Tour Divide: Bitchin’ Black Sheep

Jake Kirkpatrick's NAHBS award winning Black Sheep Titanium 29er with integrated racks, packed and ready to roll for Tour Divide. Photo by Brad Kaminski

Jake Kirkpatrick with bike and gear, ready for TD takeoff. Photo by Brad Kaminski

Gates Carbon Drive Center Track singlespeed drivetrain. FSA K-Force Light carbon cranks with 46 x 28 gearing topped off with Exustar Triple Ti Pedals. Photo by Brad Kaminski

Removable rear Great Divide Rack weighs just 4 ounces. Photo by Brad Kaminski

Fizik 7X9 Carbon Braided Tundra 2 saddle sits atop a Black Sheep seat post. Kreig cycling bag holds tools and flat repair. Event stuff sack holds ivy sack and sleeping bag. Photo by Brad Kaminski

Custom frame bag from Heather Jacobs custom bag builder in Ft. Collins, Colorado. Convenient for on-the-bike essentials like snacks and sunscreen. Photo by Brad Kaminski

Integrated front Great Divide Rack on Black Sheep Faith Fork. The waterproof bag holds extra gear and maps. Photo by Brad Kaminski

Lightweight singlespeed specific dropouts handmade by Black Sheep Bikes with stainless steel 28 tooth Gates Carbon Drive Centertrack. Photo by Brad Kaminski

Elegant break-apart frame that works with the lines of the bike allow for the belt to be installed. Small, lightweight screws and Paragon Machine Works plates bring the system together. Photo by Brad Kaminski

Stans No Tubes ZTR Crest Rims with Continental Race King 2.2. Photo by Brad Kaminski

Custom Black Sheep Bike adds stability to the rear. Photo by Brad Kaminski

Magura MT-8 carbon brakes, weighing in at just 278 grams for the set. Photo by Brad Kaminski

Front Magura MT-8 brake caliper attached to the Black Sheep Faith fork. Special media blasting on the titanium adds a classic touch.Photo by Brad Kaminski

New for 2011, rear Magura MT-8 brake caliper. Photo by Brad Kaminski

King Cage titanium cages welded directly to the frame, saves weight and the worry of a few less bolts to tighten. Photo by Brad Kaminski

Black Sheep Bikes "Clark Bar" has six hand positions, space for map bag, easy access snack bag and room for computer and light mounts. Photo by Brad Kaminski

Custom handlebar bag with map compartment from Heather Jacobs. Cane Creek 210 headset. Photo by Brad Kaminski

Tissot T-Touch Titanium timepiece with barometer, altimeter, compass, chronograph, temperature, alarm, ascent and descent features. Reliable beyond any other system, with maps, this watch is enough to navigate the craziest terrain. Photo by Brad Kaminski

Delorme Eathmate PN-60 with Spot Connect. Adding text messaging and social media updates, Jake is able to navigate the route and keep loved ones up to date on his location. Photo by Brad Kaminski

Goal Zero Nomad 7 solar charger to keep batteries and ipod charged while navigating the seven Great Divide Route maps from the Adventure Cycling Assoicaition. Photo by Brad Kaminski

Black Diamond headlamp, 100 lumens is enough to light the road ahead. Photo by Brad Kaminski

iPod Nano 16 gigs, holds enough music to get Jake through three weeks of riding without hearing the same song twice. Photo by Brad Kaminski

Black Sheep bike total weight with racks comes in around 18.5 pounds, add in gear and Jake's set up still came in under 35 pounds. Photo by Brad Kaminski

All of Jake's gear, including the Sierra Designs Bivy and sleeping bag, just what is needed to stay warm and dry in the worst of conditions. Photo by Brad Kaminski