Bikes of the 10th Annual Tally Tango
Hello and Good Day Fellow Adventurers,
Saturday October 5th will be the official 10th running of the Tally Tango Bikepacking extravaganza. For me its been an honor to continue hosting this event with this outstanding local community. Forever and always, huge thanks to Mat Bull for creating the original route and helping every year to continue to assist me with my crazy ideas and concepts. I knew long ago when I first experienced the route that Mr. Bull understood what it took to create a compelling work of route architecture. Because I like to keep things interesting. This year I asked riders to send in photos of their trusty steeds and share some of their details in the process. So Enjoy the following contributions from our local Bikepacking Community.
The bike, 黒い ロバ (Kuroi Roba): Rodeo Labs Flaanimal 5, Rival with AXS mullet build, wolf tooth Oval 42T with E Thirteen 9-52 12 speed Cassette. Deity Pedals, Zipp Handlebars. Tires Vitoria Terreno Dry 29 x 2.1. Wheels Nextie Carbon. Follow Team Samurai's Tango: https://trackleaders.com/tallytango24i.php?name=Team_Samurai
David Blouir, Bonita Springs Florida.
Follow their Tango: https://trackleaders.com/tallytango24i.php?name=David_Blouir
2007 giant rincon XL 26er that I bought brand new in 07 from Marty's Bike Shop in Stow, OH.
I ran this with slick hybrid tires for years before actually using it as a mtb for the first time in 2020, then stripped for parts shortly after for an ellsworth specialist frame build. The only stock parts remaining are the seat post, clamp, and frame.
The frame sat unused since then and was rebuilt a month ago as a gravel bike using spare parts and some aliexpress rigid forks. The xl was really too big for me to use as an mtb but works great as a gravel with the surly corner bars.
It's now been converted back into mtb mode with a 1x and suspension fork for this ride. Assuming it'll be one of the oldest bikes on the ride and likely the only 26er.
After last years tango, my plan was to build a full suspension-drop bar-29er-mtb, specifically for these races, but here we are.
Scott Pavao, Palatka, Florida
Follow Their Tango: https://trackleaders.com/tallytango24i.php?name=Scott_Pavao
Trek Farley 9.6
I just love the fatbike. They are so cool.
When I first started bikepacking I had a bad habit of bringing way too much stuff. I have since learned to bring only what is needed and then less.
Bags are all Revelate.
For Tango through hell I will pack a light sleep system, change of clothes, a light tool kit (multi/tool, pump, patch kit), charging block, and my electronics needed to finish the route, saving as much space as possible to carry the most important item…water! It has become my new strategy to carry at least 7-8 hours worth of water.
Eddie Peterson, Alabama, USA
Follow Their Tango: https://trackleaders.com/tallytango24i.php?name=Eddie_Peterson
The Surly Krampus is an ideal bikepacking companion, especially when tackling demanding routes by KARLOS. Designed for durability and comfort, the Krampus has a steel frame and oversized tires that ensure stability on rough terrain. This makes it perfect for fast ish packing, where efficiency and fun are key. Hydration is critical when bikepacking, and the Surly Krampus doesn’t disappoint with its ample frame space, allowing for multiple bottle cages or a large hydration tank from adventure hydration. For long stretches of the tally route, which spans both remote wilderness and scenic Florida landscapes, staying hydrated ensures both safety and enjoyment. With bikepacking in mind, the Krampus offers numerous attachment points for frame bags, ensuring you can pack everything from extra water to snacks efficiently. Riding the tango route on the Surly Krampus is not just about the destination but the journey itself. The wide 2.5 tires offer excellent traction, allowing me to focus on enjoying the ride without worrying about rough patches. It’s a bike that makes long, challenging rides fun and fast-paced, perfect for the adventure-hungry rider.
Joy Murphy, Jacksonville, fL
Follow Their Tango: https://trackleaders.com/tallytango24i.php?name=Joy_Murphy
Scarlett is a Trek Checkpoint that I have had for 20 months. She is aluminum frame but had a nice Sram upgrade.She has seen a lot of Florida and a little of Georgia. Because she is small (49), the rear rack is necessary for bikepacking
Tim Fahy aka Ranger Tim, Celebration, FL
Follow Their Tango: https://trackleaders.com/tallytango24i.php?name=Timothy_Fahy
Ranger Tim's Pathfinder ( i was a pathfinder in Panama)
BIKE: I'm riding the Tally Tango 277 on a Kona Hei Hei CR/DL F/S Mountain bike. Last years Tally 177 was the impetus to get a better singletrack bike than my Cutty. This is my second Hei Hei CR frame, i broke the last one in a Santos crash on CFITT.My Kona features a pair of DT Swiss 1900 carbon wheels, with Vittoria Peyote Race 29x2.4 tires - my Karlos treads! The front wheel has a Shutter Precision PD-8X Dynamo hub as a power solution. The drivetrain is the original 1×12 Sram AXS Eagle etap and the pedals are Shimano dual format pedals for those long, wet sections in croc.
Upfront are a set of Redshift QR Aero-bars on 30mm risers with mounts for my nav, tracking, and a phone if I need the details of a high-res RidewithGPS map.
BAGS: The Bag setup is a mix of: Tailfin toptube, Revelate Jerry can and Shrew Seat Bag, Rogue Panda custom Framebag, a new Cyclite Aerobar bag. A pair of Topeak freeloaders carry bottles, lube, sealant and snacks. No racks this year. Lighter is better and the Aucilla River Trail taught me the painful lesson that nothing should be wider than your forks!
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I handle navigation with a Garmin 1030 powered up thru the dynamo and live tracking with a Garmin inReach Messenger. The dynamo hub powers a biolite 20,000mah charge-thru battery, through a dual klite USB charger. The charger also powers the Garmin 1030 as well as a backup batteries. The brief downtime we plan in Tate's Hell will be covered with Ptarmigan Titanium Goat W/P Bivvy, Therm-a-rest bag liner and Uberlite air mattress and some Tyvek for a ground sheet.
We are running 14 pounds lighter than last year, and really hoping there is a ride up window for burgers in Samurai Camp before we begin Tate's Hell!.
Chris Hudson, Tallahassee, Florida
Follow Their Tango: https://trackleaders.com/tallytango24i.php?name=Chris_Hudson
I’ll be riding my trusty singlespeed Surly Karate Monkey setup 32x16 on the original route. I’m riding straight through so just the sorta fast and sorta light basics with a mix of Revelate, Jpaks and Porcelain Rocket luggage for extra socks a bivy and rain jacket. Thanks to Epic Bikes of Tallahassee for helping me keep the rig dialed.
Zac Glenek, Fort Walton Beach, FL
Follow Their Tango: https://trackleaders.com/tallytango24i.php?name=Zac_Gleneck
2013 specialized stumpjumper (130mm rear, 150mm front travel) with dropper
Stan's flow wheels for the strength (I'm 225 lbs)
9 speed 11-36 gearing with a 32 tooth front ring. At least it's not a single speed
Bike Bags are revelate
Running aero bars
Packing light for camping with six moon designs tent, NeoAir pad, and z-packs 30°quilt. I'd love to be able to push thru and do the whole 165 miles in one shot but I'm bringing all the camping gear because I'll probably take 2 days.
Miles Swanson, New Orleans, LA
Follow Their Tango: https://trackleaders.com/tallytango24i.php?name=Miles_Swanson
Riding the 277 on my Krampus. Running a Rohloff hub and SON dynamo powering a Sinewave Beacon. 29x3 Maxxis Chronicles. Salsa carbon fork and Whisky carbon seatpost. Brooks saddle. Mix of Carradice (much prefer this style saddlebag for packing) and Rockgeist. And a Grayl water filter because I want plenty of water in hell.
Steven Martine,
Follow Their Tango: https://trackleaders.com/tallytango24i.php?name=Steven_Martien
Steven Martine here…. my Tally Tango machine will be a Cervelo Aspero, same bike that got me to St Augustine during the Spanish 520 route….. it’s equipped with Relevate bags, the seat bag has a sleeping kit, tent, bag, mattress & pillow… the frame bag will hold rain wear and food, top bag is just in case and the handlebag bag will hold an extra water bottle. Navigation is ona hammerhead with the iphone (ridewgps) as a back up… power comes from the klite system and an sp power hub (and a power brick as a back up). rubber side down y’all…
Ben Meyer, Bradenton, FL
Follow Their Tango: https://trackleaders.com/tallytango24i.php?name=Benjamin_Meyer
This year I’m switching it up! Call me a LiTe weight and I’d agree. In the past I’ve ridden more on the multi-day event side of life but the gravel friend routes at events like the Tally Tango have me looking at them a little differently; don’t stop til I’m done! My goal is primarily to finish strong, hoping for under 20 hours, but since there was a hurricane recently, everything is subject to change.
This year I’ll be riding the Tango Through Hell (aka the Tango LiTe) on my Fairdale Rocketship. The last couple years I’ve been playing the game of add on with some amazing support from the Philly Bike Expo and their amazing sponsors. Starting with running a dynamo powering my K-Lite headlight and taillight, I also have two usb ports to keep a cache battery for charging my phone and gps. From there I expanded my hand positions and dampened down the bumps with the Redshift kitchen sink handlebars and shock top stem as well as a little more cush in the tush from the Redshift seatpost. I’ve been a fan of Schwalbe tires and the G-One-R’s are my tire of choice currently. Besides collecting dirt, dust, and cow pies, I have a variety of Nittany Mountian Works, Reload, and Roadrunner bags to shove snacks and gas station food in.
Tally Ho!
@phillybikeexpo
@velojawn
@industry_nine
@schwalbetires
@nittanymountainworks
@wolf_tooth_comp
@varlo_apparel
@redshiftsports
@ridgesupply
@klite_dynamo_power
Matt Borbely, Tallahassee, FL
Follow Their Tango: https://trackleaders.com/tallytango24i.php?name=Matt_Borbz
Surly Krampus 12spd 3.0 tires
Light and fast
Ride straight through.
Rob Eastman, Baker, Florida
Follow Their Tango: https://trackleaders.com/tallytango24i.php?name=Rob_Eastman
My name is Rob Eastman and I reside in Baker, Florida. I live adjacent to two great forests, the Blackwater Florida State Forest and the Conecuh National Forest. I am fortunate to be able to ride in both from the steps of my house. This will be the 3rd consecutive year riding the Tally Tango through Hell. My previous two rides I rode through without sleeping and I plan on doing the same this year. I am riding a Titanium 61cm Litespeed Watia with a 1 x 11 Shimano GRX drive train with Crankbros Stamp flat pedals and a carbon front fork. I swapped out the front chain ring for an elliptical Wolftooth 36t chain ring. My tires are tubeless filled with Orange Seal Endurance sealant 700x47cm Teravail Cannonballs with durable casings. My front rim is a Stans Flow EX laced to a White Industries MI6 hub. I had this wheel built 9yrs ago and it has stayed true and smooth moving it from old bike to new, the only time I swap it out is when I run a dynamo hub, which I ran the previous two years but this year I will be packing a Voltaic Systems V75 always on external battery pack with dual USB ports storing 19,200mAh of power. This will power my kLite cube front/rear blinking lights and my QuadLock iPhone wireless charger handlebar mount. I have exclusively used the Ride With GPS app via an iPhone for navigation and will be using it again this year. My top tube bag is a Jpaks LargeFarva SnakPak and my frame bag is a Revelate Designs Tangle Frame Bag XL. I have a RedShift ShockStop 110mm stem with 530mm Kitchen Sink drop bars with the accessory loop which my Fenix BC26R light and Garmin inReach mini2 is mounted to. I also have a RedShift suspension seatpost with a BiSaddle Bonneville Distance SRT 2.0 seat mounted on top. The combination of the BiSaddle and suspension seatpost makes long days in the saddle more enjoyable. My bottle cages are Wolftooth raw titanium cages and there is a oneup EDC handpump with tools mounted to the downtube. I will pack snacks, my cache battery, my spare Fenix light battery and various odds and ends in my top tube bag. I have a 3L CambelBak bladder in my frame bag. In the left side I will carry my emergency supplies like a whistle, emergency bivy, fire starter, first aid kit and bug spray along with a spare tube. My water bottles are insulated CamelBack water bottles with a dust cap to keep the dust and mud off the drink nipples. Finally the newest upgrade to my setup is my rear hub and rim. My rear rim is a WTB HTZ i25 32h laced to an Onyx classic MTB hub which uses a silent internal sprag clutch.
Brett Hack, Jacksonville Beach, FL
Follow Their Tango: https://trackleaders.com/tallytango24i.php?name=Team_738__Brett___Bill
Bike: Brand spanking new 2024 Priority Gemini Titanium. Full Redshift cockpit: Shock Stop Pro stem, Top Shelf bars, Cruise Control grips, and Quick Release Aerobars; combined with the Redshift Endurance Pro seatpost with WTB Gravelier saddle for the full magic carpet ride. Rolling on a pair of Vittoria Terreno Dry 700x47s.
Bags: Trying to pack light for a thru-ride with just a 174 Hudson top tube bag, my Green Guru Fatty bag out front, and a basic tool bag under the saddle.
Gear Highlights: The star of the show is the Pinion Smart.Shift gearbox and the Gates Carbon Belt Drive. The Pinion gearbox has an absolute ridiculous 600% range (equivalent to a 10-60 cassette), and the Carbon belt drive provides a bulletproof setup with no derailleur to snag, bend, or fill with grass.