Anyone else there thinking about doing the race? We need to know if anyone else wants to borrow a SPOT unit (courtesy of Topofusion/Trackerleaders). If you have a SPOT and plan on racing, send your information either to Scott or I.

A little over a week until race day!

Thanks Dave for the pictures and story board. Stunning views.

Dave, what is that out-n-back for on top of Barney Top? Do you have to ride to the top of that peak for the race?

I am still working on the 350 GPX file, but I estimate it will be a little under 400 miles and 40-44k of climbing.

Still no tent icons from Dave Kirk...Resilient is right.

Plenty of places to buy food.... Sedona, Cottonwood, and Williams.

This is one of the most technical, rocky loops I think you are going to ever do. Not too many cactus on the loop, just rocks.
Rocky Secions include AZ Trail outside Flagstaff, Hot Loop on top of Sedona, Sycamore Rim, and Rocky Motto
Spikey Section include some parts of Sedona and the Lime Kiln Trail.

I would say expect from 30-90 degree weather, hard to forecast it out this late, but that is the norm.

Good luck racers!

+1 on using freeze dried food with lukewarm water. It packs a huge amount of carbs, up to 600 per a dinner at times.

Chad do you know the mileage and elevation gain of the 350 vs the 250? I saw 235/28k for one of them.

The track is traced into the section from Sycamore Rim up to the Grand View, so I am not 100% sure. Thereafter, we know the route on the AZT back to Flagstaff. I would estimate 345/37k. I will let you know tonight when I look at the track again.

For a backup I took about a dozen pictures of the route in topofusion - just pointed the camera at the computer screen, snap pic, reposition map and repeat.  So now my backup maps are on my camera.  I also have an extra battery for my camera.

great idea!

A cue sheet will be available. I would hate to soley depend on a GPS to make this thing happen, especially for those that do not have one. I think we have three people that might not be using a GPS to ride the route.

I like the idea of the maps too. I'd suggest using Topofusion + GPX to print some of the trouble spots.

The GPX file is available on the AES Coconino 250/350 website. http://rockyroad5050.wordpress.com/5-coconino-250-and-350/

There is a strong possibility that it will change in a few areas (very minor changes), but you can still use the GPX that is up now to plan your race.

I have some ideas that need real world testing.

Hmmmmm interesting. Care to elaborate? I assume that means you have tested them up in your Boulder Labratory?

Previously, I mentioned that the 350 version would only be on a exploratory mission only. I plan on using the known track instead of incorporating some unknown singletrack that was on the recon to-do list. Therefore, if anyone plans on racing it, I encourage you to do so. I'd hate to be the only one heading to the Grand Canyon that weekend.

The goal being to have two different races next year, a 350 thru race and a 250 stage race, with some overlapping of intentions (meaning that 250 thru racers are allowed, etc). This is just our vision and is of course, open to suggestions.

Rob,
I am almost certain that I will be riding the 350 and starting at 7am on Friday. Let's just plan on all thru riders meeting then. Stage racers can meet ride out as they see fit. This will fix the intention dilemma mentioned above.

[total time]

Scott/Chad - perhaps 2 classes?  Stage racers and thru racers?  Declare your intent at the start and let'r rip.

Question on the rules:  is there an organized start time each day?

I think the early intention should be left up to the person; so they can tell who they want. We will do two rankings: total time and time minus time stopped.

No mandatory start time, that way you can estimate when you want to arrive at the next stage. Keep your time.

Dave, sounds like you are in?

[Water will be given on the GPX, but this is what we are looking at:]

Hey all, I'm new to this type of riding but not new on a bike. Sounds like a great time!

I like the "sleep here" option of the stage race. What about water refills close to the end/beginning of the stages.

So what's the head count look like so far?

I am thinking about 10 people so far.

Water will be given on the GPX, but this is what we are looking at:

Knights of Columbus near Mormon (500 yards off route)
Munds (1.5 mile off route)
Sedona proper
Buddha Beach, Sedona
Cottonwood
Coyote Springs (.5 mile off route)
Verde River
Williams
Sycamore Canyon (possible, depending on rain)

The only issue is pushing an extra day into the schedule for those working? I think the guys coming from up here were thinking it would be 3 days...

The stages are not mandatory. I'd recommend you skip Williams if you wanted to do it in 3 days.  

The usual rules for self-supported bikepacking apply (see AZT 300, Colorado Trail Race for examples), with one exception: there are locations
on the route where stopping is allowed and as long as you are there, the clock is not ticking.

This makes the event into a quasi-stage race.  Riders may race from one stopping location to another, then rest the night before the next 'stage.' However, stopping is not required at any of the points.  The option of a non-stop ride is still open.

Each rider's time will be computed as = the total time on course minus the total time spent in designated stopping locations.

Because of this it is important that you carefully log your time in and time out.  Bring a piece of paper to do this, and if you can collect a GPS track for backup, even better.

The idea is to promote camaraderie, lessen the physical 'impact' on participants, and also experiment with a new racing format.  It should be interesting.

Water will be given on the GPX file that is given.

3 stops... Sedona, Mingus, Bill Williams. More details to come later today as Scott is finalizing the GPS with stop locations.

I'll take one of those

Sent it. Check your email.

GPX! GPX! GPX!  (no pressure of course  )

I can send you the preliminary GPX file if you want to view it.

There is a small chance I might roll out and do the 350...

GPX! GPX! GPX!  (no pressure of course  )

I am going to be going to Flagstaff this weekend to verify a few things on the route, specifically the Wing Mountain option. I hope to have the GPX file for the 250 thereafter. Those interested in the 350 will be doing the proposed route on forest roads out to Grand Canyon. Although none of it has been ridden, it has been verified via satellite images. I only say that because if anyone is thinking about doing it, they should bring a map with them also since I have traced in the sections of the 350-mile GPX.