2019 AZTR 300/750 Race Preparation and Planning Thread

[krefs]

Ugh, my brain isn't working. Yes, the 17th. I corrected that in my post. Thanks, John.

[aarond]

Nothing to be too concerned about, but there is a small fire, the Montezuma fire, burning in the Coronado Monument.  Not to worry though, a cold front is pushing through and summerhaven may get a few inches of snow.  Good call on the start date this year!

[Joshuauhl]

I am In need of a ride from Tucson to the boarder on the Wednesday 17th for the 750. Anyone have space for one guy and his bike? 

[Brian McEntire]

I'm driving into Tucson, parking my car at the airport, then riding to the start. In searching routes, my preference would be to ride to Sierra Vista, stay the night, then ride 92 south, then take W. Montezuma Canyon Rd over the pass. My concern is that I know you aren't supposed to ride bikes in the national monument. Is Montezuma Canyon Rd a legal route to ride?

[krefs]

Yup, the roads in the park are all open to bikes. It's just the trails that are closed to bikes.

[evdog]

Bummer...  The monument didn't show on my topo maps, didn't realize the trails at Montezuma Pass were not open to bikes.  I was planning to ride an out and back to the border on my ride to the start line.  Oh well.  I'd hike it but would be nervous of leaving my bike unattended for an hour or so.  It would suck to have your bike ripped off miles from the start line.  Hmmm....

[Brian McEntire]

Thanks Kurt. 6 days left!

[AZTtripper]

Bummer...  The monument didn't show on my topo maps, didn't realize the trails at Montezuma Pass were not open to bikes.  I was planning to ride an out and back to the border on my ride to the start line.  Oh well.  I'd hike it but would be nervous of leaving my bike unattended for an hour or so.  It would suck to have your bike ripped off miles from the start line.  Hmmm....

The hike to the Border is worth it for the true AZT experience. Found and interesting article on the Border Monuments https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/dec/11/how-the-original-us-mexico-border-markers-led-to-decades-of-fear-and-antipathy

Stash your bike in the bushes and hike down there, jump the fence and stand on the base of the monument, while you still can. 

[nelsjustin]

My logistics on getting to the start changed so I can't use the Home Grown (http://homegrownmtb.com) transfer I purchased.  Instead of cancelling and getting a refund of half - I thought I'd offer it for half - $55 instead of $110 for pickup at picket post on 4/17 with drop-off at the start that evening.  I validated they will let me transfer.  PM if interested. 

Justin

[Todd]

I'm attaching a photo of the top of the North Rim taken this past Thursday, the 11th.  Still plenty of snow, maybe 6 inches or so at the top.  Also, the top half of the North Rim trail is in VERY bad shape due to lots of rock fall over the winter.  But compared to what we are doing, nothing we can't manage.

[aarond]

Bear in Santa Catalinas:

https://www.kgun9.com/news/local-news/first-bear-sighting-in-the-santa-catalina?fbclid=IwAR1GQYwfsMmiz_01ueDqpJXz23AVcgbE6tulTsuzclRja0cUYQesRkxk-h0

[MEROST]

OK - trying to figure this out... East Coast person here, we hang our food in the trees so that bears and critters don't eat our food at night.  I have just a tarp for a tent and trying to figure out what you do on the AZT in the desert where there are no trees to hang food?

If you're in a part of the desert that doesn't have trees, then most likely you won't have to worry about bears.

[MEROST]

Has anyone ever used the Sierra Vista Airport to stash a car? Seem pretty simple to ride to start from there.

https://www.sierravistaaz.gov/city-departments/public-works/airport/

"Parking
Long and short-term parking is available at the Sierra Vista Municipal Airport, at no charge."

This would be a good option.  The SV Airport is a relatively safe place to leave your car. 

[ScottM]

Anyone else see the projected temperature for this Friday?

It is only a few degrees shy of 100.  Above average, sure, but such spikes are common in April, too.

[Yogi the Barry]

I remember rolling thru Patagonia on the first day of the race in 2014 and seeing the digital [bank?] thermometer reading 92. I enjoyed a cold beverage and half a pizza at the Velvet Elvis, before rolling to Senoita. Think Tucson hit 98/99 that day. At that point, you sickly root for the temp to hit 100, for bragging rights...

Anyone else see the projected temperature for this Friday?
It is only a few degrees shy of 100.  Above average, sure, but such spikes are common in April, too.

[Gimmearaise]

Hi Everyone, I'm looking for someone to help me with a package I need shipped after we start on Thursday. Are there any racers family or friends willing to pick up a package from me at the border and bring it to the post office? I'll pay you for the package plus some. Shoot me an email if you think you might be able to help. Neil.beltchenko@gmail.com

Thanks,
Neil

[NCBio]

Anyone know if theres reliable cell signal at the state line campground? I'll be surprised if I need it, but it would be nice to know in case anyone finds themselves stuck up there looking for a ride.

[Gimmearaise]

None, my lady was worried when I finished a few years back.

[AZTtripper]

Anyone know if theres reliable cell signal at the state line campground? I'll be surprised if I need it, but it would be nice to know in case anyone finds themselves stuck up there looking for a ride.

Verizon with internet not in the camp but at the bench just above. We were dot watching from camp but spotty.

[grouchyhouchin]

Uh, anyone got room for a gal and her bike from Tucson to the Border Wednesday? I'm only doing the 300... I have a ride to Parker Canyon, but wanna see all my friends at the border and start from there!