2016 Arizona Trail Race AZTR planning thread

[AZTtripper]

Yes that's the course just the long way around to SV.

[schillingsworth]

Mike (GeekOnABike), for reference we rode almost the entire Gold Canyon option of the 750 during the Queen's Ransom bikepack, just in the opposite direction. We deviated a bit on the system trails in Gold Canyon for a more direct route to our camp on night 1. The stuff we rode early on Day 2 into Queen Valley is 100% the 750 route.

Re: Caches. I was down at the Freeman rd cache today, had planned on doing an out-n-back ride on the Boulders segment, but storm clouds dissuaded me. It actually rained a bit today!! Anyway, I cleaned out the cache, 24 empty gallons!! Dropped off 20 general use gallons. There were about 15 gallons still in the cache, but those were all labeled for thru hikers, so please respect those jugs!! As of now there are only 20 gallons there for public use and it's prime hiking season, plan accordingly & use sparingly. Take full advantage of resupply in Oracle. If you are carrying a filter, there's a water source when you descend into Ripsey wash. Refer to the water tables on the ATA website. This source is approx. 17 miles past Freeman rd.

I don't konw the current condition of the Tiger Mine or Kelvin caches, but traditionally they tend to be less than Freeman rd. since both have water sources nearby.

I would plan your ride as if the Freeman rd cache is empty. If you're on the slower side, such as me, it's a very real possibility.

One other note, more than likely you may come across some random caches on the stretch from Oracle to Picketpost. I hope those are for thru hikers and not someone dropping water for riders, there are the three public caches along the way and that should be more than enough for anyone doing this ride. (Tiger Mine, Freeman & Kelvin). Just an observation from myself & a few other riders in years past.

[Yogi the Barry]

RE: "Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night..."
I've been watching the extended weather per the GFX extended model. A couple days ago, the horizon was trending pretty wet for next Friday, April 15. The trend seems to be going back drier as of this morning. For me this is is a very good thing, because biking in rain/mud is my Achilles heel. Guess it's a result of living in NM for so long and becoming a desert rat. I also used to be a mechanic and appreciate how muck destroys drivetrains. Photo below is for late afternoon next Friday. No overlay colors = good = dry. Purple and pretty colors = precip = bad. Friday map panel looks good for Nobo folks. Sobo folks might experience a wet morning, until the forecasted blob of moisture moves thru. The entire state of AZ looks to be dry thru at least Monday, April 18th. However, all extended models get a bit fictional towards the end and hopefully I didn't just jinx the weather.
BTW, I am looking forward to the "gloom of night".

[Gimmearaise]

Temperatures are also looking cool, which is a huge bonus. If moisture holds off, this could be perfect riding conditions, at leas for the first few days.

[dirtvato]

Kurt.  Sent you a PM.  Interested in your car shuttle proposition.  It'll be an SUV.  Plenty of space for whatever.
Todd Denham 5125605151

[Hoka Hey]

Food for AZT300: I'm a rookie and have read a ton. I am pretty unsure about the quantity of food/calories to carry. I am aware of the availability of food along the way. What is a good rule of thumb? I have gels, pro bars, beans, chews, electrolyte, coffee, oatmeal and a couple dehydrated meals. I want to be as light as possible of course and would rather eat c-store burritos than gels any day.

[Flagster]

Food for AZT300: I'm a rookie and have read a ton. I am pretty unsure about the quantity of food/calories to carry. I am aware of the availability of food along the way. What is a good rule of thumb? I have gels, pro bars, beans, chews, electrolyte, coffee, oatmeal and a couple dehydrated meals. I want to be as light as possible of course and would rather eat c-store burritos than gels any day.

low carb high fat IMO...but I also follow MAF approach...

[Woodland]

Food for AZT300: I'm a rookie and have read a ton. I am pretty unsure about the quantity of food/calories to carry. I am aware of the availability of food along the way. What is a good rule of thumb? I have gels, pro bars, beans, chews, electrolyte, coffee, oatmeal and a couple dehydrated meals. I want to be as light as possible of course and would rather eat c-store burritos than gels any day.

For what it's worth: I'm carrying 3200 kcals per day for 3 days, and will eat big 'meals' at the resupply stops. Lots of fat as Flagster mentions, nothing that needs to be cooked, and heavy in calories per ounce.

[dirtvato]

I'm looking for confirmation on the shiny metal water tank with the 3 posts after Freeman around Ripsey.  I have it as a waypoint 17.2 miles past Freeman but didn't see it last year (well, wasn't looking either).  I poked around and couldn't find the reference.  Sound about right?

[schillingsworth]

I'm looking for confirmation on the shiny metal water tank with the 3 posts after Freeman around Ripsey.  I have it as a waypoint 17.2 miles past Freeman but didn't see it last year (well, wasn't looking either).  I poked around and couldn't find the reference.  Sound about right?

Sounds spot on. I checked on it back in mid-Feb. Tank was full, actually trickling over a bit. You definitely have to keep your eyes peeled. Those 3 posts aren't right next to the trail. They are about 20 feet off trail to the right, the tank is in the sandy wash there where a side canyon joins. Based on satellite imagery here is my best guess at the coordinates: 33.01325° N 110.99250° W That should get you close enough to find it.

[dirtvato]

Thanks John.  It's a good one to know about if Freeman is dry. I had bagged a liter at beehive and dreading to need it to get to the tank.  Luckily, Freeman was an oasis!

[krefs]

John, how much longer do you figure that trail section to Gold Canyon takes? I wonder if folks realize that there's not water available between the Gila River and the stores as you near Gold Canyon...that's a fairly long haul even taking the road! And obviously, taking water from anyone at Picketpost wouldn't be fair...

[aarond]

Good thing Scott moved the start back this year.  Snow at as snowbowl and a low of 23 on Friday!  http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=35.33&lon=-111.7106#.VwsVpxJMFzQ

[Gimmearaise]

Am I struggling to find something open 24 hours ON route in Flagstaff, am I missing something obvious? Anyone have any info on that gas station on Route 66 before you take a right turn on Switzer Canyon Dr. I think it's a Carters Fuel. Thanks!

[IanMac]

Flagstaff 24/7 supplies, I googled two ... both off-route ... close enough for a hungry cyclist?

Chevron Station, 2295 E Butler Ave Flagstaff, AZ 86004.
0.2mi off-route

Walmart Supercenter, 2601 E Huntington Dr, Flagstaff, AZ 86004
1.1mi off-route

[Gimmearaise]

Ian, Thanks, I did not even see that one. Pretty close to route, so that will do!

Cheers,

Neil

[jzskoorb]

Just don't get lost in Wally World while sleep walking

[Gimmearaise]

Just don't get lost in Wally World while sleep walking

Just don't get lost in Wally World while sleep walking

One reason I don't enjoy supermarkets, and tend to avoid them at all costs.

[bmattingly]

Kurt,

I signed up for a shuttle service.  If the guy who responded does not work out let me know 928 525-6088.  My vehicle will be at Picketpost.  Can you drop off a sleeping bag for me and some clothes at my vehicle at Picketpost if you are driving from Parker Canyon to PP?

Rode some killer single track in Prescott Saturday behind thumb butte and way past goldwater lake.  Super fun.

Brad Mattingly

[schillingsworth]

John, how much longer do you figure that trail section to Gold Canyon takes? I wonder if folks realize that there's not water available between the Gila River and the stores as you near Gold Canyon...that's a fairly long haul even taking the road! And obviously, taking water from anyone at Picketpost wouldn't be fair...

Hey Kurt, remember there is resupply in Queen Valley - after Picketpost, but before the optional singletrack section leading to Gold Canyon. For comparison, Queen Valley is 12 miles from Picketpost ON route via 'flat' dirt/pavement vs 4 miles of pavement on US60 OFF route to Superior. I would guessimate about 2-3 hours from Queen Valley to Gold Canyon via the option. It's 20 miles on good dirt road, trail & neighborhood pavement. There are two short hills on the dirt road section that I'll probably HAB, but should be less than 10 minutes tops. I'm sure the stronger riders will clean all of it.