RR: AZT300 2021 Edition - Should've Brought Skis!!

[schillingsworth]

I've been fortunate enough to finish the 300 three times now. This one was my slowest of the bunch, yet I'm most proud of this effort. I could've easily bailed when Mt. Lemmon threw everything it had at me, yet I was prepared and looking forward to it. In the end, it's a ride I will never forget and I can't wait to notch No. 4.


Full report is here: AZT300 - Oracle Iditaridge



My ride: Binary Bicycles SSP Ti 29er.



Somewhere deep in the Canelo Hills West.



Flume trail south of Kentucky Camp.



Crossing under SR83 on night 1. 82 mile day to get things started.



Rejoining the AZT near Italian Trap and a shot of tequila.



Nearing Bellota Ranch in fading light on Day 2.



Night 2 accomodations: 5 Star!! 71 miles down.



Woke to 6" of fresh snow. Snowplows kept the road rideable. Up, up, up I go.



Oracle Ridge is tough enough on a good day. Add in a foot of fresh powder, drifting to waist deep in the 30-40mph winds and you're in for a epic day. Or are you getting epic'd?? Dunno, keep pushing.



No photo stick needed to keep the bike upright.


To be continued...

[schillingsworth]

...Continuing

Setting sun...still pushing through deep snow. After 10 miles & 8 hours, I was out of the snow!! Only could muster 37 miles on Day 3.



A new day!! Sunshine, wind, but no snow!!



Cholla forest near Antelope Peak.



Stunning sunset on a new slice of trail near Ripsey. Knocked out 67 miles to set up a short final day.



Pre-sunrise over the Gila River.



Overlook near Martinez Canyon. Fatigue taking its toll.



Picketpost Mtn. the finish line, tantalizingly close now.



Finished!! 4d 8h 30m. Beer me.



Good 'ol Strava.

[bennymac]

Badass dude. Nice work - this is pure stoke. The transition from outhouse suite to snowy trail bike push is impressive.

[Iowagriz]

Been waiting for this one. Nice job pushing through the weather (literally)!

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[east or bust]

Fucking sick, thanks for posting. Pushing through the snow like you did would have been a badass adventure in a single day, let alone to insert it in with 3 others.. Nice work


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[gravitylover]

DAmmmmnnnn dude. Well done.

[::: :::]

Holy fuck you are tough
well done

[schillingsworth]

Thanks all. I'm beginning to feel sort of recovered after 2 weeks. Still some numbness in a few toes & fingers, but otherwise fine. I think I need to do some easy rides for a few weeks....