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  Topic Name: 1-2 Week Winter Trip? on: October 03, 2012, 06:28:42 PM
isignay


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« on: October 03, 2012, 06:28:42 PM »

I live in San Diego, I've done a tour before and am playing with the idea of doing a winter tour.  Yes the weather may suck, but I still think a fun trip can be had this winter.  I'm free Mid Dec to Mid Jan and am open to any suggestions, even a road ride if anyone in the area wants.  I was thinking biking down the coast from sanfran to Santa Barbara or from San Diego to vegas, either way, or an offroad trek somewhere.
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  Topic Name: 1-2 Week Winter Trip? Reply #1 on: October 04, 2012, 07:24:31 AM
chriskmurray


Location: Colorado Springs
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« Reply #1 on: October 04, 2012, 07:24:31 AM »

I am toying with the idea of trying this trip sometime this winter.  I am just very uncertain about how much snow will be on the route as parts of it push 10k ft in elevation.

http://www.adventurecycling.org/routes/utahcliffsloop.cfm
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  Topic Name: 1-2 Week Winter Trip? Reply #2 on: October 04, 2012, 02:37:06 PM
isignay


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« Reply #2 on: October 04, 2012, 02:37:06 PM »

I actually did most of this route when I did the hoodoo 500 this past August, great ride, I'd imagine during winter it'd be freezing, especially on the descents.  Do you live in Utah?
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  Topic Name: 1-2 Week Winter Trip? Reply #3 on: October 04, 2012, 04:43:22 PM
markphx


Location: Phoenix
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« Reply #3 on: October 04, 2012, 04:43:22 PM »

I live in San Diego, I've done a tour before and am playing with the idea of doing a winter tour.  Yes the weather may suck, but I still think a fun trip can be had this winter.  I'm free Mid Dec to Mid Jan and am open to any suggestions, even a road ride if anyone in the area wants.  I was thinking biking down the coast from sanfran to Santa Barbara or from San Diego to vegas, either way, or an offroad trek somewhere.

Hey guy, my buddy and I are coming in from Phoenix to bikepack the Stagecoach 400 route December 22 - 27. We're starting in Idyllwild. You're more than welcome to tag along.

Mark
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  Topic Name: 1-2 Week Winter Trip? Reply #4 on: October 04, 2012, 05:11:21 PM
isignay


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« Reply #4 on: October 04, 2012, 05:11:21 PM »

What kind of mileage / pace do you think you'll be doing?  Stop n smell the roses speed or hammering out a certain pace every day? 
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  Topic Name: 1-2 Week Winter Trip? Reply #5 on: October 04, 2012, 06:13:54 PM
markphx


Location: Phoenix
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« Reply #5 on: October 04, 2012, 06:13:54 PM »

What kind of mileage / pace do you think you'll be doing?  Stop n smell the roses speed or hammering out a certain pace every day? 

We're looking to qualify self-supported ITT finishes on the route, which, according to the rules means we need to finish in under 5 days. The route is about 375 miles with a bit over 31K of climbing. Goal is to knock out 90 miles (big descent day) the first day, 60 the second day (big climb day), 75 the third day (big descent day), 80 the fourth day (flat, but starts to climb towards the end of the day), and 70 the last day (climb day, but not as bad as the second day). There's no doubt we'll be doing some night riding. I'm just hoping for fair weather.
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  Topic Name: 1-2 Week Winter Trip? Reply #6 on: October 04, 2012, 06:52:52 PM
isignay


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« Reply #6 on: October 04, 2012, 06:52:52 PM »

I've never done fast paced self supported touring.  I did the divide route this summer would be ok physically to do that mileage, but I've nver done any "lite weight" touring so I feel like I'd be a burden on you guys, I'm not too familiar with the route, but if you'd be willing to inform me on the necessities / packing list, I think I may be able to join since I have all the gear already. 
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  Topic Name: 1-2 Week Winter Trip? Reply #7 on: October 04, 2012, 07:13:51 PM
markphx


Location: Phoenix
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« Reply #7 on: October 04, 2012, 07:13:51 PM »

I've never done fast paced self supported touring.  I did the divide route this summer would be ok physically to do that mileage, but I've nver done any "lite weight" touring so I feel like I'd be a burden on you guys, I'm not too familiar with the route, but if you'd be willing to inform me on the necessities / packing list, I think I may be able to join since I have all the gear already. 


We've only ITT'd the CTR and done a couple of road tours, so I think you've definitely got us beat with a Divide under your belt. We'll likely carry no more than one day supply of food and water at a time. It seems as if there are plenty of stops along the way for resupply. This trackleaders map gives a nice overview of the route if you feel like taking a look: http://trackleaders.com/stagecoach400. Nice thing about riding the route in the winter is we won't be guzzling water. I carry a fairly extensive repair kit, but other than that, just food and water. As for clothing, I'll likely be bringing, arm/leg warmers, rain gear (pants, jacket, sock covers), thick Smartwool socks, stocking cap, gloves, etc. I plan on just using my rain gear in the morning to keep me warm and then jumping out of it before I start pouring sweat in it (seemed to work on the CTR on the colder starts). The route doesn't exceed 5800 feet of elevation, so nights won't get too cold (assuming fair weather and the possession of a decent sleeping bag and bivy/tent). Again, hoping for little to no snow, but we shall see what mother nature has in store as the departure date approaches.
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  Topic Name: 1-2 Week Winter Trip? Reply #8 on: October 05, 2012, 01:04:22 PM
isignay


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« Reply #8 on: October 05, 2012, 01:04:22 PM »

will you guys be carrying a rack or going the frame bag style?  I like the sound of this trip, sounds like a blast... If you're going to be riding at night though, are you going to stop to charge batteries or do your headlamps just run on AA's?
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