2021 AZTR

[evdog]

Shoulda brought skis!

[AZTtripper]

Well he's on the Control road, things are about to get interesting.

[tubeSSnapper]

I haven't ridden yet the Patagonia/Sonoita bypass. But since you're doing the 800, also take a look at the new Sunnyside addition before PCL. For planning, I think of it as a southern 'extension' of the Canelos. Its not fast. Have an awesome ride!
Thanks for the heads up, more single track is great....time well spent!

[phatmike]

John had an absolutely brutal day making the pass over Mt Lemmon yesterday. They ended up closing the road up there, but he was past the closure point when they had done that. He tackled oracle ridge and trudged through 6-24 inches of snow all the way to cody trail and there was still some there. He said winds were about 40 mph all day. In all, it took him about 12 hours to get to refuge at hwy 77 after leaving Summerhaven. Luckily he was prepared at least gear wise from what I can tell. Can't wait to hear his account of everything...

He's on the trail past the tiger mine TH and into the black hills. He bypassed a resupply in Oracle, water isn't going to be a concern and temps are downright perfect for a run through that area and he must have enough food to get through. I'm sure he's enjoying riding his bike today lol.

[Adam Alphabet]

Tough and experienced as they come, can't wait to read the race report!

[Adam Alphabet]

He's making his way up from the river about to work his way those seemingly never ending bowls before making the 'descent' to the finish!
Get it John!

[phatmike]

He's making his way up from the river about to work his way those seemingly never ending bowls before making the 'descent' to the finish!
Get it John!

Yep, by all accounts, it seems like it's a perfect day to be making that push through one of the most beautiful sections of AZT!

[Adam Alphabet]

Yep, by all accounts, it seems like it's a perfect day to be making that push through one of the most beautiful sections of AZT!

All 'downhill' from here John! Woo Woo!

[WildBill]

Looking forward to hearing how it went for John. Catalinas looked brutal...

[schillingsworth]

Back home, AZT300 No. 3 in the books: 4d 8h 30m I'll take it all things considered. To answer a question above re: Hog Canyon, it was about 2 hours faster. That's about what I estimated for me, shorter route, no dillydallying in Patagonia/Sonoita. Yes, the mid-section was a mix of hike-a-bike & slow riding, but in total that part took me 20 minutes to clear. It's a cool route and a nice temporary addition while more singletrack is being built.

Here's the short of it from Mt. Lemmon: Reached Prison Camp around 11p and it started to flurry. Didn't want to camp there since it was still early, so I started up the paved climb. Snow intensified, but wasn't sticking, wind howling too. Goal was the Green Mtn. trailhead and assuming bathrooms were open, I'd camp there. It paid off. Woke at 4:30a to take a leak, had to go next door since my space was jammed!! Opened the door and....6" were piled up!! Went back to sleep. I heard the plows running later and got going. There was at least 8" on the ground when I started up, but the road was mostly clear and easy to pedal. I had the Fire Dept. shout some encouragement on the climb, and another law enforcement agent stopped to let me know there was 12" up in Summerhaven. I told him I was prepared and he gave me a thumbs up. The Sawmill Grill didn't open, that sucked because I wanted a burger!! Instead, a complimentary hot chocolate from the general store. A bunch of thru hikers were heading out to Oracle Ridge, so I followed suit a bit later with the small comfort of at least following post-holing. All I can say about the traverse down was it was one hell of an upper body workout!! Snow was 6-24" deep for 10 miles. Yep, all the way down to Cody trail. Took me 8 hours, countless topples, wheels freezing - think death mud, but snow!! Winds were whipping all day, constant 30-40mph and snowing. Then, at the bottom setting up camp next to SR77 it began to snow again.

Anyway, thanks for the shout outs. It'll be a fun blog post to put together.

[Adam Alphabet]

Back home, AZT300 No. 3 in the books: 4d 8h 30m I'll take it all things considered. To answer a question above re: Hog Canyon, it was about 2 hours faster. That's about what I estimated for me, shorter route, no dillydallying in Patagonia/Sonoita. Yes, the mid-section was a mix of hike-a-bike & slow riding, but in total that part took me 20 minutes to clear. It's a cool route and a nice temporary addition while more singletrack is being built.

Here's the short of it from Mt. Lemmon: Reached Prison Camp around 11p and it started to flurry. Didn't want to camp there since it was still early, so I started up the paved climb. Snow intensified, but wasn't sticking, wind howling too. Goal was the Green Mtn. trailhead and assuming bathrooms were open, I'd camp there. It paid off. Woke at 4:30a to take a leak, had to go next door since my space was jammed!! Opened the door and....6" were piled up!! Went back to sleep. I heard the plows running later and got going. There was at least 8" on the ground when I started up, but the road was mostly clear and easy to pedal. I had the Fire Dept. shout some encouragement on the climb, and another law enforcement agent stopped to let me know there was 12" up in Summerhaven. I told him I was prepared and he gave me a thumbs up. The Sawmill Grill didn't open, that sucked because I wanted a burger!! Instead, a complimentary hot chocolate from the general store. A bunch of thru hikers were heading out to Oracle Ridge, so I followed suit a bit later with the small comfort of at least following post-holing. All I can say about the traverse down was it was one hell of an upper body workout!! Snow was 6-24" deep for 10 miles. Yep, all the way down to Cody trail. Took me 8 hours, countless topples, wheels freezing - think death mud, but snow!! Winds were whipping all day, constant 30-40mph and snowing. Then, at the bottom setting up camp next to SR77 it began to snow again.

Anyway, thanks for the shout outs. It'll be a fun blog post to put together.

Dang, another notch on that legendary belt John. Always inspiring and never taking the easy route. Now you can surely enjoy your well earned burger and a couple brews to go with! Incredible effort!

[evdog]

Nice work, dude!  Rides with the worst conditions usually come with the best memories.   Can't wait to see the trip report from this one! 

[schillingsworth]

Four of the Potato Head gang rode through the first night and are heading towards Prison Camp already!! Hopefully Oracle Ridge has been getting packed down by hikers, melting a bit and provides a bit of riding for everyone. Riders have the option to bypass Sunset trail due to snow.

[schillingsworth]

First two taters have opted for Sunset trail into Summerhaven!!

[Adam Alphabet]

They're movin' pretty good, on about ~2d14 -17 hour pace. Man all this AZT'ns got me itchin' to get on the bike and ride through the desert again.

[AZTtripper]

And he's off, Max Morris just left the border a few minutes ago. He left his van with me last night I am looking forward to a drive up to the state line to drop it off for him.

[Adam Alphabet]

And he's off, Max Morris just left the border a few minutes ago. He left his van with me last night I am looking forward to a drive up to the state line to drop it off for him.

Go get it Max! Hope he gets some clear(ish) trail up north.
Have a good trip Tim.

[Adam Alphabet]

Harry Hood is on pace for a 2 day effort on the 300! Cruisin' out there!

[Joaz]

They're movin' pretty good, on about ~2d14 -17 hour pace. Man all this AZT'ns got me itchin' to get on the bike and ride through the desert again.

Hey Adam, we would love to see you back in the desert. Go Max Go!

[Adam Alphabet]

Hey Adam, we would love to see you back in the desert. Go Max Go!

Hopefully one day I'll be back down to visit all you down there!

Anyone know what happened to Max? He didn't track for a long while and now his tracker is off the map, showing as scratched. Hope everything is ok.