Arizona Trail Race 2014 in progress

[aarond]

My AZT 750 trip report:  I went about 80 miles.  Things went well til patagonia , but instead of stopping for water I pushed to sonoita.  This killed me and I spent the rest of the day cramping.  When it is 90 out and you are shivering, of I'd not a good sign.  After dropping at the n rim last year, my goal should only be to finish, but its not.  I want to finish with a good time.  To that end, I am restartimg  on Mon. Morn.  Saw Jill h. In patago is, she was sick and suffering terribly from heat, but pushing on.

[mtbcast]

Hang in there, Aaron!

[Eszter]

Looks like a cloudy day here in Tucson. I'm sure the racers will appreciate that! It didn't get cool last night, but the temperatures also aren't rising too quick, which is a bonus as it looks like a good bunch of them will hit the Reddington climb in the middle of the day. Ouch.

Shawn Gregory is killing it out there on a SS sitting either 4th or 5th depending on where Big Dave (not tracking) is. Impressive rookie ride so far.

[Eszter]

And in other observations, Jeff Hemperly is starting to pull away from Jen Judge. Looks like they spent most of yesterday riding near each other and Jeff hates getting chicked. 

[mtbcast]

And in other observations, Jeff Hemperly is starting to pull away from Jen Judge. Looks like they spent most of yesterday riding near each other and Jeff hates getting chicked.  

LOL! I've been chicked many times. 

[Matt Schiff]

Just had my third mountain bike ride in three days, before that, it was November. Can't imagine being in shape for this. I'm pulling for Neil not just because he reps for Colorado, but Crested Butte winters can't be that accommodating for training or heat acclimation. Looks like there's really a race among the top three. A couple miles separation doesn't mean much at this point.

[Walkurtalk]

Hey all, crawled through the Canelo Hills slower than a snail, sick as a dog. Finally hit Patagonia at about 7:30 last night. Unable to keep any food down at all and nauseous all day and night. I left Patagonia last after being able to keep some Gatorade down and hoping the cooler night temps would help. Made it to Sonoita, shaky and sick only to have to bivvy behind the store. Awoke to the border patrol, tried the breakfast thing only to lose it all right before Santa Rita Rd turnoff. I am in Sonoita now to try and recover until morning and still can't eat much. I can't bring myself to drop out just yet, so I will make the decision in the morning based on my stomach's ability to cooperate with my mind that wants to push on to the finish. I have never been this nauseous and dehydrated before, so here's hoping.....Pretty low right now.

[Briansong]

Don't make a decision that would endanger yourself. This heat wave came at a real inopportune time for the racers out there. Bets of luck re-hydrating and keeping calories down.

[jktwice]

I pulled out in Rincon. Legs and head felt good, my stomach wouldn't take food and water. Both of which I felt necessary. Tried everything! Stomach just cramped up. Spectacular singletrack and evil HAB. Good luck to all racers! Thanks again Scott for making this happen for us.

Jeff Killian

[boatmana]

Love following everyone...keep pushing.

[mtbcast]

Sorry, posted to FB and neglected here. Got calls from Aaron Johnson, Alexis Ault and Aaron Denberg earlier.
http://mtbcast.com/site2/category/azt14/

[mtbcast]

Michael Ackerman called in from the dirt section of Redington Road!
http://mtbcast.com/site2/category/azt14/

[JosiahM]

does anyone happen to know how many cc's the engine on kurt's bike is?

[tanman1337]

More than mine... hahaha

Hey Scott, does he have a chance for the record? I know you can tell from where he is at.

[JosiahM]

comparing his time to aaron gulley's time last year from that spot, it looks like he's around 9 hours from finishing, so possibly under 46 hour finish.  insane

[mtbcast]

#AZT14: Day 2 TrueUp for today's calls!
http://mtbcast.com/site2/category/podcasts/

[cjdunn]

There are some real battles going on out there.  Both mental and on the trail.  Pretty awesome to see this unfolding.  I'm really hoping to see Kurt beat 48 hours.  He told me some time ago that it had to be done.  I'm also rooting for Caroline on her 750.  She is so tough.  I'm hoping she and the other 750 folks don't have to detour around the fire.  I was rock climbing on the
Peaks in Flag yesterday and saw that fire when it just started and guessed it was by Fisher Pt.  The first thing I thought was what bad timing it was for the racers.  This morning there was very little smoke so I'm hoping they have it contained. 

Good luck to all the racers but be safe and smart in the heat.

[markphx]

does anyone happen to know how many cc's the engine on kurt's bike is?

I'm not sure on the exact cc size of the engine, but I'd say it's safe to bet that it's a two cycle engine to eliminate the added weight of valving that four cycle engines require. Downside is fuel economy, but when I rode the 300 last year 50:1 ratio pre-mix fuel was readily available in Sonoita, Summerhaven, and Oracle.

[ScottM]

Oh yeah, Kurt is well ahead of record pace and showing no signs of slowing.  It ain't over til it's over, but he's got some serious momentum -- being where he is, so fast, and pulling away from two very strong competitors.

The Gila is no joke on the legs and sleep dep he's now pushing.  If he can hold it together by any reasonable measure, he will crush the AZT and the mythical sub-48 barrier.

I rode down Lemmon today on trails and bumped into a number of AZT racers.  Will post some pics later on, but everyone was in good spirits and looking good, all things considered!

It was a perfect April day, much cooler than yesterday -- good breeze, thick cloud cover.  Primo.

[tanman1337]

That's awesome! I can't wait to see what happens through the night. Go Kurt!