AZTR 2013 Planning

[ScottM]

Scott, I signed up for service with my own unit and didn't get an email to fill out with the details. I don't know if that's auto generated or you send it out personally. If it's you I'll just wait to see it, if not, something is amiss.

The email gets automatically sent out, but sometimes goes into spam/bulk.  I just sent it to you.  Thanks.

[rhino]

since you're dealing with SPOTs.  Can you verify that you got my registration?  - Rhino

[ScottM]

since you're dealing with SPOTs.  Can you verify that you got my registration?  - Rhino

Yep, you should be good.

A little closer to the event I'll load everyone onto the tracker so we can double check that everyone that should be there is showing.

[Sean Allan]

Thanks Scott, I got my receipt but nothing else. I'll keep an eye out for it.

[Sean Allan]

So, it looks like the shuttle out of the bike shop has fizzled out. I can get a service from SV to take us to Parker Canyon or to the Visitor Center of the Monument. I can't really tell how either road compares to one another for getting to the start of the 750. What do the experts think? Thanks!

[ScottM]

So, it looks like the shuttle out of the bike shop has fizzled out. I can get a service from SV to take us to Parker Canyon or to the Visitor Center of the Monument. I can't really tell how either road compares to one another for getting to the start of the 750. What do the experts think? Thanks!

If you're in SV, I'd say take the ride to the visitors center.  You'll have a pretty decent climb at that point, but it should be shorter than riding from Parker.  And the drive to Parker from SV would be a lot longer too.

[THE LONG RANGER]

I'm also excited and also like bikes, we should go for a ride together sometime!

That, I believe, is a spectacular idea. Maybe a little hike down to the river, too?

[RossC]

That, I believe, is a spectacular idea. Maybe a little hike down to the river, too?

Sounds good. Beer at the finish (gee i hope there is a beer cache at the border)

[ne14cycling]

Sounds good. Beer at the finish (gee i hope there is a beer cache at the border)

I have no idea when I'm finishing but my wife and two other friends are bringing BEER!

[aarond]

 
Here are a few more recent pictures of the trail between Oracle and Picketpost:

http://aarondenberg.wordpress.com/

[fastmtnbiker33w]

So.....despite lacking the long rides I put in before last year's race, I'm in.  Going stealth this year and on the single.  If I don't mess around like last year, I should finish much sooner.  My biggest fear?  The dreaded Grasshopper Mouse.  Last year my helmet got destroyed at the Freeman cache by what I'm sure was kangaroo rats, but after learning about the tiny wolf in sheep's clothing and wondering what all those haunting sounds are that I've been hearing on my desert over nights, I'm dreading this little guy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=izizsAodOCk

I'm just hoping he decides to protect me from scorpions and tarantulas instead of eating my face.

[Holt]

sunscreen - any suggestions? I generally don't use it. I have a theory that I get more of a burn when I use it? maybe its what I'm using, "sport - sweat proof" Anyway, for this event I will get something. mainly for face, neck, ears, legs. I will use a long sleeve for arms.

[rhino]

sunscreen - any suggestions?

I use Bullfrog Quik Sticks.  Sunscreen in stick form.  I find lotions and sprays too messy. AZ Lizard, so I only put it on my nose and ears. 

[Stevland]

As someone that sweats like a fat kid, Neutrogena waterproof lotion works pretty well for me. I think I've been using the 50 and reapplying to my face and neck like every 4 hours. I've used others that claim to be waterproof/sweat proof that start to run and don't taste very good.

I've got some friends that swear by the arm coolers through the summer.

[chongoman]

Rookie Spot question:
Do I need to purchase the "track progress" feature for my spot to work with the Trackleaders map, or can I update my location manually by sending a message?

[ScottM]

Rookie Spot question:
Do I need to purchase the "track progress" feature for my spot to work with the Trackleaders map, or can I update my location manually by sending a message?

Your SPOT will work without track progress on trackleaders, but you will only get points when you push the OK button.  It'll look like you're well behind where you actually are and people will wonder why you've stopped...

But, otherwise, it works.

[raybum]

Hey all... If anyone is still looking for a ride from Picket Post to Parker Canyon Lake(end of 300), our shuttle currently has 4 slots left.  Send me a note if you're interested.
Looking forward to a great race this year and not getting my bike run over.....

[ScottM]

GPX for the 750 is out now!  It includes the Hope Camp that is also part of the 300, and also a bunch of track improvements north of where the 300 ends.

Check the GPX dir for a 10k simplified version if you want to save a step and your GPS likes 10,000 point tracks.

Also cue sheet have been updated.  One .xls file for both the 300 and 750.  Now, get to studying!  This means me, too!

All available here:

http://www.topofusion.com/azt/race-route.php

[B_Bock]

Scott,
Is it better to simplify the track to 10K or split the track into 8+ tracks? I want to make sure the simplified track will have enough detail for someone that has never ridden the route. Assuming my Dakota 20 can hold 80,254 points.

[ScottM]

Scott,
Is it better to simplify the track to 10K or split the track into 8+ tracks? I want to make sure the simplified track will have enough detail for someone that has never ridden the route. Assuming my Dakota 20 can hold 80,254 points.

For the 300 the 10k point file should be sufficient.  You might want to do multiple bigger tracks for the 750 if it's all new to you.  I still would say the full fill is overkill.  If you use TF to simplify it, I could see dropping it 40k, then splitting to 10k from there.  You'll have to turn each piece on individually after uploading.

The GPS may get a little sluggish if you load it with too many points, but it can handle 20 x 10k points, so you could upload the full file.