2019 AZTR 300/750 Race Preparation and Planning Thread

[todds]

I'm in for the 300....looking to do a TT starting March 21st. That late April heat will start me out at a 0% chance of success.

[krm]

OK - first post here.  I  am planning the AZT300, but think I might start a couple of days early as I think it's going to take me a couple days longer than most and I've got another event on the tail end that I'd like to make it home for.   

3 questions:
1) Does anyone ever get in the extra miles riding down south to the border and back, just to cover the trail? I am interested in doing that because eventually, I want to do the entire trail (sections) and I may as well get the miles south in while I am there for the AZT300.

2) I am trying to figure out arrangements on getting to start, ideally I'd like to share the cost of a shuttle but am thinking that might not be likely starting early?? Thoughts??  Anyone else going to get to the start a couple/few days early?

3) I am a little nervous, scared, and EXCITED!  I am not very familiar with desert riding - only the rocky, rooty trails of the East Coast.
Is it faster going on these trails than East Coast Trails?  Just trying to get a feel for how long this really will take me!

[AZTtripper]

Most people get enough hike a bike riding the trail in one direction. Road riding from Tucson would be easy enough.

Not much for roots but lots of loose rock plenty of thorny plants.

[mvmorten]

1) Does anyone ever get in the extra miles riding down south to the border and back, just to cover the trail?

I believe the AZT 750 route is mostly a dirt road from the Mexican border to Parker Lake. So it's up to you if it's worth it.

[AZTtripper]

I believe the AZT 750 route is mostly a dirt road from the Mexican border to Parker Lake. So it's up to you if it's worth it.

Right the race course is mostly dirt road from the border to Parker TH. There is some trail that the course skips if you want to out and back to the wilderness boundary at the North end of passage 1.

[wildwynooche]

Less than 10 weeks out, and a foot of fresh snow just dropped on the home trails here on the Olympic peninsula.

As a total newcomer to bikepacking in Arizona, I have one question that is burning in my mind: Where am I going to get my burritos on the 750?

I'm looking for recommendations for all the best resupply options, burritos are a staple, also going to need some cheeseburgers, etc.

[AZTtripper]

Casa Rivera's Taco Express in Oracle it's a fair bit off course but worth it.

[dream4est]

Casa Rivera's Taco Express in Oracle it's a fair bit off course but worth it.

The carne asada enchiladas at casa riveras are so good.
 

[taprider]

^ more  
stay on the main highway to Casa Rivera's Taco Express in Oracle and you won't have to climb as much as you would to get to the closer options, so maybe a few minutes longer in time, but much easier for effort
there is a Circle K at that end of Oracle too

for flagstaff  try the Agave https://www.google.com/maps/place/Agave+Mexican+Restaurant/@35.195139,-111.629284,15z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0xf9b4100b797773c5!8m2!3d35.195139!4d-111.629284

[woodsy]

Less than 10 weeks out, and a foot of fresh snow just dropped on the home trails here on the Olympic peninsula.

As a total newcomer to bikepacking in Arizona, I have one question that is burning in my mind: Where am I going to get my burritos on the 750?

I'm looking for recommendations for all the best resupply options, burritos are a staple, also going to need some cheeseburgers, etc.

In Payson, stop at Alfonso's. They are very good burritos. It's right on route on 87. Load up there, then you can re-stock in Flagstaff. Closest good option to the route is probably Dog Haus, which is just a half mile west on Route 66 near the Fry's.

[bmattingly]

John,

I can go check out the Buffalo Park to end of Rocky Ridge section in late March and report.  If you decide to reroute around that will be quick and easy and pass by a coffee shop and a pizza place.  last summer they have some heavy machinery on Rocky Ridge and seemed pretty active with thinning.  I can also check on snow conditions at Aspen Corner  in late March if thats helpful.

Brad

[Heath]

Is the 2011 waypoint file the latest AZT 300 file, or is there a more updated version? I'm looking on the new site directory here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1aYMHVytNK6H_qJqqmIcGKaigrGDsLsCW

[evdog]

Go here for the most up to date GPS tracks:  https://aztrail.home.blog/

If I recall there is a change to the route this year up on Mt Lemmon

[Ahaughey]

Hey everybody!

I have a Spot Gen 3 tracker I'm selling.  Comes in the box with lanyard, CD, mini usb cord.

Asking $75 OBO.

[LandSharkBrian]

Hey everybody!

I have a Spot Gen 3 tracker I'm selling.  Comes in the box with lanyard, CD, mini usb cord.

Asking $75 OBO.

Not out of the biz, surely Adam? 

[schillingsworth]

Heath, the 2011 waypoint file is obsolete. Scott stopped updating that file it appears and I don't plan to update it. Check the cue sheets for current route info nuggets. Planning is half the fun anyway, right??

Brad, that would be great. I heard on one of the Flagstaff biking pages that the AZT detour will be signed, and probably use the pipeline road over to Shultz Pass. The helicopter operation is slated to wrap up in April, so any updates to that area will more than likely be last minute. Just keep an eye on the ground when you get there. Overall, it doesn't really affect a bunch of mileage.

Alfonso's in Payson is a MUST stop IMO. If you feel like going off route after Picketpost into Superior there's Los Hermanos. In Flagstaff I really like Tacos Los Altos, but it's a little off route, north on US180 2-ish miles or so.

[Ahaughey]

Not at all Brian.  Picked up a GArmin Inreach Mini.....Upgrade!

[Ahaughey]

Not out of the biz, surely Adam? 

I'm currently tentatively planning on a run at the 300 again.

[wildwynooche]

This is the great!  Thanks much for the input, I can rest a little easier now. 

Now this is what I've got taped to the top tube:
Oracle - Casa Rivera's Taco Express - Stay on Highway - Carne Asada Enchillada
Superior - Off Route - Los Hermano's
Payson - Must Stop - Alfonso's
Flagstaff - Agave and/or Tacos Los Altos Off Route N US180

That and a garmin and a camelback should be just about all a guy needs?

[schillingsworth]

You're gonna need dessert too, so be sure to pick up some baked goods at the Jacob Lake Inn. Just in time for the finish.