It's On! Apache 200 and White Mtns - Big Lake Epic Stages

[DesertDog]

Well, I'm not on the trail this or next week and had some free time.

So, I'm going with the date, started things up and have a web site going for the events.

In addition, I've laid the foundations for a new site/concept "Dirty Pursuits" which initially will provide area, trail and routing info and data for various Southwestern riding destinations.  Plus, it will also be host for any events I come up with.

I've wanted to do something like this for a while, just had to attach a stuff sack to the seat rails to get it going!

We'll see how it goes.  It's ALL new to me, event and site building.
But, maybe that's a good thing?!

I'll be posting the event on the AES group and a few MTBR forums too.

Here's what I have so far:

2010 White Mountains - Big Lake Epic Stages and Apache 200 Enduro
http://sites.google.com/site/dirtypursuits/whitemtns2010

[Gordo]

The Apache 200 looks like it is of interest to me!

[Chad B]

Pending any unforseen schedule conflicts, I'll be there.

[ScottM]

Ditto what Chad said.  Can't see any reason to miss out on this.

Maybe this thread should be in the ultra racing forum?  I'll get it added to the Ultra Racing Calendar.  Thanks for the post and leg work on this... looking forward to learning more.

[dave54]

I am going to be in the Heber area in September.  Won't be able to do any overnight bikepacking, but I will have my bike with me.  Any suggestions for day rides?  The people I'll be with are novice riders.

[A]

@dave54
I just saw this on another forum. Right up your alley if you're riding near Bil Lake.
http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?t=642440

[Marshal]

Anyone know what types of hunting will be open the weekend of Sept 25 in the Apache-Sitgreaves NF?  Elk, Deer, firearm, archery-only etc?

[rhino]

Anyone know what types of hunting will be open the weekend of Sept 25 in the Apache-Sitgreaves NF?  Elk, Deer, firearm, archery-only etc?

I am not positive, but pretty sure.  Archery is the first two weeks in Sept, rifle is the last two weeks in Sept.  It will not be deer season.  I am almost certain it is Elk and Antelope.  So I would avoid riding through tall grass with a light yellow shirt with a black racing stripe.

[rhino]

I am not positive, but pretty sure.  Archery is the first two weeks in Sept, rifle is the last two weeks in Sept.  It will not be deer season.  I am almost certain it is Elk and Antelope.  So I would avoid riding through tall grass with a light yellow shirt with a black racing stripe.

I looked up the info.  It appears Sept 25 is a perfect date to ride a bike, it's in between several hunts.  There is no Pronghorn Antelope tags, so wear yellow if you want.  The only thing I could find is 20 Muzzleload tags for Elk in Area 3B.  So my advice now is to not wear brown and ride a very tall bike

[DesertDog]

I didn't look anything up, but I figured there wouldn't be any issues, given that the TOWM is the week after.

Starting Monday I'm off on 2 months of travel and play.
And it all begins with a visit the the Apache lands to do my final course work!

The plan is:  Before venturing N to UT and CO, stop back home and post up final course info and data by Aug 31 or Sep 1.

See you in September!

Explore and Enjoy!

[tRoy]

The Enduro loop looks killer and I just may be able to make this... I had been thinking about a loop like this for a couple of years-thanks for all the work!!!

[Marshal]

Looks like a nice route!!!

A couple of weeks ago I had a chance to ride the 1st 30 miles or so and then cut over to loop back on the last 30 miles or so for a nice 65 mile loop.  It was a cool overcast/rainy day with just a bit of mud in spots and some ‘soft’ trail.

I was impressed with the lay out.  This was my 1st real ride on a SS and it was quite hard but not unbearable.  I am pretty sure the two sections I did, start & finish, have the least amount of overall climbing but were quite challenging (rocky) in spots but with nice flow in other areas—I think this route is going to be popular!
I am really looking forward to this race as a way to close out my yr with a interesting (nice mix of single, double and gravel road) route at a moderate, even relaxed pace

This 65 mile loop took 8.5 hrs of steady, moderate, SS pace- riding (with about 45 min rest/wash off some mud time) to ride. (I was not carrying any camp gear, but enough for a long day ride)

[DesertDog]

Looks like a nice route!!!

A couple of weeks ago I had a chance to ride the 1st 30 miles or so and then cut over to loop back on the last 30 miles or so for a nice 65 mile loop.  It was a cool overcast/rainy day with just a bit of mud in spots and some ‘soft’ trail.

I was impressed with the lay out.  This was my 1st real ride on a SS and it was quite hard but not unbearable.  I am pretty sure the two sections I did, start & finish, have the least amount of overall climbing but were quite challenging (rocky) in spots but with nice flow in other areas—I think this route is going to be popular!
I am really looking forward to this race as a way to close out my yr with a interesting (nice mix of single, double and gravel road) route at a moderate, even relaxed pace

This 65 mile loop took 8.5 hrs of steady, moderate, SS pace- riding (with about 45 min rest/wash off some mud time) to ride. (I was not carrying any camp gear, but enough for a long day ride)

Thanks for the positive feedback.
Heading back up there tomorrow to do the final course work.

If you look at the maps, seems like what you did was the WMTS stage without the Land of the Pioneers section (Northeast corner loop).  And that could end up being the final stage course, which would take it from 75 to 61 miles.  I've never ridden Pioneers and have to see if it stays or not on the stage.  For the Apache, it's not a big climb, but I'll see if it's worth doing the climb up Ecks Mtn or if it should get a reroute.

Other than that, just some possible minor changes to make.
Mostly want to work on water/supply/logistics matters and get myself back in shape!

I'll have the final courses and info posted next week.

See you in a month.

[DesertDog]

The Enduro loop looks killer and I just may be able to make this... I had been thinking about a loop like this for a couple of years-thanks for all the work!!!

Oh, it's not work...I'm just thankful I'm able to do something like this!

Hope to see you there!

[DesertDog]

If anyone else plans on doing the ride, check the site and get the final course tracks and info.

http://sites.google.com/site/dirtypursuits/whitemtns2010


I'm on the road until the ride weekend, but I'll get online every few.

[ScottM]

Hey everyone,

I'm trying to get an idea of how many people might need a SPOT from us (trackleaders).  If you haven't already contacted me and for sure want one, please send me a note.

If you're a strong maybe and would want one, please post here as well.  I'm trying to manage the fleet and would appreciate it. 

Thanks.

[Marshal]

Change of plans (stuff happens)

Looks like I will make a casual ITT attempt of the new Apache 200 route. 

I should start sometime tomorrow afternoon, Friday 17th.

Anyone that wants to can find a link to my spot at desertmountainride.blogspot.com

[Chad B]

I am in.

[Marshal]

ITT over

It was hot, I did not want to deal with the afternoon heat for two more days, I wimped out

But is was a nice little 50 mile loop

now I am sipping on a Sonic limeaid

[tRoy]

ITT over...
It was hot...
now I am sipping on a Sonic limeaid

dang... It has been pretty warm this week...
I plan to camp at the start on Friday night and hope to do the 190 loop.