Dixie 200, 2016 edition

[DaveH]

There has been a lot of interest in the Dixie 200 recently, its time for a 2016 Dixie 200 thread. Reports, pictures, questions, fears, triumphs, let it all out here.

The Dixie 200 will start on Friday, June 17 at 7AM at the campsite 1/2 mile up Second Lefthand Canyon (beginning of the route).

The (outdated) event website is http://2-epic.com/events/dixie200.html The route has not changed since 2013, so the posted gpx files (for 2013) are up to date.

The Dixie Trackleaders signup is live: http://trackleaders.com/dixie-signup

The Dixie Tracker is at http://trackleaders.com/dixie16

[KeneticSam]

Ok, let's start with the basics, what to ride?  My options are:
Fat bike
FS
Rigid

What do people like to ride on this route?  Which bike do you wish you would have brought instead?

I'm leaning towards the fatty.

[Shirey]

Ok, let's start with the basics, what to ride?  My options are:
Fat bike
FS
Rigid

What do people like to ride on this route?  Which bike do you wish you would have brought instead?

I'm leaning towards the fatty.

All of these options were represented last year. I rode a 29-er hardtail which was fine for just about everything, but after walking down a good chunk of Dark Hollow I was wishing for my Yeti SB-66c.

[robotfury]

I got a substantial taste of the course in last year's race (DNF). I rode my Vasasgo steel HT. Sometimes. Mostly I carried it.  It is doable on a hard tail, but it comes with a significant reduction in overall joy of some gnarly and fun sections. Also, this is a brutal course and the benefits of FS allowing you to climb rocky sections, descend rocky sections, minimizing the overall beat down you body gets over the course... all make FS a wise choice IMHO.  I don't want to go back to the Dixie with my current set up. I would definitely with a = FS.  I could see a fat bike making the course enjoyable with all that rubber. One guy had a Buchskaw and that to me just looked like the perfect rig for the Dixie. 

[evdog]

I rode a Ti hardtail last year.  With the amount of dirt road on the course I think that was a better choice than my Mojo SL.  Either hardtail or FS would work though. 

I really liked the route.  Lots of variety in terrain and great views, pretty easy resupply provided you can get there when they are open, and plenty of water sources.  I am planning to ride again this year. 

Last year I found it really hot out on the second and third days, even up at elevation on the Paunsaugunt.  I will probably carry more food with me this time so I don't have to worry about making the resupply points in time (didn't make any of em - slow rider!).  This will also give me more flexibility if I want to ride longer into the night. 

Hoping to make it in three days this time with a sunset or sunrise on Thunder Mtn (or maybe both?  )


One thing to note for anyone coming from Socal, there is a big music festival in Vegas this same weekend and traffic on I-15 was a nightmare both coming and going (Thurs/Mon).  I may try to find an alternate route this time.       

[Woodland]

I did it on a HT, but not rigid. There is some rough shit out there!

I don't remember any rigids from last year, but there were some fattys

[Cedar Wing]

Hey Folks - Thanks for all the good info here it is very helpful.  Trip is officially booked, staying at Brian Head for a day before / after followed by camping for remainder of the week (taking recommendations if you got any!). 

Working on a cue sheet now with resupply and water distances.  I am basing it off of the water source excel sheet on the official website. 

Just curious from last year if there are any material changes I should be aware of?  Were there any sources that were particularly convenient on route that had good water I should note?  I'll have capacity to carry 5L, I think that is sufficient but if anyone thinks more is necessary please let me know because I can make room, really most concerned about water at this point. 

Thanks in advance, looking forward to seeing Utah finally!
MW

[Woodland]

really most concerned about water at this point.
MW

I had capacity for 3.5L - I filled up at the spigot at Te-Ah campground, Tod's Store, the spring at Mill Creek, the Tropic Spring spigot, then ran a bit dry until the piped spring on the way to Panguitch Lake (I did get some sodas at the vending machines near Harold's Place - everything was closed when I rolled through). That was it. I probably should have carried one more bottle to make it 4L. You could plan on more water at the Panguitch lake services, but I rolled through at 1am or something.

[Reed Abbott]

I'm planning to be there this year.

[wolfmansbro]

Planning on rolling out June 18th for an ITT. Hope that isn't an issue. Mike Barklow and I already bought tickets to a concert Thursday night in SLC so it looks like Saturday will be the day for us.

[ayayron]

You'll have some company out there - big ultrarunning race happening that same weekend up on the plateau:

http://www.grandcircletrails.com/bryce-canyon-general-info/

I'll actually be running the 50 miler this year - bummed to miss the Dixie, but at least I'll see some of you out there!

[hikeabike]

Hello!  What are the snow concerns on this route? Specifically, are they better or worse than the Grand Loop snow concerns? I would like to do one of these routes in late May.

Thanks!

[DaveH]

Planning on rolling out June 18th for an ITT. Hope that isn't an issue. Mike Barklow and I already bought tickets to a concert Thursday night in SLC so it looks like Saturday will be the day for us.

Totally fine Josh. ITTs rock, and this way you and Mike will get to ride with almost everyone this year

[DaveH]

Hello!  What are the snow concerns on this route? Specifically, are they better or worse than the Grand Loop snow concerns? I would like to do one of these routes in late May.

I have not been tracking Grand Loop snowpack lately, but you'd want to look at the Columbine SNOTEL readings, it should be snow free for 2 weeks before heading out.

For the Dixie this shows current conditions in the region: http://1.usa.gov/1XXhQjC The "midway valley" reading is most relevant, that's close to 10k on the markagunt. I'd guess late may will be too soon for the highest areas of the Dixie - top of the first climb and the first singletrack - but everything else will be fine. The next few weeks will make a big difference one way or the other.

[hikeabike]

Thanks for the info, DaveH!

[Cedar Wing]

I concur, really appreciate the info Dave!

Adding to the list, will SPOT trackers be available again this year for the route?

Thanks again,

[DaveH]

SPOT trackers? But of course! I'll post a signup link about 3 weeks prior to go time.

[wolfmansbro]

Dixie 200 Discussion next week, May 19th. If anyone is interested... check the SLC Bicycle Touring, Bikepacking, Fat Biking group on meetup.com Otherwise just stop by Saturday Cycles.

[Woodland]

I'll never ditch my backpack.

I don't know why everyone seems to think that if you don't wear a backpack you are somehow a better, more experienced bikepacker.

I feel naked without one on multi-day trips. Plus, if something goes wrong...it'll be awfully nice to have that pack to carry out your gear.

EDIT: sorry for the digression (I was just noticing the second topic of discussion in the above meetup)

[geekonabike]

I like having a packed away collapsed backpack. Handy for extra food & water on the long stretches between resupplys.