I know Basecamp works, but is anyone using anything else?

Anyone know if general store in summerhaven is staying open like in years past?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Anyone attending this event?  Sure there have to be a few that circulate on here.

A few riders last year, myself included, carried just lightweight packstraps that could be attached directly to the frame. http://www.rei.com/product/671335/mountainsmith-strapettes worked well for me with a diy hip belt.  This doesn't tie you to carrying a backpack or possibly waiting for the Tusayan post office to open.

I can't speak to what the fastest guys (and gals) were wearing for shoes  , but I use approach shoes and flat pedals so the choice isn't an issue.  Whatever you wear, you will need comfortable walking shoes for extensive hab other than the canyon.

Have any pics of that setup?

I carried reference sheets that showed where towns were and the topography printed on rite in the rain paper. They are colored by grade and are annotated with distance to the town after next (the number after the POI name). I always brought enough food to reach the next town which saved my butt a couple of times when I got in late or stores didn't exist and I had to press on.

The rule of thumb that I used was that I would travel about 9.5mph overall average and I need 325 calories per hour to not bonk. Divide the distance to the town after by 9.5 and multiply by 325 and you have estimated calories needed during riding. I would throw in 750 calories for night time recovery if I would be sleeping before the next pit stop and 600 calories for breakfast.

I used this in conjunction with a spreadsheet of town details to make adjustments on how much food to bring. For example I would bring less if there was guaranteed to be 24 hour grocery or restaurants.

I really liked having the grade and climb information since it allowed me to reasonably estimate if I would reach a town before nightfall. Do note that having that information can be maddening.

Gallery with full size reference images laid out to print on letter size paper at the following link:
http://imgur.com/a/FI1bj



NOTE: There are a few places I missed on these reference images Most notably the brush mountain lodge and the Montana High Country Lodge. Those were nice surprises. Also some of the places are off route such as Big Fork and Seeley Lake.

Oh one other NOTE: The red, orange, yellow line below the elevation profiles is the grizzly density from the grizzly maps posted on these forums some time ago. I used this when making camping decisions.

This is really cool, nerdy but super cool.

I was skimming through some reviews of Ni and Lith Ion rechargeable batteries and was curious if anyone is using these in there Spot, GPS, headlamps, etc. 

These have a sweet price point on Ebay, Amazon, etc.

What kind of luck are you having? 
What brands are you using?

Thanks for the feedback

Anyone tried the new Lithium Ion Rechargeable batteries in the spots?

Departing Durango on Sept 19th. Shooting for arriving in Moab on the 22nd. Have most of the logistics worked out with drop packages. If anyone is up for it hit me up. Have a ride back from Moab or we could ride back and get picked up in TElluride.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Title says it all.  Purchased a Mac and Im trying to find a program similar to Topofusion, any comments, suggestions, advice is greatly appreciated.

I have a free pass window and want to do a bikepacking trip.  Departing Durango headed to Moab. Anyone interested?

Im in Durango.  Velorution is kind of the hub of info for that area.  Im a little slow with time, new baby this year has me limited, but my mind is still strong.  I have a window for an 8 day trip mid September.

I'm planning on south bound mid August 2015. I only have 10 days (ride time) to get as far as I can. Then will have to come back next year and finish it up. New baby and family obligations are limiting my time away. Anyone interested??? Hoping for just shy of Rawlings or steamboat in 10 days.  Can help with getting to and from airports.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I like the time changes.

And I propose if Kurt can not shut any gate he must wait for another rider to help home before continuing.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

What a race, ride, experience, mental challenge and sandpaper toothbrush this trail is.  This trail never fails at revealing my unpreparedness and lack of training. This being my 5th attempt at the Arizona Trail, someone more famous then me once said its time for a little risk. With that I want to give a big shout out to those that have pioneered the path for ditching the sleep system and giving it all you got. Thank Scott, Kurt, Aaron and Neil for the balls to try it first. Because of you and those like you nearly everyone I encountered in the top 10 had little or no plan of sleeping. My final sleep tally was under 4hrs for 60 hours of riding which made for some really funny hallucinations.  I personally feel I could of used a little more and maybe pushed a little harder, but that's the gamble.  it was a slow slog for me much of the trail. Had an awesome time riding with Joey, Darren and Hunter. Wish we could of all crossed together but it just wasn't in the cards. Big shout out to my girlfriend Jill and new baby momma for taking care of our 6week old baby girl why I got to play with the boys in the dirt.

Thanks everyone for the cheers and motivation. Great- awesome group of people at this event. With that thanks Scott again.

Holy cow water on molino that's great news.

I Rode thru Colossal Cave today and saw some of the thru hikers you spoke of.  Saw 3 within 10 miles so I assume there are quite a few out there. Trail seems to be in great condition. Lots of sharp stuff routing you on to go faster. Miss the desert life.  Even heard rumor or showers in SV area.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Stopped by Tiger Mine water cache on my way to Tucson and added 8 gallons. There are already over 35 there and even some in the bushes. Trails look beautiful. 


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Woah, hoss   ... that's pre-arranged support, no?  Maybe I'm misunderstanding motives, but I thought the whole point was to not count on water caches, esp. Freeman Rd as has been mentioned in past posts.  As in, not a smart idea to plan that water at Freeman is given, from safety, survivability, and/or ethos viewpoints.

The water caches are fixed locations to my understanding and are open to any and all users of the trail. Adding water for anyone to use is just good karma. You don't have to use em. I definitely don't think that the water i put in in the past was only for me. Now adding or hiding of food or water at other locations to gain an advantage is against the ethics of the "self-supported ride."

Just took the plunge and I'm in for the 300.  Unless something stupid happens (sickness, injury, my truck breaks down), I'm closing the shop for a few days and heading for AZ in a couple weeks!

As Scott told me a few days back, the 300 can be my base miles for the year... right?  Right?  Yikes.  

SWEET

...and if anyone is gonna stop by any of the Kelvin, Freeman or Tiger water caches and would drop some H20 off on behalf I would gladly paypal you a currency know as cash in return.

Had to call it quits today after hitting Silverton.  Couldn't make my 6 day rookie run goal. Dam day job is getting in the way of my fun time. But I guess I need one for the other.  Thanks everyone for riding with me especially Scott, Dave, and Garrett.  This route is brutally tough.  Achilles' tendons both sound like rice crispies. Other than that I feel great.  Til next time.

Love all the rig pics. Really wish my dynamo setup was ready. Here's my rig before any last minute fat trimming.