A big thanks to you, Scott, for dealing with reroutes and the decisions that go into making that call. That's just never easy.

And to all the others offering up 'wheels on the ground' intel on snow levels, closures, etc.  And Great News on SR67...thanks Jason! 

It's a big help when you're a thousand miles away and your kit is 'evolving' based upon changing conditions. The sled remains at home!!

Cheers all.

Thanks Scott for the great intel and details/photos of this route.

It really looks like a fun loop and you can't go wrong when a ride starts and ends in Bend, OR.

It's on my list, for sure.

What kind of rain gear do people typically bring? I'm accustomed to desert weather, so I can understand a few storms rolling in here and there. But last weekend over the Stagecoach it rained heavily for maybe 5 hours straight, so I got me thinking a bit more about spring outwear selections. Obviously we're too far out for predictions, just curious what others brought/used/didn't use in years past.

Hey Jason,

What Neil said, and to add to that....last year no need for rain gear because the weather was so great. However, when the temps dip really low at night I throw on my light rain pants and jacket for additional warmth. The desert gets really cold at night and if you're riding that's not a problem, but when you stop to sleep (like I need to do  ) it's nice to have another layer of insulation for warmth.

I am in for the 750. Triple crown threepeat if I can figure out some logistics and maybe a few new sponsors. I am training in Moab now so I will be ready to roll on 4/15.

Hey Mark, why am I not surprised?? Good luck getting those logistics dialed and your sponsors lined up!

I plan to be at the border myself come mid-April to take care of some unfinished business. Can't wait for that Arizona desert again!

Huge congrats to Jesse.....sub 4 days is really unbelievable and the ability to forgo sleep is hard to imagine.  Pretty incredible athlete!!

And Roland bagging some 14'ers out there?? Way to get after it and add to the suffer quotient.

Awesome job by the Triple Crowners and Dylan T. is laying down another solid performance.

Toby G. never had it wrong and our self-regulated rules are just not that difficult to understand. It is about integrity and doing the right thing and when riders fail to uphold our simple bikepacking ethos they need to be called out. Or educated...

Be safe and stay strong, riders. Savor your high elevation heaven cause it's one special sanctuary!!

The rule change makes good sense and in a knackered state of mind decisions can be difficult. This will help when the time comes...

I like the idea of an earlier start for the 750.  And depending upon the start time of the 300, it was interesting and a bit chaotic at times being passed by the 300'ers, although it did make me smile when Kurt rang his bell to pass.

A Tax Day and First Quarter Moon start in '16; a Good Friday and Full Moon start in '15.  Hmm....trying to figure out a pattern here, Scott. 

Looks like a great route, Jason! I have a few ties to South Dakota and the Black Hills so it would be fun to come and see this area via your Expedition Route.

I'll keep this one on my radar.

Great site, too!!  

Its my birthday today so time to pony up and go all in for a Grand Depart Northbound-to lock down another Triple Crown!!
There is no better time than right now to live out my dreams I am going for it again while I still have the ability and motivation and drive and most importantly the people behind me to help me succeed.

Mark Caminiti

Mark, congrats on another AZT finish.  Your drive and commitment are seriously impressive!

Keep living those dreams and have a great Tour Divide race.

Thanks Scott.  This is an important issue and thanks for sharing.
Signed and will be shared...

Hey Curt,

There are many smaller hotels within only a few miles of where the Smoke 'n' Fire starts at 13th and Eastman.  Lots of out-of-staters last year just asked the folks at the hotels if they could park for several days and there were no issues at all. 

If you get jammed up let me know and I can assist with a few other options.

-norb

Right now we've only got 30 signed up, and more in the 750 than the 300!  Surely that will change...
Deadlines
Private SPOTs: No deadline.  You can be as indecisive as you want -- but the sooner the better.

Hey Scott......just signed up and appreciate the early page set up.  One more item to cross of the list as this countdown begins.
Thanks!!

Awesome looking route!

Great job putting this together, guys!! 

Let's see........I'm planning for the AZTR this year.  I've got a 2011 TD finish and a 2014 CTR finish under my belt, and I started each race at the grand depart.

So, I could be a Triple Crown finisher, but not a Triple Crown Challenger with all events in the same year, right?  But first I've got to get to the start, suffer for many days, and overcome my fear of Xerophobia and everything in between before I can even think of the Triple Crown again. 

Many kudos to those that have completed this triple sufferfest in a single year or multiple years.  It's really mind blowing and the level of commitment, physical and mental toughness required is off the charts.

Another fantastic video, Aaron, and thanks for posting it up!   

What Addy said....so many memories came flooding back...the beauty, the suffering, and the isolation!  Great stuff, man!!

Been playing around with Google Earth a bit and made a flyover video of my GPX track from last year:

Hey Aaron.....your flyover piece is terrific and really offers a great perspective on the route.  Brings the maps to life for this northerner who seldom goes into the desert.  Well done!

Looks like a cool film project, Bjorn!   

Great images and message so keep all us bp adventure junkies updated.

Great information!  I've got a couple well used tires and plan to get some sewing practice in before executing this repair in the field.

Can you AZT vets/locals offer up an opinion on what tire is least vulnerable to sidewall tears??   Thanks.

Great write-up and nice pics!

There's a lot to be said taking your time and enjoying the journey and it looks like you guys clearly enjoyed the adventure.

Well done!! 

Great report, evdog, and enjoyed the images and narrative. Being an Idaho guy and riding some of these areas it was a nice way to revisit the route and your approach.  This area is beautiful and challenging!

Nicely done.   

I've said it before and I'll say it again.......

Absolutely fantastic video!!  Way to go, Aaron!  Oh, yea, great race as well!