AZT 300 November 21 - 25, 2012 Interest

[markphx]

I've got a few days off from work over Thanksgiving (November 21-25) and I intend on speed touring the AZT 300. Hoping for little to no snow up on Mount Lemmon, but we shall see. Anyone have any interest in tagging along?

[markphx]

I've got a month to go before I set off on this trek and I was wondering if anyone had any tips on shuttle advice? I plan on departing from the AZ/Mexico border (just for peace of mind to say I rode the entire Southern half). I plan on leaving Phoenix around 2 or 3 in the afternoon on Wednesday, November 20. I'm not really wanting to leave my truck at the border, and I doubt I'll be able to hitch all the way back to Coronado National Monument when I arrive in Superior.

Any tips or helpful suggestions would be much appreciated.

-Mark

[AZTtripper]

How about leaving your truck at the airport and taking a shuttle http://www.huachucashuttle.com/fares.html

Not the cheapest option I know.

[markphx]

How about leaving your truck at the airport and taking a shuttle http://www.huachucashuttle.com/fares.html

Not the cheapest option I know.

Thanks for the feedback man. That's definitely a viable option. I would just need to find a way to get to the border from SV. Judging from their website, it looks like Huachuca Shuttle may entertain that request for the right amount of money.

I'm going to try and avoid camping at the border if I can. How is it around there by the way?

[AZTtripper]

Oh yeah I meant to add. Once your in Sierra Vista maybe the bike shop guy will give you a lift. He has for Brad Kee a couple of times. I would say get a room in SV get a ride out early in the morning. You should then be able to make it past Sonoita and Kentucky Camp the first day.

The Border Patrol drive crazy fast down there. To me that's the biggest concern and that's just on the road to Parker. So far I haven't heard of any riders having issues down that way. You'll see lots of evidence of the migrants but you won't likely see any. I've never seen a drug mule, no large packs.

[markphx]

Anyone know the typical status of water availability at the Freeman Rd cache around Thanksgiving? Anyone going to be out that way the third week of November that would be willing to cache a couple gallons of water for me? I'd be more than willing to throw ya $15 or $20 through PayPal.

-Mark

[AZTtripper]

There are usually a few fall thru hikers so someone may have added some.

I know they were doing a work event out there this month. Not sure if they have yet or still plan to.

Check with Anna Pfender the segment steward. Maybe someone can or did look during the work days.

[markphx]

I was able to get an awesome family member to hook me up with a ride to the start of my AZT 300 adventure. Anyone know if it's cool to drive a car down this road?:
https://www.google.com/maps?saddr=31.345574,-110.300209&hl=en&ll=31.346454,-110.300589&spn=0.05505,0.10643&sll=31.345097,-110.302734&sspn=0.027526,0.053215&t=h&mra=mift&mrsp=0&sz=15&z=14

It shows up as a pretty clear road in google earth (although it's not actually drawn in as a road), but I'm wondering if it's good enough for a car to travel on?

[AZTtripper]

Here's a pic



Should be as the Border Patrol bladed it out a couple of years back.

Most of it should be passable at a slower speed. We got out there in a mini van with a full load.

Thou it might be faster at that point to just ride it. Also for your drivers sake you might just get dropped off at Montezuma Pass. The views at the border fence are good but the Pass is way better. It's basically all down hill from there.

Have fun.

Tim

[markphx]

Should be as the Border Patrol bladed it out a couple of years back.

Most of it should be passable at a slower speed. We got out there in a mini van with a full load.

Thou it might be faster at that point to just ride it. Also for your drivers sake you might just get dropped off at Montezuma Pass. The views at the border fence are good but the Pass is way better. It's basically all down hill from there.

Have fun.

Tim

Tim,

Man, that's one heck of a view to start out with. Unfortunately, I'm starting a tad early, so I doubt I'll be able to see much until I get to Parker Lake. Got a feeling I'm going to have quite a bit of night riding in store for myself to finish it up in under 5 days.

Thanks for all the tips man. I do appreciate it. The AZT steward (Anna Pfender) of the Boulders segment threw a couple gallons of in the Freeman Rd cache for me, which is beyond cool.

[schillingsworth]

Mark, are you carrying a SPOT tracker?? I wouldn't mind following your progress if you have one. I too was shooting for a 5 day ride last year, but the weather really derailed my attempt. Have an awesome time out there. Cheers!

-John

[AZTtripper]

Sweet

The sun goes down, but the ride goes on.

Have fun out there.

[markphx]

Mark, are you carrying a SPOT tracker?? I wouldn't mind following your progress if you have one. I too was shooting for a 5 day ride last year, but the weather really derailed my attempt. Have an awesome time out there. Cheers!

-John

Yeah man, I'm carrying a SPOT tracker. My guess is I should be up on Trackleaders here in the next couple of days. Really hoping for good weather and everything else to come together to lock in a 5 day finish. Catch you at Kentucky Camp!

Mark

Sweet

The sun goes down, but the ride goes on.

Have fun out there.

Thanks Tim