Extra Grit course published by the Wild West Gravel Grinder that happens every may. This course keeps getting cancelled due to snow/rock slides/mud slides up high, preventing a sweep vehicle from following riders. Figured if I was going to do it, it would be without sweep.
Roads were in great condition, one large rockslide that I had to carry my bike up and over, and many downed trees nearing the top of the climb up rat trap pass. Snow free already in march, and enough vehicle traffic from the other side of the mountain that the trees had been cleared for my big downhill. Made for a fun and fast (if a little rowdy) downhill. Nearly 8000' of climbing in the first 55 miles, pace yourself and enjoy the long downhills after.
Carried 3.5 L of water (2L bladder, 1.5L bottle under downtube) and a filter bottle in case I ran dry. I wouldn't filter the water on the lower portions of the course where there is obvious cow activity. Up high there were plentiful clear cool creeks crossing the road, and the water seemed a little safer.
Resupply at mile ~80 at the R Wild Horse Ranch General Store. Critical element to this route with no aid stations. 4 gatorades, a redbull and 2 popsicles got me rehydrated and moving again. Carried all my own food for the day otherwise.
Would highly recommend! Although parking your car and starting at about the 20 mile mark might make for a more enjoyable day, and gets you to the good stuff quicker. The last 20 miles can feel particularly punishing.