AZT News

I have a few AZT happenings that may be of interest.

First, the Arizona Trail was officially completed back in the middle of December. They drove the “golden spike” on the White Canyon Passage just above Kelvin, AZ. This has been a long time coming, and represents a big change in routing for the AZT race (and AZT thru-riders as well, of which I expect there to be more and more). The ~100 miles of trail from Oracle to Superior is some of the finest anywhere, and has all the ingredients to become a famous MTB ride.

This coming weekend is the Arizona Trail Jamboree, an event organized by my good buddy Chad Brown on the southeast side of Tucson. Donations go directly to the AZ Trail Association, with last year bringing in $4000 or so. There will be some good riding and good friends at the post-ride BBQ/hangout, so if you aren’t signed up already, head over to: http://topofusion.com/jamboree. Jan 7 is the date.

Last year’s AZT 300 overall winner and endurance queen Lynda Wallenfels has distilled her knowledge of all things training and bikepacking into an AZT 300 training plan. Check out the announcement at lwcoaching.com. I love it that the AZT race now has its own training plan, and I can think of no better way to prepare for the race that to follow her plan.

2012’s first event in Arizona Endurance Series is the Antelope Peak Challenge, coming up Saturday the 28th of January. 65 mile and 115 mile options are available, both jam packed with miles on the AZT. I’ll be there, and the GPX/maps are updated with the new singletrack bypassing the gasline and bloodsucker wash.

That’s it for AZT news… soon some photos from frozen rides in Salt Lake City, and a new years riding binge in 70 degree Tucson.