Anyone else having trouble with the GPX file?  I'm only getting 128 miles on my GPS.  What am I doing wrong?

-Les Handy

Hello Coconino 250 Stage Racers! 

I'm looking for a ride from the finish in Flagstaff to the Phoenix Airport after the stage on Monday 8 Oct.  Anyone going that way that could give me a lift for some gas money?  Just me, no bike.  I have a choice of flights, 5:55, 6:01, 6:30, 7:25, 8:05.  The earlier the better for me to get back to Denver but need to make sure I have a ride that can get me there in time. 

Any help would be much appreciated!

Les Handy
303-913-9831

In case you didn't know...

Jill is back on the CTR.  Started this morning at 0200. 

http://trackleaders.com/ctri.php?name=Jill_Hueckman_2

...now you know.

-Les

Last call if you need a ride from Durango to Denver tomorrow.  I'm rolling out at 7am, Thursday morning.  Picking up a couple other CTR racers at the Best Western.  If you need a ride give me a shout.  Still have room for one more comfortably and a couple more if we squeeze in.  I'm sure there will be plenty of good stories to fill the 6hr drive home.

Les Handy
303-913-9831

Stafan,

My time looks right.  I finished initially at 0049 on Sunday by coming down the road on the final stretch but realized my mistake and went back and rode the final piece of singletrack to make it official so I'm happy with the time listed.

Thanks for tracking this incredible race!
Les Handy

I'll be headed back to Denver from Durango sometime Wed or Thurs, not sure yet.  I have room for 6 bikes and bodies in my truck, including mine.  If you are flexible and need a ride give me a call or text.

Les Handy
303-913-9831

Is Apple out this year? Anyone seen him?

I'm planning on a 2-3 day trip ride next weekend, and thinking I may start at Waterton Canyon. Can anyone recommend a safe place to leave my car? I'm a little concerned leaving it at the trailhead may invite thieves or vandals.

Your car will be fine at the Waterton Canyon Trailhead.  Huge lot, lots of people constantly coming and going.  Many cars left there overnight.  Have fun.

-Les

Aaron just posted "We're ALL done."  Say it ain't so.

Looking forward to seeing this go down!  Those dots will be moving fast!

I had the pleasure of seeing TWO racers finish the AZT750 last Friday.  Amazing accomplishment by both Jill Hueckman and Arno Minner.  What an honor to be present for your big finish!  If anyone has Arno Minner's email could you please forward to me and make sure he sees this post.

Thanks!
-Les Handy
spoke537@aol.com

Pic 1:  I was napping in the bed of my truck when I heard the tail tail click of a coasting bike.  I popped out and saw Arno's bike.  Note: Full Ridgid, Singlespeed, Plateform Pedals.  Arno is a stud!

Pic 2:  Arno looking fresh, lean and strong!!!

Pic 3:  Liquid Gold! A smile only a bikepacker can understand.

Pic 4:  Two amazing AZT750 finishers!!  Jill Hueckman and Arno Minner are now official!

In case you're bored. Here's my story:

http://handyproductions.blogspot.com/2012/05/my-azt300-2012.html

-Les Handy

Oh btw, this is Jill's first glimpse of the Grand Canyon!

Jill's across the river.  Now just a mile of vert till she can ride her bike again.  She was more worried about the descent affecting her feet than the ascent so its good to see her make it that far.  She's moving good.  I doubt she'll stop until she makes the North Rim.  Get it! Get it!

-Les Handy

Jill just rolled into Tusayan a few miles south of Grand Canyon Village.  She was disappointed that her SPOT stopped tracking because she said she was "blazing" for miles into town.  Her spirits are high...as always.  She'll stay the night in Tusayan (hope they have enough food in that little town) and hit the post office in GC Village in the morning where a package awaits with trail runners, loose shorts and a larger pack strap her bike to.  My guess is she'll be on the North Rim by tomorrow night. 

Get it!  Get it!
-Les

Anyone know why the skewer/bar between his front forks with wheel off?

His fork has a 15mm thru axle, not the old school skinny road type skewer.  It threads through a 15mm "hole" in the fork dropout, through the hub and screws into the other dropout. Its best to remove the wheel then screw the thru axle back in otherwise he would probably drop it or lose it somewhere.

Gotta wonder what kind of socks Jill is using.   

She had some pretty beefy wool socks and some other thinner socks.  Its the swelling that gets her.  She's had issues with swelling in the past and tried wrapping and compression socks to help prevent it.  She'll  be good though.  She's tough as F**k!

-Les

Scott - Great pics!  Thanks for posting!

Some updates from Jill:

She's back on the grid.  New batteries loaded! 

22Apr@1307 - "I got here [Mormon Lake] this AM.  Went to pay and my debit card was gone!  Had 8 bucks to try to eat on.  HA "  "long drawn out process but got it shut off and got some cash finally.  Ordered lunch...So glad it worked out or I woulda starved.  Never coulda made it to Flag on two bags of skittles "

22Apr@1320 - "The trails from the [Mogollon] Rim to here [Mormon Lake] were SWEET riding.  So beautiful.  Like a cross between central OR and Durango "

22Apr@2005 - "I have been ripping through some of the smoothest, fastest singletrack I have ever ridden...and I just rounded a corner into a clearing that gave me the first view of a sky on fire.  The sunset I am looking at now on the AZT has my eyes filled with tears...."

23Apr@0941 - "Flagstaff at 2am this morning.  Woke to an ACE Hardware employee asking me if I was ok...ha.  Life is awesome.  Just got batteries. Back on grid "

23Apr@0948 - I asked if she slept at ACE Hardware.  "I did.  There is a lawn out front.  First place for batteries.  Tried to sleep outside town about 5 miles but decided to push on.  Can I eat all 3 meals for breakfast?  "

23Apr@0956 - "Time to eat a soft pretzel at Sams [Club]...and fix my feet.  Buy more food and roll.  Feet need lots of love right now."

23Apr@1020 - "The ride to Flag was the best one of the whole trail except some really bad rocky sections..."

23Apr@1124 - "My feet have been wrapped in duct tape for the past three days.  Just unwrapped them and it made me gag   gotta take care of them for a bit before I head for the [Grand] Canyon or I won't be able to do any hiking "

23Apr@1243 - "I can't walk right now.  My feet are blown up.  Swelling is insane when unwrapped."

23Apr@1502 - "Feet are dry. Swelling is issue.  Always has been even in CTR.  Hot spots covered.  Prewrap, moleskin, first aid tape, duct tape.  Shoes on.  Ready to roll."

23Apr@1504 - "Blisters are part of it.  Manageable, clean, covered.  Swelling causes pain like squeezing toes in a vice.  I am tough as F*** just need to manage to achieve the ultimate goal   ...Spot will be moving for a long time "

23Apr@1509 - "Alright.  I am out"

Next stop:  The Grand Canyon where she has trail hikers and shorts waiting at the post office.  Keep moving forward!  Get it!!

-Les Handy

Getting texts from Jill whenever she gets a chance. 

20April@0814 - "Time to get this done.  I feel so much better after 14 hours of sleep and food [in Pine] Any good blister tricks?  Mine are not working..."

20April@1006 - "I have a roll of duct tape on my heels.  It's working.  Utah Baby!"

21April@1605 - "There is nothing on the CTR that even holds a candle to the hell that was Payson to the Mogollon Rim "

21April@1613 - "I was starving, exhausted and so slow but the experience, scenery and adventure was beyond words.  My determination is as high as when I left the Mexican border.  I am really low on food and can see why Aaron went off route [to Happy Jack].  You cannot fathom how much food it takes "

21April@2238 - "I could eat my own hand right now "

21April@2242 - when I told her it was about 25 miles to Mormon Lake but Happy Jack was maybe closer but off route. "I can make it. Don't want to detour.  Just want FOOD in the AM "

22April@0714 - "Started to freeze last night hoping to roll into Mormon Lake when the store opens.  No AZT signs for a while."  She went off course for a moment but found her way back.

22April@0944 - "SPOT battery died.  Changed but won't power on.  Just outside Mormon Lake now.  Found wrong turn I made "

Here's to a HUGE meal in Mormon Lake for the skinny girl!  I considered calling ahead so they would have time to slaughter another cow before she gets there.

Jill is as determined as ever to finish this ride.  Such an inspiration to us all!

-Les Handy 

Just spoke with Jill as she pushes along on the 750.  She's in great spirits and having the ride of her life but her feet are swollen and in pain.  She's taking a break in Pine for the night then will be back at it tomorrow morning.  She says SHE WILL FINISH!!  Keep cheering for her and sending good vibes!

-Les Handy