Thanks John for putting this together. For what it's worth (and I haven't verified by calling yet) - I think the Long Valley Cafe at that location is now closed at least according to Yelp. It sounds like the person running it is now at the Happy Jack lodge a couple miles north on Lake Mary Rd. Gas station is still viable, just beware/research if you are wanting diner food.

Happy to report the restaurant is still open, though it is now known as the Tall Pines Cafe. Ownership changed hands around a year ago. It may be nicer than the old restaurant, but haven't been inside to check it out since the rename. Probably pretty tasty either way if you just rode up the Highline to get there....

Wouldn’t surprise me if Lael returns early fall for another go at the overall record.

Yawn.... gotta keep those sponsors happy after all. I'm more interested in Sofi coming back to give the race another go.

I'd give it a go on March 22nd. The April date doesn't quite work, but if March trail conditions are poor that's not gonna be a fun time for anyone.

Less than 10 weeks out, and a foot of fresh snow just dropped on the home trails here on the Olympic peninsula.

As a total newcomer to bikepacking in Arizona, I have one question that is burning in my mind: Where am I going to get my burritos on the 750?

I'm looking for recommendations for all the best resupply options, burritos are a staple, also going to need some cheeseburgers, etc.

In Payson, stop at Alfonso's. They are very good burritos. It's right on route on 87. Load up there, then you can re-stock in Flagstaff. Closest good option to the route is probably Dog Haus, which is just a half mile west on Route 66 near the Fry's.

I'd also be into the March 22nd start date. I understand if that's in the minority. I was bummed to learn the SC400 grand depart was pushed into April. If this event were in March I'd likely be there for a grand depart.

Info has been updated, group start is the 16th of March. https://socalenduro.wordpress.com/2017/12/01/2018-stagecoach-400-group-ride-start/

Pretty fun ride, I really would like to do this again and go faster. Wasted so much time last year!

Sounds like a good time. Who else is in for the full 750?

I wonder if one could make the group start for SC400 and still be fresh for the group start of the AZT750.

There's an active group on Facebook if you're on it, should be able to reach Brendan there: https://www.facebook.com/groups/710242629008593/

Heard through the grapevine about an 18 mile AZT re-route in the works on the Coconino NF between the 82 road crossing north to the Allen Lake Tank area. Riding through that area recently, they've got pin flags in the ground and it looks like they're wanting to get the trail off of the rocky 2-tracks that are the highlight of that section, no doubt. Breaking ground this week, but looking at a 3 year time frame for the whole project. Anyone else have any more details on this exciting news?

The 32 part sounds right, the 50 part definitely crazy to me  I was 32x23 last year for the 300 

Should clarify, it's 10-50t.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Curious what 1x gearing AZTRs have used. Looking at SRAM Eagle 12 speed set-up on my rig. 32t front, 50t cassette. This sound crazy to any race veterans?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I am in for the full meal deal next April. Until then, I guess I'll just keep rereading the race reports and watching Aaron Johnson's trip video.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

The trash created by any coolers or caches pales in comparison to the bags full that seem to regularly fly out of the back of vehicles on the weekends here on the Coconino.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

From the Stagecoach Facebook group, the organizer Brendan is throwing out a late October group start for this race, with a twist:

"Let's do it. October 27th just know that I'll throw something weird into it but won't tell y'all until maybe a month out"

I'd be interested in riding this late fall. Not sure what the weather is like there, but I'd imagine it's not too bad.

Group link for those interested: https://m.facebook.com/groups/710242629008593


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Congrats to Justin and El Freako. I'll have to make the group start next year.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Rode the section of AZT from the 300 road on Mogollon Rim over to AZ 87 earlier. Some snow after General Springs cabin, couple stream crossings and several tree blowdowns. Looks good otherwise, though the riders have a few days till they make it that far!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Looks like some ITT'rs departed this past weekend, couple of finishers and a few scratches already. Should be a fun one. The weather is looking nice as well. Who is in for the group departure this Friday?

Anyone know of good places to park in Idyllwild for a few days while you're racing?

Bontrager XR3 and XR4, set up tubeless, have rolled this track for me 3 yrs in a row, with (2) 750 finishes and a 300 finish.  Zero flats or sidewall tears.  Last year - full on goat heads in both tires at Babbitt Ranch, hundreds of them, and the tires/sealant held the rest of the way to Stateline.  A tire that I ride here in Central OR on the buff trails we have, and has been flawless for me down in AZ.

Just got an XR4 up front  What psi combo did you have on the AZT?