Dixie 200/311

[DaveH]

Yep, the event will be tracked on Trackleaders and Bluedot. We're still working out the details, stay tuned. I'll be at the start and can arrange to have a few spots units on hand - let me know if you need one. 

In other news, I missed a call from Kurt Refsnider yesterday, but he did leave a long message about a great rugged route with some sections of downed trees...will have to wait for more news. He had done the 200 (or lite, not sure) and was pushing on with the full 311.

[DaveH]

OK, Trackleaders is all set to go.

The tracking page is at http://trackleaders.com/dixie13.

Sign up for tracking at http://trackleaders.com/dixie-signup.

I will be at the start venue the night before the start. If anyone decides to rent a SPOT unit Scott will send them all to me and I will hand them out either the evening before the start, or at the start. Don't forget to bring batteries for it!

I'm getting news via Facebook that the Virgin River Rim trail is getting cleaned up by trail crews as I write this....should be good to go by go time. No promises on the Spruce trail tho

[Buttermilk]

so, i suspect it would be wise to run some sealant in my tubes for this race but just want to get some local wisdom on it. Sealant or no sealant?

[DaveH]

The route is high enough that cacti is somewhat rare, so I wouldn't think it's mandatory. That said, I have never ridden in the area with tubes. 100% stans convert here

Back when I did run tubes (what decade was that??) I used the specialized airlocks. Those tubes were incredibly durable, never had a flat from one inside the six month mark. Still available AFAIK.

[Buttermilk]

cool!
yeah, I keep trying to go tubeless but my love for the Smoke/Dart combo (decades old setup but still the best) keeps me in the stone age. Just cant get the bead to seat with them.

Getting those last minute items in order and ready to roll!!

[DaveH]

I got a phone call from one very excited Kurt Refsnider a couple days back. He is laying tracks all over southern Utah right now! Summer off suits him well.

First, he rode the Dixie 200 route with friends. Once done with that, he headed solo to ride the northern half of the 311 - Tushars & Seviers. It is more challenging than the 200 up there - a lot more rugged and somewhat forgotten in places. Still not done, he was calling from Tropic on his way to camp on Powell Point, after which he planned to ride the rest of the Trans Utah route, then head across the hot deserts & Henrys to the east making his way to the eastern side of the state. Whew. That's Refsnider style 

He did offer some route recon beta. There is no water on the eastern side of the Virgin River Rim trail at the waypoint locations - best bet is to plan on getting enough water at Te-ah CG to last until Long Valley store. If you are head banging fast that's maybe 5 hours. If you don't make the store in time you'll cross the Sevier river a few miles up the (paved) road.

He did say he found water about a mile off-route in Swains creek. Cascade falls is another option that is always reliable but an off-route hike.

He mentioned blow down in some areas but most should be cleared before the start. Well, maybe not on the Spruce trail...but it's a short section. 

Getting close, getting stoked!

[ImAFred]

OK, Trackleaders is all set to go.

The tracking page is at http://trackleaders.com/dixie13.

Sign up for tracking at http://trackleaders.com/dixie-signup.

I will be at the start venue the night before the start. If anyone decides to rent a SPOT unit Scott will send them all to me and I will hand them out either the evening before the start, or at the start. Don't forget to bring batteries for it!

I'm getting news via Facebook that the Virgin River Rim trail is getting cleaned up by trail crews as I write this....should be good to go by go time. No promises on the Spruce trail tho

Dave, I rented a spot2 from Scott, so Ill look for you at the start fri. night.
Bryan

[DaveH]

Sounds good Bryan.  I will be up there by 8pm and camped in the first mile of the route (not right at the start). I'm in a silver Xterra. See you there.

[ImAFred]

Any updates on vrrt and spruce as far as blow downs?

[DaveH]

Crews are working on VRRT this week, and I'm told the area near Navajo is clear. I should know more later today and will post up what I learn.

[mikedeber]

Heading down after work tonight, can't wait.  Weather is looking to be in the perfect category and the moon is gonna be huge!

[ImAFred]

Dave, I should be looking for you around 9-10 Utah time tonight for my spot

[DaveH]

And they are off! A big group of 4 for 2013.

From left to right: Mike D, looking eager to go on his new Giant. Jeremy P from Bishop, CA - first time on Utah dirt for him! Steve Cook with new bike after last years false start due to mechanicals. Bryan M from Las Vegas admitted to some butterflies.

Everyone is using Trackleaders this year: http://trackleaders.com/dixie13.


Untitled by Dave Harris

Conditions look perfect. A big moon and the longest days of the year make for great bikepacking.


Untitled by Dave Harris

Everyone has had a good start. Steve, Mike and Jeremy made it to the Long Valley store with plenty of time before closing time. That must mean the VRRT was cleared out as the forest service claimed last week. There has been some leapfrogging between Mike and Jeremy, and Mike is now very close to Steve. Steve had only an emergency bivy and didn't plan to use it much, so we'll see how that plays out!

For now they are getting what must be surreal views off the Sunset cliffs under the full moon. It looks like this in the daylight...



My money is on a new fast time this year.

[DaveH]

OK, Scott's new instant replay on trackleaders is REALLY cool. I can see that the front 3 were all at the Long Valley store at the same time - it's a tight race right now. Mike D has an advantage in that he has already done the route. Steve Cook won the Dixie Lite in ... '09 I think? The section he hasn't seen is the hardest part of the route...the next 40 miles or so. Jeremy is doing fantastic considering he's onsighting it. We'll see what the night brings.

[ImAFred]

Well I made it to long valley, although it looks like quite a bit behind. I took a nasty fall last night on the Harris rim trail, my elbows swollen pretty good and I think I'm going to milk it up to hatch and rejoin the route there.

[SLCook]

Steve here. I am out. Contracted some bad saddle sores. Had to stand or walk from Crawford pass on. Took all the precautions to no avail. Normally does not happen to me. Dixie 200 wins again.     In Panguitch waiting for my ride to Brian Head.

[DaveH]

Sorry to hear that guys. Nice riding up to now though. Saddle sores? I guess the route needs more HAB! 2014 is your year.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

[DaveH]

Even though Bryan skipped the Paunsaugunt, he still managed to ride Thunder Mtn and Dark Hollow. If you gotta bail, that's a great way to do it

Mike is charging at the front. Jeremy is well fed & rested having had dinner in Red Canyon. They are only separated by ~ 2 hours. It's going to come down to stop time...

I rolled through Panguitch yesterday and was saddened to see the Burger Barn is all boarded up. Hope nobody is counting on that huge legendary burger.

[DaveH]

We have our first finisher for 2013! Mike DeBernardo finished with an unofficial time of 2:01:49. That takes ~ 5 hours off the previous best time, so double congrats to Mike!

Let it be known he did this on a 26er:


Untitled by Dave Harris4, on Flickr

[DaveH]

Here is how the 2013 event shaped up. Times here are unofficial until I get final confirmation from Mike and Jeremy.

Mike DeBernardo 2:01:49 (new course record!)
Jeremy Plum       2:07:32
Steve Cook         scratched at the top of Thunder Mountain
Bryan Manning     scratched at Long Valley.

Nice riding all!