2017 AZTR300/750 Race Discussion Thread

[rhino]

I guess too much snow on the trail for Ron.  Bummer.  At least you get to experience the 40mile road ride to JL this year.  Nice riding!

There was a ton of snow at the north rim.  3 feet or more in the shade, picnic tables were still covered at one of the AZT parking areas.  We spoke to some thru hikers at NR,  and allegedly they were in contact with some other thru hikers that post holed through the snow in water proof socks/shoe and said that the AZT wasn't advisable even for hikers.  Lots of snow for sure though.  Soft snow too.  Jeff Z and I sunk in pretty good with giggles trying to ride the bridal path from the Backcountry Office (water) to trail head.

[LandSharkBrian]

Looks like Ron is gonna finish tonight!  Whoop whoop!   

[hanyo66]

Looks like Zach Allen just finished! Is that everyone that was left out there?

[swami29]

Congrats Ron. Each year you get faster. Very inspiring!

[mtbcast]

#AZT17- Overnight: Zach Allen and Marco Capote called in their finish call!

http://mtbcast.com/site2/category/azt17/

[LandSharkBrian]

Marco and Zach good on you guys!  Sure had a blast riding with you, hope to see you at the start line of some future event.

[rick miller]

Alice is off her 2015 pace.

[evdog]

Finally finished my trip report

http://www.bikepacking.net/forum/bikepacking/trip-report-2017-azt-300!/new/#new

Congrats to all the riders!

[zach510]

Thanks Brian, we were bummed to hear that you scratched but it was fun seeing you out there! We really enjoyed riding with you and Ron.  It always gave us a boost when we bumped into you guys.  Hope to see you again some time, look us up if you're in Colorado!

[davew]

Alice is off her 2015 pace.

I wouldn't be dismissive of strong finish just yet. Plenty of time and miles to make up any lost pace.

[schillingsworth]

Arunas & Gabriel set off this morning. Good luck fellas, safe travels!! Gonna be a hot couple of days.

[rick miller]

I wouldn't be dismissive of strong finish just yet. Plenty of time and miles to make up any lost pace.

No dis, just hoping everything's ok.  Looks like it may have just been a tough first day.

[rhino]

I think first day Trail was loose and slower then previous years. It varies so depends on Year.

[davew]

No dis, just hoping everything's ok.  Looks like it may have just been a tough first day.

Had I not been tapping this out with one thumb on the phone I may have prefixed my statement with something more wordy (and less blunt) agreeing with your comment about being off her prev race before suggesting she could make up lost time yet. But I didn't so here it is now.

[ScottM]

Alice could indeed ramp it up and still best her previous time.  With an overall average temp warmer than during the Grand Depart, the 300 was surely a tough go for her.

We have Aaron Denberg loading up for a SoBo ITT, starting tomorrow.  You know he wants a *fast* time on this route, bad.

I saw a giant plume of smoke just north of the peaks today, but was relieved to find it was prescribed:

https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5047/35079/

It should blow east, sparing our riders (if they make it before it's out).

Unofficial word is that the NR pavement closure is not likely to be enforced (for now...).  Standby for a request that we send a bunch of letters to the Superintendent's office, requesting they strike the new closure and rule.

[mikedeber]

Thanks everyone for a great time last week, that ride was everything I had hoped and sooo much more.  I'll add a few pics:











Brett at the finish, 2 more to go!  Tough as nails


If you're on the fence about doing the race next year definitely don't buy the 6ft laminated map to hang in your dining room

As you pedal away from the pavement up into the mountains away from Jakes Corner Bar (which has extremely cold beer btw) you cross a big metal bridge about 2 miles up.  According to the locals at the bar, it's tradition to pee off the bridge, so if you want some Jakes Corner street cred...

[bmattingly]

Yeah Denberg,

I will be watching.  A couple years ago he was riding with JT outside of Flagstaff and took a good spill in a pile of rocks.  He was still for a few minutes and then got up and kept cranking.  impressive.

He has traveled on long rides with the lightest kit I've ever seen.  I would be interested to know what he sleeps in?

There is some controlled burning today South of town not to far after fischer point.  The trail was not closed and was a little smoke for about two miles.

Good job all you finishers!!

[Truckon09]

Unofficial word is that the NR pavement closure is not likely to be enforced (for now...).  Standby for a request that we send a bunch of letters to the Superintendent's office, requesting they strike the new closure and rule.

I just hope they know it's nothing new to ride bikes in NP's after the road is plowed but still closed to vehicles. The past few weeks Yellowstone, Glacier and Teton have been opened to hiking and biking on the closed roads. Yellowstone opens tomorrow to vehicles :-(

[Doutreloux]

Arunas & Gabriel set off this morning. Good luck fellas, safe travels!! Gonna be a hot couple of days.

I am glad I took my bike for a walk in the canelos😉

[Adam Alphabet]

Two 'AD's on course Aaron heading south and Alice coming up to Mogollon Rim. Where will the AD spike happen, somewhere between Flag and Tusayan?