What to Bring:

Bikes:The terrain is not super-technical, but can be a little bumpy. Full suspension is good, but not required. One of the shop guys has fun doing epics on his fully rigid singlespeed, so.... Big tires help, with aggressive tread. Slime those tubes, since there are lots of cacti and thorns. It is likely that someone on the ride will have spare tubes, etc., but I don't plan on being gear guy and carrying spares for everybody. Be sensible - the longer rides will be miles out into the Badlands and a long walk back.

Suspension: I ride a Slayer with 4"/5" for this terrain, some brought light XC bikes with 3" travel, others had 5" trail bikes, others hardtails with a 4" fork. Personally I prefer a 4" fork up front no matter what. I have ridden both my steel hardtail and my FS bike equally, with no real preference.

Tires: At this time of year a decent tread pattern is advised. There will be small sections of thick powdery dust at every ride. I have ridden 2.1 Panaracer Fire XC tires, 2.4 WTB Motoraptors, and 2.25 freeride tires. I think I prefer the volume and bite of the 2.4s. I would not advise a skinny semi-slick.

Singlespeeds: Lots of folks have and do ride this terrain on SS. I will see how the summer goes for fitness, but my Spot will be along and hopefully used for one full day ride. I would think that something along the lines of 34:18 gearing would be good. Most climbs are short and steep, and eroded spots help conspire to kill your momentum.

Supplies: Lots of water is an understatement. Every reviewer I have seen talks about bringing more water than you think you'll need. A 70oz water bladder ain't enough, Tex. Try for a 100oz and as much as you can fit on your frame. Same with food. Plan on bringing lots of nourishment along on the trail. Dakota Cyclery has some energy bars and Gu for sale, but try to bring your own to assure availability. I will TRY to arrange a supply drop for the longer rides, but no guarantees.

Gear/Clothing: Last year at this time it was in the 30s at night and high 80s by day. If you've ever been to Moab/Fruita in early spring, it's not too far off from that. It could get colder and hotter, by far. Bring long sleeves & leggings. Bring your lights if you'd care to try for the night ride. Sunscreen and lip balm for the day hours is good. Bring your helmet or plan to rent one - I will not take anyone out without a one. There is no need whatsoever for full face helmets, body armor, or anything of that sort.

Shipping Your Bike/Gear: If anybody needs to ship their bike or gear, Dakota Cylery will accept UPS packages in their Medora shop and set them aside. For a small fee they will unpack your bike and assemble it, also. Check with them and if you need to use this service you can tell them that you are part of this [not a] Gathering.

Swag - as mentioned elsewhere, this is not a swag-laden event. If I am lucky enough to find some kind businesses to help keep things interesting, then hooray. If not, oh well. BUT....in the past NAGs we have all brought a small item to trade or toss in the ring after the big feed for a DR-1 (most folks that frequent MTBR.com's passion page will know who DR-1 was) Memorial Swagfest. Think t-shirts, gear, beer, components, etc. A hot but strangely uncalimed item from 2003 was an issue of MAXIM. Whoah.

Beer - BYOB. Microbrews are typically the order of business. Shop in Bismarck or elsewhere, because this is not a micro-brew friendly area, if'n you know what I mean. See food for more info.