2010 Arizona Trail 300

[ScottM]

Course Info - Oracle State Park

In other news, thanks to Mary for reminding me that Oracle State Park is technically closed right now (due to budget "crisis").  The AZT through the park is 100% open, but other park trails are not.  The problem is that we use some other park trails instead of the AZT to 1) head to water in the park and 2) avoid a bit of highway riding.

I think either route should be deemed acceptable given the circumstances.  I'm not going to encourage anyone to ride "closed" trails, but if you want to stick with the route, that's fine.  Want to stay on the AZT?  OK.  I don't think there is a huge difference in time.

Also, I would not count on the water trailer being there, or not being empty.  So, plan accordingly.  Most likely we will all have to go into Oracle for H20.

[jonesy792]

I forgot to mention oracle state park in my writeup, all the side trails have no trespassing signs posted.  The good thing about following the azt through the park is that you get to go under the highway and never have to mess with traffic.

[wookieone]

Just to clarify the Oracle State park section, so we would end up staying on the AZT all the way to the Highway? Not the bits that took us more directly towards the town of Oracle? Just curious, funny how a trail is a budget cut? Lame. I was also wondering do we need to have a State Park Pass to use these bits of trail?

[AZTtripper]

I feel that it is totally unacceptable for them to close a trail just because they don't want to spend money on the rest of the park. There is nothing there anyway the full extent of the park is the old house with a visitors center and gift shop. There is no camping and as far as I know there were only a couple of employee's out there and it's not like they patrolled the trail on any kind of regular basis.

When we did the Coco 250 we went through Red Rock state park and there was a way to pay on the trail as we entered the park. If they had a way to pay I certainly would but they don't so even if you wanted to you couldn't.

That said if there is no water not sure what difference it makes except for less highway riding which I guess is worth it. Also the AZT kind of turns ugly before the highway when it joins an old power line road. There was some work done on that section last year though so it may be a little better then before.

[iRideAdv]

Can anyone tell me if there is a decent route from Surprise to the Scottsdale area?

[ScottM]

Just to clarify the Oracle State park section, so we would end up staying on the AZT all the way to the Highway? Not the bits that took us more directly towards the town of Oracle? Just curious, funny how a trail is a budget cut? Lame. I was also wondering do we need to have a State Park Pass to use these bits of trail?

You've got it.  As AZTtripper said, the AZT does get a bit nasty, so the other trails are more preferable / fun, in my opinion.  And less highway is always good, esp. for detouring to Oracle.

Some state parks do not charge for bicycle entrance.  Catalina State Park, down the road in Tucson, does not.  Perhaps Oracle does not either, but in any case they don't have a self pay, so it would be hard to without going way out of your way to the entrance station.  Moot point with the park closed anyway.

[ScottM]

Can anyone tell me if there is a decent route from Surprise to the Scottsdale area?

You mean from Superior?  The full AZT GPX file will get you to Apache Junction, but it uses a bunch of busy US 60.  I don't know of a better / lower traffic route unfortunately.  I think you should be able to get from Apache JCT to Scottsdale area without using the major roads, but you might try the AZ forum on MTBR to ask for advice there.

[AZTtripper]

Any one else seen this The Walker Fire has several trails closed in the Santa Ritas. Walker Basin is on the AZT but not the part we do because of wilderness.

[ScottM]

Looks like they expect the Walker fire to be contained this evening:

http://www.azein.gov/azein/Lists/Announcements/DispForm.aspx?ID=745

Only 89 acres.

For once something good is coming of having to detour around that piece of 'wilderness' -- we won't have to change the route.

The route should be 100% good to go.  We don't really go anywhere near Walker Basin.

Thanks for the heads up Tim.

[AZTtripper]

Yeah I figured we were good to go on our side of the ridge but better to make sure ahead of time.

[tetontodd]

It's getting closer to race day! How's everyone doing? I wanted to check in and see if anyone is flying into or driving to Tucson and getting a hotel the night before the race? Does anyone have floor space or want to split a room the night before? Also, Rides to the start line, I can bring straps, does anyone have any room in their car to the start line? I am twitching here thinking of logistics and curious how everyone is getting down to Parker Lake? I am in, gas money, hotel/split etc..See everyone soon! I am coming from Jackson Hole, Any help would be great.

[AZTtripper]

I have a buddy driving my truck down with myself and Rob B already a full load in the cab two bikes on the rack and the driver is bringing his too. But we can stack things up in the bed and there should still be a little room to ride in there with the bikes if you want. As for floor space let me check with the boss.

[adamonnrope]

Hey guys, I'm comming down from southwest colorado on Wed. with a stop in Flag. I'm in a van solo so lots of room to shuttle gear down to the start. I just need to get my van back to Tucson or parts in between. Give a shout if your interested and we can make a plan. Thnx.

[tetontodd]

AZTripper, Thanks. Keep me posted. Sounds like your rig is full, if the boss clears me, call me. The van option sounds great. You guys can call my cell so we can start coordinating where to meet in Tucson. I appreciate all the help!

Can't wait,
Todd
307-413-1100

[mgindle]

Getting down to the final few days and I'm really looking forward to spending some days in the desert. Is there a waypoints file out there that is essentially the cue sheet that can be overlaid on the gps track?

[iRideAdv]

Is anyone heading down from the Phoenix area?

[E nelson]

I'll be headed out Thursday from the Mesa area.  Should have room for one more, but let me check with my ride before I say for sure.

[AZTtripper]

Todd your in. Adam we have lots of parking if you want to come here thursday night. How much room do you have maybe we can use your van and my driver? Driver + bike plus me, you Todd and Rob makes 5 will it fit. We have plenty of space to leave the van here during the race. Todd what time do you get in.

[adamonnrope]

Hi guys, five people and gear might be tight but we can try. I had talked to todd about picking him up, I think he said he was comming in at 5:00 pm on thursday. However it works out sounds good to me. 970-739-5836, feel free to call if you have any questions. peace.

[AZTtripper]

Adam

I wasn't sure just a thought to use the driver I have lined up.

We could plan on checking it out thursday night at my place.

Todd we should be able to work out picking you up at the airport.

Tim 520 628 1084