2019 AZTR 300/750 Race Preparation and Planning Thread

[hanyo66]

yeah, no car rental in page for something like that.

[LandSharkBrian]

I don't think you can get a one way car rental out of page.  Have to hitch to st George or flag.

I was set to do the 750 in 2017 but sadly was a scratch near Pine.  I'd called the only rental place in Page and was told they didn't have one-way rentals because they have their own fleet of cars.  However, the owner said, in the spring they tended to get a few one-way rentals INTO Page, and those cars are available for a one-way rental back out of town.  He advised me to call a few days in advance (I was going to do so from a hotel stop in Flagstaff) and if he had one of these one-way cars, I'd be able to reserve it. 

May work.  May not.  But it's definitely worth a try.

[evdog]

One of the options I had considered was to ship my bike to Tucson, and then drive to Page and park my truck at the airport there, and fly down to Tucson.  Would have solved the issue of no ride at the end, but could create a bigger problem if I had to scratch along the way and then still have to get up there.  This still might be a good option for some, if coming from CO. 

So instead I'm either going to ride into Page and hitch south, or ride/hitch to StG then figure it out from there.  I look at it as this will be a good problem to have, if I finish.  

[aarond]

One of the options I had considered was to ship my bike to Tucson, and then drive to Page and park my truck at the airport there, and fly down to Tucson.  Would have solved the issue of no ride at the end, but could create a bigger problem if I had to scratch along the way and then still have to get up there.  This still might be a good option for some, if coming from CO. 

So instead I'm either going to ride into Page and hitch south, or ride/hitch to StG then figure it out from there.  I look at it as this will be a good problem to have, if I finish. 

In the past I have left my car at state line campground and hitched to st George with my bike for a one way car rental.  Hitching is easy if you pull both wheels off.  Next time I will hitch to flag as it is closer and on the way.  Psychologically, leaving your car at the finish makes it more likely you will finish, and finish strong, knowing you don't have to hassle with logistics at the end, especially if it is 2 a.m. and 30 degrees

[jeffpoitras]

anyone have any insight on what the snow situation is like on the north rim, specifically getting to it on N. Kaibab?

[pokerface]

Anyone here riding from Tucson to PArker CAnyon Lake monday before the race?

[pokerface]

Anyone planning to ride from Tucson to Parker Canyon monday before the race?

[Brian McEntire]

anyone have any insight on what the snow situation is like on the north rim, specifically getting to it on N. Kaibab?

Reading back through previous year’s threads (which have a wealth of information), I found this link:

http://www.weatherstreet.com/city_snow_depth/86052-North-Rim-AZ-snow-depth.htm

Looks like ~34” at the rim currently. That’s a foot less than last week. At that rate, we should be good at the rim. Current levels on that map still show upwards of 6’ along the plateau toward Jacob Lake. It will likely be road detour for most. For those unlucky enough to be railroaded by the same park ranger of note from last year or ballsy enough to take the trail, snow shoes would be a plus. Or just reach out to Rhino’s grandma. You know, rickshaw and all. It’s going to be one hell of an adventure and I can’t wait!!!


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[schillingsworth]

A few people have asked about the difference between the Tonto Basin portion of the 750 route compared to the optional Four Peaks route. Here's a direct comparison of elevation profiles & distance.
Elevation Comparison

[evdog]

The scale on those is a little deceptive to anyone not paying full attention

[krm]

I am flying in to Tucson arriving Late on Monday, so plan on heading over to Parker canyon on Tuesday AM.   I also am looking for a ride!  Anyone heading over on Tuesday?   

[schillingsworth]

The scale on those is a little deceptive to anyone not paying full attention

Gotta leave a little route recon to the riders...

[schillingsworth]

MTBCast will be posting rider call-ins once again this year. Please save this number and call in during your ride!! It's a wonderful service for these bikepacking events in this world of Facebook & Intagram. This goes for ALL riders, both 300 & 750, we want to hear from you!! A huge thank you to Joe Polk for offering this.

888-866-4491

[Brian McEntire]

MTBCast will be posting rider call-ins once again this year. Please save this number and call in during your ride!! It's a wonderful service for these bikepacking events in this world of Facebook & Intagram. This goes for ALL riders, both 300 & 750, we want to hear from you!! A huge thank you to Joe Polk for offering this.

888-866-4491

Thanks Joe!  Looking forward to calling in.

[Ian]

Hey all,

I live in the Phoenix Valley and am running the 300.  Anyone want to collaborate to shuttle our vehicles? 

[elizasampey]

Anyone heading down from Flagstaff? I could use to hitch a ride from Flag to Tucson on the 16th or 17th (Tues or Weds), need to be in Tucson on Weds early afternoon. Will gladly help with gas. Shoot me an email elizasampey@gmail.com. Thanks! -- Liz Sampey

[Brian McEntire]

John, I saw in the AZT e-newsletter that there is a re-route in the Canelos that has been completed. Will that be in play for us or do you already have it factored into the current GPS files?


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[pokerface]

Hi there,

First time racer here. Where and how do you stash your extra stuff(30L backpack with my personal stuff) at the finish in Picketpost? I know local racers have their vehicles parked in Picket. How about out of towners?

Thanks.

[geekonabike]

Hi there,

First time racer here. Where and how do you stash your extra stuff(30L backpack with my personal stuff) at the finish in Picketpost? I know local racers have their vehicles parked in Picket. How about out of towners?

Thanks.

Probably be fine under a Rock. Trailhead is pretty out of way dead end. Personally, I'd be more worried about 4 legged varmints than the 2 legged kind. The Hwy underpass about a 1/4 mi further north on the trail sometime has "Trail Majic" coolers. I'm not even sure they get much business giving away stuff.

[Gimmearaise]

Leaning towards riding the 4peaks option if this is the future route. I certainly prefer dirt over pavemen and have done the paved route a few years back.  Who else is going the 4peaks route this year? John, what’s the likelihood this is mandatory next year?