AZTR 2013 Planning

[Buttermilk]

Hey Sean & Blake,
I see we are all coming from the same general area. I'm sitting in Bishop, Ca.
Hope you're healing up well Sean.

Sean, I like your idea to rent a u-haul in Kanab and drive it south. How does this sound...I meet you and Blake in Kanab, we rent the U-haul, (since we have 3 drivers) drop our vehicles off at the finish and shoot south in the rental. Split the rental and gas three way AND have our cars as the finish line.

Blake, I figure a 10 day finish +/-, and would have room for you back to Bishop if Sean beats us to the finish. I too would need to head home as soon as I finish so if your behind me you need to figure that out.

Hopefully this will work...these driving logistics are surely the first crux.

[Sean Allan]

Sounds like a very good start to a plan. I hadn't planned on taking my rig all the way to the trailhead, I just figured I'd leave it in Kanab, might be safer, although it is Utah. It's about 45 miles from the trailhead to Kanab. The u-haul will do 3 people so we are limited to that, but having 2-3 drivers allows us to drive straight through, it's 635 miles from Kanab to Sierra Vista.

The logistics of the start and finish of this thing have been the biggest deal for me so far, training has been easy by comparison

[Buttermilk]

Agreed, training its easy compared to these logistics. Sounds like we have a plan. We can PM each other and dial in the details. Sweet!

[dream4est]

Blake, I figure a 10 day finish +/-

I would venture to guess that based on your CTR time of last year you wont finish in under 14.5 days. So remember that when planning your race. A 10 day +/- pace in azt750 is a 5.5-6 day pace on the CTR. We have the same fastest CTR time and my best AZT is 15:15.

[Buttermilk]

I venture to guess that it will be closer to 10 or 11. That CTR directly followed a 500 mile road tour and  was a casual, almost lazy, pace. Being my first time riding in the Rockies I wanted to enjoy it.
Thanks for your concern and anything can happen out on trail so it will be what it will be.

[dream4est]

I venture to guess that it will be closer to 10 or 11. That CTR directly followed a 500 mile road tour and  was a casual, almost lazy, pace. Being my first time riding in the Rockies I wanted to enjoy it.
Thanks for your concern and anything can happen out on trail so it will be what it will be.

I only mention it as I have seen self-imposed time limits ruin performances in this race. 10-11 day goal is good- 10-11 day time limit can ruin the mind. In 2010 I won with a slow time as the 2 leaders quit on the course to catch a plane. They had a 7 day time limit. In 2012 those 2 guys gave themselves 14 days and finished in 10 and change.

My goal is 13 flat/high 12. No time limit as the AZT "is what it is" and shit happens. Shit that never seems to happen in CTR. Well almost never. I limped to the finish behind you a day with a stress fractured tibia. Started the race strong but faded daily.

[Buttermilk]

I only mention it as I have seen self-imposed time limits ruin performances in this race.

Agreed. That is probably high (if not first) on the list of reasons people do not finish this race and all others like it. Mine is a goal, and realistic, provided the toll of the Arizona desert doesn't thrash me or my machine. I have a time cushion and with the car at the finish I've got to get there one way or another.

If all goes a planned I'll see you at the start in April.

[AZTtripper]

Having a vehicle or a for sure ride certainly should help the mind set.

Setting a deadline works for some people, and has clearly worked well for one record holder.

But yeah I've watch year after year as guys go out and blow up, trying to keep up with record holders.

Last years 90% success ratio was a first in the history of AZT races. Hell just the first 300 usually drops 50+% of the field. Had a lot to do with the level of experience last year.

Brad and Matt who were ahead of Mark in 010 never thought they could finish. They did come back for just the 300 the next year and then the 750 last. That gave them a real heads up on the course for last years finish.

Back in 010 Ian thought he could finish in his time limit. But then he thought he was doing the gravel grinder route that Scott ITT'd in 05.

The AZT races are not gravel grinders. There are dirt roads but there's a lot of tech and a lot of Hike a Bike, and Walk a Bike.

What the hell is Walk a Bike you ask?

It's something Scott came up with on the Grand Loop.

Hike a Bike or HAB is stuff that no one can really expect to ride ever, even on a day ride unloaded.

Walk a Bike is stuff that you end up walking just because, as in because you've been riding all dam day and the day before and all night, and fuck it your going to just walk this next steep section.

I am really looking forward to camping at the Border and watching you guys and gals suffer thru some amazing trail.

[ScottM]

Ahhh... walk-a-bike... good times.  The best walk-a-bike is usually on pavement...

I've AZT got the SPOT tracking signup all ready to go.  Here's the link:

http://trackleaders.com/aztr-signup

SPOT2's are available to rent, and of course the option to add your own SPOT unit to the map.  SPOT tracking is not mandatory -- feel free to race without a SPOT, if you'd like.

I'll have all rentals either at the 300 start (possibly with Tim) or also available for pickup in Tucson before the race.  Batteries not included -- I'm out.  They take 3xAAA lithium only.  Recommend the ultimate lithium, which should handle a full 300 on one set (lithium advance work, but will not last nearly as long).

I'm in for the full 750 this year.  And I can't wait.  After a cold Iditarod, I'm ready to roast out in the desert!  The canyon hike scares me some, but for now I'm calling that a good thing.

[cheeseunit]

^thanks for just answering using my own spot question!Looking at getting there on thursday and camping overnight for the start.Anybody else doing this I reckon?

[windowace]

Scott,  I made my payment on paypal for my own spot.  I received my paypal receipt, but no other message with a link to the form to fill out.  Is it me or the system?  Please advise. 

[ScottM]

Thanks for pointing that out -  all fixed now and you should have received the email with the registration form just now.  Let me know if not!

[dream4est]

Good luck Scott. IMO you not only would be the overwhelming favorite now to win this race, your 300 speed and course knowledge put the 750 record within reach (yes I know Kurt rode a few snow detours but the Flag one is an hour faster tops and the 2 around Happy Jack/Mormon were about 2-3 hrs faster). This is shaping up to be an excellent event!

[joeydurango]

Reading about all you guys making final arrangements is making me really sad to miss the party.  Vicariously through all of you this year, I suppose...

[Holt]

I am feeling good about this. Understanding the GPS. I am having some good training rides. Getting my gear together. Reading lots of info. And just ordered a new bike - I hope to get it together soon enough to per ride a bunch of miles. If not I will bring my old stand by.
Couple of questions.
I got caught in the rain today, made me think about that out there. What are the chances? If this was CO, I would say everyday. I don't really have rain gear
I am thinking  about flying. It's about the same cost as driving from Houston and will save days of time. If I fly into Phoenix - can I get a ride to the start with someone? Is there a shuttle? What should I do about my bike box?

[forest_on_bike]

Scott or Tim -

Do you anticipate making any changes to currently posted track for the 750 distance?

I'd like to start putting together my waypoints for the 750 this week and just want to make sure I'm working with an accurate track.

Thanks,

Forest

[Marshal]

I am feeling good about this. Understanding the GPS. I am having some good training rides. Getting my gear together. Reading lots of info. And just ordered a new bike - I hope to get it together soon enough to per ride a bunch of miles. If not I will bring my old stand by.
Couple of questions.
I got caught in the rain today, made me think about that out there. What are the chances? If this was CO, I would say everyday. I don't really have rain gear
I am thinking  about flying. It's about the same cost as driving from Houston and will save days of time. If I fly into Phoenix - can I get a ride to the start with someone? Is there a shuttle? What should I do about my bike box?

rain and snow on day 2 last yr--have rain gear ready on hand--might have a good and bad weather set and then pick best day of race

[boatmana]

750 roll call?  Name and expected finish time please.  Unlike last year showing up late to the race start and not even certain where the hell I was going.  Planning on driving in on the 18th and either camping or sleeping on floor in SV. 

I am working on a driver shuttle for 4 bikes and gear from Havasu.  Can pick up in the following places. Lake Havasu City, Parker, Quartzite, PHX, Tucson, Sierra Vista?  Lets get a little team work together.  Hit me up aaronboatman@yahoo.com or text me 928 208 8728
Aaron

[forest_on_bike]

750 roll call?  Name and expected finish time please.

Forest Baker - aiming for 10ish days

Question for you Aaron - did you like your Osprey Stratos 24? Did it hold your bike OK through the GC? Are you going to use it again?

[boatmana]

Used the Talon 22 and yes it held up.  Ripped but it managed.  Think ill be using it again.  Still testing some stuff out.