AZT 750/300 2017 Planning Thread

[JoePAz]

while it looks better for the fire I also saw this.


http://tucson.com/news/local/redington-pass-closed-due-to-large-wildfire-sheriff-s-office/article_04c60500-1686-11e7-86fd-d727ec76a39e.html

Reddington Road Closed. That was on 3/31 so should be open now I guess.

[ScottM]

Yeah, I believe Redington is Open.

Thanks for the track on the "Plan B".  A particular fan of gaslines (who is also participating in the race, also a star geologist) reminded me that there is a huge shortcut from the River Rd to the Haul Rd.  Perhaps saves 10 miles.  I've ridden it, though not in recent years.

It is sounding like the fire is contained, but not out, so it's looking somewhat hopeful.  I'm guessing the highway will reopen by the weekend, but the AZT reopening is the key question.

If we do detour, I'll have a GPX, and also a computer at Parker Lake if anyone wants to upload it.

[dream4est]

I was trying a backwards 300
Got blown off oracle ridge yesterday  winds so fierce I had to bail couldn't even hike into it.
It was fun
Still may race the 300
But I am in globe with my car
Anyone going from picketpost to Pcl or tucson today or tomorrow ?

Mark Caminiti
7twozero-635-7429

[evdog]

Thanks for the replies Tim!  

I have that track loaded.  I'll keep checking this site for updates.  Should be able to do a final check before hitting Redington on Friday.  I'd rather do the original route too but it is what it is.  Sounds like they are mopping up now so I'm optimistic the original will be a go.  

I saw that pipeline road Scott, didn't reckon it would be the re-route since conditions are likely unknown and could have numerous heinous grades being a straight shot. I can't seem to draw in a route for it but I'll print a map just in case.


Edit - was also going to post a link to the Redington fire, looks like someone beat me to it.  There is nothing on InciWeb for it, whereas the Molino fire is there https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5148/.  

[phatmike]

If we do detour, I'll have a GPX, and also a computer at Parker Lake if anyone wants to upload it.

So Scott if the decision is made to detour, is the track provided by evdog (thanks!!) going to be it? I'd like to get it loaded here before I leave if that is the case. Thanks!

[Jeff Z]

I took Evan's track for the Molino bypass and drew in the gasline shortcut. No idea if that shortcut is passable, but figured it would be good to have the track, just in case. I'd guess it is just like the old APC gasline - meaning not much fun.

https://www.hightail.com/download/dDZHZEUzTmE4Q1JOeDhUQw

So, Scott, if we have to do a go around is the gasline in play?

Hopefully this is all moot.

[ScottM]

I think the gasline is the way to go.  That's the way I would go -- it saves so much mileage.  Also there is a 'contour-ish' (look that word up in the dictionary) road that parallels it and skips out on many of the straight ups and downs.  It's not what you drew in this track here, Jeff.

It looks like it crosses 95% state trust land.  May be signed as 'no trespassing' as many gaslines are, but they do not own the land, so....

Let me put the track together, so folks can get it uploaded.  The gasline is actually on the "Jonesy" Snow Detour track that has been ridden a few times.

But yes, hopefully this is all moot.

[ScottM]

Here's the reroute GPX:

http://topofusion.com/azt/gpx/AZTR-Molino_Detour_2017_v1.gpx

EvDog was close, Jeff Z had the right idea, but this track should work out pretty well.

If they are mopping up and the trail wasn't actually burned, I bet we won't need this detour.  But the few that started early or are starting early may need to take it.

Thanks, everyone.

[evdog]

Got it, thanks Scott!

@ Mark/dream4est I'll send you a text.  I'll be getting to Picketpost late tonight.  Planning to start riding early tomorrow morning.  Depending how I feel I may sleep for a little or just drive straight down toward Tucson/start line.  I'll have room for you if you don't mind some late night and/or early morning driving.

Evan

[phatmike]

Awesome, thanks!

[Adam Alphabet]

It's ok everyone I'm starting an ITT tomorrow with this thing. You guys will be clear to go by Friday.

[hikeabike]

Nice Adam!  Given your luck this year, I am pretty sure the fire is your fault, so it is only fitting...

[mikepro]

It's ok everyone I'm starting an ITT tomorrow with this thing. You guys will be clear to go by Friday.

It won't be legit unless you wear the outfit - boots, gold helmet, and all.  Good luck out there!

[Adam Alphabet]

Nice Adam!  Given your luck this year, I am pretty sure the fire is your fault, so it is only fitting...

I came down to escape our wet winter and ride in the heat... A burning mountainside is pushing it a bit though!

It won't be legit unless you wear the outfit - boots, gold helmet, and all.  Good luck out there!

Kit is on order, picking it up at Arizona Cyclist later this afternoon  
Thanks Mike!

[ScottM]

https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5148/

"The fire did not grow today. As of 5 pm the Mt. Lemmon Highway will reopen, and the Incident Commander plans to begin releasing some resources. Interior smokes are still visible on the fire."

This is a good sign.

[Yogi the Barry]

Good luck guys and gals! 
Life, work and health have conspired to keep me out this year, but I'll be cheering everyone on.
No big drama and stay off the local and national news.

[Adam Alphabet]

https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5148/

"The fire did not grow today. As of 5 pm the Mt. Lemmon Highway will reopen, and the Incident Commander plans to begin releasing some resources. Interior smokes are still visible on the fire."

This is a good sign.

Road is open, nothing mentioned about not being able to access nearby trails, does that mean we're good to go for the regular route?

[ScottM]

Road is open, nothing mentioned about not being able to access nearby trails, does that mean we're good to go for the regular route?

Yes.  From the ATA:

A 50 acre fire located near Molino Basin started Tuesday. The fire is completely out now, but did burn the trail. For those entering the burn area, hazards may include loose soil, unstable terrain and debris. Please use caution while on this passage and do not leave the trail through the burn area.

[Adam Alphabet]

Great news. Thanks for dealing with the slew of questions and concerns from everyone over the last few days (weeks with the snow). I bet you're looking forward to the start as much the riders!
See you all tomorrow!

[Stevland]

Wondering if anyone is headed down to PCL from Tucson tomorrow morning. Sorry for the late notice, some miscommunication has me scrambling!