2021 AZTR

[Adam Alphabet]

There are a couple of options prior to hitting the highway, but if you miss 'em, Sonoita is only three miles up the road off route of course if you are dry and can't wait the additional 13-14 miles to KC..

Thanks for that 
I like to post here instead of the facebook group as this is more an archive where the info on facebook seems to get lost in the abyss internetland. And we gotta keep the .net alive!
Cheers.

[taprider]

Thanks for that 
I like to post here instead of the facebook group as this is more an archive where the info on facebook seems to get lost in the abyss internetland. And we gotta keep the .net alive!
Cheers.

I totally agree

[schillingsworth]

I imagine Red Bank Well & Cott Tank will get some use. I'll just carry enough to get to Kentucky Camp. Looks like I may be the next rider on course....shooting for a 7a departure on Thursday March 11th.

[AZTtripper]

Looks like 36 miles from the spigot at Cott tank enclosure to the spigot at K camp, less if your filtering from Red Bank and again at Gardner. Pretty sure Red Bank will have water in the fall Gardner likely not. It's certainly a big change, we looked at Hog Canyon I even rode it once in the 300, one of my dnf years, but I didn't think of skipping both Patagonia and Sonoita. It will be interesting to see how people deal with it, no doubt many will try to make it to Tucson, how many will have to bail to town at some point?

[Adam Alphabet]

Looks like 36 miles from the spigot at Cott tank enclosure to the spigot at K camp, less if your filtering from Red Bank and again at Gardner. Pretty sure Red Bank will have water in the fall Gardner likely not. It's certainly a big change, we looked at Hog Canyon I even rode it once in the 300, one of my dnf years, but I didn't think of skipping both Patagonia and Sonoita. It will be interesting to see how people deal with it, no doubt many will try to make it to Tucson, how many will have to bail to town at some point?

Thanks Tim, really shakes up the first bit of the route. You're right it'll be interesting to see people's strategies once we get to race this thing again.

I imagine Red Bank Well & Cott Tank will get some use. I'll just carry enough to get to Kentucky Camp. Looks like I may be the next rider on course....shooting for a 7a departure on Thursday March 11th.

Yeah John! I'll be following along for sure! Go get it!

[phatmike]

My guess is that we will see the fast/experienced folks head straight up to KC, bypassing resupply while those who have a bad day in the canelos (or just simply riding more on the touring side) might find themselves trying to save their ride by seeking refuge in Sonoita. My plan is the same as John's - head straight to KC.

[KuzmanAZ]

Thanks for the update, John! Exciting to see the 800 back for 2021, and these course changes. That first day is going to be pretty different, especially for the 800. The route addition before Parker adds some beautiful AZT through Oak forests, but isn't insignfiicant timewise. If I make a go in the fall, I'll be going with an early-as-possible start to avoid Canelos HAB in the heat of the day!

Do I see a change in the route the Mazatzlas, from an earlier update? I think I stayed on FR 201 in the fall of 2019, but could be wrong. Either way, so glad to see the Four Peaks and Mazatzals back. If we get a good 2021 monsoon season, and AZ desperately needs one, decending the burned Boulder Creek drainaige could become even more *interesting* come October.

[phatmike]

Thanks for the update, John! Exciting to see the 800 back for 2021, and these course changes. That first day is going to be pretty different, especially for the 800. The route addition before Parker adds some beautiful AZT through Oak forests, but isn't insignfiicant timewise. If I make a go in the fall, I'll be going with an early-as-possible start to avoid Canelos HAB in the heat of the day!

Do I see a change in the route the Mazatzlas, from an earlier update? I think I stayed on FR 201 in the fall of 2019, but could be wrong. Either way, so glad to see the Four Peaks and Mazatzals back. If we get a good 2021 monsoon season, and AZ desperately needs one, decending the burned Boulder Creek drainaige could become even more *interesting* come October.

Yeah, that is a noteable change from the 2019 version of the route. John found a way to tie in more AZT via the cornucopia trail. I think the reasoning was - even though it's tougher, it most importantly adds more AZT in addition to having more access to water and more shade, plus camping options - all of those are hard to find on 201. I know I could have used all of that in 2019 haha!

[AZTtripper]

The Sunnyside addition not only gives more miles of trail, it hits the southern most point a bike is legal, it puts the hiker biker distance within 2 miles of matching. I went all the way out there in 04 and 06 Scott went out that way on his first tour as well. Also the old way people always missed the hard left at the bottom of the hill, this new right turn comes at a big intersection on the flats.

Interesting might be a good choice of words for the Mazatzals. The new routing up FR 25a is a sweet little two track and also in the original routing that Scott came up with in 06. Gets you on the official trail for the exact center of the state.

John has done one hell of a job putting together the most complete course in the history of the AZTR.

[KuzmanAZ]

Yeah, that is a noteable change from the 2019 version of the route. John found a way to tie in more AZT via the cornucopia trail. I think the reasoning was - even though it's tougher, it most importantly adds more AZT in addition to having more access to water and more shade, plus camping options - all of those are hard to find on 201. I know I could have used all of that in 2019 haha!

I remember looking west from FR 201 at the Mazatzlas, at distant dirt tracks, thinking 'I bet there is interesting riding out there.' And yeah, Mike, I remember the heat coming in as you tackled the Four Peaks and Mazatzals. I don't remember FR 201 being tough, but I caught it late on a relatively cool day, and was mostly just feeling relieved everything was in tact after several hours bushwacking through Boulder Creek. Excited for the new routing through the Mazatzlas, can't go wrong with more shade and water out there. And then there is Gold Ridge right after. Relentless!

[Randell]

What do people do for sleeping arrangements to avoid predators? I?m trying to wrap my brain around hopping off my bike in the middle of the desert and unrolling a sleeping bag. Thanks.

[phatmike]

What do people do for sleeping arrangements to avoid predators? I?m trying to wrap my brain around hopping off my bike in the middle of the desert and unrolling a sleeping bag. Thanks.

That's literally what many people will do - myself included - any worries about scorpions and/or snakes should be minimal and by the end of a long exhausting day on the trail, I'm guessing you won't be thinking too much about it either.

[Adam Alphabet]

That's literally what many people will do - myself included - any worries about scorpions and/or snakes should be minimal and by the end of a long exhausting day on the trail, I'm guessing you won't be thinking too much about it either.

exactly...
I had concerns prior to my first AZTR of stingy poisonous critters and snakes in the night as well. I've waken up with all my stuff covered in ants but that was about the worst of it in my 3x300's and 1x750. Take reasonable precautions, but personally I didn't worry about it too much.

[phatmike]

exactly...
I've waken up with all my stuff covered in ants but that was about the worst of it in my 3x300's and 1x750. Take reasonable precautions, but personally I didn't worry about it too much.

That's actually the only thing I thought about mentioning... if you see a spot that seems magically too perfectly flat and clear of vegetation... you might want to disturb it a bit before choosing to sleep there to see if you are about to sleep on a hidden ant hill

[Kavika1991]

Sup fellas, very interested in this, actually it's the reason I'm here.

[Adam Alphabet]

That's actually the only thing I thought about mentioning... if you see a spot that seems magically too perfectly flat and clear of vegetation... you might want to disturb it a bit before choosing to sleep there to see if you are about to sleep on a hidden ant hill

Miy instance was in an outhouse... I mean, err, 'bikepacker hotel' 
but yes, all very good advice.

[phatmike]

Sup fellas, very interested in this, actually it's the reason I'm here.

Welcome. Plenty of info around these parts - but there are quite a few sources outside of the domain as well. I'm sure someone can point you to whatever you are looking for.

[Kavika1991]

Welcome. Plenty of info around these parts - but there are quite a few sources outside of the domain as well. I'm sure someone can point you to whatever you are looking for.

Mostly looking to meet riders, I have a property in Hereford that's not too far from the "start point?" for the AZ trail. I'm new to the area and I'm looking forward to learning the trails. If there is enough of a need, finances permitting I'm not opposed to building a small cabin for riders to recover or start their tours as it pertains to the trail.

[Randell]

Thanks for the input. I am thinking about waking up encircled in coyotes, or having a bobcat staring me in the face. So no one has had any issues? I am in Tucson and the coyotes are readily heard at nightfall on the east side. Thanks again.

[phatmike]

Thanks for the input. I am thinking about waking up encircled in coyotes, or having a bobcat staring me in the face. So no one has had any issues? I am in Tucson and the coyotes are readily heard at nightfall on the east side. Thanks again.

The larger predators you could encounter on the trail are all really very shy honestly and in almost all cases want nothing to do with you. I think the scenario of becoming encircled by coyotes while "possible" would certainly end as soon as you made any kind of effort to get them to go away. Worse case you scare them off, then with your adrenaline pumping and wide awake you ride a few miles away and crash out again.The more likely scenario is it SOUNDS like they are surrounding you/very close while they are actually a good distance away. Bobcat staring you in the face? Again, same deal - not even something I have considered.

That's not to say stuff isn't out there or you should not be aware of your surroundings. I among others have seen a glimpse or had more direct encounters with mountain lion - a section  built to bypass a powerline section was named cougar hill due to a cougar encounter by the trail builder. I'm sure one or two will take notice of your presence as you travel on the length of the trail and I am sure they will ignore you like they have many other visitors. If I remember correctly, there have also been a couple of encounters with rabid foxes but don't quote me on that.

All of that said to just say, yeah, you are out in the wilderness. Some of it very raw and out there... so be aware but most importantly enjoy it like so many others before you. Chances are, the only thing to worry about are little mice who try to get into your pack. Or maybe like me a skunk up on Mt Lemmon...