Good to hear. I'm looking forward to the adventure. I guess picking needles out of my ass is just gonna be a part of it. Can't wait!

So, a bunch of us Mid-MO folks are gonna try the AZT300 this year. I've read every race report I can find, but can't get a solid fix on how to compare trail conditions between the two states. We've got some rough stuff out here, but not much in the way of cactus and rattlesnakes. I gather tubeless tires are a requirement? Has anyone here ridden in both states, and how would you compare the two? Thanks for all input.

^^ Those are some interesting points. You may have just changed my mind.

Jeez.... I feel like a moron. (Thanks for the link.)

I Just joined the ATA and it's unbelievable how many gps routes are posted there. Wow.

I'm having trouble finding a dedicated AZT300 route though; anybody got a link or something?

I'd be worried about the condensation making me clammy, but would love to be proven wrong.

Better photo

Quick update: we did a trip last weekend using clear window insulation for a ground cover and rain fly. Works VERY well and is super light and packable



....not sure why, but I can't get the pic to load.

Thanks very much for the help and especially the links, everyone. It's much easier to negotiate a $160 purchase with the wife than a 300-$400 one

Is there such a thing as a good-quality packable cold weather sleeping bag that costs less than $200? I want something that'll fit in a Vicacha bag and be comfortable at/around 20 degrees. I've done a lot of online research but there are just so many options I dont know how anyone picks the right bag the first time.

Any help would be great.

I would completely ruin my pants/sleeping bag if a snake ever tried to "cuddle up" for warmth.

This is all good info. I didn't know snakes went dormant in the cooler temps, but I guess that makes sense.

So a sleeping bag and bedroll/ground cloth seems to be the way to go. I'll probably bring a rainfly too, just in case. Learning and experimenting with this stuff seems to be half the fun.

I've had pretty good luck with Specialized Tahoes. They lasted a few years before the soles ripped down the middle.

So, I've noticed a lot of AZT 300/750 riders don't use tents, just a sleeping bag and some tyvek

Here in Missouri we either use a hammock or just use sleeping bags on the ground, but aren't there lizards, snakes and stuff to worry about in the desert? I'm curious what the preferred setup would be.

I'm in for the 300 in 2015 as well. I saw the video and suddenly this ride is all I think about. A few of my friends here in Missouri are planning to come along, so we're hoping at least a few of us can finish.

Hobo, I've used something similar to the setup you're suggesting, and the only downside I've experienced is that the cages willl loosen and/or the bottles pop out and you don't know about it until you reach back there for a bottle.

Every year at Dirty Kanza you see bottle cages (with the bottle still in them) after those bottle mounts have rattled apart

I've actually done this same trip twice now, but we hiked instead of riding. It's the "featured trip" on the Ozark Trail's trip planner webpage, and it's wonderful. I believe it's 13 miles from the Onondoga Trailhead back to Bass Resort, and a 12 mile float back the next day. You don't even need to stage a vehicle, and during the summer there are several nice swiming holes.

Very nice work. I don't know how you guys do it; I'd lose my mind.