Posted by M. Stone-
Okay we are doing the Toys for Tots Bike Ride Support again. Good times had by all last two years.

I am the SOLE support organizer for this years run (not my request but I can understand )

The event is August 6th runs from Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon. Basically we camp the night before just outta Flagstaff and in the morning disperse along the route as support for the riders who ride 65 miles through FS roads. Pretty much you just sit there or drive up and down a section and give help if needed to any 28 year old spandex wearing girl who needs it. Okay, we help the guys too.

That night is a great camp just below the Rim in the woods. There is a free meal cooked by Marines, which is VERY good. Free Fat Tire, a really cool raffle for prizes, free beer, lots of people, free beer. Then the Marines make a free breakfast in the morning.

Click me for N4W link !!

This is perenially one of the best events and all are encouraged to precipitate

Here's a link to a thread on last years good time- WOOT!

If it's 2WD friendly I'm in.

Did I see Free Beer like 4 times? Poor Joannie is going to have to be the designated driver if we go... Ummmm BEEEr!..

RiNkY, there are a few spots that are not, but there are ways around them. GBizzle did it last year when he had his 4X2.

Count me in.

Conundrum, the free beer doesn't come until after the event.

And they've been known to run out, so get to it early

I don't start drinking until at least 8:am You think that's early enough?

I drank a ton of the Fat Tire Sunshine Beer that they had last year (my fav). I heard that the still had a keg or two that they didn't even open. I think they know our group well enough now to bring a ton.

I think the year before they ran out because they started serving it around 3PM and they did not have as much.

Don't forget the vaseline

No, it's not for you freaky campers, you may get a request for it from a chafing rider.

Might even show up to help on this one, it's always been a fun weekend. Of course, who could turn down free beer? Might even drag my hotel on wheels with me and park it at the finish. I could just meet up with you guys in the a.m. at the start. Hmmm, something to think about.

Note to self . Lock doors on X before going to bed.

Just make sure the freaks are on the outside of the X first. There just may be a few "if you were camping and woke up with vaseline on your ass, would you tell anyone?" kind of people in the group. There's a lot of new people, you never know

I'm in, assuming the kid doesn't decide to pop out before then (he's due early August).

Rinky, most of the trail is 2wd the only time it wouldn't would be because of mud!! But there is bypasses too. This is one of the best AZXC events all year. If I decide not to ride I am in and if I do ride (which is probable right now) I will be counting on you biatches to let me hold on to your bumper that shitty ass climb towards the end. :p

Ooh, Ooh. Lemme' do it. I saw this in a movie once..

I ran the whole thing in my 2WD last year, mud and all. It's nothing, really.

Walmart had a 20ft tow strap for like $30.00. I was thinking of getting one to go in the X for those times when I may need some help. They have one slightly cheaper with hooks, or one with just the loops in the strap.

Would I be better off spending more on a known brand, or would a Walmart cheapy do the job? It was rated to 17,000 Lbs break strength with a max towing weight of 5,500 or somethin.

You can get this one for about the same price and it seems better built and they do have stores here in the PHX area. Mesa and South PHX. This is from 4wheel parts. But Offroad Outfitters, Desert Rat and Fly-IN-Hi also carry these.



The ones with hooks are simply for towing on flat paved surfaces not for pulling over/off/around obstacles. The one with loops is what most of us carry.

Walmart's OK for cheap diapers, soda, and clothes. But a tow strap? I don't mind drinking & buying low-bid, but if I need rescued I want something that I can trust.

Spend a few extra bucks and get quality - and quality don't come from Walmart.

I have a couple of the 3" ProComp tow straps and they work great, used them several times to tug others out of different situations. Fair pricing also. Plus they have sales all the time and now with the local store they are even easier and quicker to get.
check them out clicky clicky. ProComp Tow Straps

Well, it looks like I will probably be in attendence.

BUMP.
NOOBS- This is a great time to meet the AZXC and have fun in your truck high in the pines. Please post if you can/will attend A good time for all drivers

I'm out

I'll be on a plane to Seattle on the 6th. Looks like I'm missing this one, better luck next year.

I can't wait! mmmmmm beer.

I'm planning on making it this year but not to sure yet.

Hello everyone...

It looks like I will be able to make it. I got my old man to reset the date to move out of his house. So I am going. If anyone would like some free food we could use the help. Brodie and I have first dibs on the keg.

Free food?

WOOT looks like I will be in town for the FT run, Appears we wont be leaving until sometime around the second week of August.

Hey all!

I am the newest noob, and will try to make this trip....I am scheduled on shift the 7th, but will see if I can get coverage.

Glad to see you can go Grn-X and welcome 2Xplore.

I'd like to go to this... What kind of gear is needed besides tent, bag, and average camp gear

That's pretty much it. Maybe food for the first night (if you go up on friday) and plenty of water (it gets really hot and the trail is slow-going, and sometimes riders run out).

Friday nite- Dinner/drinks

Sat AM- you could make something, or woof free donuts

Sat midday- you'll want your own stock of liquids, and snacks too. Or even lunch.

Sat nite- The Marines and Fat Tire throw a kickass fajita dinner, gratis. Prizes and awards are given away and much merriment is had.

Sunday AM- Once again, the US Marines come through . This time with a huge breakfast, WOOT.

Sleep in the X, or in tent? Flashlight, bugspray, frs radio (or cb), possibility of wicked thunderstorms too that time of year. So maybe tarps and/or raingear.

I am so there.

Yeah, gettin pretty pumped!

Might try to make this one myself.

Still gotta get the damn hardware to get my tow hook installed. I'm hoping to be there with Wife & Child.

bump

Who was it who needed the insurance info. I lost the sheet but would be glad to email the required info to whomever that dude was.

Gonna inflate our air bed in the back of the X and give that a try on the first night. 2nd night we'll probably sleep in the tent. Gonna get the hardware to install the tow hook tonight. Then pick up a tow strap too before we go. Had my emissions done yesterday, I was showing the bad knock sensor code, which might expain the weird noise I'm getting on acceleration. Gonna take her into Brown & Brown and get that replaced next week. I hate Brown & Brown, but nowhere offers a loaner and that place is walking distance from my house, so Brown & Brown it must be

Rinky it was Marshall Stone. You can find him on the Nissan 4 Wheelers site. He doesn't post here. Ask him for info and how to get the insurance info to the right people.

you are to take the insurance papers with you to the event and then give it to Michelle (you will see that everyone refers to her as M1) she is one of the "dirty girls" in charge of the event, an extremely cool chick. Otherwise I will share my experiences with sleeping in a tent vs. the X. Last year on Friday the first night it stormed. You are way up in altitude when in Flag so it seems the thunder is right on top of you, along with thunder it rained like a SOB which brought the already chilly temps into the down right cold area for the summers, I had an air mattress in my X and only some sweat pants and a sweatshirt, no blankets or otherwise. I absolutely froze. The airmattress got cold because of the cold air under the vehicle, people in their tents seemed to be in better shape given their tent didn't leak. So my suggestion, if you are gonna sleep in the x make sure you have blankets or sleepingbags and some thermals. Otherwise in a tent make sure it is water proof. The second night it wasn't stormy and the weather was great. Still some blankets would have made the night a bit warmer.

Only problem with sleeping in the X is that it's gonna be myself, wife and 2 year old. We'll have our sleeping bags etc. So warmth shouldn;t be a problem. Don't fancy taking down our big ass tent at 5am in the morning on the Saturday, that's what is swaying that decision! lol. 2nd night we can take our time packing the tent up on the Sunday before heading home.

I'm hoping it doesn't rain, otherwise my 2WD might be a little inadequate in the mud.

Rinky,

I asked Marshall about a month back if he needed the Insurance forms ahead of time or not and he told me that it would be fine to fill them out when we meet up at the event. From waht I understand, it is not a big deal.

Don't worry that you are 2WD either, you'll be able to stay out of the mud if you stay on the right roads.

I ran the whole thing last year in 2wd except for 1 part, just after you cross the highway after the first "SAG" stop there is a MUD LAKE that formed, there was a bypass down the highway a little and back down a dirt road and it connected back to the trail, otherwise put her in low gear and keep that momentum on your side.

We're there for sure mud or no mud. The wife and myself are both looking forward to it. Should be a good run.

Not sure of my status yet, that weekend is our aniversary,so it's kind of up to the wifey if she wants to spend it out in the woods or not.

We'll turn a blind eye if yuo guys sneak off into the woods!!

Bump.

So it looks like we have the following folks coming along, with a few possibles.

Dbax
Conundrum
Yzerman
TremorX - Assuming child doesn't pop
Gbizzle
Grn-X
Jasonazx
jayhawk - Possible / Not committed.
Yellow Gecko
defibvt
2Xplore - Possible / Not committed.
aetherX - Yayyy a fellow 4x2
Desert_Rat - Possible / Not committed.
Myself

This is going to be an awesome AZ gathering if everyone makes it. Couple of 05's thrown in there for good measure. A nice range of X's from 00 to 05.

You can show my wife and I committed....we are going to be there....
I will be suffering with taking down tent first thing in the am....not sleeping in the X with wife and 2 dogs.

oh shit. Forgot about our dog! lol. I think the dog might be staying at home on this one as we'll be sleeping in the X the first night. I don't fancy putting down our vast tent in the AM myself. Takes at least 45 mins to an hour.

I won't be attending my wife and I are closing on our sale home on the 5th and moving that weekend to the new one.

Good luck with the house. Thinking of getting rid of mine for something bigger next year, if I can afford it.

Add me to that list.

Forgot me, the Mrs and the dog.

The 3rd "B" will be with her grandparents, but 3BCRUZN will be there!

Brian, that's great news It'll be great to see y'all again Now if we can just get XterrAZ and Accasabel to show up, it'd be the best X-mas ever!

***********Check it out****************
Here is the latest and greatest..... shows the meeting/camping place the first night, we can participate in the raffles and there are tons of good stuff.

Thanks to everyone for helping out, please fax your insurance information to me at 480 940 8218 if you haven't already faxed it to Michelle. Or just bring a copy to thye run. (this is not mandatory, requested but not mandatory)

Marshall

"""Hey Flagstaff to Grand Canyon Riders!

Are you ready for this year’s ride? This is our final e-mail before the ride. Please read this entire e-mail as it is long, but contains very important details about the ride. We hope it invigorates you to put in a final fund raising push and helps you with some last minute logistics related to the ride.

Last year we exceeded our wildest dreams and raised a record of more than $32,000 for Toys-for-Tots of Northern Arizona, which provided toys for 14,000 kids (more than ever before). This year we want to break another record, AND we need your help. Last years donations from this ride helped provide toys for an ADDITIONAL 4,000 kids and we hope to continue to help Toys for Tots meet this need this year.

So that you can increase your raffle prize chances and help out a great cause, we’re encouraging you to hit up your friends, family and co-workers for donations. Remember all donations are tax deductible. Log on to http://www.flag2gc.com/registrationback.htm to download additional donation forms (page #3 of the registration form). Bring your donations to the ride, as we will set-up to take donations at rider check in and at end-camp.

While you’ve been busy training, we’ve been hunting down sponsors and raffle prizes. There are two levels of raffle tickets based upon your donation amount and your preferred spread between the two prize levels.

Our PLATINUM Level raffle prizes (tickets cost $20):

Helicopter Ride for 2 into Havasupai, Grand Canyon with Santa to do the toy drop
P-51 Mustang (WWII) Fighter Jet Ride
New Belgium Electra Cruiser Bike
Spa Treatments and Personal Training at Lifetime Fitness
$75 Gift Certificate for Shimano Shoes or Pedals courtesy of Bike Barn
2-night stay at JW Marriot - Las Vegas
2-night stay at JW Marriot - Phoenix
Trail Pass and One Day Ski Package Rental at Flagstaff Nordic Center
Overnight stay in a trailside Yurt – Flagstaff Nordic Center
3 month pass plus 3 personal training sessions at Pure Fitness
Free Consultations/programs -- The Fitness Institute
Mexican Party Platter for up to 25 people from El Molino Mexican Café in Scottsdale
Free Registration to Epic Rides Soul Ride
Max VO2 Test - running or cycling from Endurance Rehab (Value: $225.00)
8 week Core Strengthening Class from Endurance Rehab (Value: $400.00)
4 SUV tires from Courtesy Chevrolet (Value $1000)
4 Diamond Back vs Mets tickets August 23rd game, courtesy of Good Impressions Printing (Value: $400)

Some of our GOLD level raffle prizes (tickets cost $5)

Bike Tune ups from Bike Barn and Pinnacle Peak Cyclery
Cool Swag from New Belgium, Titus, Trek and Innovations
Phoenix Rock Gym Passes for two with Gear
Gift Certificates to Los Sombraros, Defalco’s Italian Grocery & Deli, , Nello’s Pizza, Harkins Theater, Grazie Pizzeria, Orange Table, Daves Famous BBQ, Salt Cellar Restaurant, Outback Steak House and Zoe’s Kitchen
Free Oil Changes at Advanced Auto
Continental Mountain Bike Tires
Sports bottle with Elete packets ($20 value)
MBAA memberships ($25 value)
Shimano Travel Coffee Mugs
Swag and more Swag

Ride Preparation Details

Directions to the start:

Directions to the start:

Take Hwy 180 toward the S. Rim of the Grand Canyon
Drive past Snow Bowl ski area
Turn left on Forest Service Road 222 (Look for the yellow Toys for Tots Sign)
Follow signs to camp at Wing Mountain

To speed things up Saturday morning, we’ll have rider check in Friday night around 6 pm at the start area. Everyone who has registered needs to print, sign and bring your release waiver to rider check-in. http://www.flag2gc.com/2005Waiver.pdf . Bring this form to rider check-in on Saturday morning if you cannot make it Friday night.

Remember: Rider check-in Friday night after 6 pm and Sat 6:00 – 6:30 am
Mandatory meeting @ 6:45 am Ride starts @ 7:00 am

Your rider goodie bag will have very cool swag this year - make sure and check it out before the ride as you might want to bring some of it with you. Also, make sure and bring your car keys with you on the ride in case you need to return to your vehicle due to inclement weather.

Here's a reminder list for your packing endeavors:

Small camp chair
Rain gear (it's REQUIRED!!)
Sun block
Anti-chaffing supplies
Tent & ground tarp
Sleeping pad, sleeping bag & pillow
Water in your water system w/ flat supplies and energy food
Slime in your tubes (thorns are prevalent)
Toiletries
Towel / biodegradable soap
Your own version of pain relievers
Cash for raffle prizes

This list is not exhaustive. Mark your bags and camp gear with your name to identify your stuff when you get to camp. Also, plan to pick your gear up at the start camp immediately on Sunday morning. We cannot be responsible for gear that is not claimed.

Does anyone know of a Massage Therapist that would like to help out this year?

Due to the overwhelming response to our ride this year we may be tight on return transportation to start camp on Sunday. While we’re confident that we'll have it worked out, we're looking for some assistance. If you marked on your registration form that you need a ride back to Flagstaff and now have your own ride, please let us know by replying to this e-mail. If you will have a vehicle at top camp and have room for others to get back to the start camp, please respond to this e-mail by notifying us of the number of people you can add to your vehicle.

Finally, we have a waiting list for folks who registered after the ride reached our limit, and if you are registered and cannot participate in the ride, please respond to this e-mail, so that we can have folks on the waiting list fill your spot(s).

Again, this ride would not be possible without the support of our sponsors:

Arizona Back Institute, U.S. Carpentry / M&I Enterprises, New Belgium Brewing, Hancock Homes, Bike Barn, HRH Insurance, Giant , Trek Bicycle Showcase, Rancho Feliz Charitable Foundation, Inc, Outback Steakhouse, Arizona National Guard, Andy Sandoval, Kalil Bottling, Clifbar, Elete, Coconino Amateur Radio Club, Xterra Club , Lindstrom Family Car Wash, HomeVestors, Dr. Robert Spies, AZ Coaching, Alacer Corporation, Advanced Auto, N.L. Booth and Sons Inc.

And…our Volunteers and Support!
Southwest Area Nissan Club and the Arizona Xterra Club, Coconino Amateur Radio Club, Arizona National Guard …and any other volunteer crew I have forgotten about.

See you Friday night (8/5) or Saturday (8/6) morning.................now go round up donations!!!

Sorry dude, read back to the second page of this thread. I won't even be in the state let alone at the ride. I'd go if we weren't heading to the Pacific Northwest. Just bad planning on timing of the trip, the bike ride weekend is at the top of the list of X'cursions.

I'll be there Friday night, what time is everyone heading up? I'm planning on leaving around 2pm.

I'll be there Friday night too. Gonna try for 2pm, but that might be a little to early for me. The wife is working, I've got the day off tho, so can pack the X ready, so we might make that.

I get off work at 8am Fri, and wife working half day, so will be heading up mid afternoon...want to beat the I17 rush hour if I can....

Yeaa, I hear ya with that. When I drove up to Alans gold claim it took 2 hours to get out of town from Mesa. Stuck on the 101 trying to get on the I17 for at least 30 mins.

Who's this?

There are a few glimpses of X's on a site dedicated to the 2001 run at: http://www.flightofthepigs.com/Events/flag_to_grand_canyon_2001.htm

Nosup4u or Stone???

I don't think it's either. I believe the 2001 rains are what got us involved, I think we started helping in 2002.

What about meeting at the Chevron Station at Carefee Hwy and I-17 at say 2pm on Friday?

It might be easier to meet at the Chevron by the outlet malls off of Anthem Way just so that you are past the thick of the traffic by then, @ at the Carefree exit you are in the middle of the Friday mess.

Even better idea Gabe!

No way I'd make it there by 2pm. 3pm maybe. Planning on leaving the house at about 2pm and that's 50 miles from my place to the Anthem outlet mall.

No biggie tho, the directions aren't to bad if we don't convoy up there with the rest of ya'll.

Will try to get there by 2:00, but I am not gonna be in a big hurry to get up there....I will have to pit stop along the way....one dog not very good at road trips yet. The directions are pretty clear, so should be no prob finding it.

I say that we stick with the Carefree Hwy spot, just so people don't get confused, as we have in the past when we tried to change the location. Changing the meeting location will probably only cause more problems than good.

Another thing to remember:

Bike Rack

These have came in handy many times in the previous years for trasporting riders. If you have one or an extra, bring it along.

Anyone coming north after say 3PM may want to take Cave Creek/Scottsdale Rd/Lake Pleasant up to Carefree Highway instead of the 101 to I-17. You'll at least cut off some of the traffic.

Thought about that route before, while I was stuck in traffic on the 101 trying to get on the 17!

I believe that is correct.

Hey Lee

I have a 3 or 4 bike hitch mount rack that I purchased for this event a few years ago. Came in handy a couple of times. I will loan it to anyone wishing to use it, you just have to make arrangements to pick it up. Really convenient, slides into the receiver hitch and folds down to open the hatch. One word of warning though, it won't stop a tree from damaging your bumper when going in reverse.

I have a hitch mounted rack for 4 bikes if anyone that is going wants to borrow it.

Instead of meeting at the Chevron on the Carefree since some people can't be there at 2pm. How about we meet some place in Flagstaff so everyone knows where to go.

A place I am thinking of is the Target parking lot at 6pm.

Hey Mike!!

Scott,

If we're gonna meet somewhere in Flag at around 6pm. Make it a Fast Food joint! Then that saves making an evening meal.

I agree with the meeting in Flagstaff idea. We need to leave by 6, because it takes lil while to drive tehre and find camp spot and set up camp before dark.

Target it a good idea being that it is easy to find and has a large parking lot. As for food, there are alot of fast food places with in a few blocks from there for people that want to get something fast before the meeting time. And of course there will still be those who will cook once camp is set up i'm sure.

Just my $.02- I'm leaving Surprise at 1:30 on Friday afternoon, anyone who can and wants to should drive up with me. If anyone would like to use it, I'll also be toting along my small propane grill for use at the campsite. That is all.

I will be bringing a propane grill also. Dan, if you don't mind, I will caravan up with you. What is the name of the campground that we are staying at?

the camp spot doesn't have a name besides the race start. It is something like exit mile marker 222 on the way to the grand canyon. It is north of Flagstaff just past Snowbowl.

Scott, I figured you were , then you were just meeting everyone back in town at 6 .

So, are we meeting at 2PM somewhere north of town or is it a free for all up to Flag?

I'll be happy to stop at Chevron off of I-17 on Carefree Hwy from 2:15-2:30. Get something cold to drink, maybe top off, and hit the hill.
CB- 14
FRS- 14-0
That is to say.. It appears as though myself, along with a myriad of other strange fellows will be in the vicinity of the aforementioned service station at which point we'll likely stop to enjoy repast but for a moment.
We'll see you around 2:15

Roger...Roger...

I am behind in my post count what ever shall I do.

Okay, sounds good, we'll see you there.

Um, i'll meet at the Cheveron Too.

How about everone else.. post up your plans.

We can't make the Chevron that early. Brenda's dad will be taking Bailey and he doesn't get off until 3.

What time is the Flag meeting spot? We'll probably miss that too since we're starting later so if anyone has good directions I'll use that.

I'll also check back through the 6 pages and see if it's on here

Work schedule knocks me out.

i will be a bit late myself. I can't leave here until about 4pm, but I know where the site is so if I don't catch anyone at the meeting points I will still be there.

Well, it looks as though I just turned from a definate to a maybe (work), but if I come I will be at the chevron on carefree at around 2:00pm. I will also be bringing my two burner propane grill. This will help to better serve my enormous appetite.

Been looking at the Weather Radar the last week or so to see if any of these damn storms will actually hit my house. So far not a drop of rain at my place in Mesa, almost like Monsoon is avoiding me or somethin. Flagstaff on the other hand has been hit pretty hard almost every day, so I'm expecting it to be a little muddy up there. Should be fun

This is a good time to remind anyone going to remember their raingear;clothing, tarps, poles, guylines, whatever. Also, remember your rubber floor mats. Plentyof time to get some if you haven't already It may be *110 and dry here, but it'll be *80 and muddy up there, down to the *50s at night..

Since I will only be there in spirit I will also have to suggest sunscreen for that left arm that will be hanging out the window, last year I got a nasty sunburn on it.

I will definately be in attendence now. So, I will be meeting up at the Chevron on Carefree at 2:00pm. See ya there everyone!

Don't forget the bug spray. Those black flys were bad last year.

Looks like 75 and 49 for Friday/Saturday. Most likely a little cooler where we'll be on Saturday.

Got my tow strap. Front tow hook is replaced and secured (Thanks Adam for the help), plus I have the Hitch pin on the back, found one at Harbor Freight with a nice big red handle to quickly & easily remove.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=3908

So if I get stuck in the mud I'm about as prepared as I can be to be pulled out by one of you kind 4x4 folks

I'm glad you're bringing the tow strap... if we go, I plan on getting stuck in some mud. But don't tell Celia I said that

A few people will have tow straps. Should be fun.

WOo Hoo! I got my winch and PIAAs installed today!

I can't wait

Very cool. Now someone check out acct balance for the club. Just kidding.

Yes, the club funds are now suspiciously down to $35??

hahahha :p Just kiddin!

i've read the entire this entire thread and have come up with 3 possible conclusions.
1) the directions to the event are posted somewhere else.
2) i'm skipping over them
3) I'm retarded

Please enlighten me.

The earliest that the gf and i can get off work tomorrow is 3:30 pm so if anyone is leaving around 4:30ish and wants to join our own personal caravan gimme a call! 602-502-4237

Directions to the start:
Take Hwy 180 toward the S. Rim of the Grand Canyon
Drive past Snow Bowl ski area
Turn left on Forest Service Road 222 (Look for the yellow Toys for Tots Sign)
Follow signs to camp at Wing Mountain
I'll make sure FR222 is clearly marked from 180, it's about 8 miles on 180, it's to the left.

Make sure you look for the yellow sign.

Remember: Mandatory meeting @ 6:45 am Ride starts @ 7:00 am Saturday.

I'm leaving Mesa at around 3pm. Hope to be in Flag by 6pm. Stopping for dinner, or grabbing drive thru there, then heading to the camp. There was mention of some folks meeting at 6pm in Flag at the Target. If I'm there around that time, listen out on the FRS Channel 14 and you might hear the English guy trying to find his way there!

Here's a link to the rest of the story.. LINKY (thanks N4W)

Just to let you know, (those of you who'd attended the Xcursion) If you've lost a front center cap somewhere in the mud, I found it and have it for you. Call me

And from Marchal-

"Washed off the mud from inside tonight, reminded me to come and update everyone.

It was nice to come in real handy this year, some of those poor riders got just drenched.

Together we helped raise over 30,000 dollars for Toys for Tots of Northern Arizona!

So thank you all again!

Marshall"

Hey that wheel cap would be mine. Thats awsome that someone found it. I'll pm you later and figure out a way to pick it up.