South bound ITTs could work a group start wouldn't as you run the risk of more than 11 starting the canyon at the same time.

Good point.  Had not thought of that.

I did the AZT300 2 years ago. (2017) and was planning to hit it again in 2020. However as a 300 rider I have concerns about October date. I have had many years of 95 even 100 deg in the deserts at Halloween.  Sure it can cool down, but it is often hot.  October is hotter than April for sure.  We are always waiting for the heat to "break" and usually it happens by the first week of November.  This means that late October is always dicey for temps down low.  This makes the 300 rather unappealing to me.

Now a North to South AZT800 more likely since you can start with cooler temps and have a few days before you hit the desert heat.

WTF... Kurt is 32 miles to Flagstaff!   I can't believe that.

Wow Dana what a story.  Glad to see you survived it.

Neil just dropped into Bloodsucker wash! 3:40pm Wow

Neil is on Oracle Ridge now.   Kaitlyn is showing still climbing, but I bet the spot has not updated yet.

What are pace Kaitlyn and Neil are running for 300?  They are both superfast.

I cannot believe how fast they are moving. Can they keep it going?

That is always the big question.  Time will tell.

Ohh this fun.. Dot Stalking! 

Good Luck to at riders this year!  Stay safe and have fun!

I did the AZTR300 last year and had no issues with the rules.  All pretty simple.  Just you and your bike and what you can find. This levels the playing field for those than can't get support along the way.    

The rules are in fact pretty simple.
1) Ride your bike from point A to point B following the designated track.  
2) Your are responsible for yourself at all times so plan accordingly.
3) Riding off course to get supplies is acceptable and required, but you must never short cut the course in the process.
4) Be courteous and supportive of all those around you be them hikers, racers, day riders, etc
5) While is some what of a race it mostly a challenge.  300 or 750 are not easy and will take good planning, mental strength and physical effort.  Come prepared and know your limitations.
6) If you cheat or bend the rules you are only fooling yourself.  The pride I get from this event is knowing I did it. No help, no support, just me, my bike and wits.  There were good moments and bad moments, but I survived it all.

Now I can't make the event this year, but next year (2019) I probably will be in for at least the 300.  Maybe the 750 if I can get the time off.


In 2017 I never saw any rider one violate the rules nor violate the spirit of the rules.   

What I did see in 2017 was riders hooking up on course at various times. Sharing in the misery, the joy and encouraging each other along the way. That is part of the event an in my opinion something that makes it special.

Scott does a great job putting this together.

Maps are important, but prior race blogs/trip reports are even better since they can give you an idea of what to expect on the trails.  The map may show 15 miles, but is that is 5 hrs, 2 hrs or an hour and 15 min?    The blogs help with that and really help set expectations of how far you can or should be able to get each day.

my concern is rack cracking or worse frame cracking due to weight and vibrations from riding.  Soft bags move and flex.  Hard mounts like these put alot of stress in small areas.   Plus at 31lbs seems heavy for a rigid bike.

Just quick update. John Schilling camped last night on the peak just before Georgia pass at route mile 399.1 He detoured to Breckenridge to wait out nasty storm. He said is 11 for 11 on days getting rained on. Thought he was ok last night, but still got some rain. Right now weather is clear where he is so he should start making good time. Who knows how long this last stretch will take. Just remember in these final miles there were 4 scratches in leading top 8 riders. So is still never easy. John is strong and I can tell he will finish. The only question is when.

John Schilling has just rolled into Leadville.  Looks like he is the last active rider from the Grand Depart. All the other dots showing "active" don't seem to be moving.  He just has two more big mtn passes to get over and I hope the weather holds out for him.

Colorado Trail Race Gallery.
Mountain Flyer’s 2017 Colorado Trail Race coverage

http://www.mountainflyermagazine.com/view.php/gallery-2017-colorado-trail-race.html

Trackleaders is great because you can "see" what is going on, but frustrating because you can only guess as to why!

Why did Dana and Max just backtrack like 2 miles? And uphill no less? Must be some weird weather out there...that section has quite a few trees for shelter if I remember correctly, so not sure why they'd want to head back.

I just saw that too.   per the radar overlay I do see a storm just a head of where they turned around, but not sure why they went back as far as they did.

Race is still on for 3rd with 70 miles left.

Dana, Max and Justin are all on the same mile. Brad is showing 6 miles back, but that is a older update.

I wonder if they will ride through the night.  Heck they may not even know that they a fighting for 3rd.

Makes for good viewing.

Some really, really tough people out there!  Looks like a tight 4 way race for 3rd place is developing.

Current standings for 3rd


Justin DuBois 427.7 miActive
Max Morris 426.1 miActive
Dana Ernst 426.1 miActive
Brad Ells 424.1 miActive


I think Dana and Max are riding together.   Not sure if they know where Justin and Brad are.  Still it will be interesting to see how these 4 shake out.

wow..  things changing fast.

In the time of my posting all 4 have joined up at 428.0 miles ( Justin is still at 427.7)

Seth Looks to be finishing this morning.