AZT 750/300 2015 Planning

[DblRdblT]

It's full up unfortunately.

[geekonabike]

Anybody know of a shuttle available for April 2nd to Parker Lake?

If you can get to Sierra Vista try Sun n' Spoke. They might still have room. Email is snsbike@hotmail.com or mrk.lapaglia@gmail.com
Talk or type to Mark

[Briansong]

Just a friendly note of concern to AZT racers. Those whom live in AZ, like I do, get it. This environment is harsh and hostile when it gets hot. It looks to be hot this year. Things can turn from out of water to emergency rescue very quick. Know and understand when you might be getting in trouble.

I understand the bike packing community for the most part, can handle rough conditions and seem to seek them out. This can and does turn deadly every year. I learned some powerful lessons on last years TD about riding in the wet and cold, conditions we don't get in AZ very often.

Have fun and have a safe race. 

Steve

[joeydurango]

Advance planning is always a good idea...

[krefs]

Just a friendly note of concern to AZT racers. Those whom live in AZ, like I do, get it. This environment is harsh and hostile when it gets hot. It looks to be hot this year. Things can turn from out of water to emergency rescue very quick. Know and understand when you might be getting in trouble.

It's true, Steve. Thanks for sharing.

I think it's critically important to emphasize, as ScottM has earlier in this thread, that AZT racers should not rely on any of the established water caches along the route. Never plan on having your water being out by the time you get to a cache...have some in reserve so you can ride for hours more if need be. And also, please be respectful for all AZT users (hikers *really* need the water) and don't plan on taking gallons of water from a particular cache; and never take the last of the water at a cache unless it's an emergency.

[Rorr]

What water capacity are you vets carrying for the 750? From the water table it seems like there is plenty.

[rick miller]

On the subject of water, anybody have a feel for how surface water sources are looking?  For example: Molino (creek?), Ripsey Wash, Pine Springs, Russel Tank.  From what I can tell from afar it has been a fairly wet winter, but I realize that sometimes doesn't last long.

[dream4est]

6 liters. I am slow and drink below average to average amounts compared to others. YMMV.
I will only carry the 6 twice, from Oracle and from aqua fria tank north of Flag.

[dream4est]

On the subject of water, anybody have a feel for how surface water sources are looking?  For example: Molino (creek?), Ripsey Wash, Pine Springs, Russel Tank.  From what I can tell from afar it has been a fairly wet winter, but I realize that sometimes doesn't last long.

Pine will be there for sure. Concrete box spring.
Dont count on Russel- headache water like all surface water near Babbit Ranch.- edit the water from the actual metal box before the dirt tank may be a much better source. I have had bad luck with the areas water so I look in it and carry a liter of it just in case. Usually its about 4-5 inches in bottom of box.
Molino water hole uphill from trail last turn before highway- every year it was good in my 4. Sometimes low need a filter usually.
Ripsey- never hit it.

[aarond]

Anyone want to share a minivan from stateline to sierra vista for the 750?  I would hitch or ride to St. George to get the vehicle, so it would be pretty hassle free.  Planning on leaving from stateline on April 1 (wed.).  Call at three o seven, seven five one, four nine six five if interested.

[geekonabike]

On the subject of water, anybody have a feel for how surface water sources are looking?  For example: Molino (creek?), Ripsey Wash, Pine Springs, Russel Tank.  From what I can tell from afar it has been a fairly wet winter, but I realize that sometimes doesn't last long.

I'm planing on added these spots as wayptns on the Garmin, plus carrying this PDF on paper:  http://www.fredgaudetphotography.com/aztrail/watercurrent.pdf

[rick miller]

I'm planing on added these spots as wayptns on the Garmin, plus carrying this PDF on paper:  http://www.fredgaudetphotography.com/aztrail/watercurrent.pdf

yep, have that, would be really nice if it got updated before we start

[krefs]

I carry a 4-quart bladder and 3 24-oz bottles for the 300. When I did the 750, I carried a 4-quart bladder, a 2-quart bladder, and 2 24-oz bottles. That all has worked well for me.

Just make sure you don't leave the Gila River and start the climb back toward Picketpost without filling up on water from the river if you're low. It's a long, hot climb, and plenty of folks have run dry and really suffered on that section in recent years.

[REV]

I'm planing on added these spots as wayptns on the Garmin, plus carrying this PDF on paper:  http://www.fredgaudetphotography.com/aztrail/watercurrent.pdf

I have that PDF printed and I also will carry it with me.  Curious how you are going to place sources as waypoints on the course?

[Montana Miller]

Shoulda ironed this out better before, but I'm still looking for a ride from picketpost (or maybe Tucson) down to the start. If anybody has space for one more, let me know. I'll bring cookies and gas money

[AlpineTherapy]

Hey AZTRers,

Earlier this year I started a bikepacking gear company, RockGeist, and I have some stocked gear available for anyone in need of some last minute items for the race (see photo). These are all free, and can be picked up from myself at Parker Canyon Lake the night before or the morning of the race. I'll be the rider with bright yellow jones H bars with a digicam frame bag. The top tube bags are prototypes and are not as polished as the ones up on my website (rockgeist.com), but they are all functional and mildly stylish : ) I figured they'd get better use out in AZ then just sitting in my apt.

Here's the list, just send me an email at rockgeistgear@gmail.com to claim an item. I'll post when/if everything get claimed.

Handlebar harness: Quantity 2
Top tube bag: Quantity 3
Hike-a-bike seat pad: Quantity 1 (could be useful for HAB, verdict is still out though...)

Goodluck everyone!
- Greg

[dream4est]

No water at Freeman cache this year possibly. Empty as of yesterday. Be smart Azt racers. Learn all of the sources from Oracle to the Gila.

[joeydurango]

Yep, had heard that Freeman was empty.  That'll be a dry stretch!

Looks like forecasted temps are dropping.  The lows are 10 degrees cooler than when I checked the long-range a few days back... changing the calculus a little!  I'll take it if it means the highs are lower as well.  It's 75 degrees today and I am burning up working in the garden.

[Wyatt72]

It's only 96 degrees on Arizona today. East valley close to picket post. Not totally sure about other parts of the state

[mtbcast]

I want to encourage everyone racing this year to call in to MTBCast! This year, I'm doing a little incentive give-away for each race. For the AZT each call-in you do gets you a shot at a backpacking gift pack which includes a SOL Escape Bivvy, a Sawyer Mini water filter, and a Petzel headlamp along with stickers and other miscellaneous items that may be thrown in. Just a little something that might make a call or two worth it for someone.

Each call is a chance so the more you call the better your chances. Hopefully this encourages you to let us know how you're doing along the way! The links to all MTBCast calls is: http://mtbcast.com/site2/category/calls/. AZT specific calls will post to http://mtbcast.com/site2/category/azt15/ as well. So you can point friends and family there or have them install the MTBCast app on their phone!

The number is 888-866-4491. Scott will have some frame stickers with the call-in number available at the start. We're getting down to the wire! Hope everyone is ready to go!