I just drove through Jacob Lake and there is indeed snow around even near town and by the AZT.  The trail does not seem viable.

This may be a silly idea and would go against the intent of "no bikes on the road", but what if we rode off the pavement in the ditch parallel to the road?  I'm not sure if that would appease those who enforce the rules or maybe make aggravate them for skirting the rules, but I thought I would throw it out there.  If it would get us on their bad side, it's probably not the best idea.

Another desert rookie question:  How much sealant should I have in each tire due to all the sharp pointy things?  I assume it would be more than usual... 

If you are talking about the 300... just hope that your bike part needs become apparent near Tucson because that's going to be your only real source of anything. I don't have specific recommendations for a shop there, but some quick google map searches will get you your info. 750 is a different story so I'll let those vets chime in.

Thanks!  I should have mentioned, it's for the 750.

AZTR rookie question.  Is there a list of the best/ closest bike stores along the route?  I like to put waypoints in my GPS in case some repairs or parts are needed during the ride.  I am researching it now, but thought I would ask to save some time if it's been discussed already.

Keep the weight lower. Canyon hike was easy.

Great idea!  I'll give that a shot this weekend.  It's probably a lot better for balance as well.

Done!  Thanks Scott!  Very exciting!

I wonder if I'm the only one anxiously and constantly checking back here waiting for the Trackleaders sign-up link.    

Only about month away and I'm super excited...and a bit scared.

Fear of the unknown. 

https://andersonsoutside.blogspot.ca/

Thanks so much for the reassurance everyone!  It sounds like if you practice good back country habits like securing your food and leaving no trace (as everyone should) there is not much to worry about. 

"Don't stick your hands in strange holes" are wise words to remember in every aspect of your life.   Ha!

Fear of the unknown.  Living in Western Canada I do a fair amount of camping in bear country. I am familiar with what to do around bears and they are fairly predictable so I am never worried them.  I can sleep in my bear-burrito bivy like a baby.

Since I have rarely camped in the desert, I am a bit worried about the creepy crawlies and things that slither.  Should I be worried about creatures crawling on my face while I sleep in my bivy?  Do snakes snuggle up to you while sleeping?  I haven't seen any talk about this kind of thing on the forum especially compared to the bear talk on the Tour Divide forum so it makes me think my fears are unfounded. 

Can any experienced desert campers help set my mind at ease?  Thanks in advance!

https://andersonsoutside.blogspot.ca/

I've used my trusty Kona Unit 29er on the TD, several of the Western Canada bikepacking races, and lots of training rides.  It's hard to tell how much mileage is on the thing.  I've replaced just about everything except the seat post and handlebars.  Solid little bike!

https://andersonsoutside.blogspot.ca/

Forgive me for re-hashing a topic if it has been discussed in the past. I searched around and didn't find too much information.

What is an good tire choice for the AZTR?  Are Maxis Ikons good or is something with a more aggressive tread a better choice?

Thanks for all the advice so far! 

Do you feel a suspension fork is a good idea for this trail?  I have used a rigid carbon fork for the TD and other bikepacking races in Western Canada, but from what I have read so far, this trail sounds like a lot more technical single track.  The suspension fork might might be worth the extra weight.

Is there a good source out there for paper maps of the route?  I found these maps at http://www.aztrail.org/topo_maps/topo_maps.php.  I am assuming the trail at the ATA is basically the same as the race route...at least enough to see where resupply and water sources are.  Are they worth the cost or is there a free option out there?

I put together a gear list for my 2016 ride for those who are interested.  Merry Christmas!

http://andersonsoutside.blogspot.ca/2016/12/tour-divide-2016-gear-list.html

Thanks bouldernick!  You are right about the attitude.  Stay positive, expect the pain, and deal with it the best you can.  All the best!

Please see below for yet another blog for those who are interested in a Canadian single speeder's race.

http://andersonsoutside.blogspot.ca/

Will the re-routes for 2016 be reflected in the gpx track?

I think the main advantages of a dynamo are you are completely independent of having to manage batteries (Ollie Whalley ran out of them on the sprint to the finish in 2011 and had to bivvy for part of the night!) and can have much higher capacity lights and other power hungry devices than otherwise.  As 'Flinch' notes, the drag is negligible. If you do a lot of night riding (which I do) then a dynamo is the best way to go.

I've actually been 'hacking' all my battery devices to allow them to run off the dynamo. For example, I recently ran my SPOT 2 GPS continuously for 60 hours in a test using 4 x eneloop batteries in the Goal Zero Guide 10 Plus. I think the Guide 10 gives you the best of both worlds: recharges (slowly) from your dynamo, can use off the shelf batteries if you can't recharge, and weighs 200 grams with batteries.

If you check out www.tri-duffer.com in a week or so there should be a long post on my 'journey' with dynamos that I've been working on.

Does the Goal Zero Guide 10 Plus charge devices with regular AA batteries?  I am not using a dynamo and have my phone to charge.  All other devices I am bringing are powered by AAs or AAAs.

Sounds like a lot of single speeders this year. It would be cool to see one win the whole thing!

Is the SS record still Plesko's at 19 days?