Dixie 200 2015

[ayayron]

I am in! See y'all on the 19th.

[ayayron]

How dry is the area this year? Trying to figure out water sources from the waypoint file on the Dixie 200 website. Looks like dependable sources are Navajo Lake and Todd's store, but I'm unclear if there are any dependable sources between Todd's and Tropic Reservoir (lots of springs and creeks that could be dried up?). I know Erin mentioned a spigot around mile 83. After Tropic, looks like plenty of water sources.

Looks like there's still snow on the course, see attached pic.

[mikedeber]

I'm having issues with loading the maps on the Dixie site, I remember they used to pull up on that google maps page.

There's a nice spring right on the trail, I think it's on Grandview trail?  Not specific, I know, but it's at the start of the big climb after the big down.  I don't have the gpx data on my work computer, I can check later for more specifics.


Then there is another spring a few hours later, this is from the 2013 2-epic blog dealio;
More tasty looking water in Mill Creek Canyon. At Mill Creek canyon turn left (north-west) on the single-track for 0.4 miles off course.

I filled up at both of these last time I rode the route and was doing great on fluids when I hit Tropic Res.

[ec_duz_it]

Here is my gpx from last year on google maps-  http://ridewithgps.com/routes/7746991

The little creek is at mile 100.1 on this map after starting a climb after a big descent.  The water tasted great.  The trails in this section are not maintained much.  I would actually say the driest section of the route is after Navajo Lake on day 1.  I did not fill up there, thinking the route would continue to have small little creeks every 10 miles, but I was totally wrong.  You definitely want to fill up a decent amount of water at the Navajo Lake spigots.  

There was also water at Pondunk Creek (mile 122.5 or so) where I saw a heard of about 200 Elk there.  That was pretty cool. 

[Woodland]

I am hoping to throw my hat in the ring as well. Not confirmed yet though.

FYI - I just talked to Tod's Country Store and they close at 8pm (open at 7am)...this seems earlier than previously reported on the site. Looking at past splits, it could be tight making it on Day 1 before closing.

The more I think about the resupply points...the more I think to just carry 2.5 days of food and not worry about it.

[ec_duz_it]

It is totally possible to make it, but you have to be pretty darn fast on day 1 to make it to the gas station before it closes. I would agree that just carrying enough food for 2.5 days would make the ride less stressful.  The store and restaurant at Panguitch Lake is pretty much a sure thing though unless you are going really fast or really slow. 

[DaveH]

I'm trying to do some route research but my tech skills are failing me.

http://2-epic.com/events/dixie200.html is the link you seek. Scroll down to 2013, all files are there.

[Shirey]

Cleared it with the wife and baby, so I am officially IN!

So excited to take on this route. I badly need to put that CTR DNF behind me although I realize that this one is far from a gimme. Looking forward to racing somewhere I've never been and looks like a fun group of riders coming together. I think I even know of another planning to show, but I'll let him speak for himself.

Think I am going to try out flat pedals w/ five ten shoes for the first time to see if that will stave off the achilles problems that I've struggled with. If anyone has a favorite of those shoes I'd love to hear. I'll check the forums too as I know that's been a common topic.

We should be out to camp Thursday evening before the start. Looking forward to meeting everyone! 

[rick miller]

Ok, I'm in until I'm not anymore.  Scott, as you know I use flats with 5.10 Guidetennies (nearly flat polka dot soles), which stick like spiderman.  The other day I wasn't paying attention and put on a pair of hikers  - didn't realize it until I was out on the trail.  They were nearly worthless.  Shoes do matter.

[Woodland]

I am in as well - and share many of Scott's sentiments: new trail, new test, new challenge, new area - new baby here as well (#3 though - so yeah, I need some time out on the trail - ha!)

I haven't done a lot of riding lately - coincidentally enough due to Achilles issues (the CT must really be an Achilles killer!) but I'm excited to get back out there...

[bmattingly]

Dave,

Do you recommend we contact Scott for a spot individually?

Brad M

[evdog]

Think I am going to try out flat pedals w/ five ten shoes for the first time to see if that will stave off the achilles problems that I've struggled with. If anyone has a favorite of those shoes I'd love to hear. I'll check the forums too as I know that's been a common topic.

For the last 10 years I have used flats with the original 5.10 Impact Low or Impact High.  They have always worked well for me.  They have too many new models for me to recommend any specific one, you will have to try them on and see what fits best.  Don't know I'd want to try them for the first time on a long ride.  FWIW, I get some achilles pain on the left foot.  Not sure if shoes are what cause it.  But it matches the pain in my right knee nicely!

[robotfury]

Just curious what 2.5 days worth of food looks looks like for you guys. Eats are a fun topic.

[Shirey]

Just curious what 2.5 days worth of food looks looks like for you guys. Eats are a fun topic.

I just strategized and made a list this weekend. Its not the healthiest menu in the world, but I take tasty things that I like and will want to eat so hopefully it motivates me to put the calories down. I've never had any stomach issues so my body seems to handle this kind of diet while bikepacking.

Also just taking enough to get to Panguitch Lake even if I miss Todd's Country store. So I figure 8000 calories can get me there. If I'm running low I can grab something at Harold's Restaurant. I'll probably drink a coke and eat a few calories from the Navajo Lodge when I pass through there early on day 1.

So my stash will probably look something like this:


8 packs Honey Stinger bites           1,280 calories
6 Honey Stinger Waffles              960
Dark Chocolate Expresso Trail Mix    1,000
Smashed up Ruffles                    1,000
Block Sharp Cheddar Cheese               960
four Small Candy Bars                    1,000
two PBJ                                       800
one 20oz Coke                               240
one BOMB frozen burrito               960
 
Total 8200 calories
   
 

[bmattingly]

I will be packin a fair amount of sustained energy or perpetuum to mix with water and drink calories.  About 6 energy bars a few paydays, some fig newtons, cashews or nuts, tuna or beef jerky, supplements, and some caffeine for sure.  Maybe a pop tart or so too.

I look forward to the event.  I'm working on work coverage now and trying to heal my back from a pull a couple weeks ago.  Getting strong.  Going to do a ride/race this weekend in Flag here.

Got the GPS track loaded thanks to my semi tech savy daughter.

Anyone have an idea how many of us are going?

[robotfury]

So looking at the map, major food stops are, correct? 
Chevron at mile 72
Harold's Place 154
Panguitch Lake General Store 179

[ec_duz_it]

Shirey, I am a life long flat pedal rider.  I just got the Five Ten "Ascent" shoes and I love them.  They are way lighter than my old Five Tens.  They almost make walk-a-bike fun.  The durability on these shoes is a little suspect though. I doubt they will last more than 1 year.  

[mikedeber]

Did some camping/riding in the area over the weekend...the Tropic Spring was flowing as nicely as the Thunder Mountain trail.

[DaveH]

Thanks for the onsite report Mike. How high did you get? (um elevation I mean) I think there is still some snow in the highest spots.

Brad - I'll talk to Scott about SPOT use and getting a tracker rolling and get back to you shortly...

[Shirey]

In the event of rain, which sections of this route contain the most death-mud?