Todd Denham here. Scratched a bit ago. Worsening respiratory infection. I'm looking for a ride to picket post. It's a terribly inconvenient question to ask, but I'll pay anyone for there trouble. If anyone knows of a pay service that would be helpful. Thanks.

New message from Dave W-

"Road closed  - route 67. Riding to sierra vista. Heading that way anyway. Hope to start 750 with others.
Prob for the best as the knee is a minor issue. Getting better but still needs nursing.
Only 500 miles to go."

Looks like he's on 89 southbound nearing 160.

He's probably got a beer in hand and is smiling anyway!

Just noticed the 75 rider limit comment Scott.  Can I go ahead and rent the Spot now then?!  I agree with a limit as long as I get included the mix (funny how that works).  How will the limit be established?

I'm with Dave on the group start.  I'm not so concerned about the day, but breathing about a measured cup of dirt going up Reddington does indeed suck. I really enjoy a group start vs the several smaller starts idea.  Part of the fun for me is settling into a group of riders of nearly the same speed and having on/off interactions and similar stories to tell.  Too many start times and it will get a little too spread out for my taste

I talked a bit with Joey about this post shortly after the AZTR this year.  We agreed that ultra racing is fundamentally a pretty bad thing to do to one's body.  I think that is a simple baseline that most people who have experienced such an event will agree with.  I know I'm just beating on the same drum as others, but the freedom to approach an event with the simple expectation to do it by myself, be nice to other people, get from A to B and then pat yourself on the back, is what draws me to participate in these crazy things. I'm no speedster for sure. Both years I did the AZT, I rode on and off though with people who were obviously faster than me.  I remained occasionally in their presence simply because I didn't sleep as much. I didn't want to sleep more than I did, and certainly can't imagine ever being told that I need to. I'm not "racing" per se, but extrapolated to those that do, taking away the advantage of being able to sleep less is a silly proposition. It is just another legal performance enhancer.
I'm glad that Mark pointed out the other-worldly experience that riding late into the night is, that can't be had otherwise.  It's worth something to me. It's part of my expectation from the start.
I see this post for the simple academic discussion that it is, a good starting place for an opinion puke for sure! I do think the topic has real value though, in that it brings to mind the real potential for underground racing to become not so unofficial. That would suck of course. On the other hand I guess, if someone tries to impose more rules due to perceived liability, need to be big brother or whatever, others will simply create other underground races that are even further underground
Todd

Howdy.  Just an FYI about Dave Wicks from the land down under.  He had the worst bronchitis I've ever heard when at the Pickett Post trailhead.  Got a little medication from a friend at PP and continued on.  This guy is riding to finish on absolute raw determination.  He could use your good vibes.  If any of you had a chance to ride with him this year, you'd probably agree you've seldom met a more positive, friendly guy. On his way to the river at the moment.  Also Sam A- Wow!.  Way to go!

Thanks John.  It's a good one to know about if Freeman is dry. I had bagged a liter at beehive and dreading to need it to get to the tank.  Luckily, Freeman was an oasis!

I'm looking for confirmation on the shiny metal water tank with the 3 posts after Freeman around Ripsey.  I have it as a waypoint 17.2 miles past Freeman but didn't see it last year (well, wasn't looking either).  I poked around and couldn't find the reference.  Sound about right?

Kurt.  Sent you a PM.  Interested in your car shuttle proposition.  It'll be an SUV.  Plenty of space for whatever.
Todd Denham 5125605151

Any suggestions about leaving a car at the start?  PCL trailhead a bit more remote than PP.  Figure chance of problems a bit higher there.

Perhaps I missed it. Does anyone know the fate of Dave W? I really hope he got a ride and is not still stuck in Kelvin area.  He's a long way from Kiwiland.  He had to scratch on a recent TD he said and now the AZTR.  Heart goes out to this guy.
Also, does anyone know about Sam, 300 rider from Tucson?  He was not using a Spot.  He, Michael A and I had a bite at the Sahuarita restaurant and rode that night.  He took off up Lemmon on Sunday and I never saw him again.

Todd Denham here.  Thanks John for clarifying that time. It's not really important to me though.  Finishing this race was all I wanted out of it.  John S, Scott J and I were chatting at PP this afternoon.  My observation was that it doesn't matter how much research you do- race reports, route viewing from every digitized angle (thanks Scott) and even pre-riding some of it, you just can't get even a rough understanding that this trail is going to kick you hard (really) and then reward you thoroughly in some way.
 The encouragement and the camaraderie among racers was fantastic.  Big thanks to Michael A, Greg H, Eric D, and ghost rider Sam ? from Tuscon who I rode with on and off the first days, for the encouragement.  Began to ask vets during the race why they came back.  No clear answers but I stated that no way I would ride it again.  Too hard.  Too much HAB.  Started cussing the trail outloud in the canyons nearing PP because the 100' up, 100' down with no trailhead in sight thing was pissing my off (funny that 2 other vets said they did the same thing today)! I was way done and the trail wasn't. When I finished and was rolling towards John taking my pic, it was like the whole thing wasn't so bad. Hope to see you next year, for some reason and closer to 4 days and less change, not  that it matters
Sorry this is long.  
Delirious from sleep deprivation!

How is the road riding from Tucson to Parker Lake on AZ-83?  Thinking of riding out a day or two early from the airport to shake down the bike. Does anyone else do this? 

Thanks for the encouragement Kurt.  I appreciate your insight.  The Canelos it seems, at least last year, kicked a bunch of butt.  Heat, plus riders not anticipating the ruggedness and so much walking I guess did it.  Anticipated or not, seemed a pretty tough start.  Good to know that the second half is more rideable. 

 I have been obsessed with the 300 for several years now and 2015 looks like the year for me.  Very excited to be at Parker Lake in April.  A bit nervous about the Canelos on the first day as I think I should be.  I'm comfortable riding a loaded bike through technical terrain and HAB, but I'm pretty sure this is on a grander scale than I have seen.  Very much looking forward to the experience.  Thank you Scott for putting this thing together and supporting it thoroughly for years.

Inspiring photo.  How's she doing?  Looks like Ethan may not be napping after all!

How much do you think EP and JJ have slept thus far?  Looks like they may both be napping now.  Insane pace

Anyone notice Kevin Thomas go missing in Breck?