Preparing to do the Monumental loop with some buddies this coming winter and am sorting out some questions.
Route: is there a strong recommendation to doing the northern loop in the intended direction (CCW) vs reverse (CW). Specifically looking at the White Gap. There are some logistical advantages to running it CW, mainly cutting some miles via bypassing Las Cruces (we'll be riding out of El Paso to start).
Are there any hot springs, or other must see spots on the route? Seems like Hacienda de Camino Real in Radium Springs is closed, which is a shame.
SS gearing: I know this is a much less straightforward topic. I've got a decent amount of SS experience, including some long off road events (100mi and 200mi), but I've never bikepacked SS. I'm specifically thinking about gearing for something like the ML which has some big climbs, but also a lot of flats. Leaning towards gearing more towards the flats at something like 32:17 and embracing the inevitable hike a bike. Would be curious to get some thoughts from people with more experience on this though.
by sgtgangles