AZT

The weekend AZT event was quite fun. I joined the gate crew and helped Mark cut two fences (yes!) and install cowboy gates. I can’t believe I was party to making the AZT 300 course easier. Negotiating the many fences of the Cienega Corridor, at 2am after 100+ miles on the bike was a pain indeed.I also got to install my first AZT carsonite! It’s funny how much comfort these little signs can be when you find one in an unfamiliar area. Especially at night, since they are reflective, it’s an instant calming feeling. You’re no safer or more in control than before you saw the sign, but it sure feels that way, and at least you know you’re where you’re supposed to be.

I just posted some pics over at aztrail-build.org from the event. After hauling the carsonite driver around, I grabbed regular tools and headed out for a bit of actual trail construction. The race will not use this new piece (south of Sahuarita Road) of trail, but it probably will someday.

I’m jonesing for more technical riding, and I think my legs are back together, so this week is looking good. I’ve also been contemplating plans for the spring. I will start the AZT 300 with the rest of the group, no doubt, but I may turn “right” to explore a new trail to Albuquerque. Option B is to finish the 300 and continue north on the AZT. Unless the north rim gets more snow, it could be a good year for a spring trip (rideable trails on the north rim by ~May). Either way, I can’t wait to spend some days bikepacking. It’s been way too long.

Paula and I hike/rode up Milagrosa a few days ago, but I never got around to posting the pics. They aren’t of any sick technical manuevers, but the light out there was very nice. Milagrosa is a great place to hang out near sunset.

Milagrosa Canyon


Contemplating this “problem”/challenge