The subject says it all; I don't know the area well, never mind the secret route, but can anybody 'in the know' provide some guidance on this basic choice? I will be riding a low-fat 29er with up to 100mm fork travel.

Thanks.

Last year I did it on 140mm 26er hard tail which was far to much but the other option was a 140mm full suss!

This time I have the choice of 29er ridgid or 100mm fork and will be taking the suss fork. Although I doubt there will be much that "requires" suspension when you have been riding for 20 hours and line choice is starting to get a bit hazy due to fatigue it could what saves the day. Again after that sort of time period your wrists will thank you for suspension*.

*May or may not be an issue if you are used to riding ridgid.

Did it rigid last year, I'd like to blame that and race kings for my off but Stu rides that arrangement all the time!

Over the course of a day I doubt the disadvantages will be significant.