AZTR baby.... and a few questions

[hanoch]

hey there, everybody

my name is hanoch, from ISRAEL, and i'm coming to race this year's AZT 750.
i am not new to the bikepacking ultra endurance scene (holding the record for the HLC in israel), but i have a few questions regarding the AZTR.

first- where can i find the GPX files for the route?
second- how do i get to the start point of the 750? it only says "mexican border line" on the website... i'm pretty sure it's a rather long border line

do i get by car to the start of the 300, and then ride to the start of the 750? or there's a road and a meeting point to the 750?

thanks- it's going to be epic!

[geekonabike]

Firstly almost all the info U need is in this Thread:  http://www.bikepacking.net/forum/ultra-racing/2019-aztr-300750-race-preparation-and-planning-thread/

Yes, most folks get dropped off at the 300 start line, the Parker Canyon Lake trailhead then ride to the start (due south on double track). Personally, I'm planning on parking at the Sierra Vista airport & riding to start (slightly longer on slightly better roads).

GPX files are at:  https://aztrail.home.blog/route-gpx/
as unexpected reroutes crop up keep an eye on the prep-planing forum for last minute gpx changes.

[Brian McEntire]

Yes, most folks get dropped off at the 300 start line, the Parker Canyon Lake trailhead then ride to the start (due south on double track). Personally, I'm planning on parking at the Sierra Vista airport & riding to start (slightly longer on slightly better roads).

I plan on riding to the start as well. I'll be driving to Tucson, then riding south. What is your tactic? I am torn between coming from the north (Parker Lake) or the East (Coronado NM). My concern is that I don't have first hand knowledge of the area and can't find reliable info on the East route. I know bikes aren't allowed in the NM, but you should be able to ride on roads cars drive. Can you ride W Montezuma Canyon Rd in from the East?

[AZTtripper]

If you were driving to the border going thru SV is the way to go, riding might be a toss up. Distances look similar using google, SV puts your last resupply closer to the start, I see Kurt cleared up the riding on roads in the Monument. Going south from Sonoita via Parker Lake is a slower highway, that might make it a nicer ride then going thru SV. There's always been water in Bear Creek 7 miles on course west of the border start. Most likely someone at the start could give you water but the creeks there if you want to maintain self support badge.

[geekonabike]

I've ridden to the start from Sonoita. Not a bad route at all. I had a sneaking suspicion that there must be an offroad short cut, but I stayed on the main road & save the lost backtracking for the race  ; -)