As winter ends here in the mountains of Coloardo, most people have mountain biking on their minds. Moab and Fruita would be the economical route, but maybe a trip as far as Sedona would be considered. I've done it all and yes it is well worth it. Usually my spring trip consists of going to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Chilling on the beach, drinking beer, and eating as many fish tacos as I can stomach. Its paradise, and a real way to ring in the summer especially living in the Colorado mountains, where its been dumping feet upon feet recently. This year however, I have decided to take a stab at the 300 version of the Arizona Trail Race. The Arizona Trail Race has been around since 2006. Since then, the 750 version (from Mexico Boarder to Utah Boarder) has been a second option for those that want more. This year I'm going to start slow and try the 300 mile version.
The Arizona Trail Race 300 starts at Parker Lake which is just about 6 miles North of the Mexico/Arizona Boarder. The 300 mile version ends at the Picket Post trailhead near Superior, AZ. I've been doing endless research regarding the route, water, and gear. I feel pretty confident that I know the route, where I need to get water, and that I'm packing the proper gear. However, I have never ridden any of this trail. There are a lot of 'things' (for lack of a better word) that want you to drop out. Cacti that pokes and scraps you and your tires. Rocks that are much sharper then the ones in Colorado. The weather, in past years its has snowed, this year looks clear and HOT. Something goes wrong with your bike, and well, you just can't fix it in the middle of nowhere. Lastly of course, is the mental aspect, its always telling you to stop, but I know I just need to keep pushing. Either way I feel confident, I wish I had more time on the saddle especially longer rides but that's what you get living in Colorado. Here is my gear list for the big race.
Arizona Trail Race (300) Gear List:
Revelate Design Front Bag:
• Bivy Marmot
• Sleeping Bag 25 Degree Big Agnes
• Arm/Knee warmers
• Arm Coolers
Revelate Design Saddle Bag
• Big Agnes Clearview pad
• Down jacket
• Rain pants
• Rain jacket
• Long johns
• Long sleeve thermal
• Extra socks
• Food (meals)
• Tent footprint
• Stuff Sack
⁃ Small knife
⁃ Tape stick (assortment of tapes)
⁃ Super glue
⁃ Small first aid kit
⁃ Tweezers
⁃ Bandaids
⁃ Ibuprofen
⁃ Antibiotic ointment
⁃ other first aid kit stuff
Revelate Design frame Bag
• 2.5L MSR bladder
• Extra food (meals)
• Sports drink mix
• Aquamira (water Purification)
• Sun Screen
• Side pocket
⁃ Maps
⁃ Cues sheet
Gas Tank
• Emergency
• Trail Mix
• Cliff Bars
• Cliff Gu's
• Snickers
• Spot Device
Osprey Viper
• 3L bladder
• Pump and Co2
• Spare tubes (one Injected with Stan's)
• Multi-tool
• Tire levers
• Patch kit
• Extra Stans sealant
• Replacement shifter cable
• Organic pain cream
• Spot Device
• Squirt Lube
• Zip Ties
• Three park tire boots
• Clear and low light lenses
On Bike Bars
• Garmin Etrex 30
• Cat Eye bike computer
• Fenix LD20 mounted.
On Me
• Hincapy bibs
• Pearl Izumi base shirt
• Hincapy full zip jersey
• Long 'White sox' (pale hose)
• Six Six One bike gloves
• Pearl Izumi Alp Enduro Shoes
• Giro Aeon Helmet with Fenix LD20 mounted
• Pearl Izumi under cap
• Smith Eco shades
• Hope and confidence
• And a dash of luck
Laying things out to get a better idea of what I need, I'm a visual guy and this helps alot!
My Front Revelate Design Bag with My bivy and sleeping bag stuffed in.
The final setup, without my backpack and me.
If you want to track My progress check out these links:
The whole field:
http://trackleaders.com/aztr13
Just me:
http://trackleaders.com/aztr13i.php?name=Neil_Beltchenko
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