AZTR 2013 Planning

[AZTtripper]

Made the trip up to Monlino today. Had a great ride up the AZT and then even more up on the Bugs Springs trail.

So we didn't see any water near the highway, but there is water in the same area as in the past. Up stream from the creek crossing just before the highway.

That one is at 32.33930 N 110.68673 W

Also there was water west of the highway small pool just a few feet up from the trail. At 32.33470 N 110.69540 W tho in my past experience the water on the west side has more tannic acid in it water on the east side looks less brown.

[ScottM]

After we reach the North Rim, what is the protocol for deciding whether we ride the route or take hwy 67 to Jacob's Lake Inn?

For example, if we see a sign saying that the trail is closed, then I assume we are allowed to ride the hwy all the way to Jacob's Lake Inn and connect back with the route just beyond that.

But, in the case where there is no sign, do we just look at the snow pack on the trail and decide for ourselves?

Good question.

There isn't likely to be a sign, so it's going to be a judgement call based on when you get there and what it looks like.  It will likely not be snowy right at the north rim, but the trail climbs ~1000' from there.

Chances for riding the actual trail are better than they've ever been.  So it's a rare opportunity to knock out a full full AZT, and I'd encourage it.  Having said that, I think every year the pavement will be a permitted detour.  So, for consistency/comparing, taking the road makes sense.

I'm not sure what I will do when I get there, but I am going to plan for the extra hours of pedaling before resupply in Jacob Lake, so I have the option if I choose it.  It's good trail, doesn't take all that long (if not littered in trees).  However, the road is the quickest route to food, and the finish, so it's going to be hard to resist.

I am guessing it will be much like the paved detours allowed in the divide.  Nearly everyone takes them, and a few folks get badass points for sticking with the real route.  I hope somebody goes for it this year!

[THE LONG RANGER]

I showed my housemates the Trackleaders site to follow along and one of them saw the actual route, and what it goes through. Her comment on it all?

"This race is Fucked."

Guess now they  know why I feel all nervous!

[cheeseunit]

 Found out from the bike shop today my rear wheel is toast.Hub split into 2 pieces,collapsed cassette into spokes.That final shakedown ride saved me from an early departure of my first az300 attempt.Now I have 2 days to scrounge up the cash to sort a wheel.SUPER BUMMED right now.

[joeydurango]

You can do it!  DIG DIG DIG!

[cheeseunit]

yeah,just bummed right now.got a good friend who offered his up,just hate the thought of beating on someone's stuff.

[ScottM]

MTBCast is providing call-ins, again this year (thanks to Joe Polk!).  Add the toll-free number to your phones and phone lists:

888-866-4491

I don't expect too many folks will call in from the 300 (though all are welcome to), but it's nice to hear from the blue/pink dots out there for a week+ on the 750!

[johnnyp]

Will the Fisher Fire cause any problems for the 750 racers?

http://arizonahiking.blogspot.com/2013/04/fisher-fire-update.html

[AZTtripper]

Yep they go right by there. Says the AZT is temporarily closed.

There are trails that head out to the highway closer to Fisher Point, or they may have to bail out at Marshall Lake.

A quick check of the ATA site shows some detouring around Grand View Lookout as well.

[RossC]

When I went through northern Arizona a month ago a landslide had just closed Highway US89.  This the main connector from Page to points north and northeast.  If you coming down from the north or northwest use 89A and let anyone who picks you up at the finish tthat they need to work around the closed section of 89.  Here is the latest on the detour and when they might get the road fixed:

http://azdot.gov/CCPartnerships/News/NRel3455.asp

My exut strategy was to ride from the finish to Page. Is the road closure further North than that or do i need to revisit my strategy?

[the tortoise]

My exut strategy was to ride from the finish to Page. Is the road closure further North than that or do i need to revisit my strategy?

It looks like you might need to revise: http://www.azdot.gov/us89/pdf/13-090_Flyer_US89Detour_FINAL.pdf

[RossC]

No, thats cool, i was going to go North first and then backtrack on 89 which should still work.

[ne14cycling]

To all,

Good luck.  Some of you I'll meet, others I wont.  Lets all finish this beast.  Be safe, smile and take in this beautiful place.

Cliff

[ScottM]

Will the Fisher Fire cause any problems for the 750 racers?

http://arizonahiking.blogspot.com/2013/04/fisher-fire-update.html

Thanks for posting this!  It does sound like racers will have to detour, unless they can get it controlled in the next week.  I'd say that's possible given that it's only 40 acres of right now.

Will post again and try to figure out the best detour.

[ScottM]

Wow.  Looks like there is a detour in affect near Mormon Lake, too.

http://www.aztrail.org/AZT_Reroute_MormonLake_Oct2012.pdf

Thinning operations.  It says thru winter 2013.  It seems like it'll be pretty easy to figure out and should be signed.  You just drop down to the lodge (bonus) and rejoin the trail a little bit later.

It is unclear what, if anything, needs to be skipped near Grandview Lookout (near the south rim).  I will see if I can find anything out.

[ScottM]

I have emails in to the three segment stewards of the sections in question.  Will post more and have updated info at the start, for those traveling now.

Sounds like all 3 will probably not be too hard to figure out once on the ground.  As always, follow the rules and respect any closures.  Make your best effort to rejoin the GPX route where safe and legal to do so.

[ScottM]

I should mention these detours only affect 750 racers, not 300.

[ScottM]

Confirmed - reroute still in place by Mormon Lake.  This is actually good since it puts the lodge *on route*.  It's pretty easy to rejoin the AZT afterwards.  Probably the most straightforward is FS240, the road the Coconino Loop takes.  Looks like the pdf map has a way to join a little bit earlier.  Either is fine (difference of only a slight bit).

Here's a little race coverage on Half Past Done:

http://halfpastdone.com/2013/04/17/arizona-trail-race-begins-friday/

[tanman1337]

Good luck on chasing the record Scott. I wish I could be at the start with all you guys on Friday. Good luck to all. I will be glued to Trackleaders for the next few weeks! I took my first few steps yesterday without my crutches and got on the bike for the first time again. Hope the weather stays cool for you all!

[mb]

Wishing all'you'all safe travels to the start-line and a great ride. Remember, it's a helluva feat just getting to the start. I'll be following the dots and rooting for all to finish.