AZT ][

The ‘big idea’ referred to in the previous entry was to ride the Arizona Trail again — the easy way. Or at least the ‘easier’ way.

I’ll follow the route described in Andrea Lankford’s book. As I’ve said many times in the past, it’s a great route for loaded touring, or for lightweight racing. It’s just not what I’d consider “riding the Arizona Trail.” My rule will be to stick with Andrea’s exact route, unless I decide to follow more of the trail than she tells you to take. Since the trail is always slower, this rule seems only fair.

I waited out the latest volley of storms and remain very happy with my decision. North central AZ got pounded today and that’s exactly where I would have been.

I start tomorrow morning from Montezuma Pass. Weather looks good into the weekend… after that is unknown. I’m hoping to cross the Grand Canyon before the first major winter storm. It’ll be a race against time.

I simply can’t wait to get out on the bike again. Nothing to do but ride, ride and head north every day. It’s going to hurt, no doubt. It always does. If it was easy, anyone could do it, right?

This trip makes sense for me in so many ways. And now it begins. I will try to fire off some updates while I’m resting, but no promises.