2012 AZT 300/750

[ScottM]

Scott,
 No pressure here at all, but what are the chances we will need the 2012 cues? We will be leaving tomorrow for points east and will not likely have access to a printer in our travels.
It's strictly backup for me and I hope to not have to use them and likely wouldn't know how to anyways.... Thanks for all the work, looking forward to a great adventure!

Sorry about the delay ... I will try to wrap it up this evening, but that's likely too late for you.

[tanman1337]

I'm running pretty heavy right now, as this is my first bikepacking race. What is some of the first things you guys start throwing out when it comes to weight? Is it heavier tools and parts you won't probably need, food, the small down jacket that you could probably just suck up and not use...? I'm just curious. I believe a lot of my weight is in food which could probably be picked up later, perhaps in Tucson at a c store...

[Marshal]

I'm running pretty heavy right now, as this is my first bikepacking race. What is some of the first things you guys start throwing out when it comes to weight? Is it heavier tools and parts you won't probably need, food, the small down jacket that you could probably just suck up and not use...? I'm just curious. I believe a lot of my weight is in food which could probably be picked up later, perhaps in Tucson at a c store...

This is of course a never ending topic but in almost all cases less is more. The most important items are the ones you use and touch during your actual ride time—all other items are of secondary importance and should be pared down to the absolute min.  This is how you can maximize your riding time enjoyment and speed—IE you are there to ride and ride hard, not to camp and enjoy a evening camp fire

It’s a bit late but if you can squeeze in a short overnight test ride this weekend (perhaps just a 1-2 hour ride to maintain your training taper) you can truly evaluate your gear selection and other than tools & spare parts--if you did not use/need it maybe you really don’t need to bring it.

Some ‘general’ thoughts:
Manage food and water for your safety 1st, then speed.  Route knowledge is a huge factor here.  However if you are slow (like me) you probably need to carry more of each and also have a bit more of “just in case” on hand.  If you are strong and fast you can safely carry a whole lot less and rely on speed and efficiency to get you to the next re-supply during biz hours.

Are you bringing unnecessary “extra” clothing—I think this is a common mistake.

Tools & parts—check out some of the posted lists but with the exception of extra tube/tire repair supplies -- for the 300 you could go very very minimal imo

Also for the 300 you might have two sleep systems ready to go:
Ultra light for good weather forecast and planned quick 1-3 hours naps—just a bivy (I like the new Adventure Med Escape Bivvy) your down jacket and leg warmers
Regular— for a harsher forecast or more typical 3-6 hour stops-- bivy, bag, pad + clothing (this is my system for the longer 750)

Marshal

[tanman1337]

Yah, I actually did an overnight a a couple of nights ago. I think right now I'm running really heavy on trail mix, dehydrated fruits...all those snack type items. I definitely agree with having the two different sleep options for the different weather forecasts. I'm going to pull everything out today and really get hands on with what stuff I did not use... I guess it is just really hard for me to figure out what a "safe" amount of food and water to be carrying is as this is the majority of my weight

[tanman1337]

Thanks for your advice Marshal!

[Marshal]

Yah, I actually did an overnight a a couple of nights ago. I think right now I'm running really heavy on trail mix, dehydrated fruits...all those snack type items. I definitely agree with having the two different sleep options for the different weather forecasts. I'm going to pull everything out today and really get hands on with what stuff I did not use... I guess it is just really hard for me to figure out what a "safe" amount of food and water to be carrying is as this is the majority of my weight

Just what do your current weight numbers come out to??

Actual food types is such a personal thing but if you are carrying more (plus a small contingency amount) than what you need to get to the store in Patagonia then you are basically lugging extra weight.  For day 1 your bike could break in half and you could walk out before food would become more than a ‘comfort’ issue.

Say you can consume around 200-300 cal’s per hr under race duress and you plan to reach Patagonia around 5-8 pm (8-11 hrs).  

For me day 1 works out like this: 200 cal’s/hr is the max I can usually handle on day 1 & 2 of a multi-day (it goes up after the 2nd day and my body adjusts) I plan to reach Pat around 7—so I need around 2,400 cals (6:30 am start for 750) (if I could reach Pat by 5 I would skip Pat and plan my 1st resupply for Sonoita)

Actual items I might bring to the start line:
Small bottle of OJ to drink when I reach the 300 start area and snap a couple of pictures
7 ea stinger waffles 1120cals (I really like these things!)
3 string cheese, 270 cals
3 peanut butter crackers packs, 600 cals
2 slim Jim beef & cheese , 400 cals
1 bag of Fritos and a flat pack of tuna sandwich mix as back up or a “sit down & rest” meal, 800cals
I would guess that’s about 1 to 1.5 lbs, a good mix of carbs, fat, protein and salt.  This list is overkill for day 1 imo but I am planning a for a slow-- make it to UT --approach

Water will be 4-5 L (11 lbs) and a planned refill as needed at Cott spigot (assuming it’s on and I can find it).  

So day 1 water + food will max out at around 12.5 lbs and soon be much less as the day wears on

[tanman1337]

I love those stinger waffles too! Lightweight calories for sure. Are you going to be carrying any meals for after Oracle or do you plan on getting that stuff later on in the race? I think that is where I can definitely cut down on the weight because I have made some of my own freeze-dried meals fro after Oracle as I'm not sure where I could resupply before then. I hope to make it to the Oracle market before they close, but they said they close at 7 P.M. on Sunday night which is going to be cutting it close for me I think

[tanman1337]

I just weighed everything... My bike comes in at 28.9 lbs with all the bags and such. My backpack is an Osprey Escapist 20 and comes in at exactly 1.8 lbs. My total gear weight comes in at 34.19 lbs, but that is including the water I will have for the start as well as all my food. PLus like I said I'm carrying food for after Oracle.... Soooo disregarding food and water weight my total gear weight comes to 20.65 lbs...plus the 1.8 lb backpack...plus the 28.9 lb bike. Tell me what you think?

[Marshal]

I just weighed everything... My bike comes in at 28.9 lbs with all the bags and such. My backpack is an Osprey Escapist 20 and comes in at exactly 1.8 lbs. My total gear weight comes in at 34.19 lbs, but that is including the water I will have for the start as well as all my food. PLus like I said I'm carrying food for after Oracle.... Soooo disregarding food and water weight my total gear weight comes to 20.65 lbs...plus the 1.8 lb backpack...plus the 28.9 lb bike. Tell me what you think?

I think your bike is a bit on the high side but it is what it is.  Your gear total seems right on. I will not be carrying food to Oracle as there is a 24 hr store that will provide all I will need if I arrive in the night

[tanman1337]

Is the 24 hour store out in Oracle?

[boatmana]

Anyone seen the link to setup your SPOT?  Recall it somewhere but lost it.  Didnt see it on AZT750 page.

Hope everyone doing the 750 is stoked.  Training is rocking, literally... Rode some of the rockiest sections i could find and sent the Garmin a flying.  Broke the RAM mount, wtf.  More tape and zip ties.  Dont worry about the heat to much 90 degrees isnt that bad.  SPF up and roll out.  Hope to meet some friends at the official start. 

Starting to get used to TOPOFUSION.  Gonna see a purchase here soon.

[Marshal]

Is the 24 hour store out in Oracle?

google shows 2 C stores in Oracle, 1 shows open 24 hr

[ScottM]

ONE WEEK TO GO

Here is the link to sign up for tracking or rentals:

http://trackleaders.com/aztr-signup

I am putting the 2012 tracker together with the data I have so far, it's up at:

http://trackleaders.com/aztr

If you have signed up for tracking and you don't show up there, let me know.  You might not have received the bounceback response email that gives you the link to submit the rest of your info.  I'll send it to you.

28 racers are showing on the tracker as of now.  I know there are a bunch more that are going to sign up, or may not carry a SPOT.  I expect ~40 starters, though some will start early and ~10 will be full AZTers, passing through Parker Lake while the rest of us are nervously milling about and posing for photos.  

If you're wanting to rent a SPOT, please sign up ASAP.  Thanks.

[Sean Allan]

"New singletrack is good to go!"

Very cool! I assume that means that the ver 2 gpx I downloaded to my gps a couple of weeks ago is still correct?

[Kurtis]

Hey yo, any of you 750ers... by some goofy last minute chance have any hitch-hike room for my rig and I? Tucson to the border?  I would be forever and stupidly thankful!   

[ScottM]

Very cool! I assume that means that the ver 2 gpx I downloaded to my gps a couple of weeks ago is still correct?

Yep.  I just put out rev 2.1 (was rev 2 before) that corrects a very small portion of duplicate track in the Canelo Hills.  Not worth downloading again and xferring to your GPS if you already have done it.

Also out is the 2012 cues.  As with every year, the changes compared to last year's route are denoted in Red.  I also highlighted (in purple) the two places where we deviate from the AZT briefly.  One is the crossing of Cienega Creek -- we take the car bridge since it is much faster / easier.  The other is in Oracle State Park, where we take better singletrack that provides easier/safer access to Oracle.  Both are on the GPS track, of course.

Also as always, the cues are only a rough guide when the route is on the AZT itself.  GPS is the official word on what the route is, and your best bet.

GPX and cues:

http://www.topofusion.com/azt/race-route.php

[Foster]

It'll be slow riding for the AZ-750 riders from Clients Well to Mormon Lake.  Crap loads of downed trees on the single track through there, but not that bad.  Seems like no one has ridden and of that section since last season. 

[Foster]

Here is the final setup.  This year is much lighter and faster now that I am riding a 29er.

Lightened things up a little bit more today after going on a ride with all the gear and cessing things out for what not to bring.  I think this is about at light as I am going to get for planning on finishing on Monday. 

Bike w/gear 32.6 lbs

List-

Lithium batteries
bivy sack(still looking at the forecast, might leave at home)
clothes-leg warmers, 1 pair night socks, 3 extra pair bike socks, beanie, under armor layer, light down jacket.
sunscreen
ass cream
chain rag, multi tool, 2 slime tubes, extra brake pads, extra shift cable, der. hanger, 2 zip ties, chain lube, tire levers, mini lighter, 3 tire boots.
4 cliff bars, 2 shot blocks, subway ft long (should easily get me to Sonoita)
4:1 drink mix
Neoair sleep pad
Iodine tabs

Small Pack 9.6 lbs.

List-

Sleeping bag
Spot
Some other food maybe?
Water

That is it what do you guys think?  I'm sure I forgot to write a couple things that are in the pack on the list.

[tanman1337]

I don't know how you have your bike weight w/ gear at 32.6 lbs... haha that is awesome! I am at 29 lbs w/o gear on my bike

[tanman1337]

I'm at 49 lbs with gear on my bike