Dixie 200/311

[Pawel]

After reading some trip reports and looking at photos I feel enough inspired for Dixie 311 or even more 

In order to make logistic easier I'm planning the Dixie loop in another loop...

Start St George, 20th of June -> 2 days riding following more or less Trans Utah to Cedar City -> 5 days on Dixie 311 course -> 1 day Cedar City to St George via Mt Baldy and Pine Valley Mountains Wilderness.

500+ miles total, I'm not sure about total climbing but it will be a lot!

What do you think? Is it doable?

Who wants to join me?

[DaveH]

That's some Dixie spirit!

Can you be more specific on your Mt Baldy route?  I think I know but want to be sure before I comment.

St George is hot in late June - like 105F hot.  If you are strong and start after dark you can get to higher elevations N of Virgin before the heat of the next day, that is the only way I'd attempt a hot desert crossing that time of year.  The first 80 miles of TU are below 4k' or so for the most part.  Once you get over 7k' up Kolob your good to go.

The 311 route took me 3.5 days when I did it.  The only other finishers took about 7 days, and it's debatable whether or not they enjoyed it: http://lacemine29.blogspot.com/2011/07/three-one-one.html .  Personally I think it makes a better race route than fishing trip bikepack

Let me know more about the Baldy part and then I'll comment on doable.  So far so good.

[Pawel]

Thank you Dave for the comment about hot weather. I'm considering riding at night. Do you know is there any grocery in Virgin? (I've found in google a place called Buffalo Trails Traiding and I hope to get some food there).

I'm including gps track for the route from Cedar City to St George via Mt Baldy. Generally I generated this route on google maps using bike specific properties. I'm not sure if bikes are allowed there...

The intent of this trip is fast touring including some sleep (in opposite to 'short' AZT300 )

Edit: I deleted gps track because it is no go on bike there.

[DaveH]

Your proposed Baldy route makes a beeline for Pine Valley wilderness, which unfortunately makes it illegal for bikes.  Aside from the legal issues, it would be complete hell with a loaded bike, making the AZT seem a stroll in the park.  Great hiking though

I would recommend keeping your route NE of Cedar City.  It really is an inhospitable time of year for bikepackers in the lower deserts.  The high country (which the Dixie routes travel through) is heaven on earth at that time of year, it's a stark contrast.

If the 311 is not long enough, you might consider some of the options on this map:  http://2-epic.com/maps/311map.html?map=bikepacking09.kml&index=15 The area from Powell Point to near Boulder is an immense high plateau, at times over 11,000' with high lakes and enormous views on the rims (bug juice is a necessity there in late June).  It's all jeep roads.  The TU route just south of there from Boulder back to Powell point could be used to form a loop in that region.  The TU route is SW of boulder is mostly singletrack, in some places tacky & buff, in others nearly non-existent with the ever-present challenge of downed trees.

The stores in Virgin are primarily gift shops that service travelers to/from Zion NP.  I'm not certain of their hours, but they certainly don't open very early or stay open very late in the day.  The one you mention is probably the best for resupply, although there are a couple of restaurants also.

[Pawel]

Thank you very much Dave for clarification. Your comments are very helpful. I ended up with the combined route of Dixie 311 and your and Lynda bikepacking trip. It looks like 8 days of solid ride 

[DaveH]

Thank you very much Dave for clarification. Your comments are very helpful. I ended up with the combined route of Dixie 311 and your and Lynda bikepacking trip. It looks like 8 days of solid ride 

That's a rad looking ride!  Big too

A few notes as I follow your track...

- the 50 miles or so from Red Canyon to Circleville are the hardest on your route.  Plan some extra time for getting up and over the Sevier plateau.
- there is some good singletrack on the south side of Fish Lake, I know because I rode about 15 years ago.  There is also a boulder choked trail alongside the lake that is completely unridable, even for Hans Rey...well maybe.  Anyway, all I can really say for sure is don't go where our track did, and have bug spray.  Nothing like being trapped in hike a bike when the mozzies hatch and are HUNGRY!
- there are lots of options for getting across the Paunsaugunt via a different route should you choose to, have a look at the different files available at http://2-epic.com/?page_id=815 .

Looks like a great route!

[Pawel]

It is so great to have such a site and local bikers recommending riding directions! I have to put together some bikepacking route in Poland as well someday.

It looks like iterations of my trans Utah route converge slowly  

I rerouted Fish Lake portion to a singletrack on the north side of the lake.

[JayP]

anybody else planning on this? i am coming down with another...

[moabjason]

Mabey 2-3 of us from Moab.

[GrizzlyAdam]

I can't make the Dixie this year, heading to California that week. But I did the Dixie "Lite" in 2010, and had an amazing time. The Dixie 200 covers much of the same ground. It's beautiful, big, overwhelming terrain. Really neat. I drove through some of the area recently, got all misty-eyed...

Photos from the Dixie Lite: http://on.fb.me/JjN7ej

[mikedeber]

3 weeks out   Are people getting stoked? I'm looking forward to a long ride in the Dixie.

[moabjason]

Less than 2 weeks out. Can't wait to see what the course is going to be. I feel l am awaiting orders for a sweet mission, and for my sins mabey I will get just that.

[DaveH]

The course will be *mostly* the same as what is currently posted.  The part that will change is the start/finish.  Last fall hwy 14 was taken out by a landslide of epic proportions and is currently only open at night, Woods Ranch gets the axe.  We will start with a 4,000' climb up to the alpine!  Start is near Parowan.

I'll ride the full Grandview trail this weekend to make the call on whether or not it get's included.  Hopefully it is clear enough because it is my fav part of the route.

I'll post a proposed final route later this week and a final route next Monday.  Watch this space....

[moabjason]

Thanks for the update and thanks for all your work.

[kullaberg]

I'm in! Although it sounds pretty hard..

[DaveH]

The route file is up:  http://2-epic.com/events/dixie200.html

Topofusion says 204 miles and a few feet shy of 30k' vert.  Low snowpack this year means we get to do Sydney Peaks and Dark Hollow.  Stoked on that!

Note also the start location has changed.  Hwy 14 was clobbered by a mudslide of epic proportions last fall and the road is still being built.  Access to Woods Ranch (the original start/finish) is limited to nights and weekends right now.

We'll start just south of Parawan on 143 where it meets 2nd Left Hand canyon.  The route starts with a 4,000' climb, but as big climbs go this one goes quite fast.

Take a look, fire away with any questions.  Sins rewarded

[rfutah]

Was thinking of tagging along for a lite version.  How is the ascent up Brianhead.  Anything  technical?  Looks like 2 miles of single track in that inital ascent.

[DaveH]

I think you'd be referring to the Sydney Peaks trail.  Technically it is easy.  It does have some short steep areas that will be challenging to ride loaded, but it's all rideable.  Since it is all over 10k and tops out just under 11k'  there is not a lot of oxygen to spare

Note the route traverses the Sydney peaks trail twice: once after topping out on the 2nd left hand climb (shortly after the start), and then again after doing the big main loop.  The first time doing Sydney peaks you turn left/south to head out on the Marathon trail, the second time you finish Sydney peaks you turn right for the rowdy descent to the finish (Dark Hollow descent).

Here's the graphic:



Also, not sure how "lite" you are looking for - but the Dixie Lite route might be what you are looking for:  http://2-epic.com/events/dixielite.html .  Mostly the same route minus the southern end of the Paunsaugunt.

[rfutah]

Just what I was looking for.  Will add this start/end section to the lite course.   Thanks

[SLCook]

I am going to be there. 

I am glad to ride the Marathon 1st this year.  Last time I rode it in the 2010 DixieLite it was mentally challenging, hot, seemed to go on forever.  Not to mention bumpy.  Maybe I was just tired.

Where can we park? 
Do you know when does the Long Valley store closes?