Karen – I’m using a Garmin Oregon 550t. It is probably overkill for some people but I’ve got lots of opportunity to use the huge amount of features it comes with. I also have a Garmin 305 which is a watch model but never have liked it. It’s too hard to take a jacket off while riding and the screen is really hard to see. The battery on it (which is rechargeable only) was not good for somebody unless you ride really fast on 50′s, it wouldn’t hold up all day for a slow 50 or a 100. If you can go to REI or similar type store to check the GPS models out in person, that will help a lot.

Can you post a picture of how you put the 4 boots on your saddle on the trail when you aren’t using them?

Bummer about chief! I hope he feels better soon. I agree it’s so nervewracking as you try and decide how major it is and that horrible tight feeling in your gut that something is NOT right……I was so happy to finally decide the Farley’s issue a couple weeks ago was thrush from all the wet weather, and she feels better now. Still, I think it’s my nature to be a worrier.