CSTR Planning

[tanman1337]

August 31st is going to come up quick. Figured we could start sharing info and get to planning the next adventure.

-Tanner

[tanman1337]

I'll kick it off with who all is going to be heading up there from AZ? I was wondering if most people are going to make the long drive or try getting a cheap flight into Sacramento?

[Sean Allan]

A little bit of eye candy for those of you considering coming out.

[Sean Allan]

Now this race might not be for everyone. Absolutely no offense to the many amazing race/routes out there, but if you feel that pushing your bike for endless miles is a key to a stellar race, than this might not be the race for you. I feel that riding my bike is the best time I can have and I tried very hard to maximize ride to hike time.

[Sean Allan]

Will you push your bike? Yes. Will you wish bad things on me? I don't think so.

[tanman1337]

I'm hooked. Already downloading the topos and imagery for the Etrex. You think there will be any route changes to that GPX file you had posted on the race page?

[AKSharon]

Hey Sean looks like a great loop.  Do you have any cue cards, or if not any cue cards, do you have a list of  places for water and food along the way?  Thanks, Sharon

[Gimmearaise]

Link? would like to check it out.

[mikeb57]

I'm in.......the pics did it for me, thanks Sean for making this happen. I'm not fast , I  figure 8 to 10 days , or more I don't care.........

[mtnbound]

Sean, wow, great pics! Makes me drool for awesome backcountry singletrack. Can't make it this year but hope to next year.

[joeydurango]

Well damn.  I do love hike-a-bike.

But seriously (although I do like HAB sometimes), I like riding my bike too of course, and those photos are enticing...

[Sean Allan]

There may be a few small changes to the route, mostly new Tahoe Rim Trail stuff that should be complete this year. They are very minor additions, mostly just trailhead alterations around private property and such.

I'm going to waypoint most of the water spots. It's NorCal so water is not really a big concern. You will need to filter though. I will also list the resupply points and where you will need to get supplies if it's going to be a big push to the next resupply. There are really no big sections without possible resupply, timing is key to a lot of the stops though, many will not be open past 8-9 pm.

 If I can figure out how to assemble cue sheets I will certainly do that, right now it's above my skill set but I'm going to try and make a go of it here in the next week or so.

[aaron w]

Thanks a lot Sean.  Being completely foreign to that part of the country I'm really glad that you are going to waypoint some water and re-supply locations.  I don't need everything spelled out for me but having this basic info available will sure make the route a lot more accessable.


Can't wait to see a bit of the Sierras!

[tanman1337]

Honestly, I think most people know that cue cards are pretty primitive anyway. I would just start with any GPS from the start and get a rough estimate of important turns/water spots and such. I'm sure Scott could really help you out with that kind of thing if you asked.

-Tanner

[FatCloud]

Hey, so this will be the end of my summer tour (if things go to plan and I get the summer job I'm shooting for). I would need a place to stash my loaded touring kit to skimp down to my "race kit" (basically dropping rack panniers and laptop).

I NEED to do this, make sure I do this guys.

[AZTtripper]

Sean, I think doing a cue sheet would be a good idea. There are people who don't like GPS. With a simple list of road numbers and trail names along with distances between each should be enough for those who want to read maps and navigate with a cycle computer.

I know that Scott tells people the cues are in GPS miles, so always short, if he says go .8 expect 1 mile, or if its 8 miles it may be 8.2+. But if your talking signed trails and roads they should be able to figure it out. Just takes a lot more awareness then GPS navigation.

Once you have your track just start cutting it at known junctions and record the distance between turns.

Feel free to email me if you need any questions with TopoFusion cue sheet writing, I think Scott is in the process of moving north so he may be a bit busy.

Tim

Oh and the pics do look sweet. I have spent some time in CA and I could see going back for this one.

[RossC]

Those photos are spectacular Sean. I wish I could get back there this year for it 2014 perhaps.

[dream4est]

I am in, barring failure in the CTR. So I will see you on Aug 31st Sean

[forest_on_bike]

I'm in too. If all goes well, this will be the last of my 5 bikepacking races this summer.

Sean, let me know if you need any help.

I rode part of the course last year. Here is my short blog post with some pics: http://teamkaker.com/sierra-trail-race-tahoe-sample/.

Yes, there are a few spots that require dismounting and walking a short/moderate distance, but this will seem like a stroll in the park compared to all the HAB on the AZT 750.

Lastly, I live in Sunnyvale (near San Francisco), but my parents live in Sacramento (~30 minutes from the start). If anyone is struggling with logistics, let me know. I might be able to help you out.

Forest

[Sean Allan]

Mark and Forest,
Damn. I don't know if I should be envious or relieved that I don't have the time nor inclination to take on your racing schedule this year, very impressive. I hope to see you both in August!