Coconino 250 Loop Race 2012

[Roland Sturm]

Les, I had no problems after reducing points and splitting (because my GPS has the old limit on 500 points per track), file seems fine. Could it be that you are running against one of those constraints and your track is truncated?

[raybum]

Anyone else having trouble with the GPX file?  I'm only getting 128 miles on my GPS.  What am I doing wrong?

-Les Handy

Les, what kind of GPS are you using?  I've got an Etrex30 and after reducing it to 9500 trackpoints, it loaded up correctly.

[the tortoise]

Here is a thread from another forum on how to do this. http://www.gps-forums.net/pc-app-reducing-track-points-t27881.html

If you have topo fusion you can split and simplify tracks and that is how I did it.
It would be nice if someone could split the tracks for the Coconino race by stage and simplify each one to 500 points then publish it.

[spoke537]

Les, what kind of GPS are you using?  I've got an Etrex30 and after reducing it to 9500 trackpoints, it loaded up correctly.

I have an eTrex30 also.  Must be too many points.  I can't use Topofusion either since I only have a MAC.  Martin emailed the files of each day's route so I'll give that a try when I get home.  Betting that will work fine.

Thanks for the help!  Without the GPS I might as well ride around in cricles all day.   

-Les 

[ScottM]

Howdy folks.  Coco is coming right up... and the weather looks puuuuuurfect and puuuuuurdy!  I do wish I was joining ya'll, but two times around the loop this year (both last spring) was probably enough for one year.

SPOT Renters: Martin S. will be bringing the rental SPOTs to the Place @7am on Friday.  If you're picking up a rental, please be there then, even if you are not planning to start until a little later in the day.  He'll  have your unit, but remember that you need 3AAA lithium (energizer) batts to power it.  One set will be plenty for the duration of the loop.

The tracking map is up:

http://trackleaders.com/coconino

If you have paid for tracking or a rental and are NOT showing on it, please let me know ASAP.  There's still time to sign up for both rentals and private tracking additions.  I'll have Martin bring a few extra SPOTs just in case there are last minute folks.

Timing (this is important):  Of course we are tracking the event, but the most important thing is to bring a piece of paper and a pen so you can record your time out and time in for each stage of the race.  Email those times (and a supporting GPX file) to both Chad and I (smorris@topofusion.com is my address) after the race to be included in the results.  Any questions about timing?  Ask here, or drop us a note.

It's important to have both the track file AND the waypoint GPX since the camp spots and start/finish of each stage are noted therein.  It is a common occurrence that folks are not able to find the 1st camp spot (Sedona Overlook) when they don't have a GPS properly set up.  It's just a little bit off route.  This leads to a long stage 1 time (and frustration...).  Remember there may be a beer bonus for whoever makes the offroute trip to Munds Park to pickup a few cold ones...

Any other questions?  Have a great time out there!

[raybum]

One very important question...
I'll be driving up TH and staying in Munds...If I was to stash a cooler of beer (enough for everyone) somewhere along Schnebly between i-17 and the overlook,
a) would I get a time bonus
b) is it within the rules

Ray

[the tortoise]

I am going for the soonest to be disqualified category!

[ScottM]

One very important question...
I'll be driving up TH and staying in Munds...If I was to stash a cooler of beer (enough for everyone) somewhere along Schnebly between i-17 and the overlook,
a) would I get a time bonus
b) is it within the rules

Ray

Good question Ray.  While historically there has been an emphasis on enjoying a cold one on the rim overlooking Sedona, remember that the race is self supported.  Chad can correct me if I'm wrong but I think the beauty of it is the self-supported, hand carried, off-route nature of the beer, should it make it to the rim.  Makes them all the more valuable.

So, I would say no bonus and frowned upon by race HQ...

[markphx]

Good question Ray.  While historically there has been an emphasis on enjoying a cold one on the rim overlooking Sedona, remember that the race is self supported.  Chad can correct me if I'm wrong but I think the beauty of it is the self-supported, hand carried, off-route nature of the beer, should it make it to the rim.  Makes them all the more valuable.

So, I would say no bonus and frowned upon by race HQ...

I'll be willing to make the detour (time bonus or not). I'll grab a sixer of Banquet or equivalent to share at the overlook. Not sure how cold they'll be when I arrive, but what I can guarantee is that they'll likely result in a refreshing beer mist shower upon opening them .

If a few other willing souls grab some brews, we might have enough to ensure everyone in the group gets a can.

I'm thinking 10 minutes of time bonus per can. Sound fair?

[JTVT29]

Speaking of beer, anyone up for grabbing one Thursday night?

Also re: parking; i'm at the Highland Inn 100 yards from The Place and they said it'd be fine to leave up to three cars here if anyone needs a place to park.

Jay

[Buttermilk]

Hey Jay,

thanks for the parking lead, I'll be pulling in early Friday Am and will park there. I have a blue Chevy Prism. See you there.

Jeremy

[kipyoung]

Not sure of my plans yet Les, but good chance someone will be able to get you there... on the way back to Tucson.

Tracking sign-up is ready on trackleaders.com:

http://trackleaders.com/coconino-signup

Rentals and private add options available.  As always, tracking is not required, but is a lot of fun!

Also, I finally revived my sleepy blog with a post about my 2nd attempt (another failure) on the Coco last may:

http://www.topofusion.com/diary/2012/09/13/coconino-redo/

Happy fall, y'all.  Looks like it'll be a great crew this year... should be fun!

For ITTers starting in the 12th, do we use the same SPOT sign up on trackleaders.com? I have my own.

[ScottM]

For ITTers starting in the 12th, do we use the same SPOT sign up on trackleaders.com? I have my own.

Yep, go ahead and use the same form, just make sure you let me know you're on the 12th.  Or do it after tomorrow morning and I'll know it's not for the 5th.    Thanks.

[ScottM]

I'm thinking 10 minutes of time bonus per can. Sound fair?

I don't think any actual time bonus has ever been awarded, but it is fun to talk about it, or con people into getting the beer with talk of time bonuses.    At least I think that's always been Chad's plan...

[AZTtripper]

Seems like some one did try to make the beer run that first year. As I recall it too him so much longer we were all asleep when he showed up. Oh and then he finally said screw it and dropped the beers at the turn off.

In 2010 riding up Mingus Dan Montgomery's beer can fell out of his pack, I got to help him polish it off as it was spraying and had to going fast. That was a good beer. Anything preplanned just wouldn't be as good.

[markphx]

Seems like some one did try to make the beer run that first year. As I recall it too him so much longer we were all asleep when he showed up. Oh and then he finally said screw it and dropped the beers at the turn off.

Sounds like a challenge. One that I'm willing to take on . I'll be at the overlook, before sundown (ain't gonna miss out on that), with six cans in my possession. I just hope that everyone is willing to help me drink them.

[AZTtripper]

Sounds like a challenge. One that I'm willing to take on . I'll be at the overlook, before sundown (ain't gonna miss out on that), with six cans in my possession. I just hope that everyone is willing to help me drink them.

No doubt someone will. Maybe not everyone, but I doubt you'll have any left in the end.

[kipyoung]

What's the LBS of choice in Flagstaff for last minute needs?

[ScottM]

What's the LBS of choice in Flagstaff for last minute needs?

Not sure there is one.  Most of the shops right there in downtown are pretty good.  Absolute, AZ Bikes...

Looks like most everyone is on their way, with a few folks still lingering in Flagstaff.  The open ended start time (of even the first stage) is one of my favorite aspects of this event.  Low stress, low pressure, start when things are ready for you...

Bump bump bump... there are lot's of those on stage 1 !!

[kipyoung]

Looks like the first DNF has occured. Wish we had real-time updates like, "My derailleur exploded" or "Went over handlebars, face lacerated", etc...  blue dot watching is ridiculously addicting.  Spot needs more buttons and options for custom commentary.