So all year I have had my eye on making an attempt at the AZT300 (AZTR). I have been slowly preparing a set up for the multi day, point-to-point, self supported trip; and really needed to start getting bigger miles in more remote locations. Luckily there is a larger group of riders in the state that enjoy long self supported rides and the
Arizona Endurance Series had the goods. It was suggested to me that in order to preview a majority of the course; all while testing mind, body, and setup, that I attend a few key events in the coming months. Kentucky Camp was the next event for the series that was recommended and it would cover all new sections of the Arizona Trail that I would encounter during the AZT300.
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| Waiting for the sun to come up. |
I headed out toward Patagonia, AZ the night before the event since it was quite a drive from Phoenix. I met up with a friend of mine Joe in the camping area and we discussed our goals for the next day. I had some leftovers and tea to settle my stomach and other attendees gathered around a small fire pit exchange stories of rides and other happenings. It was a bit chilly that night, 50 degrees when i pulled into camp, but it made for perfect sleeping weather. I opted for a tent for this outing since i have yet to buy a bivy or any Tyvek wrap to keep the moisture off me and my sleeping bag. I woke up around 6am since that my usual time and slowly got things together for the day. A light breakfast with out coffee kept my stomach in line and it was time to start loading my bike for the ride. For this route (46 miles) I decided to just use my frame bag and jersey pockets to keep things light, I was planning for about 7 hours on the bike including stops for water and food. All the pre-ride checks were complete, now we all gathered for a brief "riders meeting" before we all rolled out. One rider was even imbibing a frosty beverage during the meeting in preparation for the day. Hey any time is Miller time!
Nine O'clock rolled around and all of the long route participants took the jeep road toward the single track turn off. I was surprised at how many people started off strong and hard considering the remoteness of these events. I guess this is the shortest distance offered during the series, so it draws a large "racer" crowd. After making the turn onto the single track we began to climb over the rolling hills toward the south and were quickly greeted by stunning vistas with breathtaking views. I let most people around me pass so that I could ride my own pace with out any hindrance or pressure. The miles seemed to go by quickly in the beginning, I made it to the Kentucky Camp cabins and decided to roll through since I had plenty of water. I then began the journey up the base of the Santa Rita Mountains, mean while I came across a number of hunters on 4x4's. Along here I ran into Joe, who'd run into a slight tire problem and was finishing a trail side fix. I decided to ride with him for a bit since my mind was wandering all morning and it was nice to have someone to talk to that I knew. I hung with Joe most of the way back to the Kentucky Camp trail head where he left me a bit. One thing about deep single track on a rigid bike you don't want to fall off-line, the bumps caused me to have a small off. Luckily the grass along the trail is quite tall and made for a nice landing on my side as the front wheel washed out. I caught up to Joe just south of the KC trailhead where he was taking a break for some calories. I pressed on the cabins to top off my water for the rest of the trip.
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| I walked among giants. |
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| Rolling hills |
Here I ran into Arturo and his friends that were taking a break at the picnic table. We talked briefly about how our rides were going and the fact that Arturo was actually getting a chance to ride his bike, and then I was off to catch up to Joe on the jeep road up to Melendrez Pass. This was one heck of a climb for me at this point in the ride. I was feeling a little bit fatigued now from the previous HAB, so while Joe clicked around his cassette, I hopped of and started walking. I walked until the grade eased up a bit and I saddled up to chase Joe a bit more. He and I stayed pretty close to rest of the ride, which was nice since we were opening and closing gates here and there. We began our next descent; which was a real challenge, it was the most technical section of trail that I've ridden on the rigid bike/semi loaded. Saying to myself, "I really didn't want to slice a tire out here." As I had flashbacks to a previous ride. We finished out the rolling descent to the gate leading us to traverse northeast back toward camp. As the sun began to fall the handle bar length grasses tickled my legs as we climbed our way across rolling hills. The breeze made the sight even more enjoyable as I walked some sections that were to steep for me. One last descent back to the road and we were home free. With one minor navigation snafu, we turned on to the jeep road and finished strong. I was surprised to see that I had finished in under 7 hours as I had predicted.
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| Santa Rita's in the background. |
It was time for food and libations as we cheered on the other finishers as they rolled in. As the sun went down those of us that stayed to camp another night gathered around our fire, sharing more stories, snacks, and the occasional beverage before settling in for the night. It was a great day on the bike.
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| Time to relax and reflect on a great day on the bike. |
The next day Joe and I rode the section of AZT to the south of where we stayed and found some hike-a-bike, catclaw, and scenic views. Here are a couple photos from day two.
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| There is a trail in there somewhere. (Joe is standing on it and it cuts right in front of the barrel) |
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| Las Cienegas looking East |
