Dixie 311

[DaveH]

It was the Dixie 271 for me as I finished at Horse Valley Road. What a ride, what a route! I learned more about southwest Utah than most locals learn in a lifetime. I'll have good memories of that week forever.

Awesome Lee!  Everyone accounted for, whew.

Most certainly an in-depth look at SW Utah back country, eh?

[mr.hobbs]

Great shots Greg.
They make me want to quit my job and head for the mountains.

Cool, Lee!

I'd wondered where you'd gone. It certainly was interesting, eh? I don't think I'll need another go of it.

I posted more of my pics on my Blog, here: http://dirtanddogs.blogspot.com/2010/07/dixie-311-bikepacking-tour.html, if you want to check them out.

--Greg

[GrizzlyAdam]

Was that carving on the part of the Spruce Trail that the Lite covered? If so, how'd I miss it?? Of course, I think I spent most of that section looking down at my GPS and hoping I'd see DH around the next corner so I could hit him with a stick.

Love all the photos. Well done everyone.

[ScottM]

Yep, it was on the D-lite course.

I finally sat down to write up my Quasi-Lite experience.  It would be right here:

http://www.topofusion.com/diary/2010/07/09/fleeing-to-dixie/

[tRoy]

Thanks for sharing everyone.  I am inspired and envious!
Yet another Dave Harris route I am gonna do. 

[JimL]

Hmm...  Yea, the Lite is on my radar too.

I see Dave has been fiddling with the gps looksee mapish information already, putting up the original start location track.  That seems to skew the 'Ice cream at Navajo Lodge' concept into probably more like late lunch / dinner?  Will we see an updated Dixie Lite gps track soon?

If one were to do the course starting outside Cedar City, can we still park at the VRR trailhead?  Or alternatively, ideas on parking in Parowan?

Thanks,

Jim

[Carney]

Awesome stuff - really bummed I wussed out and couldn't make this one work. 

With some re-routes on the higher elevations sections, what's the possibility of doing more or less this loop around thanksgiving time with an emphasis on sleeping and scenery viewing?

[DaveH]

Jim - the official route for this year is represented by the GPS files available for download on the homepage for each event.  The 311 official route is here http://2-epic.com/maps/311map.html?dixie311-2010.kml&index=0 and both the Dixie Lite and 311 routes are here http://2-epic.com/maps/311map.html?map=dixie-services.kml&index=2 .  Might be a tad confusing having the old maps still up there...it's on the todo list

I think it would be ok to park for several days at Woods Ranch, but if in doubt contact iron county parks and ask.  There are no signs I recall to prevent one from overnight parking.  There is a park in Parowan I believe that is good for parking also if you wanted to do the original route, and I'm pretty sure you could also park right at the 2nd lefthand canyon/hwy 143 intersection.

I don't plan to make any changes to the tracks in the area near the start/finish.  Even if snow was gone by the start date, it's unlikely all the trees would be cleared from the dark hollow descent.  I may add Sydney peaks immediately after the spruce trail, but that depends on snowmelt and timing and won't be done before next spring. 

Carney - I'd give a thanksgiving ride about a 3% chance of success and that's generous.  Thanksgiving is typically mud season between 5k and 8k and winter above 8k.  Plus it would be cooooooold at night!  Any date beyond the end of September is iffy.

[Carney]

And.......scratch that idea - thanks!

[Lee Blackwell]

Finally posted pictures and a story of my Dixie on my blog

http://leeblackwell.blogspot.com/

 

[ec_duz_it]

Sorry if this info is hidden somewhere in this thread already-- Can anyone tell me what are the stats are for the 311 ride and for the 200 ride? %fireroad,  %singletrack, %pavement?  Cheers. 

[Buttermilk]

hey erin,
its a high quality route. rough numbers might be ST 60%, DT 30%, road 10%. the 200 is great...i hear the 311 is pretty stiff. check out this thread from last year.

http://www.bikepacking.net/forum/index.php?topic=3070.160

I might get on it again this year.

Dave...any thoughts on a start date this year?? Solstice?

[DaveH]

Yep, it's on the schedule for June 21. Seems to be great timing.

The 311 is quite challenging - both from the amount (and gradient) of climbing, and from the ever varying levels of deadfall. Honestly september is better timing as local ranchers have cleared trails by then. Just steer clear of any wet weather patterns!

[ec_duz_it]

The 311 looks like a 5 day ride for me. Similar to TDLP numbers but even more challenging. The 200 looks like a good option if I don't have that many days to commit.  Looks like beautiful country and rugged terrain, just the way I like it.  I am definitely strongly considering doing at least the 200.  If anyone wants to carpool from California, let me know. 

[B_Bock]

The 311 looks like a 5 day ride for me. Similar to TDLP numbers but even more challenging. The 200 looks like a good option if I don't have that many days to commit.  Looks like beautiful country and rugged terrain, just the way I like it.  I am definitely strongly considering doing at least the 200.  If anyone wants to carpool from California, let me know. 

I may be able to squeeze this in? Don't think carpooling would work since we're at opposite ends of the state. Jeremy, Are you considering the Dixie again this year?

[Buttermilk]

hey Blake,
I'd like to get back out there and that is my tentative plan...but time will tell. good work on the TDLP race, you looked strong and steady.

[ec_duz_it]

Blake/ Jeremy, there is a new thread started for the Dixie 200 in the ultra racing forums. 

Hope to see you guys out there.  The turn out looks pretty small so far, but that's fine with me.  I am going to head out either the morning of June 20, or the evening of June 19 to avoid the Vegas traffic.

-Erin

[B_Bock]

Blake/ Jeremy, there is a new thread started for the Dixie 200 in the ultra racing forums. 

Hope to see you guys out there.  The turn out looks pretty small so far, but that's fine with me.  I am going to head out either the morning of June 20, or the evening of June 19 to avoid the Vegas traffic.
-Erin

I was planing on giving it a go, but I'm having some tendonitis issues with my knee. Three early season Bikepacking races have beat me up.