2009 Arizona Trail 300 "official" thread

[ScottM]

Arizona Trail 300 2009

Now in its fourth year, the AZT 300 commences April 10th, 2009.

Same start and end as last year, slightly improved route.  There will be more singletrack this year, less pavement, and less gas/power line riding.    I've got a new singletrack route that will take folks more directly into the town of Oracle, thus avoiding both powerline silliness and uphill highway riding.

As usual, there will be more brand new AZT trail for the sampling.  We might be cutting the number of road miles on Highway 83 to ~3 or so, depending on the project progress by race date.  Watch this thread for updates and new GPX files.

The big question is, of course, will the third time be the charm for everyone's favorite hero, Mr. Chad Brown?  (I think he's gunna do it)

Official site: http://topofusion.com/azt/race.php

Comments, questions, heckling, insults, all belong on this thread.  Last year there was talk of a "full enchilada" AZT race, possibly coinciding with the 300.  I'm game for that kind of talk as each year the trail becomes that much closer to completion.  It'll happen sooner or later, but not until either there's some significant interest (i.e. a field to race against) or the trail is more or less ready.

For now, enjoy MikeC's slideshow from his "tour" of the "race" last year (edit: for some reason the slideshow starts with some day riding pics from AZ of Mike's, then it goes to the AZT).

[DaveC]

From the rumblings I've heard, should be a good show.

I look forward to watching from the sidelines.

[Pivvay]

I'd like to do the full enchillada after I do the 300. So does that mean fall 2009 or spring 2010? Touring sounds a little more fun than racing the full meal deal but I'm sure I could be talked into either.

[ScottM]

My feeling is that the time won't be right for a full AZT race until spring 2010.  But if there's significant interest earlier, it'll happen.

Hope to see you down here this year -- Jefe too!

[AZTtripper]

Just back from the White Canyon work event sounds like there is now 8 miles of new ST south of Picket Post. Details soon to come but it sounds like 1.5 miles past the old turn off and about 6 more miles of new trail than last year.

[ScottM]

Right on, Tim.  Thanks for the trail work.  How did the progress look near the Gila River where you guys were working?  I'd sure love to hit Ripsey Hill, Kelvin and then on over...

I think I have GPS for the new 8-ish miles south of Picket Post.  Trail hero Brett Tucker walked it on the GET last fall.  It's going to add mileage, for sure, since more time is spent on that forest road, but it'll cut out all the wash riding, so perhaps faster overall.  Certainly easier.

[AZTtripper]

Word is the new trail is pretty good so mostly likely a lot easier Zach and I flew on those last 2 miles in 07.

As for north of the Gila right now would be a good time to hit the new stuff. As long as the river is low the crossing is easy. The dam is turned off right now the flow can be checked on line at.

http://waterdata.usgs.gov/az/nwis/uv/?site_no=09469500&PARAmeter_cd=00065,00060

After fording the river there is a flagged route to the alignment and then fresh trail cut all the way to Walnut Canyon and then 4x4 roads lead to Battle Axe or Cochran and another ford of the river or continue on to Martinez and the Box.

[ScottM]

After fording the river there is a flagged route to the alignment and then fresh trail cut all the way to Walnut Canyon and then 4x4 roads lead to Battle Axe or Cochran and another ford of the river or continue on to Martinez and the Box.

Fording might be a problem in the spring.  Generally I think it is not recommended.  Let's keep it on the drawing board, but it seems like we'll have to skip Ripsey again this year.

[Kevin Montgomery]

Tentative +1

What a brutal early season.  Fontana, Nova, weekend off, AZT, and Sea Otter... I guess I won't be making it to Sea Otter this year

[Chad B]

I am a guaranteed DNF again in 2009.

[ScottM]

I am a guaranteed DNF again in 2009.

Nothing like the power of positive thinking.   

[AZTtripper]

I am a guaranteed DNF again in 2009.

That's good we wouldn't want too many finishers some one might get the wrong idea and thing this thing is easy.

[jamil]

Count me in as a 2009 DNF.  I saw you guys out there this past April while on my AZT thru-hike and I think I'd like to give the "race" a go. 

[ScottM]

Count me in as a 2009 DNF.  I saw you guys out there this past April while on my AZT thru-hike and I think I'd like to give the "race" a go. 

Awesome -- hiker turned biker?  IIRC, you finished your thru-hike in great style (I remember checking in on your blog).  Your knowledge of the trail (minus wilderness detours) will serve you well on the 300.  Hope to see you there.

[jamil]

I've been biking for a long time, but have never done any long distance mountain biking. I'd be interested in hearing about recommended gear and bike components needed for a multiday trip such as the AZT 300.  Can you point me to some resources?

I'm really excited to see those parts of the trail again from a different perspective.

[ScottM]

You're at the right place.  Feel free to ask questions in the forums here, or check out the Gear Reviews and Personal setups for ideas and what people carry.

It'll be a different perspective, for sure.  I still have to get out and backpack the wilderness areas on the AZT myself...

[Kevin Montgomery]

Given my record on the Divide, I will amend my entry to a "+1 for 2009 DNF list"

[krefs]

I think I might give this thing a go in 2009.  The 300, that is.  It sounds like a good route that keeps getting a little bit better!

[Chad B]

I'd like to do the full enchillada after I do the 300. So does that mean fall 2009 or spring 2010? Touring sounds a little more fun than racing the full meal deal but I'm sure I could be talked into either.

Want to singlespeed tour the 300 with me this year? I am not sure if I was destined to be an ULTRA-endurance racer based on my last two years.

[Pivvay]

I'll be singlespeeding for sure, touring...not so likely. Seems to be a big CO contingent this year.

I know Stefan, Jefe and I are all planning it and Kurt makes 4 from CO.