Wow. Thanks for all the great info! Thanks Gershon for the gear list. I will certainly save that and use that.

I think I will take the advice and find a good sleeping bag. The "yuk factor" that was mentioned was certainly something that was in the back of my mind.

My freinds have done this trip many times but they don't have extra gear and they even said that most of what the take they still rent. Good thing going for me on the renting side is the manager of the REI here is also on the board of our mountain biking group.

Thanks again for all the advice and I hope you all had a great Holiday and a lovely New Year!