardtail based on what I've read due to GDMBR usually being on gravel roads and singletracks. My current mountain bike do have holes needed for a rear rack, but no holes for front rack or anything to add to fork as I have front suspension. Not only that, My mountian bike may need an overhaul before i can take it on the GDMBR because my bike is nearly 20 years old.

P