2016 January southwest ultra?

[dnegreiro]

Anyone know of an ultra in January? Preferably one without too much snow? 

[MikeI]

Well, not exactly January, but Feb 12 the Stagecoach 400 rolls out of Idyllwild, CA ...

[ScottM]

Single day, but a good long ride:

https://rockyroad5050.wordpress.com/apc/

(Antelope Peak Challenge on the AZT)

Check the rest of the calendar for more....

[ec_duz_it]

Hey Scott, how doable do you think the AZT 300 would be in mid to late February?  It seems like it should be possible right?  Maybe not with El Nino coming though...

[ScottM]

Generally doable in mid Feb, on everything except the top of Lemmon (Oracle Ridge).  Unless the precip really tapers off, it'll be snowy up there.  Having said that, I have "ridden" Oracle Ridge in the snow, and it only sucks somewhat more than the usual suck-factor.  But you'd want to watch your timing as far as darkness (i.e. cold) go up there.

Feel free to hit us locals up for a snow/conditions report as it gets closer.

[ec_duz_it]

Thanks, I would like to have a go on the AZT in late winter if the weather and my work load permits. 

I had some ideas in regard to the original question.  Here are a few California options for the winter months:

You could check out Jilleos Santa Cruz mountains loop route. It was posted on this thread.  I rode about 45 miles of it through Santa Cruz earlier this year and the section I did was excellent. A good amount of pavement but also some great singletrack to make up for it:   http://www.bikepacking.net/forum/routes/santa-cruz-mountains-in-january/

Here is my favorite 'quicky' route in the Los Padres NF. It is really only a 1 day ride, but if you leave in the mid afternoon on day #1, it will work out well as a 1-1/2 day trip.  Camping near the hot springs is a must in the winter.  http://ridewithgps.com/routes/5753687   If you don't like technical rocky descents, take this option at the end:  http://ridewithgps.com/routes/5753886

Henry Coe State Park.  I have never ridden here. I hear the climbs are tough, but it almost never snows there: http://coepark.net/pineridgeassociation/activities/mountain-biking/bikepacking