Tag Archives: self supported

THE SPIRIT WORLD 100

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Dear gravel riders, soul surfers & anyone who uses the bike to escape time… 

We are Heidi Rentz & Zander Ault

We’re co-creators, gravel cyclists, chefs & party animals. We’re so freaking excited to see you in Patagonia, Arizona for a gravel road race that has inspired every aspect of our lives.  

The Spirit World 100 is a down home gravel road expedition that has been in creation for 4 years. We’ve been exploring the outer reaches of our abilities to be spirited entrepreneurs in an attempt to bring something from another universe to the event scene. Our main goal is to connect more people through our contagious love for riding bikes, cooking and throwing a mean party. Now, we just need all you special humans to bring your creative and powerful energy to the desert southwest.  

The Spirit World 100 and 50-mile course options are 2 of our most coveted and adored gravel routes in southern Arizona. Each course option is a reflection of the thousands of hours we’ve spent soaring through the San Rafael Valley since 2015. In order to showcase one of the Nations best remote and purely quiet destinations, we have partnered with the Town of Patagonia to invite riders and their families to the high desert. Obsessed with the landscape of the borderlands region, we’ve studied the maps of this area and are working closely with regional government, land management and private entities to make this place more accessible for the entire gravel cycling community. We want to help redefine the future of outdoor recreational tourism in the greater Tucson and borderlands region of The Copper State and The Spirit World 100 will be a key player in this mission.   

If we said this wasn’t a race, we’d just sound ridiculous. Any time you place 100’s of riders on the start line, it’s a race! This race is a place to find the answer to why challenging ourselves in unfamiliar conditions is so sought after. We’re only human and we were put on this earth to move, sweat, be affected and feel the power of confidence that our raw and natural surroundings can instill. The Spirit World 100 is a celebration of exactly what you’re searching for every time you jump on your bike. You’re welcomed in, wholeheartedly. 

Tucson, Arizona is our home. When we aren’t there, we’re hosting private gravel and road cycling camps around the globe. For sometime now, we’ve wanted to create an event that everybody felt comfortable committing to. Cycling camps aren’t for everybody. They may never meet your personal schedule or provide enough of what you’re looking for in a vacation. The Spirit World 100 has been designed to deliver fun, challenge and growth oriented human interaction over the course of 4 days. We couldn’t be more excited to show you Patagonia, Arizona and the San Rafael Valley. See you in The Spirit World!

Teeth to the wind,

Kentucky Camp – Arizona Endurance Series

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When:
November 2, 2024 at 9:00 am (9:15 start time for those doing the short course)

Where:
Kentucky Camp, 40 miles south of Tucson. Google maps link here.

What:
There are two options for this race, (1) a 29-mile lollipop or (2) a 46-mile figure 8. There will be camping available and a post-race party in the area for those that would like to grill. This year, we are doing the Kentucky Camp as a charity event for the Arizona Trail Association. If you want to ride and are not a member, please become a member here: https://aztrail.org/get-involved/join/ 

GPX files and maps:

Kentucky_camp_long_route

Kentucky_camp_short_route

For help uploading the GPX files to your GPS see: http://topofusion.com/tutorials/uploading-tracks.php

Using a GPS is highly recommended!

Coconino Stage Bikepack – Arizona Endurance Series

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Coconino Stage Bikepack

IMG_4963

When:
October 11-14, 2024

Where:
We will be meeting on Friday, October 11, 2024 at 7:00am in Flagstaff, downtown at ‘The Place’ (21 S Milton Rd). We eat a big greasy breakfast, chat a bit and then we ride! The actual starting time for the first stage (and every stage) is open-ended.

What:
The 250-mile route has about 40-50% singletrack, some of which is pretty darn technical, and about 33k of climbing. The route is: Flagstaff-Sedona-Mingus Mountain-Williams-Flagstaff. Those that have never ridden in this area, you are in for a treat!

Live tracking link will be listed at: http://trackleaders.com

Carrying a SPOT tracker is optional. You can add your own SPOT/InReach to the tracking map at the following link (email info@trackleaders.com to inquire about a rental device):

https://form.jotformpro.com/trackleaders/long-trail

The (old) forum:
http://www.bikepacking.net/forum/index.php?topic=10860.0

GPX: GPS and Cue Sheets can all be found here.  The file CLR22_v2_10k_simplified.gpx is the latest version of the route. The 2013 files are current for the cue sheets and waypoints.

For help uploading the track to your GPS see TopoFusion’s uploading tutorial.

Please note: it is very important that you upload both the GPS track (line) AND the waypoint file. The waypoints define where stages start and end, as well as help everyone regroup at the end of each stage.

Bikepacking.net route description

Self Supported Stage Bikepacking

The Coconino 250 is a self supported stage bikepack. The usual rules for self-supported bikepacking apply (see AZT 300, CTR for examples), with one exception: there are locations on the route where stopping is allowed and as long as you are there, the ride clock is not ticking.

This makes the event into a quasi-stage ride. Riders may ride from one stopping location to another, then rest the night before the next ‘stage.’ However, stopping is not required at any of the points. The option of a non-stop ride is still open.

There are 4 stages, with 3 “stage stop” locations. The first two are camp sites, with no water or other services available (but fantastic views!). The third is the town of Williams, where most racers opt to share motel rooms. You can also camp on nearby national forest, if desired.

Each rider’s time will be computed as = the total time on course minus the total time spent in designated stopping locations. Because of this it is important that you carefully log your time in and time out. Bring a piece of paper to do this, and if you can collect a GPS track for backup, even better.

The idea is to promote camaraderie, lessen the physical ‘impact’ on participants, and also experiment with a new format.

The stage stops are marked as waypoints in the course GPX file and also denoted in RED on the cue sheets.

Pictures

You can drool over some pictures on Scott’s website: http://www.topofusion.com/diary/2009/06/29/coco-ming-o-bob/

Please use the signup form below, and post in the bikepacking.net forum if you plan on attending.

CLICK HERE FOR RESULTS

Comments, suggestions, heckling can all be made below. Or on the forum.

The Tusayan Tussle – Arizona Endurance Series

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The Tusayan Tussle

Image result for photo from fire tower grand canyon

The Tusayan Tussle

When:  The 100 event will start at 6:00 a.m. The 60 mile event will start at 7:00 a.m. on August 24, 2024

Where: The start/ finish will be on Forest Road 302 located on the south end of Tusayan, half a mile east from the roundabout on Hwy 64.

Lots of parking and lots of camping options right at the start/finish area on both sides of FR302.

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The routes:

Option #1: 60 Mile route that is a loop with fun double track all the way to the turnaround at the historic Moqui Stage Stop and follows the Arizona Trail all the way back to Tusayan. An epic ride for any ability.

Option #2: 94 mile route that includes 40 miles of double track forest service roads with literally no traffic all the way to the turnaround where you will ride the Arizona trail all the way back to Tusayan.

****Grandview Lookout will be on the route approximately 16 miles from the finish with a requirement to climb it. The views are worth the climb up. If you fear heights, you don’t have to climb it. ******* Time bonus for the ones that climb it. Selfie pic for proof******

Fully self-supported ride. Russell tank has water and can be filtered if needed. There will be NO water drop unless we have a volunteer drop and pick up at Russell Tank or elsewhere. Russell Tank is a reliable filtering tank.

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Where: The start/ finish will be on Forest Road 302 located on the south end of Tusayan, half a mile east from the roundabout on Hwy 64.

Lots of parking and lots of camping options right at the start/finish area on both sides of FR302.

Tussle

Route:

The Tussle will be a loop rather than the out and back. The route will be ridden in a counterclockwise fashion with the route consisting of 25 miles of scenic remote forest service roads, 35 miles on the Arizona Trail and 1 mile of asphalt/concrete riding through Tusayan back to the finish.

****Grandview Lookout will be on the route approximately 16 miles from the finish with a requirement to climb it. The views are worth the climb up. If you fear heights, you don’t have to climb it. ******* Time bonus for the ones that climb it. Selfie pic for proof******

Fully self-supported ride. Russell tank has water and can be filtered if needed. There will be NO water drop unless we have a volunteer drop and pick up at Russell Tank. Russell tank should have plenty of water for filtering with all the monsoon activity.

Tusayan_tussle_short_route

Tusayan_tussle_long_route

Please sign-up below with the link as well as commenting if you are interested in camping a 1-2 nights.

Kaibab 140 and 230 – Arizona Endurance Series

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Date says June 1, But this in an ITT and the recommended dates are june- September

dave_hill_sm

What:
Your choice of one of two loop options (140 mile and 230 mile) on the fabulous Kaibab Plateau. While there is plenty of dirt roads there are also some awesome views of the west canyon (and a little of the east side) and amazing meadows north of the park border on the AZT. There is an optional, but totally worth it, out and back to Point Sublime.

When:
ITT. So you get to decide when you do it. Recommend June-September.

Where:  Here are the two options.

The main loop starts at Jacob Lake and follows mostly dirt roads to the north rim of the Grand Canyon. From there the route follows the Arizona Trail back to Jacob lake. This is a stout 2 days of riding, or a more reasonable 3 day route.

The other option adds in a loop to State Line campground. Both of these routes are worthy.

Route:
Kaibab_230_route

Kaibab_140_route

Export

 

Aspen Asphyxiation-Arizona Endurance Series

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When:
At 8:00am on Saturday, June 1, 2024

Where:
Start/End at Fort Tuthill, big lot next to the Bike Park.

Where:
Aspen Asphyxiation is back in 2023 with a new route and new trails. We will start at Fort Tuthill and then shortcut through the city to Elden via Sinclair/AZT. We will then climb up the brand new Lower Brookbank and descend the gnarly Big Band/Afterglow. We will climb Dogfood and fire/flood survivors: AZT and Secret. We will connect via Freidlein Prairie Rd, Veit Spring Trail and Snowbowl Rd to Aspen Corner. From there it’s a fun descent on AZT and Moto. We will venture into the unknown by means of Hidden Hollow Road, Mesa Observatory forest service roads and A1 Mountain Rd. We will cross the railroad tracks via an interesting but straightforward solution. Then it’s on to Soggy Bottom Ranch Rd. to uncharted roads all the way to Rogers Lake Connector trail. Good ole FUTS and Soldier trail will take us back to Fort Tuthill.

Water available for filtering only in Shultz Creek and Roger’s Lake (and a number of small streams which may or may not still be there by next week).

VERY IMPORTANT:

Start time and route are provided here and it is up to the participant to understand the route, and also have full responsibility for their navigation and well being. Since the events are self-supportive, it should be understood that these are for experienced adult backcountry cyclists only. If you question your ability to complete such an event, it is best that you consider another option before trying one of these. Also, maps, gps devices, water filtration units, and other backcountry tools are methods to ensure you complete the race. Therefore it is up to you – and you alone – to ensure your safety!!

Route:
AA_route

Strava Cue Sheet:

2023 Cue Sheet

Ride the Arizona Divide

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CLICK HERE FOR INTERACTIVE MAP

For those interested a group of individuals will be riding the 450 mile Ride the Arizona Divide route starting September 23rd. Why 9/23? It’s  simply the best time of the year to ride the White Mountains and Northeast Arizona! The are no entry fees or registration. The route uses public roads, anyone can join in. This is not an organized or sanctioned event in any way. Each rider is responsible for their navigation and well being. We will be following the current route posted on this page.  For those that want to start at the same time meet at Tall Timbers Park in the community of Heber AZ at 6:00AM on September 23rd. Do not leave your vehicle at the park.

If you own a tracking device (e.g., SPOT, Garmin InReach) and would like friends and relatives to view your progress or have a record of your ride you can register your device with the Trackleaders service. More info can be found on their website: http://trackleaders.com/ They are not affiliated with us, AZ Gravel Rides or Ride Across Arizona.

All updates for the route will be posted here and here only! No emails, texts, FB messages or Instagram messages. If you have anything you would like to share (water sources, camp spots, etc.) please forward them on to us and we’ll get them shared here.

We view RAD as a long, hard unofficial ultra endurance cycling challenge that tests our perseverance, self sufficiency and competence. It’s also a fantastic workout! The idea behind the Grand Depart type of start is to be able to have a like minded group of individuals on the route at the same time to boost camaraderie and safety. However, be advised, this is not a “group” ride. You will be on your own most of the time but might be lucky enough to encounter another rider here and there. It’s that simple. Ride as far as you can as fast as you can and above all try to remain positive and have fun.

Universally Accepted Rider Etiquette:

General:
– Complete the entire route under your own power.
– LEAVE NO TRACE.  If you carry it in, carry it out.  The goal is to keep the area we are rolling through better than we found it.
– Follow all traffic laws. You must use lights when riding at night on any public road.
– Unless you can actually see another rider coming behind you, always close a gate you open
– No trespassing. Please respect private property.

Popular ways to ride the RAD course and accepted definitions from other similar rides:

Self-supported Bikepacking (example: Tour Divide)

Solo Riders: 
– No support crews or caches of any kind.
– No motorized transport along the route.
– Unplanned support from a fellow rider is allowed.
– Gas stations, restaurants, hotels, campgrounds, and any other commercial services along the route are fair game as long as they are not pre-arranged.
– If your bike breaks and you wish to continue the ride, you must hike, walk or crawl to the next town to get it repaired. Once fixed, you must return, under your own power, to the exact spot you left the route. This is a completely self-powered ride. If you get in a  motorized vehicle, your ride is over (you may switch to the supported category**).
– You may ride with other people, but drafting is not allowed.

Duo Riders (same as above except):
– You and your partner may share resources.
– You and your partner should stay together for the duration of the ride.
– Drafting off your partner is allowed.

Supported (example: RAAM)

Solo Riders:
– Support vehicles allowed to follow along and provide assistance (high clearance vehicle required, 4wd highly recommended).*
– Any number of bicycles or replacement parts may be used during the ride.
– If a rider makes a wrong turn and rides off the event route, regardless of the reason, the rider must return (either riding or support vehicle) to the exact spot where the course deviation was made, then continue riding.
– No hand offs or mechanical support from a moving vehicle.

Relay Team (same rules for supported riders as above except):
– Riders share and exchange a single tracking device.
– Riders determine when to exchange.
– Both riders can ride at the same time sharing pulls and drafting, you decide what is best for your team.

RIDE ACROSS ARIZONA

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RAAZ 2024 Header

MOST CURRENT GPX: RAAZ 2024

All updates for the route will be posted here and here only! No emails, texts, FB messages or Instagram messages. If you have anything you would like to share (water sources, camp spots, etc.) please forward them on to us and we’ll get them shared here.

– detour has been added for the Buffalo Crossing Bridge closing at mile 571.5 (12/2/2023)

For those interested a group of individuals will be riding 600 mile Ride Across Arizona starting May 6th. The ride requires no entry fee or formal registration (no start lists or waiting lists). The route uses public roads, anyone can join in. They will be following the current route posted on this page. There are no fees, awards or prizes. This is not an organized or sanctioned event in any way. Each rider is responsible for their navigation and well being. For those that want to start at the same time (Grand Depart), meet in the Topock Route 66 parking lot at the Arizona side of the Colorado River near the community of Topock at 6:00AM on May 6th. There is NO PARKING at the Topock Route 66 Bar, this is just a convenient meeting place for the start located directly on the river.

If you own a tracking device (e.g., SPOT, Garmin InReach) and would like friends and relatives to view your progress or have a record of your ride you can register your device with the Trackleaders service. More info can be found on their website: http://trackleaders.com/ They are not affiliated with AZ Gravel Rides or Ride Across Arizona.

We view RAAZ as a long, hard unofficial ultra endurance cycling challenge that tests our perseverance, self sufficiency and competence. It’s also a fantastic workout! The idea behind the Grand Depart type of start is to be able to have a like minded group of individuals on the route at the same time to boost camaraderie and safety. However, be advised, this is not a “group” ride. You will be on your own most of the time but might be lucky enough to encounter another rider here and there. It’s that simple. Ride as far as you feel like and above all try to remain positive and have fun. The scenery is stunning and the length of the ride becomes an adventure.

Universally Accepted Rider Etiquette:

General:
– Complete the entire route under your own power.
– Aerobars and their accessories are allowed
– For the purpose of this ride a bicycle is defined as a vehicle consisting of a frame mounted on two wheels one behind the other, and having a seat, handlebars for steering, two hand-operated brakes, and propelled solely by the operator via two pedals connected to the rear wheel by a chain or belt.
– LEAVE NO TRACE.  If you carry it in, carry it out.  The goal is to keep the area we are rolling through better than we found it.
– Follow all traffic laws. You must use lights when riding at night on any public road.
– Unless you can actually see another rider coming behind you, always close a gate you open
– No trespassing. Please respect private property.

Popular ways to ride the RAAZ course and accepted definitions from other similar rides:

Self-Supported Bikepacking (example: Tour Divide)

Solo:
– No support crews or caches of any kind.
– No motorized transport along the route.
– Unplanned support from a fellow rider is allowed.
– Gas stations, restaurants, hotels, campgrounds, and any other commercial services along the route are fair game as long as they are not pre-arranged.
– If your bike breaks and you wish to continue the ride, you must hike, walk or crawl to the next town to get it repaired. Once fixed, you must return, under your own power, to the exact spot you left the route. This is a completely self-powered ride. If you get in a  motorized vehicle, your ride is over (you may switch to the supported category**).
– You may ride with other people, but drafting is not allowed.

Duo Riders (same as above except):
– You and your partner may share resources.
– You and your partner should stay together for the duration of the ride.
– Drafting off your partner is allowed.

Supported (example: RAAM)

Solo:
– Support vehicles allowed to follow along and provide assistance (high clearance vehicle recommended).*
– Any number of bicycles or replacement parts may be used during the ride.
– If a rider makes a wrong turn and rides off the event route, regardless of the reason, the rider must return (either riding or support vehicle) to the exact spot where the course deviation was made, then continue riding.
– No hand offs or mechanical support from a moving vehicle.

Relay Team (same guidance as for supported riders except):
– Riders share and exchange a single tracking device.
– Riders determine when to exchange.
– Riders can ride at the same time sharing pulls and drafting, you decide what is best for your team.

 

Tortolita 50 Arizona Endurance Series

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Arizona Endurance Series

Posted on October 20, 2007 | 4 comments

The Arizona Endurance Series (AES) consists of a number or grassroots, endurance races and rides. At the beginning of the year, the Antelope Peak Challenge will open the series with some little known singletrack near the town of Oracle. We have another Tucson ride, the Tortilita 50,  at the beginning of February. Next up is a ride that includes the famed Ripsey ridgeline. This is a great chance to check out a remote and rarely ridden section of the AZT.  In March we will be heading to Red Rock country for the Sedona Big Friggin Loop. Have you ever wanted to explore singletrack in Prescott? Come out to the Prescott Monstercross. We wrap up spring with a ride in the mountains of Flagstaff at the Aspen Asphyxiation. Then we will break until fall. First event of the fall season will be the Tusayan Tussle – up near the Grand Canyon. Then, a new addition to the calendar – Mogollon Mayhem. Next up is a 4 day stage race –  Coconino 250 .  The year will finish out with the Kentucky Camp, Picketpost Punisher and, Pleasantville.

There are no fees, no prizes, but all attempts will be made to record your finish time in comparison to others. The goal is to finish these challenges while setting your own pace. A start time and route are provided here and it is up to the participant to understand the route, and also have full responsibility for their navigation and well being. These are not group rides, although some people might do these as rides with friends or even other riders they meet at the start, along the route. Since the events are self-supportive, it should be understood that these are for experienced backcountry cyclists only. If you question your ability to complete such an event, it is best that you consider another option before trying one of these. Also, maps, gps devices, water filtration units, and other back country tools are methods to ensure you complete the race. Therefore it is up to you – and you alone – to ensure your safety!! The goal of the Arizona Endurance Series is to promote responsible grassroots endurance mountain biking in Arizona, and to provide a competitive outlet for the state’s current endurance racers – most of whom currently go out of state to compete. The AES will help train current endurance riders and perhaps enhance success by Arizonans in national events. We recommend that you join the Facebook site for all the updates, maps, and questions. So if you have interest, come on out and join us, and do your part to contribute to this grassroots effort! Only 74 participants can do the event, so make sure to sign up on each event page. Also, if you have any questions, you can use the comment section below each event.