2018 AZTR300/750 Planning Thread

[flyboy]

It's worth trying a pair of 29er rims and tires in your B+er. You may just need a wheel set.

Unfortunately it has a lefty on it (Beast of the East 1) and I can't use my dyno hubbed ex-TD 29er wheelset, hence thinking of a new rig.

I've used my trusty Kona Unit 29er on the TD, several of the Western Canada bikepacking races, and lots of training rides.  It's hard to tell how much mileage is on the thing.  I've replaced just about everything except the seat post and handlebars.  Solid little bike!

https://andersonsoutside.blogspot.ca/

Does that include the frame? I actually already have a 29er Unit set up just like yours but it is getting on for 10 years old and I have seen at least two cases of frame failure right behind the head tube on two bikes used for bikepacking. It looks like the new version gets a tapered head tube and some reworking of the head tube bracing - plus a 1x11 setup. I understand that it can take 29" wheels but am still searching for any reports on how well it takes the conversion before I commit.

Speaking of commitment, my leave has been approved today so it ooks like I am in for the 750 for 2018!! I really need to get cracking with my preparation. About all I have done so far is join the ATA......... :0

[treekiwi]

Hi all,
Seriously considering doing the 750 this year, but as I live in Durango, there's no biking to be had locally to train.
Any suggestions/recommendations for good training rides further south that shouldn't have snow or mud during Feb & March?
I have never ridden in southern AZ, so really don't have any benchmarks,
Cheers,
Steve

[AZTtripper]

Most of the Southern half of the AZT should be fine. You might consider a preride of the Canelo's, passages 2 and 3, the first 30 miles of the 300 course. Might be helpful for getting off to a good start in April.

Also don't forget about all of the hike a bike. Even if you can't ride lots of hiking should be helpful.

Tim

[geekonabike]

Geek, I guess what I am really asking is would it just be plain stupid to add extra potential for technical issues or the extra drag of plus tyres? I think I know the answer to my own question but my problem is I sold my Ti Lynskey 29er a while back for a 27.5+ hardtail and I don’t “really” want to buy a new (or secondhand) bike just for this race. (Ok, I really do but I may be pushing the n+1 thing for the 12 month period! I like the look of the new Kona Unit as a cheap steel ride ) What would Rhino’s grandmother ride....?

IMO you will appreciate the B+ in many of the remote section enough to make them worthwhile. If your are doing the sleepdep racer thing skinner or taller could be faster.

[schillingsworth]

Hi all,
Seriously considering doing the 750 this year, but as I live in Durango, there's no biking to be had locally to train.
Any suggestions/recommendations for good training rides further south that shouldn't have snow or mud during Feb & March?
I have never ridden in southern AZ, so really don't have any benchmarks,
Cheers,
Steve

Come on down to the PHX area in early March for the annual Queen's Ransom bikepack. March 2 - 5, rolling out at 7a from mi casa. It's been billed as the AZTR tune-up or shakedown ride. You'll ride the final 40 miles of the 300 route in reverse and a bunch of the 750 route between Picketpost, Queen Valley, Gold Canyon & Superstition area.

[dsrt taco]

Would a "plus" size tyre bike be an advantage from a ride quality point of view or would the tyres be too succeptible to punctures? I understand the trail is very hard on tyres. Do many AZ locals roll plus tyres in their general riding?

I run nothing but 27.5+ or 29+ on my bikes out here and have actually had far fewer tire issues with the + setups vs. back when I ran standard 29" or 26" tires.. does anyone even remember those little things?

To further my point, I just recently replaced the 29+ Chupacabra tire on the rear of my Stache which I put on the week prior to last year's AZT300 that probably had around 1500 miles on it since then with 0 issues, and the front tire is still going strong!

Having said that I will most certainly have an irreparable tire failure 15 miles into the Canellos this year 

[flyboy]

IMO you will appreciate the B+ in many of the remote section enough to make them worthwhile. If your are doing the sleepdep racer thing skinner or taller could be faster.

That is what I am thinking but the sleep dep racer keeps whispering in my ear....

I run nothing but 27.5+ or 29+ on my bikes out here and have actually had far fewer tire issues with the + setups vs. back when I ran standard 29" or 26" tires.. does anyone even remember those little things?

To further my point, I just recently replaced the 29+ Chupacabra tire on the rear of my Stache which I put on the week prior to last year's AZT300 that probably had around 1500 miles on it since then with 0 issues, and the front tire is still going strong!

Having said that I will most certainly have an irreparable tire failure 15 miles into the Canellos this year 

You are royally screwed for flats now!
But I do appreciate both of your “on the ground” insights re the + size option. I will try some 2.8s on during training and see how they roll. Cheers.

[Canyonman]

Regarding the Queens Ransom. Would I just show up? I'm interested in the AZT 300 this year. Seems like it may be better prep than do this ride than scout some of the 300 route? Thoughts? Thanks!

[schillingsworth]

Regarding the Queens Ransom. Would I just show up? I'm interested in the AZT 300 this year. Seems like it may be better prep than do this ride than scout some of the 300 route? Thoughts? Thanks!

Yeah, just show up. I'll send you my address. I've had quite a few AZT300 first timers show up for this ride and they thought it was a really good shakedown ride prior to the race. You're welcome to ride the route at any pace you like. Most times we tend to split into several groups during the day, meeting up at camp or a resupply point.

[Heath]

I posted this in another forum and thought I might post it here to get a few more responses.
For events like the AZTR and the CTR, what would be a better choice in bikes, the Salsa Spearfish or the Horsethief? I am looking at racing them not this year but soon and just want to make a good decision that I won't regret later on. I have ridden them both for a few hours on a demo before and really liked both of them. I have never raced a route before but am really looking forward to it, I have just toured a few and never for as long as the AZT300 or the 750. How are these bikes going to feel day after day. Is there even a clear winner or is more of your personal choice. I can see that the trend of longer travel bikes is becoming a thing with Jesse Jakomait setting the CTR record on a GT sensor which is not an ultralight rig which says that these races can be done many different ways still be very competitive.

[flyboy]

I posted this in another forum and thought I might post it here to get a few more responses.
For events like the AZTR and the CTR, what would be a better choice in bikes, the Salsa Spearfish or the Horsethief? I am looking at racing them not this year but soon and just want to make a good decision that I won't regret later on. I have ridden them both for a few hours on a demo before and really liked both of them. I have never raced a route before but am really looking forward to it, I have just toured a few and never for as long as the AZT300 or the 750. How are these bikes going to feel day after day. Is there even a clear winner or is more of your personal choice. I can see that the trend of longer travel bikes is becoming a thing with Jesse Jakomait setting the CTR record on a GT sensor which is not an ultralight rig which says that these races can be done many different ways still be very competitive.

Heath, I am grappling with the same dilemma for this year’s race. Which bike? For me it is between Full sus or hardtail. Clearly, any of these races can be done on any bike (see El Freako setting a new SS record and 2nd overall last year on a SS hardtail) so the way I see it is the factor most affecting bike choice is YOU. Is it going to be your only bike after the race? If so, the Spearfish is very short travel, could you live with that as a daily ride? (Must admit, I love the look of the Spearfish but they are mucho $$ here in Australia) The other part of the argument is “can I live with the bike during tthe race”? This is important as these races are almost all mental and if you are hating your bike after a few days it will just add to the weight of things driving you to quit and you definitely don’t need to add to that list!
This is my ideal setup http://bikepacker.com/arizona-trail-bikepacking-rig/ but realistically, I will be on my hardtail at this stage. Good luck with your decision.

[bmattingly]

Heath,

I have done the AZT 750, 300, and the Colorado Trail on a Spearfish and highly recommend it.  Performed solidly for me.  The Horsethief is a heavier bike with more of an emphasis on downhill technical riding I believe.  I'm no expert but I think the Spearfish is much better for these 3 endure rides than the Horsethief.  I owned a Horsethief about 5 years ago for a short time but got rid of it quickly.  i find the Spearfish for good dayrides I do all over Arizona.

Enjoy your adventure.

Brad

[hanyo66]

Wow, awesome to see a lot of talk about southbound rides!

We officially booked the flights and are assembling the gear for our SOBO ride! 3 of us, starting the 6th. Will inevitably pass you guys at some point out there!

[bmattingly]

Awesome, I live on route in Flagstaff.  I will be watching all your progress and if weather is good maybe I'll see you out on the trail.  Hope you guys have a blast.  Good luck!

[rhino]

Just curious...
What is the status of the North Rim Road accessibility this year?  Have the issues been resolved from last year?  Just curious as I am thinking about a SoBo this year...but I'm fickle lately.

[Adam Alphabet]

Just curious...
What is the status of the North Rim Road accessibility this year?  Have the issues been resolved from last year?  Just curious as I am thinking about a SoBo this year...but I'm fickle lately.

What issues did you guys deal with Rhino?

[flyboy]

What issues did you guys deal with Rhino?

His Grandma had to carry his bike for him......

[treekiwi]

Yeah, just show up. I'll send you my address. I've had quite a few AZT300 first timers show up for this ride and they thought it was a really good shakedown ride prior to the race. You're welcome to ride the route at any pace you like. Most times we tend to split into several groups during the day, meeting up at camp or a resupply point.

Hi John,

I might very well come down and do the Queen's Ransom ride.
Could you PM me with address or any other pertinent info?
My email is: treekiwi@msn.com

Cheers,
Steve

[treekiwi]

What are folks commonly using for lighting these days?
I'm torn between buying disposable batteries en route vs trying to find places to charge a battery pack.
Still need batteries for GPS, SPOT etc., so need to buy anyway.
Anyone know what availability is like for CR123 batteries?
Cheers,
Steve

[todds]

What are folks commonly using for lighting these days?
I'm torn between buying disposable batteries en route vs trying to find places to charge a battery pack.
Still need batteries for GPS, SPOT etc., so need to buy anyway.
Anyone know what availability is like for CR123 batteries?
Cheers,
Steve

I use the Fenix-PD35 lights. They use the CR123 batteries and I get plenty of life out of those batteries. I run them on 2 with one on my hemet and 1 on the bar. I have the Fenix bar mount and I really recommend it.