AZTR 2013 Planning

[Gimmearaise]

Yah all I used was a MSR Hyperflow at Trough Springs last year. I was so desperate at that point though I almost just dunked my head in and started drinking. I looked on the ATA's water source info and it says it is dry right now. Do you know if it is just because it's winter time Tim?

Could I get away with not bringing a filter. I'm Currently in the process of figuring out my water sources but could I get away with using Aquamira?

[Marshal]

Could I get away with not bringing a filter. I'm Currently in the process of figuring out my water sources but could I get away with using Aquamira?

yes you could skip the filter--I usually use a filter on multi-days but never felt the need for one on 300 or 750, that said there are a few times when you may need the aquamire-- so one could make use of a filter if inclined......

[the tortoise]

Playing with topo fusion, I came up with a 3d map of a section from the start

[Gimmearaise]

yes you could skip the filter--I usually use a filter on multi-days but never felt the need for one on 300 or 750, that said there are a few times when you may need the aquamire-- so one could make use of a filter if inclined......

Good deal then, I'm leavin the filter at home and going to bring the Aquamira.

Question about Tucson: say I need some help from a bike shop. does any one reccomend a shop close to Broadway thats not to far west?

[Gimmearaise]

sorry for all the questions. Finally starting to study the map.

As far as AZT Passage 10, the GPX shows that you cross Catalina HWY and eventually get back on the azt then detour around Pusch Ridge wilderness by way of Catalina HWY. Is this the route for reasons to ride more single track or is taking the first right on the road an option. I Just need clarification as it seems like such a small portion. However I'm always up for more trail riding then road as CO285 scarred me last summer!

Thanks.

[AZTtripper]

sorry for all the questions. Finally starting to study the map.

As far as AZT Passage 10, the GPX shows that you cross Catalina HWY and eventually get back on the azt then detour around Pusch Ridge wilderness by way of Catalina HWY. Is this the route for reasons to ride more single track or is taking the first right on the road an option. I Just need clarification as it seems like such a small portion. However I'm always up for more trail riding then road as CO285 scarred me last summer!

Thanks.

Yep you'll need to stay on the AZT until you reach Gordon Hirabayashi aka Prison Camp Campground. The idea for the 300 was to ride as much trail as possible from Parker TH to Picket Post TH. That's why we make you go all the way out to Reddington Pass when you are almost to the Catalina Hwy when you hit Tanque Verde rd. There's lots of places to short cut.

The AZT hiker route is like 820 miles, my 2006 tour route was 810 miles. The only part of that course that we left out of the 750 is the Roosevelt Lake to Sunflower section. Where the race course stay on the Hwy to Punkin Center it's possible to climb up El Oso rd and rejoin the AZT then drop into Sycamore Creek and climb back out, partly on jeep trail, to hit the Mt Peeley TH. Then you can pick up a trail called the Gold Ridge Trail to drop in down by Rye.

I did part of this in 04, Scott and Lee did all of it in 05, then there was a fire. I did the whole thing in 06 and it was the worst section of the whole trail. Now there's been another fire and it doesn't look to likely that it will be part of the race anytime soon.

Oh and the Cat Hwy isn't that bad, some days there are more bikes then cars.

Tim

[the tortoise]

I finally found what I was looking for. Downloaded the Arizona topo map from GPS file depot, which has the AZT on it. Link here: http://www.gpsfiledepot.com/maps/view/1/
I uploaded it to my GPS (Garmin 60csx).
I then loaded the AZT 750 GPX file into Garmin Basecamp along with the Arizona topo map from GPS file depot. The level of detail is incredible and it allows you to zoom in, pan etc, so now I am getting a great idea of the route.

[RossC]

I finally found what I was looking for. Downloaded the Arizona topo map from GPS file depot, which has the AZT on it. Link here: http://www.gpsfiledepot.com/maps/view/1/
I uploaded it to my GPS (Garmin 60csx).

That's the one i've been using.

[tanman1337]

What kind of Aguamira are you guys talking about? The tablets, drops or the really small filters?

[tanman1337]

I tried calling the ATA about the pocket maps Tim, but I got no answer. I don't know how often they are in the office though...

[Gimmearaise]

What kind of Aguamira are you guys talking about? The tablets, drops or the really small filters?

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000OR111G
I'm a huge fan of this stuff, always seems to work for me!

[RossC]

Better or worse than plain old aquatabs?
http://www.aquatabs.com/

[tanman1337]

I was trying to read up on the differences between chlorine dioxide and iodine. They both seem to do the trick, not a lot of people said they got sick with either one. I'm gonna stick with my portable aqua iodine tabs. I've used them throughout my military career and they have always done the trick

[Gimmearaise]

That's the one i've been using.

I'm having trouble loading the file onto my Etrex? Is it similar to loading waypoints?

[RossC]

I'm having trouble loading the file onto my Etrex? Is it similar to loading waypoints?

Have you split it into 5 or 6 files at 10,000 trackpoints each? If not, you will only get part of the route  Then just select the gpx's you want in basecamp and send selected files to device.

[AZTtripper]

Good deal then, I'm leavin the filter at home and going to bring the Aquamira.

Question about Tucson: say I need some help from a bike shop. does any one reccomend a shop close to Broadway thats not to far west?

Pretty sure Broadway Bikes is the closest. West off course south on Comino Seco.

[AZTtripper]

I tried calling the ATA about the pocket maps Tim, but I got no answer. I don't know how often they are in the office though...

Yeah not to sure how much they are there, I sent an email to  Executive Director Matt Nelson. No reply yet. They have a big annual meeting coming up first of the month maybe after that.

[tanman1337]

Ok cool thanks a lot!

[tanman1337]

I have been hearing a lot of talk about all of the Specialized tires so far this race season...especially about the Renegade Control and Ground Control. Anyone roll with these? I ran two Rampages last year with no issues other than losing air through the sidewalls. I had to pump both of them up every morning, but nothing too bad. This year I was thinking about running a Saguaro TNT rear and Rampage front. But...yesterday I was just privileged to feel the sidewalls of the new Small Block 8 29" DCT SCT! I used to love running the 26" UST version of the Small Block and never had one issue with them and they are super fast rollers. IMO the 29" DCT SCT version of the Small Block 8 kicks the crap out of the TNT Saguaro sidewall thickness and the tire comes in right at 700 grams.

So my thoughts are trying out the Small Block 8 DCT SCT for a ton of rough desert miles on the rear with Rampage or a 2.3 Control up front for the next few months and decide if I want to go with this combo or back to double Rampages... Let me know what you think? Has anyone any other great ideas for a large volume tire for the front?

[RossC]

From a shuttle to the startline perspective, I'm thinking of flying into Tuscon. Is that the best option to get as close as possible to the start and be in the right area for shuttles or am i way off base?