I have a question about tires. How many people change the tires during the route? Maybe in steamboat? Around 1500 miles?
What tires are you using and why?
Thoughts on Schawble racing Ralph's 2.25?

Thanks guys!

I just got one for my FS bike from Rouge Panda and it's awesome. Yes it's small but I can fit a hydration bladder and some other small items inside.

Awesome thanks guys,
Long Ranger, yes I'm using mac. I just downloaded basecamp but im a bit confused. I'm not very tech savie.
I erased the "azt network" file and i found one listed as azt 300 10,000 points. I loaded that and i can find it in "track manager". I opened it and it appears to have the entire 300 mile section of the azt.

How can I modify a route? i.e. the tour divide. There is one that is more than 10,000 points. is it possible to cut the route in half and reduce each section to 10,000? So i would have "divide route 1" and "divide route 2". Wouldn't this give me more detail, or am i misunderstanding the 10,000 point track limit?

AZTtripper thanks, I will check out that link regarding the 750 file. I am using a mac and although i haven't tried i read topofusion is for pc. The etrex is new to me so i'm still trying to figure out how to modify routes and save them. But I do like the idea of making a unique file to map out the road sections to get to the trail head.

Tons of useful information here. Thanks for all of the links. I purchased the 2015 Cordillera, and I will also get the adventure cycling set of maps with the book.
I have more ROOKIE questions.
I've begun looking for plane tickets. One way is pretty cheap at the moment so that is awesome. What is the preferred method of bike transport? Are you shipping your bike to a local shop, boxing it up on the plane? If you're mailing it where to? I have flown with my bike before, while it is expensive its nice to have it when you arrive.
I believe i read somewhere, on the 100's of forums and articles, that the grand depart is on the second friday in june, is this correct? As everyone knows the website isn't up to date.
I found a 2015 GPX file that I downloaded to my Garmin. It is the entire route in a 10,000 point version. Is this enough detail or should I DL something else.
I am still figuring out this new garmin etrex. I will be testing it on the AZT soon.

Thanks again for everyones input. While I may not reply to your comments I do take them all into consideration and have researched every bit.

I had the same problem. So i copied the file that said 10,000 points.

Does this file have less waypoints?
From what you just explained, Im assuming, There are a bunch of dots to make up the trail on the map.. You have to spread them out a little further because the files is to big? So when navigating the trail this means the trail or line on gps isn't as detailed?

I also downloaded the same 10,000 point file for the Tour Divide trail. Obviously this is a much longer trail. Would it be better to have it saved in 500 mile sections or something similar? How easy would it be to get off route?

I just got an Etrex 30 and I'm having trouble with the GPX files. I've copied the AZT network file and loaded it onto the garmin. In the GPX folder. When I go to waypoint manager I can see all of the waypoints.

So where I'm confused is, if I load other routes how do I keep them seperate?
How can I view the entire route on the map?
Where does the trail start?

I live near the AZT, so I want to ride from my house to do sections of the trails.
I.e. I will ride on the road to Parker canyon lake trail head and ride the trail system back to Tucson. Then head back to where I left off another day.

Because there is a huge list of waypoints and I don't know what sections are what.

Am I missing a step somewhere or not loading the file correctly?

Are there any concerns about bears getting into food supply while camped out? Trying to get into I'm assuming sleeping 5-6 hours tops.
Ca, Mt, Wy, Co you can easily run into bear traffic.

Thoughts?
I'd hate to lose my snicker bar that i'm saving for breakfast!

Again, thanks everyone for all the useful info and links.

That is a nice link full of information. Thanks!
I contacted KLite via face book. He replied to me right away and answered all my questions about using a dynamo set up. Awesome guy!

I think I'm going to try and set up a dynamo hub. Son hub with Klite. Simple set up. Switch on to power the light at night, switch off to charge a battery pack during the day. This way I can charge a couple of items at night. While the rest of my electronics will be powered by AA, AAA. So i will just keep a few extras and pick up more along the route.
This set up will be kinda pricey though. :/

Power supply-

What are your thoughts on Dynamo hubs? Useful tool to have?

Solar panel with charging pack?

Or try to keep everything powered by disposable batteries?

What did you use and why? Would you change anything?


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Awesome information guys!
Some of the gear i have on the list-
Bike will be a Fargo

 Riding clothes, jersey and 2 shorts.
2 pairs of socks
pearl izumi thermal tights, thinking these would be a nice warm layer to ride in and sleep in on cold nights.
smart wool long sleeve top
Patagonia nano puff
rain gear, light weight marmot rain jacket. Pearl Izumi rain pants. Some sort of rain/warm shoe cover.
1 pair of riding gloves. Maybe some sort of warm layer to wear over top of them or a second pair of warm gloves? I was thinking some cheap winter gloves would work and then I could ditch them along the way.
Neck warmer, arm covers, some sort of warm hat that will fit under the helmet.

Garmin etrex 30
niterider lumina head light, 1 head lamp. (not sure if the niterider is the best headlight choice)
Cell phone
GoPro
spot
Charging device. Need to decide on a power pack or possibly a set up from goal zero with a solar panel.

Sleeping system is something I will test out in the field to decide what I like best.
Some set ups i have now are REI 25 deg down bag with thermarest inflatable pad. Or Big agnes sleep system.
I believe I will take a Big Agnes UL1 tent incase of rain and bugs. I believe a good night sleep is super important to keeping spirits and energy high.

Sounds like the stove is not necessary although i was thinking some warm oatmeal in the mornings would be awesome!

Thoughts on water filters? Necessary or not? If so brand/model?

Of course there are a bunch more small things not on the list yet, ie. tools, spare parts,toiletries,first aid, food, water set up. I would like to avoid wearing a backpack if possible.

Im sure I will have more specific questions later about the route, resupply points stuff like that.

Thanks everyone for all the help!
Sandstorm





 

Divide rookie here. I like many people here am a gear junkie. Some equipment I have questions about. Outer shell layers, rain gear, down jackets, thermals?
What are the nights usually like in the high country for temp? Sleeping bag rating? Pad set up?
Does anyone take a stove for boiling water?
Shoe type, did you size up?

I had tons of questions these are some things I'm trying to cover now to make sure I have my equipment picked and field tested.

+1 for wanting to pre ride the course.
Looking for a tour pace as well, just to learn the course and get use to new gear.
I am a newbie bikepacker, but would love to give the AZT 300 a go this spring. I live in Tucson and am planning to at least get in Parker Canyon to Tucson in the near future. Would prefer not to ride solo. I need to get the bike and gear sorted. Also the GPS, which is the harder part for myself as I'm not super tech savy.
Hope to get on the trails early Jan and even Feb.

I also need some helps with uploading GPX files onto my Etrex. I'm not very computer savy so it might as well just be written in 1's and 0's...
What program's are you using??

I am in Tucson and would like to do some of the route! Email me