Yep! When I mapped it out on MapOut (excellent tool for $5.00 BTW), the sandy / rock crawling road didn't really reveal itself. I was aware of the ups and downs, the elevation gain and the distance, but it wasn't until I left those super nice gravel roads, turned north, saw the 'warning signs" pictured in the album, that I thought I might have a tougher time. But I had cycled appx 80 miles by that point (2 days worth) and I really thought, how bad could it be!? I thought it would be a continuation of the almost always excellent backroads of Utah. And that I'd be through that section in maybe 3-4 hours tops, but it was more like 10 over 2 days. Surprise! Got a little nervous on the water situation since there is zero out there, but got through that too with a little to spare.
Having said all that, I'm prep'ing for a ride that will be super tough, a route that has never been done, in remote area in S.A. So in hindsight, I'm glad I persevered given what's in front of me come January, 2026.
that certainly is the advantage when looking at doing routes that others have done before, just so you can get an idea of realistic travel times, surface variations, recommended tire widths, water availability and all that--- taking with a grain of salt whether the folks recommending it are super hardcore, very strong riders etc compared to what you know about yourself.
As. you have a fatbike, you probably know exactly how fatter tires very much suit some situations, and especially for an older guy like myself, I really value not getting the crap shaken outta me, so really like wider tires for the overall comfort thing, figuring if a lot is taken out of you if you really underbike it, it aint worth it--or conversely, worth it in the big picture for enjoyment of riding.
S.A- meaning South America? I've traveled in Latin America a fair amount (not SAmerica though) but can recommend trying to get as much info as possible with a route or area, especially if there isnt much bikepacking info, recent stuff, of a given area.