AZT 750/300 2015 Planning

[mikepro]

This is not a sure thing at all,  but I am considering the AZTR 750 this year.   Would be coming from Canada, driving to the finish, and getting myself somehow to the start.   I'll be doing lots of reading to try to get up to speed.  Not sure how I will cope with the weather in Arizona,  where I live here we'll have lots of COLD and certainly even by March the weather won't be over zero much.  Maybe it's a stupid idea...

Well, if it's any consolation, or perhaps encouragement: I spent last winter riding and training in sub-freezing temps on weekly basis.  Sure, this part of Central Oregon is called the High Desert, but it's cold and snowy until March/April.  I struggled to adjust to heat in Southern AZ, and puked by the time I got to Kentucky Camp.  But, hey, I still finished the 750. When you get to Flagstaff and the Canyon rims at higher elevation, potential rain/snow, potential sub-freezing nighttime temps, you'll feel right at home (climate-wise).  Heck, it might even snow on Mt Lemmon again this year.

[mikepro]

Re: Canelos and tires
...snip...
Secret weapon replacement for the rear - 2.4 Ardent Exo. Its a super high volume tire and I can regularly run 20-22 psi on a 29er hardtail with my 168 pounds.

Yo, Barry!  Dual or single compound on those Ardent EXO 2.4's?

[tuhduhvuh]

Well, if it's any consolation, or perhaps encouragement: I spent last winter riding and training in sub-freezing temps on weekly basis.  Sure, this part of Central Oregon is called the High Desert, but it's cold and snowy until March/April.  I struggled to adjust to heat in Southern AZ, and puked by the time I got to Kentucky Camp.  But, hey, I still finished the 750. When you get to Flagstaff and the Canyon rims at higher elevation, potential rain/snow, potential sub-freezing nighttime temps, you'll feel right at home (climate-wise).  Heck, it might even snow on Mt Lemmon again this year.

Thanks for the encouragement,  makes me feel better!  I'll see how gear acquisition and training go over the next several weeks and then decide .....

[Yogi the Barry]

Yo, Barry!  Dual or single compound on those Ardent EXO 2.4's?

Not sure on the compound [I'll try and remember to look on the sidewall]. Just love the [so far so good] EXO protection and ability to run low pressure, due to the high volume, to soften up the ride of my hardtail. From my experience, the lower the tire pressure the less likely for the tire to get punctured.
EDIT: No dual-compound bragging labels on the sidewall and the fact that the max pressure is listed as 65 psi on the sidewall, makes me suspect the tire is the single-compound version [the dual version is listed as having a 60 psi max pressure].

[Danish]

Might have missed it somewhere but what is the best way to get from Tucson to the start for those of us who are flying from far away places? Happy to pay for gas and dinner for anyone who feels like giving me a ride!

[windowace]

In anticipation of the New Year, I am making a resolution to join the rest of you jokers in the AZTR 750!  At the finish of the 300 in 2012, I said I wouldn't ride it again. Alas, I haven't been able to get the full meal deal, with the canyon hike, out of my mind. So I'm in. 

Out of curiosity, is anyone still riding 26" tires for any of these races?. Also, for those that have completed the 750, or most of it, how do the miles after Superior compare to the ones preceding? Cheers all.

Scott

[JosiahM]

I'm tentatively in for the aztr (barring working out some finger numbness issues).  Trying to get enough time off for the 750, but will try to at least do the 300 if I can't.

[Adam Alphabet]

Two quick ATA questions.....

What level of membership are most people purchasing from the ATA? Octillo level seems to be the best value for online material etc...

For initial route study is the guidebook worth the purchase?
http://www.aztrail.org/store/guidebook_cover_large.jpg

Thanks!

[AZTtripper]

Just got the newest guide, have them both now, I would say put your money into the best membership. In the mountain bike notes he says see the web site for details. It's a nice guide, with lots of great info on plants and geology, but it's more of a infomercial for hiking then biking. Reading the descriptions I can see hiking the passage, perhaps with out getting lost, but not quickly and efficiently. That takes GPS IMO! Maybe reading the guide would give you a feel for what your getting into, but no more then reading a few trip reports, having followed a race or two, or even just watching the great video on youtube.

I do like like the hacky sack http://www.aztrail.org/store/hacky_sack_large.jpg

[Adam Alphabet]

Thanks for that... short of the $1000 'Ponderosa Pine' membership which gives you "Unlimited AZT trip planning assistance"  does anyone know if the "exclusive online access to AZT data" all the same for all the memberships?

The hacky sack is cool, gotta work on my jester's again.

[Couloirman]

I think you just need the $50 Ocotillo membership to get all the mountain bike maps and databook if that's all you're after.

[Adam Alphabet]

I think you just need the $50 Ocotillo membership to get all the mountain bike maps and databook if that's all you're after.

Thanks, that's what I was thinking, just nice to have the verification before pulling out the credit card.

[AZTtripper]

In anticipation of the New Year, I am making a resolution to join the rest of you jokers in the AZTR 750!  At the finish of the 300 in 2012, I said I wouldn't ride it again. Alas, I haven't been able to get the full meal deal, with the canyon hike, out of my mind. So I'm in. 

Out of curiosity, is anyone still riding 26" tires for any of these races?. Also, for those that have completed the 750, or most of it, how do the miles after Superior compare to the ones preceding? Cheers all.

Scott

Scott glad to hear your coming back for more. I wasn't able to be at the start last year, and to be honest I never looked that close, but I do think most are on bigger wheels any more. Not that that should stop you, if that's what you ride no reason to change if you don't want to.

I think the trails get easier above the Rim, Max disagrees with me. I've never raced up there, only the 300 and touring up north as well as day rides. To me, a day ride of 30 miles in the Canelo's is harder then a day ride of 30 miles at Mormon Lake. But by the time you get to Mormon Lake in the race your several days to nearly a week in. So other then the road riding from Picket Post to Payson don't expect it to feel any easier up north. Also I would say the the 17 miles of the Highline is equal to if not more then the 30 in the Canelo's. And they say that the section before the Highline is pretty miserable. 

Hope that helps.
Tim

[windowace]

Tim thanks for the response.  The deal with the wheels is; I have the means to get a new bike and I am interested in getting a new bike but i am kind of a use it till it dies guy, and my current ride (2012 Giant trance X3- 26"wheels) is not pretty but is as healthy as it was for the 300 two years ago. I found the 300 to be very challenging, so I wonder if a bigger wheel and maybe a slightly lighter bike (current bike is about 30lbs without packs) would make a significant difference in helping me complete the 750. On the other hand my heart tells me it isn't going to be the bike that ultimately gets me to Utah.  With regards to trail difficulty, I expected as much. Thanks again for the reply.


Cheers

[trebor]

A couple of questions to those that may know....

1. is there, by chance, cell phone coverage at Parker Lake or the Mex border?
2. *EDIT* a good place to stash a car in Tuscon for anyone ITT'ing N to S for the 300? How about parking in Superior instead?
3. Guidance for route finding if the singletrack is snowed in on the north end; Is it the most "navigable route" available wins, the main paved road to the lodge/rim, forest service dirt roads?
4. I can't find the contact information for the known shuttle service at the south end of the route. I believe they are based out of Tuscon?
Thanks!

[Buttermilk]

On the other hand my heart tells me it isn't going to be the bike that ultimately gets me to Utah. 

that is the mantra running through my head..."how bad do I want it?" baring any race stopping mechanical or physical problems. It sure is physically tough out there on theses races, but it is the mental that will make or break you. Oh, and I'm running my trust 26", FS, 3x9, old habits die hard...

trebor - check this http://www.aztrail.org/shuttles.html

[distortion10]

Hey All,

I'm looking for riding partner(s) to pre-ride sections of the azt before April 3rd. Thinking about a day trip to ride from the lake to Patagona one Saturday towards the end of January and in early February I'd like to ride from the bottom of the Gila to Picket Post. The last trip on the first weekend of March would be a 1 night 2 day trip from Oracle to Picket Post. This years 300 will be my first so I'm stoked to get out early and experience some of the trail sections.

[AZTtripper]

d10 that's a good idea. In 07 Zac and I made two trips down to the Canelo's. The east side can be looped pretty easily and the west we ended up doing an out and back a couple of weeks latter. Picket Post south for 15 miles to the scenic plateau is a full day out and back that's good to do. That last 100 miles will be good to have under your belt.

Best of Luck
Tim

[dream4est]

Cholla and Grand Canyon death marches are only 3 months away! Getting closer. Now time to think about stuff like water and resupply points.
Here is the water table Tim made. Its good but there are more sources too. Check:

http://www.fredgaudetphotography.com/aztrail/watercurrent.pdf

# 1.    Bear Creek (spring fed) crosses under road.         6.5 miles N of the Border            
# 2.   Parker Creek (dam fed)               2.5 miles N of Parker TH Starting line            
# 3.   Cott Tank (solar pwd) spigot (no bikes inside fence)   4.5 miles N of Canelo Pass 19.5 miles from the start        
# 4.   Patagonia (store      resterants   hotel   PO)                  31 miles from the start  
# 5.   Sonoita (store      resterants   hotel)                                
# 6.   Gardner Creek (rain/snow fed)            10.7 miles N of Sonita            
# 7.   Kentucky Camp (spigot)               6 miles N of Garner Creek 16. 5 from Sonoita              
# 8.   Oak Tree Canyon stock tank (well fed)         8 miles N of K Camp            
# 9.   The Lake (rain fed)               12.6 miles N of Oak Tree off course north on 2 track after forest gate.              
#10.   Cienga Creek under Three Bridges (all year)         2 miles north of I-10            
#11.   La Posta Quemada Ranch (sink off course)         2.6 miles from 3 Bridges .7 off            
#12.   La Sevilla Campground (spigot on rock)         2.3 miles from LPQ Jct. 41.6 from K Camp            
#13.   Tucson (store      resterants   hotel   PO)
#14.   Chiva Tank (rain)                  2.4 miles below Redington road            
#14.2 Tanke Verde Creek and water tanks jump fence            6.2 miles off Redington road            
#15.   The Lake (rain usually has water)            4 miles after crossing Redington road            
#16.   West Spring (spring fed) not great            3.5 miles past The Lake            
#17.   Molino water hole (rain snow melt)              up steam from trail crossing east of Highway        
#18.   Palisades TH (spigot mid April to mid Nov.)         12 miles up the Highway 42 miles from Broadway in Tucson        
#19.   Summerhaven (visitor’s center      store   restaurant   rooms)   off course
#20.   Water Buffalo Oracle State Park            when the park reopens            
#21.    Oracle (stores      resterants   motel)            off course  
#22   Beehive Well (big metal tank not good)         19.5 miles north of Tiger mine rd.            
#23.   Freeman Road (water cache)               just north of Freeman Road            
#24.   Ripsey Wash spring (.2 miles south of trail stay on road)   18.7 miles north of Freeman Road            
#25.   Pinal Co Maintenance Yard; 0.1 m north of Kelvin bdg.      outside facet available M-Th      6:30am-3:30pm      
#26.   Wilson Trailer Court; 0.5m N Kelvin bdg.            outside facet phone also available if needed            
#27.   They are now saying you can filter the Gila River    57.5 miles from Oracle              
#27a. There is a little creek 15.7 miles from the Kelvin Bridge turn onto jeep road and go north east for .4 drop into creek isn’t easy.            
#28.   Trough Spring         .25 miles off course go north on Telegraph canyon road 135 feet turn left on 2 track 7.5 miles from the finish line of the 300.            
#29.   From Picket Post to Hewett Station is 1.7 from here east its 1 mile to Boyce Thompson Arboretum or 4.5 to Superior or 22 miles to Stores at Apache Jct.            
#30.  Spigot at Lost Dutchman State Park 7.8 from Apache Jct.            
#31.  Tortilla Flat spigot at Campgound on left store on right 11 miles from LDSP.            
#32.  Burn Corral Camp Ground spigot 19.5 from TF.            
#33.  Cholla Bay Camp Ground spigot showers 10 miles from BCCG.            
#34.  Pumpkin Center stores restaurant 13 miles from Cholla Bay.          
#35.  Jakes Corner store bar and grill        
#36.  Rye restaurant 8.5 from JC.          
#37.  Payson 11.8 from Rye.  
38- Oak Spring. 20.5 miles from Payson.        
#39.  Pine is 22 miles from Payson look for 2 track west of highway leads to town saves riding on highway.            
#40.  Red Rock spring 3.4 miles from Pine TH was dry at one point water reported 3/27/11            
#41   Pine spring 4.6 from TH water reported 3/27/11      
#42.  Weber Creek 7.8 miles from TH has always had water in the past.            
#43.  Bray Creek 11 miles from TH.            
#44.  North Sycamore Creek 12.2 from TH        
#45.  Chase Creek 13.8 from TH            
#46.  East Verde River 17.5 from TH        
#47.  General Springs Canyon starting at 1.5 from FS 300 several creek crossing always water        
#48.  East Clear Creek at 9.2 from FS 300 often a deep creek crossing has been dry in the past.            
#49.  Rock Crossing and Blue Ridge Camp Grounds only open mid May thru Oct.            
#50.  Blue Ridge Ranger Station spigot .8 east on highway 87      
#51.  Pine Spring 21 miles north of highway 87 .4 mile off course east of dirt road in field              
#52.  35.5 miles from 87 the AZT crosses FS 219 this is the first easy access to and from Mormon Lake 2 miles all rideable off course.
#53  Apache Spring Trail to Mormon Lake is .7 miles from FS 219 steep rocky trail is the shortest route less then one mile to Mormon Lake HAB back up.            
#54  Double Springs Camp Ground 4.5 miles from Apache Spring trail. Creek and spigot when Camp Ground open mid May to Oct. 3 miles all paved back to Mormon Lake.            
#55.  Pine Grove Camp Ground when open (mid May) has water and showers 9 miles from Double springs .5 off course            
#56.  Horse Lake typically has water 4 miles from Pine Grove.            
#57.  Flagstaff has everything 16 miles from Horse Lake.            
#58.  Buffalo Park on the north side of Flag has spigot (not sure when this gets turned on).            
#59.  Russell Tank is the most likely spot between Flag and Tusayan 70 miles from Buffalo Park.            
#60.  Tusayan 25 miles from Russell Tank.            
#61.  South Rim there is a spigot near corrals at Yaki Point.            
#62. There is a spigot after foot bridge 7 miles below Yaki Point and at Phantom ranch .5 farther.            
#63.  Cottonwood Camp 7 miles past Phantom spigot.            
#64.  Water fountain at North Kaibab TH not likely to be on. Water can be found at employee housing find ranger. water            
#65.  Crystal Spring 16 miles from North Kaibab TH            
            
#66.  Dog Lake and Wildlife Drinker 2.7 miles from Crystal Spring. The Wildlife drinker is just past Dog Lake on west edge of meadow.

There are other sources too. Fred G page shows a bunch. Route cues have a few. I have found at least one source myself on route not listed anywhere- found it looking through satellite pix one day.

Edit- added #38- Oak spring.

[Flagster]

Hey All,

I'm looking for riding partner(s) to pre-ride sections of the azt before April 3rd. Thinking about a day trip to ride from the lake to Patagona one Saturday towards the end of January and in early February I'd like to ride from the bottom of the Gila to Picket Post. The last trip on the first weekend of March would be a 1 night 2 day trip from Oracle to Picket Post. This years 300 will be my first so I'm stoked to get out early and experience some of the trail sections.

I am up in Flagstaff and am hoping to do some preriding in Jan/Feb/March...
What about holiday weekends?