Nothing to be too concerned about, but there is a small fire, the Montezuma fire, burning in the Coronado Monument.  Not to worry though, a cold front is pushing through and summerhaven may get a few inches of snow.  Good call on the start date this year!

One of the options I had considered was to ship my bike to Tucson, and then drive to Page and park my truck at the airport there, and fly down to Tucson.  Would have solved the issue of no ride at the end, but could create a bigger problem if I had to scratch along the way and then still have to get up there.  This still might be a good option for some, if coming from CO. 

So instead I'm either going to ride into Page and hitch south, or ride/hitch to StG then figure it out from there.  I look at it as this will be a good problem to have, if I finish. 

In the past I have left my car at state line campground and hitched to st George with my bike for a one way car rental.  Hitching is easy if you pull both wheels off.  Next time I will hitch to flag as it is closer and on the way.  Psychologically, leaving your car at the finish makes it more likely you will finish, and finish strong, knowing you don't have to hassle with logistics at the end, especially if it is 2 a.m. and 30 degrees

Amazing.  Lael, who was known more for not stopping than riding fast, who says she probably only pushes 100 watts and who wondered if she could finish within 24 hours of the record, is really fast!  It will be exciting to see her 750 run next year.

I don't think you can get a one way car rental out of page.  Have to hitch to st George or flag.

Lael is flying!  Ahead of Kaitlyn Boyle's time from last year, nearly as fast as Kurt Refsnider last year.  Is it too fast or will she keep it up?

Strong field!  At least 7 single speed in for the 750!

Not as much snow, but late Feb. 2013:

It's happening again, it will be in September this year.  Will update soon.

This looks epic!  A couple more years?

Is there a risck to be not included in the list of the Grand depart? I read 74 Racers maximum....

Watch this space for a signup link approximately one month before the start.  There is a risk of missing the grand depart if it fills up fast. but people can start any other time they like as well, including a day before or a day after the grand depart.

Can't believe this is still happening:
They "summoned a helicopter and its crew, not because they needed to be rescued, but because they ran out of water. That’s a $7 million resource that costs thousands of dollars an hour to operate, said EMS Director and committee member Andy Smith.."

Hopefully increasing the Stoke, here is an article from 2015. 


http://bikepacker.com/two-years-arizona-trail-part-one/

The biking route deviates from the official AZ trail at several points, and it is here that the state land permit is required.

Thanks for all the work and updates John Schilling!  Wow, the potential new section after Jacob Crosscut adding a day to the 750!
Welcome Margl from Czech Republic, it is worth the trip;)

http://www.santafetrailrace.com/
There is also an fb page.  Ya the Amtrak shuttle looks good.
This morning there are 5 riders within 12 miles of 180, but I think the rain is coming.

This looks like an interesting race.  5 on course for first year, looks like they may hit some weather.
http://trackleaders.com/sftrail18f.php

I think we all dodged a bullet

https://www.kgun9.com/news/local-news/bear-attacks-man-south-of-patagonia

The smoke up there was terrible!  10+ aqh, and 600 meters visibility.  Other than that, many people think this is the best time of year.  No snow, warmer nights and fewer bears (if you worry about that) make it a very good time.

Well, that's it for my 2018 attempt.  Canada fried my lungs and my oxygen saturation is down to 80 (from a normal of 97 or 98).  No wonder I am sluggish and have no power.  Probably shouldn't have even started with the way the smoke was, but you know...Looking for 2019 redemption!

It looks like Timon is headed off route (hopefully a tracking error, but he's on a road.  And the boss, Jefe, is now in second!  Lots of strong riders out there, in the ladies race as well.  Wondering if anyone is going to crack.  Woo hoo, dot watching