Funny how things can go from so good to so bad quickly.  6pm as I made my way to the left turn to bomb down to the verde, my stomach revolted.  I laid down, slept a bit and still got no better.  Legs were feeling strong but couldn't eat much. 
So, it's not happening this year for me sorry to say.

Here at hog wild... Damn lime kiln had some epic wheel grabbing sand... And more goatherds than should be on this planet... Wow.  Ready to assault Mingus....or get assaulted!

Damn, hopefully 2 days of sun is going to dry that stuff a bit!

Hey all-
I'll be starting from I-17 and Schnebly Hill Rd on Saturday morning.  Hoping to get done sometime Sunday evening.  Hope to see some of you out there.  Look for the guy riding the silver SS wearing a white helmet.

^^Totally agree with Mark.  I filled up with about 180oz at cottonwood and had enough to get me to the Verde.  At the Verde, I tanked up again with 180oz, and that got me to Williams without a problem.  It was a warm weekend last year, so unless you have a leak, it should be plenty.
btw, when I drove back from Flag on Monday, I noticed the Verde (where i-17 crosses) is a bit chocolate milk looking.  Be sure to have some sort of filtration device to remove the suspended chocolate particles.

I'm in for this shindig as well...ITT style this year starting early Saturday morning.

Last year, the temps were really nice...low 40's on top of Mingus, then a chilly morning leaving Williams.  I also had numb hands on the roll out of town but eventually was down to a short sleeve jersey after leaving sycamore canyon.  Some folks did the route a week later and had about 10 degrees colder temps....so, just have to be prepared for low 30's worst case for that night.  I picked up a boatload of goatheads after descending mingus and going north along the west side of mingus...as others have said, freshen up the stans in your tires.  The route has some rocky stuff for sure, but nothing unusual for AZ. 
I ride a SS and ran 32x21.  However, I know people that have gone as tall as 32x19.  Bottom line, you'll be walking up Mingus either way.  The only part where 32x21 gets annoying is on day 4 after leaving sycamore and riding dirt roads/paved roads toward wing mountain...kinda spinny.
For anyone on the fence about the ride, DO IT.  It's a great way to ease into multi-day rides.  Sure, days 2 and 3 are tough, but what long days in the saddle aren't?

I pulled the plug at Molino today.  Slice #2, sewed but not holding so had to tube.  Tire wouldn't seat right and I'm down to one tube... That plus my legs just don't want to go.

Hey all... If anyone is still looking for a ride from Picket Post to Parker Canyon Lake(end of 300), our shuttle currently has 4 slots left.  Send me a note if you're interested.
Looking forward to a great race this year and not getting my bike run over.....

Hey all, just another reminder about a PHX to Parker Canyon Lake Shuttle - Currently there are 9 out of 14 spots filled on the van.  If you are needing a ride from the end of the 300 (Picket Post) to Parker Canyon Lake, let me know!
cheers,
Ray

It's too bad someone hasn't come up with a test method for cut resistance and tested a bunch of tires with it for a fair comparison.  Marketing departments love to use terms like "protection" and "exo" etc, but I often wonder, if those tire design features that we are paying for are actually improving cut resistance a perceptible amount.  People get turned of on certain tires after they get a cut or two, but there are just so many variables that factor into it (air pressure, rider weight, terrain, etc).
All that being said, for me in this years 300...
Front: Panaracer Rampage (Arguably the best trail tire on front)
Rear: Either, conti x-king w/ protection (still evaluating), Michelin wild racer (wore 5 of these out w/o a slice, but the new design I believe is not as robust since I've cut a few), WTB Bronson (700 gram tire), or finally, a 1/2 worn out Rampage (they're only 700g's when worn!).
In any case, you'll bet I'll be carrying dental floss, a curved needle, superglue, rubber cement, auto patches, and gorilla tape.

Also, the guy I've found that will do the shuttle has a van with a specially designed bike trailer; bikes will be nice and safe.   Last year, I got in on a shuttle that another rider organized.  It cost more and unfortunately we had to load bikes into a cargo trailer which was a little dicey.
cheers!
ray

All... I have arranged a shuttle service to drive myself and several others from the picket post trailhead (end of 300) on Thursday evening apr 18th.  We currently have 6 more spots open.  If you're interested, send me an email at rhemmele at gmail dot com.  Cost will be dependent on how full the van is but should not exceed 60 each.

A recap of my race...hope you enjoy it!
http://onegear-ray.blogspot.com/2012/10/coco-krispies.html
cheers,
Ray

Ha! Thanks! My legs were a spinnin' fast on those flat sections.  I kept looking back thinking I'd see you or Lynda!

I finished my stage race today...whew!  What a great time! A great course, great scenery, and some really great pain....(HAB)....
S1: 5:41
S2: 9:41
S3: 9:31
S4: 6:52
total - 31:45

Hopefully have a blog post later tonight or tomorrow...

Ray

One very important question...
I'll be driving up TH and staying in Munds...If I was to stash a cooler of beer (enough for everyone) somewhere along Schnebly between i-17 and the overlook,
a) would I get a time bonus
b) is it within the rules

Ray

Anyone else having trouble with the GPX file?  I'm only getting 128 miles on my GPS.  What am I doing wrong?

-Les Handy

Les, what kind of GPS are you using?  I've got an Etrex30 and after reducing it to 9500 trackpoints, it loaded up correctly.

Yes...be sure you have plenty of Stans...TONS of sharp stuff in the southern 1/2 of the state.  And bring a couple extra tubes if you're going anywhere remote and some park boots.  Side wall slices are common and many times, a regular boot (like a dollar bill, powerbar wrapper, etc) isn't enough.  I witnessed a park boot patch a 2" slice and subsequently save my riding buddy a 15 mile walk.
I'm a noob to the AZT300, but ridden a lot of the route...the first 30 is a real tester...lots of HAB.  For pure enjoyment and scenery, the last 50 or so miles is awesome...   just bring some long socks since the catclaw is ferocious due to the ample summer rains.

Had a few days off at the end of the week and did a little 2 day trip in preparation for the Coco250.  Read about it here!
http://onegear-ray.blogspot.com/2012/09/flagstaff-super-8.html