Tire Rec for Cotter Bay to El Rito (GDMBR)

Two of us riding bikes with drop bars with max tire width of 700 x 45 are going to ride about 1,000 miles of GDMBR as a test ride for the whole thing to learn what we need. Bikes probably not ideal but we're committed to running what you got - as opposed to getting new bikes or 650b wheelsets.  

 

Neither of us are clydesdales but a few of the days with so few or no options for water (Atlantic City and Rawlings or between Salida and Saguache) we'll be loaded with water, food besides the other requisite gear.

 

Tire recs helpful - also interested if folks would run Cush Core or some other liner with them. 

 

My friend and I have done a few long pointlessly hilly tours together but have no experience with this particular route.

I don't have experience with this kind of riding so I can't make specific recommendations.  But in general I'd expect the most important consideration to be durability, both puncture resistance and tread life.  You might look at touring tires for upmost durability but some are heavy and stiff.  Also many are available in 40 and 50 mm but not 45 mm.

 

If this is a ride test it could also be a tire test.  You might use different tires on your two bikes and even carry a third pair to swap in.

 

FWIW I think the new Schwalbe G-One Overland was designed specifically for long rides on and off road.  However I've never seen one or even read a comprehensive test.

Heavy and stiff isn't necessarily bad when your bike weighs a ton.  When I overpack my bikepacking rig and use supple tires at normal PSI it feels squirmy so I have to air up to the point they feel like Schwalbe touring tires.