Some fine thoughts. Especially on avoiding riding up downhills. And riding downhills not on the road.
We start this Sunday (Oct 17) if all goes to plan. Thanks for all your help.

Thanks! Always tough to plan just by looking at maps, so happy to hear we are not making a colossal mistake.

So our emerging plan is to start at the North end of trail mid October and we have 27 days. We will ride the AZT800 route southwards until Snowbowl outside of Flagstaff. At that point we will switch to the Coconino route for a more direct downhill right into the heart of Flagstaff for resupply. We will then follow the Coconino south of Flagstaff all the way through Sedona to Cottonwood (from past experience this is a great ride that flows well in this direction). At Cottonwood we will switch to the AZT 1000 route so we can ride the Black Canyon Trail. We might skip a few of the spaghetti sections as the AZT1000 circles Phoenix, depending on time. Then we will rejoin the AZT800 route at Apache junction.

Here's the three routes referenced, all on the same map: http://www.mygpsfiles.com/app/#DfietUYN

Would really appreciate advice if we are cutting out a great section of trail, or any other issues with our route. Notable sections we are cutting out include MT Elden looping around the north of Flagstaff and Happy Jack (it is part of the AZT1000 and we could do it, but involves a long ride on FSR roads). The 1000 route through Sedona looks like it would be better if we were going S to N.

Some friends and I are planning to do some sort of AZT ride starting at the North end in mid-October. We have 27 days and want to maximize the singletrack so are leaning 1000, but welcome advice. Also tips if the fires are affecting non-AZT sections of the 1000.

We prioritize fun over following strict routes and are pretty strong riders. Have previously done the Colorado Trail and the Three Sisters route in Oregon. Two of us also did the Coconino Loop right before Covid, and are stoked that the 1000 incorporates some of that. We skipped Hangover on the loaded bikes that time, but will hit it this time. Definitely down for some freeridepacking.

Previous trip videos to get a sense how we roll:
Colorado Trail: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jw2ZwZdaXco
Oregon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5sKEqetmX8Q

Hope to do a similar video for this trip.

Any help welcome!