It's getting that time again, the toys for tots bike ride we did support for last year is getting their act together for this years ride.

August 7th, same deal as last year, except one thing.

I was promised beer for us this year!!!!

I'll post more later but looking for an early count of interested parties to assist on the trail.

Marshall

It sounds like we need to be involved, you know for the kids.

I'm in, I'm in, I'm in!!!

Maybe I'll even put my new rear bumper on that's been sitting in my garage since the last run before this year's run and see if I can keep from backing into another tree

For those of you that didn't make it last year...I think this run ranks in the top 3 events of all the stuff the club has come up with to do. It helps out the riders, we get to drive some awesome terrain, beautiful scenery, cooler weather, free beer and food, camping, women in spandex (one's that actually belong in spandex), and so many other things along the way. Great time last year.

Very worth making the plans for.

Anybody know the details on how one might sign up to do the ride on the bike?

I'm definitely in; I work with one of the Michelles (blonde, drives a blue WRX) that put it on and she's mentioned it to me several times. I'll ask her about signing up for the bike ride, Johnny.

Last year the event was held on a Saturday. Stone mentioned that this year's event will be held on August 7. If this is true then my guess is that the schedule will be:
Friday 8/6 PM: Depart for Flagstaff, camp at starting point
Saturday 8/7 AM: Staff the race: watch spandex, rescue weenies & crash victims, share water and vasoline.
Saturday 8/7 PM: Enjoy free beer & food, camp at finish.
Sunday 8/8 AM: Head for home.

Unlike the Xterra triathlon, we can help the riders. The triathlon is a for-points event, this is a charity run. Last year we rescued a young, fit, brunette Canadian. If it had been the triathlon, we would not have had the pleasure of her spandex on our seats

is the terrain pretty rugged or can us 4x2 make the trek too.

Beer,spandex,and camping. God I love this country. Count me in for the event.

I don't remember anything too treacherous that required 4 wheel drive, except for the mudholes. I watched a new diesel dually 4X4 try and get out of the mud for about 10 solid minutes. I was heading back to pull him out when he freed himself, barely. Last year was a very dry year for the race, hadn't rained in weeks. In the prior years they couldn't keep the support vehicles on the road and out of trouble because of the mud, that's why they asked the club to help in the first place. I wouldn't suggest 2WD if there's any chance of rain or has rained recently in the area, even completely dry conditions I wouldn't get out of site of a 4X4 just in case.

Just use my motto:

"My truck can go anywhere until it can't."

the 2x4s should man stations, do tasks that don't require mud crossings. my memory seems to think that once north of 180, the mud was mostly non-existant. (except for the mudlake that dan tried cross. shouldn't that have been a warning? dan and water??)

Johnny - I have the entry form and info. PM me your email and I'll send it to you.

Mud?! Sounds like fun! Isn't that right, Travis??

Even through my pneumonia fueled brain-boiling, I still find your posting too be humorous.

You have pneumonia too?

That's what the doc ssaid today. Also, Asthma,(which I haven't had for over 15 years) is back. Somebody shoot me

It's Supai-pneumonia.

You guys going to be up for the trip in a week?

It's "walking" pneumonia- that's the same as hiking

Yeah what Lee said. Said course, same Marines cooking excellent chow.

There is definately 2 wd stuff to do.

I have a pdf of the info how the heck do I post a pdf.....?????

Email it to me if you'd like and I'll put it up on my site and link it here.

This is the info I have from last year:

Calling all AZXC Support Vehicles:
What: Fat Tire Bike Ride from Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon.
(That’s right- Sponsored by Fat Tire beer co.!!)

*Approximately 10-12 support vehicles that would be positioned at various points along the 65 mile stretch.

*Each of these vehicles would be required to carry support materials for the riders- water, emergency blankets, energy drinks, etc. (they would supply these)

*Each vehicle needs to be properly equipped to run the course in mud and must have the following support materials for their truck- Tow straps, tarps for dirty riders, and a way to communicate to SAG stops and fellow support vehicles. Some trucks may need to transport the bikes back to the campsite.

When: Friday Aug 6th- Sunday Aug 8th**

Where: Starts in Flagstaff (camp outside Flag Friday night) The trail goes along FR220 (camping Sat night just south of Grand Canyon)

Why: Event coordinators need support vehicles for along the 65 mile trail to provide water, emergency supplies, etc. Event proceeds go to the Northern Arizona toys for tots program, covering Flagstaff and one of our favorite places: The Supai village.

Details:
*Volunteer’s would go up Friday night to camp and be ready to go Saturday morning.

*Saturday morning breakfast, Saturday night dinner and Sunday morning breakfast provided.

*Fat Tire beer provided along w/ Sat night fajita dinner.

*Need to give definite answer and number of vehicles by June 15th.

*This is the 7th annual event co-run by Michelle (dirtygirl) that came with Marshall to help with the clean up on FR532. (Fellow Xterra owner!!!)

**XterrAZ edited the dates (last year's were posted)

This even sound great, I would love to help if you need me.

You are needed.

this is a special Xcursion. we need to organize. there are considerations: truck placement, beer, truck count, beer, distance, rounte, mud, food, beer, vasoline, spandex, and beer.

three months and counting.

I think there is one more thing you need to emphasize on...

...beer.

Mike I sent you an e mail with the pdf attached to mike at azxterraclub.com, did ya get it?

Nope. Try mike at xterraz.com

So, who's leading up the planning effort?? 6 weeks & counting. Marshall or Michael?? You two seem to have the inside scoop & access to the event organizers.

While I'm working as liason with the organizers (since I work with one), I was under the impression Travis or someone was going to handle the trip logistics -- ie, Meeting place, time, trip, info, etc. I'm just handling paperwork.

Definitely good emphasis on the beer. I think they ran out last year and it got ugly...

Mark

Trip specific detils are important. Another trip detail to know is what meals the drivers need to provide. Last year the event only supplied Saturday dinner, we were on our own for other meals.

A major bit of planning involves the event-specific support phase of this trip. The planner needs to ensure the event support is what the organisers & riders need. Where to have vehicles, how they should support the riders, what to carry, how to perform the route clean-up, medical support, etc. You be the VEEP. I would hope that between you and the PRES, one of you will step up and let us know these details. It's the planning that gets you involved directly with the event staff, and offers the intrinsic rewards you get for being an officer...

Good luck, I know we look forward to hearing the results of your sacrifice & efforts.

Dinner and a great breakfast.

Both cooked by Marines. The breakfast was on Sunday.

We'll need to be there Friday night to start early Saturday, since we spread out on the course and are ahead of the riders.

Really all we need to plan is to be there Friday night and the DirtyGirls handle the rest.

And it's over a month and a half away......

Just wanted to bring this back to the top, it's getting close.

Does everyone have their plans made for the event? If you haven't done it (and I haven't) this would be a good time to get your info over to TremorX for making the trip.

Edited to update- I just sent Michael my completed insurance form

I'm planning on going to Flagstaff on the 10th to talk to the HAM Radio guys about what they want us to do; I think they have some sort of idea as to what we're supposed to do (which is more than I know at this point). I'll let you all know what I find out.

Hey Tremor... I just wanted to let you know that Brian and I have been talking about the run. We will all talk about it in further detail at the meeting but since he did it last year, he said he would lead it this year. I know he knows more than I do about what is going on but if you want to jump on the front and lead this one be my guest. Like I said we will get it all straight at the meeting on the 9th.

Unfortunately, I don't think I'll have an Xterra at this point, so I'll be out.

Just out of curiousity...

...who's going?

Going back through the posts on this thread it looks like the definites are-

Marshall
Michael
Lee
Jim (& Merridi?)
Jayhawk
Gbizzle
Travis (I'm guessing?)
Myself

Brian is out
Mark didn't say
John wants to ride
asteroid says mud sounds like fun
Dan had pneumonia

We should start getting serious about this, they need our help and I would think also need to know how many they can count on from us. Michael, how many responses do you have and what about the rest of the club? I wouldn't completely count on making arrangements with everyone at the next meeting as decent meeting turnouts have been lacking. There are numerous members that don't frequent the XOC and probably don't know the specifics on it?

BTW, anyone with a portable scanner should bring it along. I had one last year and got the frequency from the guys in the ham radio club and was able to keep up with their conversations. It was nice being able to hear what was going on throughout the course and if help was needed in a particular location.

Hey Brian... if you don't still have the X by then just go rent a Jeep for the weekend

That's not a bad idea.

Any idea which company to go through to do that?

Wonder if I could fit the 32" MT's on there

Dan still has pneumonia?

I'm still in, I need to get all my info to TremorX (which I've been meaning to do for the entire month of June).

By they way Dan, if you are going to be at the next meeting, bring the Calmini Idler Arm Brace and I'll pay you.

Or he can bring it over Sunday when we do your install? Are we doing that this week?

I'm still hoping, but it all depends on if the Shackles actually show up or not. The guy said I should have them in 2 or 3 more days. So it is kinda up in the air if I'll have them by then or not (I ordered them 6/22) before the weekend.

If I have them and he wants to drive up, I'd be happy to do that at the same time.

-Sorry to deviate from the topic but XROCK did your get my message about maybe picking up those tires and rims on Saturday? What day is good for you?

-Tremor, I am still in but my new wife and I are getting on the same auto insurance plan and my current policy doesn't expire until 7/22 so I will not have a new policy to give to you until then but count me in.

Silly, of course I'll be there.

Jimbo, no prob.

yep Gbizzle- check you mail

FYI, so far I have the insurance info for the following:

Accasbel
DBAX
TremorX
XterrAZ
Yellow Gecko
Yzerman

Correction from before - It looks like I'll be going to Flagstaff on the 9th, not the 10th, so I won't be able to make the meeting, but it'll be for a good cause.

Okay, REALLY. No planning needed. Just be at this campsite below Friday night. The organizers have it all planned, and I am sure they just want to tell us where to stage along the route. This will all happen Friday night. It's a no brainer, just show up.

Bike Route &Directions
The route this year will be similar to last year 's and is NOT the same as the one described in Cosmic Ray's book.
(Route may change due to unforeseen circumstances).
To Friday Camp:From I-17,once in Flagstaff continue driving through town on Milton RD to US Highway
180.Turn left (north)on US Highway 180,also called Humphries St.(follow the signs for the Grand Canyon).
Go approximately 8 miles to Forest Service Road 222.FS 222 is an improved gravel road on the left side of US
180.The turnoff will be marked with a ride sign.

From what I'm hearing they want to coordinate a bit differently this year, which is why I was asked to go to the meeting next week.

Okay. Well anyway for the rest of us, just show up at the camp site the night before (Friday night)

Going to Cali for a week.

Brian I'll hook up next weeekend or so when I get back.

**Important reminder to those attending**
If you can, please remember to include a bike rack/carrier with all of your things.

Thank you

After talking with the HAM club last night, the biggest suggestion they had was to make sure you have an FRS radio. That way, they can relay any information on where you need to be back and forth. They definitely would like as much organization as possible, and less "show up and shoot from the hip." I have a map of the course and I'll have GPS waypoints in the next week or so.

Things you need to have with you:

1 - Fully-stocked First Aid Kit
2 - FRS Radio
3 - Plenty of water
4 - Sunscreen
5 - Back seats (Should be common sense, but I usually take mine out on runs; you may have to haul riders so make sure you've got room to ride)

Things you to bring if you've got one:

1 - Bike Rack, carrier
2 - GPS

And finally, Things I need from you ASAP (if I haven't already):
1 - Insurance form
2 - T-Shirt Size

You will need food for:
Friday Night
Saturday Morning
Sunday Lunch

Schedule so far is:
6:00 - Wakeup
6:30 - Volunteer meeting (at least a few of us need to be there for this)
7:00 - Participant meeting (for those riding)
7:30-8:00 - Race Start

I "topped" this thread to keep it on everyone's mind since we're just a couple of weeks away.

Thanks! No, THIS one isn't going to be cancelled, if it means I have to go to every one of your houses and grab you outta bed by the ear! I'm gonna go out on a limb here and guess that everyone wants to try to get out there Friday evening? I'm not familiar with Flagstaff (only been there once), so I don't know where we'll be camping and all. I guess we can meet up at the usual Carefree Highway gas station.. what time, around 4ish? The earlier we get outta town the better. From there I guess we go straight to the campground?

Hopefully, the big turd will make its debut on this trip.

Hey Tremor, how many people do we have going so far?

Looks like 12 trucks total right now.

We camp right out of Flagstaff proper. I'm going to the (shut UP) Cardinals scrimmage at 7 p.m. at NAU, then back to the camp site.

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh cool pines.

If everyone would post their departure time plans it would help us to organize everyone getting there together, apart, or whatever.

I'm leaving work early Friday, probably around noon. I haven't decided when I'm leaving for Flagstaff as I'd like to hear what everyone else plans to do. I may even try to get with you Marshall to go watch (dare I say it?), the Cardinals. No matter when I go, I wan't to beat as much I-17 traffic as possible so more than likely it will be early. Hell, I'm half way there already

What are your plans gang?

I am hoping for a 130 or 200ish departure.

I should be able to leave around 1 or 2.

Well, guys, I need ONE MORE form.

Go here:
http://www.usacycling.org/forms/2004_volunteer_release.pdf

Print it, fill it out, and bring it with you. I'll also have some blank ones Friday night just in case.

How about we all meet up at the Chevron (I think?) at the Anthem Way exit at, say, 2:00pm on Friday?

Form printed and filled out, done.

2:00 sounds good to me for a departure time.

Do you have the GPS coordinates of the trail Michael? I'd like to preprogram them into my receiver.

Yep, I'll post them here tomorrow.

Does my mom need to sign my permission slip?

See y'all on Friday @ Chevron. And as far as anyone knows are pets welcome? (one of my two children Abbey a germanshepard lab)

2:00 Friday at the Chevron w/ Shoki
And then I swear no more camping until at least, uh, September :rolleyes: ...

If anyone is coming up from the south east and wants to drive up Cave Creek Rd or Scottsdale. The Circle K (on Care Free Highway, 1/2 mile west of Cave Creek Rd) close to my house has gas going for $1.79 (as of today). Not sure what it is going from up in Anthem, but you might save yourself a few bucks heading around that way instead.

I'm planning on going in the 2pm run, but is there going to be a second group?

What about Beer , anyone taking a backup supply in case they run out?

Apparently Fat Tire says there will be enough beer for 2000 people.

I'm down for the 2 oclock meet.

How many people can bring riders back, I have room for three or four...post your space.

Don't be going into the Arizona wilderness without supplies
--
"Free Beer Tomorrow"

Back to the starting point or back to town? I thought everyone (the riders) pretty much had their own arrangements made for both.

The email I got says "back to the start camp on Sunday." Just bodies, not bikes or gear. I can get 3 if they all squeeze into the back seats.

Yes, and make sure she makes enough cupcakes for all of us!

OK. I'm guessing that the truck that takes their stuff (camp equipt) to the finish line will also be taking it back to the start point? If so, I can fit a couple of people with bikes as long as I'm not packing in their stuff too. My stuff alone will take up the cargo space.

If memory serves me correctly, there was only a few that needed rides back to the start, everyone else had previous arrangements for transport.

They have a bus going back to the start point but some riders (no gear) may need rides back to the starting point.

My company is underwriting some neat stickers for the event, there should be enough to go around to support people BTW.

And yes Steve, I always carry my "own" supplies

I know ya do, I'm just bummin' 'cause I can't go this year.

Back on the trail again. Well atleast it won't be soo far. Me and little man will be coming up after dinner. So we wont be up there until about 9 or 10. I am looking forward to seeing you all. If anyone else has plans of going up later please drop me a line.

Here's the coordinates:

1. Wing Mtn. (Start)
N 35° 16.38 W 111° 46.21

2. FS Rd 171 & FS Rd 193
N 35° 22.10 W 111° 50.12

3. FS Rd 760 & FS Rd 191c (Horseshoe Hill)
N 35° 25.33 W 111° 48.9

4. SAG #1
N 35° 30.12 W 111° 49.15

5. Tub Ranch
N 35° 35.53 W 111° 45.36

6. SAG #2
N 35° 36.25 W 111° 45.33

7. Maqui Stage Station
N 35° 17.12 W 111° 52.43

8. Buck Tank
N 35° 49.27 W 111° 53.9

9. Camp
N 35° 53.17 W 111° 57.51

Thanks for the GPS coodinates Michael

Start point may be wrong unless they've moved the start from last year. It shows to be on the north side of 180 and I thought we were camping/starting to the south of it last year

The more I think about what food to bring, the more I think that "Sunday lunch" should really be "Saturday lunch". We're out on the trail all day and you'll need to take something along for lunch that day unless you're only doing breakfast and dinner. We really don't need a Sunday lunch unless you plan on staying in the area to play. I'll be home by then on Sunday.

I'm not sure what format those coordinates are in, they didn't say. That may be the problem. I haven't overlaid it in Mapsource yet so I'm not sure.

And yeah, good call on the meals.

The problem with the cords (at least at first sight) is that they are only accurate to the 100'th of a second (and not a 1000'th) . They could be way off, maybe up to a 1-2 tenths of a mile (as XRock and I found out up in Utah on our hiking trip).

Just look at your map software and go from 35° 53.170 - 35° 53.179 and see how far apart they are (then you add in the West cords and you could be way off).

It'll still get us in the general area at least.

Ah, gotcha. GPS n00b here. Anyway, that's what I was given, sorry they're not better. :p

those coordinates seemed close to my recollection, with a minor difference. they've changed the SAG stops, the second one was a long ride from the 1st.

a warning for the ladies;
once we get about 2 miles north of 180, there is major stretch that will take several hours with VERY few trees or scrubs to duck behind and make those mother-nature calls ...

...and Lee is bringing binoculars...

and a camera, and volunteers for nature photography??

closer still would be N 35° 47.12 W 111° 52.43

You're right. 17 is what they gave me, though. I'll bring copies of the map this afternoon.

Also, a correction (from the HAM club) on #6, SAG 2:

N 35° 41.XX W 111° 44.XX

Sorry, no seconds for SAG 2. It's been moved West 3.5 miles closer to SAG 1.

I'm just now programing these cords, caught it and came here to post it. You beat me to it Lee, an extra shot of the knob for you.

Me and Dakota won't be making it unfortunately.
There's just no way I can leave the new group for the weekend. We have very aggressive goals that need to be met and I have a subpar team.
Massive training and recruiting some of my old team over will get it done in a few weeks~

Figures- Finally get that promotion and already it's affecting my Fun Time!!

Have fun guys~ If you need anything, CALL ME AT WORK!!!

That sucks. We'll miss you there Brian.

An effective leader can leave his team while he has fun and they will get the job done. Looks like they hired the wrong guy.

Just kidding......get those bastages in shape, we'll miss you and the Brown Turd.

Just one thig to say - opportunity!!! If the team was already great, there'd be no room for improvement. Now you can show how you grew, developed, strengthened and made a team - you can do what a good manager can do.

Good Luck. Get that done post-haste so you can come out and play.

Exactly! My old team was like that. Now I just have to get this new team on the same plan.

It'll just take a couple weeks.