Insane.  I'm in!

Sounds like you are good to go, Joe!  Just remember to enjoy it and stay flexible in your plans.  First goal is just to finish in one piece.  I have to remind myself of this constantly.  Roll with the punches.

Dudes.  Just talked to Kurt Harris who is the maintenance engineer for the AZDOT northcental district.  SR67 is completely clear from NR to JL according to him.  He also noted that foot and bicycle traffic IS NOT restricted while the road is closed for the winter, only vehicular traffic.

Good contact info here for future reference: http://www.azdot.gov/business/district-contacts/northcentral

We talked for about 20 minutes and he thinks we are crazy AF but is really stoked to hear that a race/route like this exists.  He is an avid mountain biker and had ridden a good bit of the AZT.

See you suckers soon!

Jason

Thanks for the recon.  Looks like we'll be taking the snow detours across the board.  I believe Scott posted a few responses above.

Jason

The latest twist.....

https://www.facebook.com/AZDOT/videos/1430584823679883/?hc_location=ufi

A little off topic but is early October a good month to ITT the route?  Pros/Cons.  Go.

You are correct.  Just making contingency plans for the north rim.

Does anyone have any experience with getting a backcountry permit on the south rim?

Does the backcountry office on the south rim issue day of permits for walk-ins?  Asking for a friend's grandmother.

A lot can happen in two weeks.  We are pretty lucky to have Dave going SoBo to give us some indication of what we might want to pick up in Flag or SoRim.

Pray for a heat wave.  The forecast is looking promising.

Jason

What kind of rain gear do people typically bring? I'm accustomed to desert weather, so I can understand a few storms rolling in here and there. But last weekend over the Stagecoach it rained heavily for maybe 5 hours straight, so I got me thinking a bit more about spring outwear selections. Obviously we're too far out for predictions, just curious what others brought/used/didn't use in years past.

Light waterproof pants (montbell versalight) and a light rainjacket (gore something or other) worked well for me at Stagecoach in the rain this year.  Also kept me plenty warm at elevation.  Pants were big enough at the legs to easily pull over my shoes and I could either leave them long to the ankles for warmth or roll them up to the knees as knickers.

Jason