Gear hauler for the 2019 DKXL

I was pretty excited to get the nod to take on the DKXL, the 350-mile offering at the Dirty Kanza. The format of riding/racing self-supported and self-navigated is nothing new to me, but the equipment and its demands in this unique Kansas event are special. Luck plays a big role in success in all the DK distance offerings. I definitely did my research and talk to past DKXL and DK riders to get some insights as to some special equipment concerns. Some very good information was passed down, which no doubt helped aid in my event success. Below, you’ll find my full gear list from the 2019 DKXL.

1. 2019 Canyon Grail CF SLX 8.0 Di2, size M, Shimano Ultegra Di2 50/34 x 11–34
2. Topeak MidLoader filled with spare Maxxis Rambler 40c 120 tpi tire, mud stick, 2 Lupine light batteries, Primal arm warmers, Gore Shakedry jacket, self care / medical items (Aleve, caffeine pills, Chamois Butt’r, AMP PR Lotion, etc), Oakley clear lenses, 2 AA spare batteries for GPS.
3. Topeak Wedge DryBag filled with 4 Tubolito CX/Gravel 60mm tubes, Topeak tire levers, Topeak Mini 20 Pro tool, Tubolito patch kit, Park Tool Tire boots, Tire plug, 2 oz. bottle of Stan’s Sealant, Sidewall repair sewing kit, spare SPD cleat, 2 sets of Shimano Ultegra brake pads, Topeak Airbooster C02
4. Topeak FastFuel TriBag (size L) filled with food.
5. DT Swiss GRC 1400 gravel wheelset (public release at DK), Maxxis Rambler 40c 60tpi tires with SilkShield protection, Stan’s Sealant
6. Topeak Shuttle Cages, GU bottles filled with various hydration, Topeak Mountain DA G mini-pump
7. Topeak Ninja Cages on both fork legs, GU bottles filled with hydration
8. Topeak-Ergon team issue Primal Equinox jersey pockets filled with food, phone, credit card/cash, LED pen light, GU Roctane electrolyte tablets, zip lock bags to fill with food or ice (bags of ice put under jersey on my back to help battle heat), small GU water bottle to carry a bit more water when needed.
9. Garmin eTrex30 GPS, Lupine Neo light, Garmin inReach Mini (provided by event), Canyon hover bar double wrapped in gel bar tape.
10. Ergon SR Men Pro Carbon saddle, size M/L

There you have it! I was really happy with the set up. Only thing I would change in future, if course remains similar, is gear down on the front chain ring set up. The 50/34 got a little stout on the steep climbs late in the event. Other than that, everything worked perfectly! In the end, this setup helped me achieve 5th overall with a time of 23 hours and 42 minutes.