2014 Stagecoach 400

[Marshal]

Humm looks like I have to be in Palm Springs area for work the week right after this year’s Stagecoach 400 date. 

And I just read Jill’s 2012 account
http://arcticglass.blogspot.com/2012/05/endless-climb-stagecoach-400-intro.html
She always includes so much detail, between her excellent write up and the GPS track I have done a basic pre-scout, tempting tempting

Well, I would have to seriously revamp my TDR set up but still—thinking about it. 

From what I have read so far seems like a similar challenge to the AZT 300, thoughts or comments about that?

[trebor]

It's a fun course. There will be some changes in Fish Creek Wash this year. From what I understand, they will still be hard changes, but more time can be spent on the bike instead of walking.....

The remainder of the course is supremely ride-able and down right fun. With the weather being unpredictable and the course covering so many types of terrain and ecosystems you can get everything from snow covered sub-alpine meadows to 110F desert slogs.

[Marshal]

Hopefully I will be able to swing the logistics and make all the pieces come together.

The diversity of this route is a huge part of the attraction, from true desert to the bike paths of San Diego, how cool it that!  Something similar but also new and different from what I have done in the past………

Who else has this one on their 2014 radar screen???
http://socalenduro.wordpress.com/stagecoach-400/

[Eszter]

Stagecoach is longer but has more pedal-friendly sections. While I think billing it (at least the first version that I did) as a good TD shakedown is a little misleading, it's definitely more TD-esque than AZT, which requires a good amount of hiking, regardless of how you look at it.

Stagecoach is definitely a cultural tour of SoCal. AZT is much more of a singletrack, mountain bike challenge.

Both well worth doing. I'd put the difficulty pretty similar.

[B_Bock]

I've signed up! I'm thinking it will be a good race to start the season and then on to the AZTR 750.
I hope to get down in February and possibly ride some of the course.
I signed up last week, but never received a email confirmation. Has anyone else received a confirmation?

[peteshoe]

It's on my radar. 90% in at this point. I think I'll run my CTR set up but with more water capacity. Getting psyched thinking about it

[Marshal]

Stagecoach is longer but has more pedal-friendly sections. While I think billing it (at least the first version that I did) as a good TD shakedown is a little misleading, it's definitely more TD-esque than AZT, which requires a good amount of hiking, regardless of how you look at it.

Stagecoach is definitely a cultural tour of SoCal. AZT is much more of a singletrack, mountain bike challenge.

Both well worth doing. I'd put the difficulty pretty similar.

Thanks Eszter, the more I study the route the more it matches your perspective. 

[Marshal]

In my TopoFusion file I have tagged all the common/mentioned food/water resupply points except Oakzanita springs campground. 

Can anyone confirm if there is a 'open' store at Oakzanita springs for food--or is this just a water resupply point?

[Buttermilk]

Can anyone confirm if there is a 'open' store at Oakzanita springs for food--or is this just a water resupply point?

closed last year when I did the loop at the end of March, probably this year too. No big deal though, there is a well stocked store (and Mexi restaurant) in Descanso, an easy 5 mile on course ride from Oakzanita.  Just pay attention for the Japacha fire-road right turn. Easy to miss as your flying down the steep pave road.

The cruxiest resupply for me was the stretch from the gas station in Escondido to the Sunrise Market in Anza. I lucked out (because i'm slow) and the bike bar on Hwy 76 was open...great burger and fries! Get water from fire station in Warner hot Springs...you'll need it.

[Marshal]

slhappy --thanks for the info--I think I now have all the main resupply locations nailed down.  Google, forums/blogs and GPS tracks make the research part so easy.....

[BrianR]

Two navigation questions for those of you in the San Diego area:

1.  Has anyone download and used the Garmin topo files from http://www.sandiegotrailmap.com/ ?  If so, is it worth the $25 for the Stage Coach 400?

2.  I like to carry paper maps as a backup.  Any suggestions on what maps to get?

Thanks for the help and see you in March in Idyllwild!

[Buttermilk]

any update on potential route changes this year?

[Marshal]

any update on potential route changes this year?

You have probably already see this: http://www.hubcyclery.com/2014-stagecoach-400-start-date-other-info/

Obviously there are some route changes in the works...........

I am sure once things are finalized we will see a update posted on the same site(s)

[robotfury]

I keep looking at the race info site and maybe this is just an indication of my navigation ability, but I can't figure out where/how to actually sign up for the race? Do we email Brendan?

[robotfury]

http://socalenduro.wordpress.com/stagecoach-400/stagecoach-400-registration/

[Buttermilk]

robotfury - go here http://socalenduro.wordpress.com/stagecoach-400/stagecoach-400-registration/

marshall - thanks. saw that page a while ago but forgot about it in my current research. Bummer on the tunnels being closed...that was a cool section.

[robotfury]

so basically the registration tab was right in front of me the entire time. Hilarious and embarrassing at the same time.

[Jeff B]

If I was to ride the Tour Divide I would put on the aerobars.  If I was ride the Arizona Trail, I would definitely not put on aerobars.  Would it be better to use or not use aerobars on the Stagecoach 400?

[Marshal]

If I was to ride the Tour Divide I would put on the aerobars.  If I was ride the Arizona Trail, I would definitely not put on aerobars.  Would it be better to use or not use aerobars on the Stagecoach 400?

Good question, never having done the route but researching and considering it's length it I would hazard a firm no to aerobars.

That said I am sort of thinking of leaving mine on and also bringing my exact TDR gear set. But this is only because I am hoping to use the Stagecoach 400 as one of my TDR practice runs.......If I was going 100% for a best time no way would I bring some of my TDR stuff.

[Buttermilk]

Would it be better to use or not use aerobars on the Stagecoach 400?

that's a coin toss for sure...they would be great for a good chunk of the route but not necessary. If i was to error one way or the other I'd put the bars on. Minimal weight for maximal comfort. The route does have a lot of two track (some super sandy, and if you're lucky, a nasty headwind) and pavement.

my bar ends help simulate the aerobar position...a.k.a. ghettareo bars