AZT 750/300 2015 Planning

[schillingsworth]

Here's the Google map to Picketpost trailhead:
https://www.google.com/maps/dir/33.2719872,-111.1762577//@33.2720282,-111.1762428,139m/data=!3m1!1e3

Google displays it as the Grand Enchantment Trail through here, but it is also the Arizona Trail.

[raybum]

AZT Shuttle Update: 
I need to hear from the following guys or their spots will be given to the next in line!
Ross Delaplane
Ryan Sawyer
Ben (CheeseUnit)
Send me a note at rhemmele@gmail.com...

[tanman1337]

One quick 750 question as I'm almost dialed in with my carry setup. Do the wheels have to be off the bike in order for it to be considered "disassembled"?

[dream4est]

I would say at least one wheel (front) has to be removed to make the carry possible anyway. I cant see anyone carrying a completely assembled bike on their back without some serious issues like size for one.

I think intent is the issue here. Someone with a fully assembled bike may appear to have intent to roll it or even ride it.

edit- I have been under the assumption both wheels do not HAVE to be removed. I could be wrong.

[tanman1337]

Thanks Mark. Hopefully Scott will reply as well. I can see the one wheel though, at least it gives the appearance that your not just going to set the bike down and start rolling to any of the park rangers

[schillingsworth]

Speaking of carry systems, I'm pretty well dialed in too. I may need to tweak some of the pack adjustments a tad though. Does anyone else have plans to add some kind of extra padding for your shoulders? I'm thinking something a little wider and more plush may help distribute some of the weight.

[dream4est]

Pads under the shoulder straps. Good topic. My feeling is that unless one really makes an attachable pad system before hand and has it dialed in, the temporary padding one employs will just add to the chafing, heaviness, misery, etc. Under the shirt doesnt work. Wrapping padding around the strap doesnt work. I velcroed some blue foam sleeping pad to the straps once. It kind of worked, but not really. It just got forced to the side mostly. It reminds me of trying to use saddle padding. Usually results in more issues/chafing,etc.

Edit- by making a pad system I mean a real setup. Like modified football shoulder pads, or a moto/dh mtb upper body suit, or other dedicated padding sytem. No one is gonna drop ship that kind of garment and wear it IMO.

What has been working for me in kitchen testing is having the actual load as light as possible and as high as possible. I have mine now rear wheel attached up high, axle higher than my head. Carrying my front wheel in one hand I use my spare hand as a strap helper here and there. Once in awhile I set down the front wheel and shrug my shoulders to adjust weight get a quick relief. Those techniques seem to help as much or more than pads. I walked my kitchen for an hour plus and was only getting to about 75-80% of what I would call total agony.

[Adam Alphabet]

Flights booked, shuttle organized, SPOT signed up. I've been wanting to type this for a loooong time, you only get do something the first time once.

"I am officially in!" 

This rookie can't wait to get down there and shred!! beyond stoked right now!

[schillingsworth]

Mark,
Thanks for the insight. I'll give the rear wheel attached a whirl this week and see how it feels.

Scott is out on a Gila River Ramble right now and boasting how incredible the wildflowers are. They were beginning to pop near Kelvin 2 weeks ago. We have a big group ride heading down that way this weekend for an overnight ride, camping at Kelvin. So stoked to get down there this year...again. We'll be on approx. the final 50 miles of the 300 route, arguably the best in the state. All you first time AZT riders are in for a treat!!

[windowace]

I'll be using the tump line, but no extra padding. It is simple, light, compact and effective. I've been doing a hike a week with a heavier pack than I expect for the actual party and although my back has complained in different places, using the tump line has allowed me to "move it around" which allows me to keep moving without getting to a point where i just have to stop and give my back a break. It is not 'the' answer, but i am certain it will be beneficial.  The one caveat is i really believe you should  get in several practice carries with it so you minimize the chance of totally tweaking your neck.  As far as position - as high as you can (Rear axle equal to or higher than head), and as close and tight to you as you can. Both wheels off for me.  Any swinging or swaying is a no no. So, pack it, hike it, tighten it, and go! Tick Tock! Itchin' to start. Cheers all.

[JosiahM]

I believe Forest Baker left his back wheel on in (2013?).  His setup looked the most comfortable to me because it kept the weight closer to his body instead of stacking it behind him.... causing him to have to lean forward a lot less.

[Flagster]

Heading down from Flag and planning one last preride on a short section of course March 14th-15th...starting South of Tucson to Oracle.  One night somewhere on top of Mount Lemmon for an "early" exit Sunday near Oracle...pm me if interested

[windowace]

Yeah, now that I think about it and look at it, and consider my own comment about keeping it close to you, I think I will try a few runs with the wheel on.  Thanks.

[ScottM]

Hey guys, the rule is "wheels can't touch the ground" so as long as it's attached to your pack and disassembled in some way (one wheel is likely fine) you're good.  It does seem like leaving the rear wheel on and riding high might help better balance the load.  Just watch it on the few sections when you're walking under rock!

Mark, I'm not sure I'd recommend carrying a wheel.  I've done it in CO and ended up dropping a wheel multiple times.  That could be no bueno in the canyon.  Mine rolled a good 0.25 mile down through the forest once.  In the canyon it might have been gone.

Gila Canyons is riding great right now.  Flowers are popping and there's fresh trail work.  In particular, the last 6-7 miles into Pickepost got some major trimming and good tread work.  Good news given the prevalence of nighttime 300 finishes.  A few pics attached.

[joeydurango]

Scott, that looks amazing!  I have never seen the desert look like that.  I assume it doesn't last long...

[Jeff Tomassetti]

Scott, Is the 2014 GPX track likely to be the 2015 track? I will be traveling en-route without topofusion etc. after 3/26. And while I am here, what is your best guess on snow this year? Thanks! Jeffrey

[cforsand]

For riders doing the AZT 300 do people park their vehicles at the Picket Post end for the duration of the ride?  Is doing that and taking shuttle to the start the best option for people that are traveling from far away to participate?

[windowace]

So I am watching weather now, and I know things will change over the next 25-35 days, but I seem to recall there being a few areas that are subject to really sticky mud right after a precipitation event, and some rain seems likely for the 750. For any that know, what are the most likely areas after Picket Post. I seem to recall someone commenting that above the Mogollon Rim area was susceptible.  Anyone?

[ScottM]

Scott, Is the 2014 GPX track likely to be the 2015 track? I will be traveling en-route without topofusion etc. after 3/26. And while I am here, what is your best guess on snow this year? Thanks! Jeffrey

It's getting pretty late in the game to make course changes.  I had hoped for some east Phoenix singletrack, but I think we'll just wait for next year.

Looked at the snow models briefly.  My guess would be no snow detours outside of the usual north rim.  Could change with new storms of course.

[ScottM]

For riders doing the AZT 300 do people park their vehicles at the Picket Post end for the duration of the ride?  Is doing that and taking shuttle to the start the best option for people that are traveling from far away to participate?

There are often vehicles left there, and not just for racers.  Definitely nice to have your car waiting at the finish.