Have you taken a look at the Ortlieb Quick Rack?  https://uk.ortlieb.com/products/quick-rack?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=19606375606&gclid=CjwKCAjwq9rFBhAIEiwAGVAZP5HNiOxzAvzAQirPhhwImWY6MyGEDrnn7ZBgap_PHEgoXItCG-M9pRoCxuQQAvD_BwE

Alternatively, a seat pack will work.

Would need a QR version... unless... I ....use my SSE???

They sell a seatstay adapter: https://de.ortlieb.com/en/products/quick-rack-seat-stay-adapter

Or this rack: https://www.axiomgear.com/products/racks/streamliner-racks/

But honestly, a saddle pack is probably the simplest.  I use a Restrap Race (https://us.restrap.com/collections/saddle-bags/products/race-saddle-bag), there's lots of great ones out there.

Take a look at Tailfin racks too. From what I understand they replace your thru axle and mount there instead. They have a handy little tool to confirm if a rack will fit your specific bike

Sweet thanks for the recs, guys.

Spet 13th works for me. I have a tailfin and love it, I use the threaded bosses that go where a rack would mount too but you can also get the thru axle system as well. But you can borrow my apidura seat pack if you like, I have the 14l. https://www.apidura.com/shop/expedition-saddle-pack/?srsltid=AfmBOorL3CfApb-rotfLjQgBsgUT6SRm8Ys7BnYl2W5qr7YY9JxvjIMg

Thanks guys - my biggest issue is the back of my thighs hitting bags when pedaling. I have a small graveyard of saddle bags and rack systems collected over the years that I tried to tolerate but gave up on. I eventually switched to a traditional rack and pannier setup back in the day when I commuted on bike.

Tailfin looks suuuuper promising even though it's expensive. Ryan if you have the system already mounted by 9/13 shake out ride I'd love to see it in action.

It takes about 3min to mount it up so I'll bring snacks for our long ride. 

What’s your sept 13 long ride plan? I have 110-125 mile target in my calendar and I’m gonna err towards 125. 

I'm not sure we have a route yet, I can take a crack at some options, I'll be on a "slow" bike.
I have two...because n+1 applies to more than bikes. 
Restrap Vest - https://us.restrap.com/products/race-hydration-vest
Albion Cargo Vest - https://www.albioncycling.com/en-us/products/visibility-cargo-vest-orange
I leaned more practical utility than the USWE vests that are the favorites at gravel races and such. 

@BlakeFoster fwiw I use a uswe but been looking at picking up one of the packs Ryan posted because of their utility.  When I did that ultra last year a majority of people had one of those and they were much more convenient for none race type of rides than a uswe.

David Yang said:

I uh... think I'm going to explore a larger cassette or a smaller chainring...

I just went up this climb and it is in fact awful. 

RyanCollins said:

David Yang said:

I uh... think I'm going to explore a larger cassette or a smaller chainring...

I just went up this climb and it is in fact awful. 

I can't wait to be grossly over geared and spout profanities for 2 hours!

I've got a Blackburn quick release rack coming in this week and hopefully if it plays nicely with the Ritchey seat stay cable I'll grab a trunk bag for a dry run this weekend.

David Yang said:

RyanCollins said:

David Yang said:

I uh... think I'm going to explore a larger cassette or a smaller chainring...

I just went up this climb and it is in fact awful. 

I can't wait to be grossly over geared and spout profanities for 2 hours!

I've got a Blackburn quick release rack coming in this week and hopefully if it plays nicely with the Ritchey seat stay cable I'll grab a trunk bag for a dry run this weekend.

I think we'll be avoiding this climb.  Peep the day 2 alternate route I posted.

@RyanCollins Did you end up scouting beacon?

@GregHoge
not yet, I'm shooting to do that the weekend after next. 

I'd love to join if you want some company!

@GregHoge
yeah let me see what day works best, my wife may want to join as a hike go to beacon day which seems like a nice day all around. We can in theory get 5 people in the subaru. 

RyanCollins said:

David Yang said:

I uh... think I'm going to explore a larger cassette or a smaller chainring...

I just went up this climb and it is in fact awful. 

After suffering on your wheel yesterday up Bear I am going to assume this is beyond awful, or as the French say "hors aufoile".

So is this final?

Day 1 is 155mi // +8.9k ft
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/52393729

Day 2 is 245mi // +13.4k ft
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/52394022

COOL.

Yup.  That'll be the final route.  Not too much harder than yesterday's ride.

Stories?

I pulled the plug after day 1 and 3 towers with Greg and went home today on a train due to some unfortunate saddle sores and sore knees, but even then it might be the craziest bike thing I've ever done, full stop.

Greg just completed tower #5 and as far as I know has about 180mi to ride back to the east village.

Once I get a good night sleep I'll try to put into words the madness that transpired during the 155mi.