Arizona's Triple Crown of Bikepacking

[AZTtripper]

Something Lee and I were talking about on the way up to last years Coconino 250 putting together 3 big rides in AZ. Then DesertDog came up with his Apache 200 http://www.bikepacking.net/forum/index.php/topic,932.0.html

For round 3 I am thinking about doing something I call Pistol Packing Rita, a 160 mile lollipop using the AZT Jamboree Route for the out and back and a loop of the Santa Rita mountains. I am thinking mid November most likely the weekend of the 13/14 as my B-day is 11/14.

To make the Triple Crown riders need to do all three event one each month starting with the Apache 200 on September 25, then the Coco 250 on October 9th, and the final ride Pistol Hill and the Santa Rita Loop on November 13th.

[A]

"Pistol Packing Rita"
Kentucky Camp for AES is Nov 20. (Just sayin. Same area and probably some of the same trails) I really enjoyed being out in this area and wouldn't mind doing a bigger tour. How much of your "loop" is trail?

[AZTtripper]

Still a ways a way date could be flexible at this point looks like about 100 miles of trail on the AZT and Elephant Head Mountain Bike route. About 21 miles of pavement the rest is on dirt roads some 4x4 some two wheel.

The Apache is just one week before the TOWM and the Coco is right after that I don't see these events having all that much cross over.

[OurManInTheNorth]

nice! how much of the Pistol Pete route will I have done on this years AZT300? Looking at the map there is a glaring omission on the west for a kind of 4 points of the compass of AZ series!

[AZTtripper]

nice! how much of the Pistol Pete route will I have done on this years AZT300? Looking at the map there is a glaring omission on the west for a kind of 4 points of the compass of AZ series!

The first 90 miles of this route this does everything from Colossal Cave south to Patagonia on the reverse of the 300 route.

If you wanted  4 points of the compass rides you could do this http://www.bikepacking.net/routes/kaibab-monstercross/ The Kaibab has some great riding as well more of the AZT north of the Canyon all the way down to the state line if you want. And the Rainbow Rim Trail has great views of the Canyon. 

[ScottM]

Very cool idea, Tim.  There are getting to be some cool routes in AZ.  I'm a bit of a loop purist so the cherry stem on Pistol Packin' Rita bothers me, but I'm sure I'll get over it...

There's still the Sonoran Hot Dog / Hamburger loops waiting to be finalized, too...

[AZTtripper]

Ya a big part of the ride is the out and back but that is such a fun section of trail I think it will pay off in the end.

[Chad B]

Another idea would be the mixing the AZT with Tucson Mountain Park (Robles), Tortolitas, Catalina State Park...basically a huge loop around Tucson.

[AZTtripper]

I think I would rather do the out and back that's all most all ST then a loop that's going to be mostly roads.

Actually I have been thinking that I should change this to do something north of Oracle. The Gila Ramble seems too short but maybe combined with the Antelope Peak section. 

[AZTtripper]

Here's the latest idea for the third ride. It's a lot more road but should be a very interesting loop. Looks like almost 270 miles.

[ScottM]

That's a twisted looking hot dog. 

Just gotta figure out one or two connections and this could be an impressive loop, a fitting addition to the triple crown.

[campy3]

I am in search of my first multi-day trek and this (especially the santa rita) loop looks cool.  Tim or anyone interested in the weekend of nov 13/14 for a long ride?  It works out pretty well too, AES races the weekend before and after.  I don't mind the cherry since it is the AZT.

[AZTtripper]

Campy

The Rita's loop would be a great first trip, I agree that the o and b section will be fun and worth doing.

Not sure where I am at on this yet the big loop Scott came up with has a lot more riding and covers a greater variety of terrain.

Are you thinking of doing the loop in just 2 days 1 night out, that would be a little fast for me, I was thinking 3 if I do that one and 5-6 for the Gila Monster 300 hot dog loop.

[campy3]

I think the gila monster would be well out of my league, but I could probably take a friday off work and make it 3 days/2nights.  I was thinking I could do something like that in 2 days, but I think 3 would be more enjoyable and less night riding. 

In the end, I would be up for anything.  I just want to try my first bikepacking adventure.

Chris

[AZTtripper]

3 days sounds good I could definitely be talked into it. Friday thru Sunday sounds fine I have all of the tracks just need to work out one little kink. I still have your email from the Robles map days I'll send you a copy.

Tim

[campy3]

That sounds good.  I need to start reading up on gear options, but everything should be ok.  I ordered a seat bag about 6 weeks ago so i better check on that.  I cant wait to get some AZT riding in...i'm excited.

[AZTtripper]

Great still plenty of time to get things figured out.

Looking at the water sources on this I don't think I'll bring a water filter. Just plan on having enough to do the first 50 miles to Madera. Then there's the Whipple VC, Patagonia, Sonoita, and K Camp that should be plenty. It's a little more then 50 from K camp to the TH but there's water at the Cave if needed.

Tim