Coco-di-loco

[cass]

Amazing ride! Such diversity of scenery. We found it pretty tough too, but well worth it. My favourite days were 1 and 2, with the last half day into Flag a highlight too.

I posted some pics here:

http://whileoutriding.com/2012/05/09/more-coco-di-loco/
http://whileoutriding.com/2012/05/02/coco-di-loco-back-in-flag-az/

Thanks to Chris and Chad for figuring it all out, and for supplying the gpx file and cue sheet. We barely got lost (-;

[Chad B]

Good stuff Cass, especially some of those pictures. You have a great eye for the landscape; enjoyed checking out some of your other shots from Latin America. BTW, how did you like that Mingus hike-a-bike?

It will be interesting to watch the shakedown that is happening tomorrow between Scott, Kurt and Aaron!

We need to show you some more routes down here in southern AZ, the Gila River Scramble especially. Keep it on your radar for next Spring, I would love to give you a tour of it.

[cass]

Thanks Chad.

We took the Mingus Bypass! Gary told me the hike and bike was 'infamous'...

I'll be around from Fall onwards, so be great to hook up for some rides. I'll be in Santa Fe, but happy to travel. Gonna set my bike up a bit lighter too - it's the out-of-the-box setup right now. Everything helps when you have to carry it (-;

[fotooutdoors]

Those are some beautiful pics.  Made me launch amtrak's site to see how long it would take to get to Sedona from Chicago.  Now I just need to convince my wife that she wants to do bikepacking (she has only done a few overnight road trips).

[cass]

Go quick! It's getting hot in Sedona...

I've added in a Coco Lite paragraph to the trip report, suggesting a couple of ways of avoiding some hike and bikes - which would probably suit a bikepacking newbie!

It's a tough ride, so I'd recommend allowing enough time to enjoy it. Fresh legs would make a big difference to some of the more challenging sections.

[Chad B]

"Coyote Springs....we did not purify it."

No tablets?! BTW, was the cover off too?

I will try the Rolando’s Mexican Restaurant suggestion too next time, if I am not in a hurry.

[cass]

It's worth the wait (-; Just past Safeways as you're coming into town from the route, on the right. Killer portions.

No top on the water barrel. It was flowing though, and past the rigorous 'looks ok' test.

[sherpaxc]

Post up in two weeks and let us know how that stomach is doing.  That just sounds CRAZY drinking that water straight. 

[rocky rode]

Post up in two weeks and let us know how that stomach is doing.  That just sounds CRAZY drinking that water straight. 

Well, it's been a week and a half.  We're fine.  You could see the water flowing right out of the inlet.  I think we're lead to believe any water not out of a spigot should be treated.  Based on many years of drinking water I disagree.

Gary

[rocky rode]

I've added in a Coco Lite paragraph to the trip report, suggesting a couple of ways of avoiding some hike and bikes - which would probably suit a bikepacking newbie!

I'm not a newbie, just old.  I think the Coco-lite course you describe is great.  This fall, maybe? 

I might even skip some of the lower section of Munds Trail just above Sedona since the road is right there anyway.  I did enjoy the upper section.

Gary

[sherpaxc]

Well, it's been a week and a half.  We're fine.  You could see the water flowing right out of the inlet.  I think we're lead to believe any water not out of a spigot should be treated.  Based on many years of drinking water I disagree.

Gary

I wish I had that kind of stomach.  Coming from someone who has had (clinical diagnosed) giardia a few years ago, I will not be taking a chance on it EVER again in my lifetime.

[cass]

I've come to realise I have weak lungs but a strong stomach. I've travelled on my bike all around Asia and Central America, rarely purifying or buying bottled water. And I spent summers in India drinking local water (in the mountains, that is). Now that I write this, I'll probably be struck by guardia tomorrow... But so far, so good...

For the sake of minimal weight, it's always useful to have some Puritabs though, and probably err on the side of caution...

[Vik]

I've come to realise I have weak lungs but a strong stomach. I've travelled on my bike all around Asia and Central America, rarely purifying or buying bottled water. And I spent summers in India drinking local water (in the mountains, that is). Now that I write this, I'll probably be struck by guardia tomorrow... But so far, so good...

Great photos...thanks for posting.

I drank Calcutta tap water and came away unscathed. Folks I knew travelling in India drinking only bottled water got sick as dogs. What can you do?

safe riding,

Vik
www.thelazyrando.com

[sbear55]

Awesome pics and write-up.

Can't wait for the last week of September.

Should be quite the change from the WI riding I'm used to!