Bikepacking the Arizona Trail 800
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 24 ก.ค. 2024
- On October 14th, 2023 I set out to Bikepack the AZT 800. I intended to ride the route alone, but ended up meeting a riding companion, Gordon. We'd ride for 20 days finishing the route on November 2nd, 2023.
The Arizona Trail has a reputation for being physically and mentally demanding. It lived up to it's reputation.
Overall it was a tremendous experience filled with joy, suffering, scorching heat, freezing cold, companionship, camaraderie, and overwhelming beauty. I had so much support while doing this route from strangers and friends. Thank you to all the people who helped Gordon and I along the way, and thank you Gordon for being a great riding partner!
00:00 Intro
01:24 Day 1
04:07 Day 2
06:40 Day 3
08:40 Day 4
11:22 Day 5 (Molino Basin / Lemmon Pusch)
15:50 Day 6
20:24 Day 7
22:58 Day 8
25:25 Day 9
27:31 Day 10
30:15 Day 11
32:30 Day 12
33:58 Day 13
35:59 Day 14
37:10 Day 15
38:53 Day 16
40:05 Day 17
41:09 Day 18 (Grand Canyon)
46:33 Day 19
50:05 Day 20
If you want to get in touch, shoot me an email at pnwbikepacking@gmail.com
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A 53 minute video from my favorite bikepacking creator on TH-cam? I can’t wait!
Thanks dude, that means a lot!!! you going to do the Colorado Trail this year??!?!
@@pnwbikepacking I think so! If you ever want to tackle a ride together I'm game. A few on my list are: Oregon Outback, White Rim, CT, and the Pictish Trail
Gordon is hilarious! "Didn't have coffee, don't want to live through that again" 😂
What a great video! I have been fortunate to have worked with Gord for almost 7 years. We have become great friends over the years. Whether you believe in fate or chance, I think you were both lucky to find each other on this journey. And yes - Gord is cycling and fitness machine. But more importantly he’s just a great human being to be around…as long as he has coffee.
It's awesome to see one of Gordons friends comment on here. He told me a lot of stories about his old riding buddies and his friends back home! I feel so lucky to have done this trip with him! What were the chances of meeting such an awesome guy on the shuttle and doing the entire ride together!? Glad that you got to see Gordon on this adventure!
Man, how lucky are you to run into Gord. He's such a great guy and so friggen good on a bike. He told me about this video too, so gained you another subscriber.
Hah! Hell yeah. Gordon told me about all his old MTB bros and the adventures you guys would go on! I agree, l am lucky I met up with Gordon! Thanks for watching and subscribing!
I don't ride, but I am in love with AZ living and exploring here 30 years. I'm a birder and got especially excited about the poorwills and pygmy owls I saw in your video. My husband did the AZT by bike MEX to UT and I live vicariously through his tales. True adventure you had. Congrats.
Yay!! Gordon and I spent forever trying to figure out what those birds were! We saw some other cool birds along the trail! So much cool stuff to see in AZ! Thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed it!
Betty and I are absolutely floored to see your adventures caught on film!! Thanks for the shout out, it was an honor to help you brave souls ✌🏻🌵🐍
Oooh man, you guys were so clutch for us! Can't thank you enough. You two brought so much good food for us and just helped with our morale! We were knackered by the time we got to Jakes Corner... so we were really happy to see you guys! Thanks again!!!!
I had breakfast at mt lemon lodge on the azt300! I was sooooo cooked I barely remember oracle ridge. Went off course to stay the night in oracle. Thank you for the video.
Can I say it? This is the most beautiful TH-cam video I've ever seen. I am thinking of doing the AZT on bicycle next year after thru-hiking the PCT. But sheesh, I do not think I have the physical condition to do this. I also need to find out whether I can rent an MTB in USA for something like this. I do not think shipping my bike would be worth it.
Thanks again, it was amazing!
Incredible! I loved the editing on the grand canyon bit, it was your best editing work yet. Really inspiring! The tone was perfect! I was laughing see you guys hobble around.
"Courage, will and determination." You have that in spades, Chris. A literal masterpiece. Wonderful video.
Thanks dude, means a lot! Stoked that you continue to enjoy the videos!
@@pnwbikepacking, where have you been? Missing seeing your amazing content, are you coming back?
Epic ride dude!! Thanks for the awesome video. I'm working up to my first bikepacking excursion so watching stuff like this really helps me get prepared. Can't wait for the next one.
Wonderful duo. Beautiful souls.
Thanks so much!
I just wanna tell you that I did my first 100km birthday ride yesterday inspired by you. Thank you!
Over the years, I start to recognize the names of people who regularly comment and yours always stand out to me. Reading your comment was one of the first thing that I saw this morning, and I can't tell you how happy this makes me! Going on your first bikepacking trip is a huge deal, it opens up a world of possibilities! I hope that it was an amazing trip that left you more inspired than my videos ever could! You should be proud of yourself. Congratulations and happy belated birthday! Go Yohanna! 🙌 🙌
@@pnwbikepacking Thank you! ☺
This is a masterpiece, Chris. Seriously. You and Gordon are hard men. I'm so impressed with your ability to document the ride so thoroughly, even after 2+ weeks of effort. You're my hero.
Thank Mike! Really appreciate that! One day im going to head north and come ride with you and you can kick my ass! Loved your BC epic 1000 video! Can't wait to see another bikepacking video from you!
Awesome video! And one hell of an adventure. Very inspiring
Thanks again, now go ride some sections of Pinyons and Pines!!!!!
Damn! You have just posted the best AZT video ever! Good job. Great job on riding this trail, and great job on documenting it. Thanks.
Oof, I am humbled by that comment! I've seen a few really good AZT videos! Thank you for taking the time to watch, glad you enjoyed it!
Is that sweat just dripping off your face at 10:26? That's sick. No way. Kudos for doing this. I'd be out on day 1.
Wow. Just finished watching. What an accomplishment! Totaly respect bud.
3:10 / 53:26 Lol Amazing ride, and this cactus seriously looks like a lost sock lol! Thank you for riding, producing, uploading! Awesome!
Hah, it does look like a sock! Thanks for watching!
Man that was amazing. 20 days isn't something my brain can even comprehend. Needless to say the amount of physical difficulty. Congrats guys, hope to see Gordon again. Seems like an amazing guy
Thanks so much! After 5-6 days it starts to all blur together and it becomes the norm! Thanks for watching! I hope we see Gordon in another PNWBikepacking video too!
A native arizona resident, i love this content. My bike is collecting dust. Its time to break it out again.
It's super cool to hear from AZ folks watching the video! There is so much great riding in AZ! Now go get that bike out!!!
This one of the best youtube accounts I have come across in a while. Props guys! beautiful storytelling and biking
Best of your videos yet. And you scored with Gordon. What a champ he was.
Gord was totally a champ! Thanks for watching!
The anticipation for the next video to be released has me on edge lol.
Hey Sam! I'm off to a bit of a slow start in 2024. I've done a few trips with Rob, but nothing that inspires a video! I have some bigger trips planned in May and July though! Weather is starting to change here in the PNW! Stay tuned!
Dude, what a adventure. What a amazing riding partner Gordon was. This has to be one of your best! Storytelling at its finest. A adventure that left inspiration.
Thanks so much! I really lucked out with Gordon! I am stoked if I get 1 person inspired from this!
@@pnwbikepacking Well at least 2 lol. We live and work in the park, if you ever find yourself there again look us up.
Chris, thank you for your dedication in documenting all aspects of this amazing accomplishment. It’s incredible how you continue to capture the moment even when things are sucking the most. This is absolutely brilliant 🙏🏻. Also, I must have just missed you a picketpost! Favorite parts:
20:20 its like day 40 and we’re still in Tucson getting our asses kicked
26:40 there’s guns going off everywhere, its outta control
28:30 its like day 200
33:10 epic meal
45:15 if it is my niche, f**k that, I need to find a new niche
Thanks so much Dylan! I appreciated all your tips leading into this, obviously the gaiters were clutch! I had several people on the trail who looked down at my gaiters and said that was a great idea and they wish they had some! I didn't take your advice on long pants/leg covers for the first 300, it was too hot! I guess I'd either be whining about cat claw, or having hot legs!
Congrats on your 300 finish... I think you were right behind us! It's absolutely insane to me how quickly you did the 300. Looking forward to your next video!
A rollercoaster of emotions for the viewer. 1. great a video on a great trail with the great Chris and Parker. 2. oh no! No Parker. 3. Gordon how is that dude? 4. he is no Parker, but I will give him a shot. 5. he is no Parker, but he is a Gordon. 6. Parker as a surprise guest!
You are a great storyteller and bikepacker. We are all so grateful Alexandra found your camera! Thank you
That really sums my no Parker... Gordon... Parker feelings in a nutshell as well.
Haha a rollercoaster indeed! Yeah, without Alexandra finding my camera, not sure if this video would have happened! I truly appreciate all the people that watch the content and their kind words, so thank you!
Great inspireing film, loved every minuit of it, cheers guys!
Thank you Simon!
Fantastic video! Great ride, great story and lifetime friends made! Thanks for sharing!
Chris, Congratulations to you and Gordon for seeing it through. I thoroughly enjoyed watching you guys battle all the tough segments and not focusing on the miles of good trail - believe it or not - there are a bunch!! I did cringe when I saw your inside pedal digging into you shoulder blade during the portage!! Ouch. I removed that pedal. So great you were able to meet Max, Steve and Mark, I must've just missed you guys at Picketpost as I went there to have tacos with the fellas as the 300 riders finished. Bravo and another masterpiece. Also cool you ran into Alexandera and Johnny on the North Rim, such amazing people.
Thanks John! Gordon and I were talking about how much we appreciated all your hard work while on the trail. It's too bad we missed you at Picketpost! Hope we cross paths sometime! Cheers!
Well done AZTtripper approved, it's been almost 20 years since my AZT tour, glad you had an amazing journey thanks for taking the time to make a great vid and bringing us along. Good on you guys taking the Lemmon Pucsh, that's certainly not required for non racers and adds a ridiculous amount of HAB.
Thanks for watching and congrats on your tour! Sheesh 20 years ago! I always think about how camping gear, bike technology, and navigation tech has evolved so dramatically, making these trips so much easier for me compared to folks who did this before. I can just follow a red line on a box on my bike! Not to mention gear was so much heavier! Props to you!
@@pnwbikepacking Got lucky right place and time, it was fun to see bikepacking changing, lots of new trail on the AZT at that time as well.
Also great that you got to meet my buddy Max and the double Alexandria siting was classic she is such an amazing person.
I second everything said above here. I'm happy to wait for these grand adventures. Making a new bud has made this trip very entertaining and having cool buddies and making new friends is what life is about.
I totally agree, sometimes I get so focused on being fiercely independent, I forget about how much value I get out of relationships like these! Thanks for watching!!
Thanks for putting this out! Really inspirational and a beautiful trip
Thank you Lewis!
Awesome! Super excited to watch this!
Hope you enjoy!
Great adventures! Keep it up.
Yay 🎉 loved it! So inspiring ❤
Awesome! Glad it got you inspired!!
only half way through the video but loving it! You guys are beasts
This is defintely on my list of rides to do some day. Also, your videos have been a big inspiration for making some of my own. Thank you!
Hell yeah, I love to hear that. You've got it! Pick a date, train, and go for it!!
Outstanding! Hats off to you both!
Thanks for watching Gary!!!
So this video is about the outstanding work you guys put in! But holy shit! Parker and the wife did R2R2R!! Huge for them too!
Hah thanks. Yeah Parker and Ember are crushers! Thanks for watching!
Amazing! Such an inspiration. Looking forward to my first bikepacking trip soon. This has been such a treat watching you both achieve this.
Thanks so much! Glad the videos are getting you inspired! Good luck on your first bikepacking trip, have a blast!
Outstanding!!
Thanks!
Fantastic!
Thank you!
Wow. Incredible. Thanks for posting.
Thank you for watching!
Captured the adventure so well. Thanks for putting this together.
Thanks Mick! Appreciate you watching!
Another fabulous video and adventure!! Thanks Chris and Gordon!
Thank you!!!
You are some kind of hero! Great video and excellent job on the trail.
Aww thanks! While i'm out riding, hiking, or climbing, I come across so many people doing such awesome stuff! These strangers continuously inspire me! I hope this video inspires other peole!
Not all heroes wear capes. Some wear bikes!! Great video!
Amazing and worth the wait! Well done, thanks for filming the experience.
Thanks for watching! Glad you enjoyed it.
Loved watching your story. I laughed so much. 20 days is just incredible for touring. Proud of you, brother!!!!
Also, Gordon was hilarious. Glad to have met yous out there
Thanks Alexandra! Couldn't have made this video without you finding my Gopro! I hope we cross paths again someday. Keep crushing!!!! 👊
Superb!
Thanks a lot!
Once again a great video, I always enjoy your work. Especially loved this one because I am a Washingtonian who has permanently decamped to the sun and warm temps of AZ. I do miss Parker, he’s Jerry Lewis to your Dean Martin, always entertaining.
Thanks for watching!
I love these! Seing Parker in there, brought a big smile on my face. Keep it up!
Thanks for watching! So stoked and thankful that Parker was part of this adventure!
Super epic amigo! and what’s even more impressive than just completing it is that you took the time to film it! Thanks for sharing.
just amazing people doing amazing things. Luv it!
Thank you for watching!
Glad you made it out to my state! great content as always.
Thanks! I've still got some work to do in Arizona! Fools Loops, Coconino Loop, and the Sky Island Odyssey! Hope to be back soon!
Congratulations on your accomplishment! I loved watching it.
Thank you!!! ❤️
Thank for filming and posting this awesome adventure!
Thank you!!
Well done! What an amazing adventure!
Thank you, I couldn't have asked for a better trip!
fantastic content! thanks
Thanks Mark! Glad you enjoyed it!
Awesome ride !! Thanks for the video footage
Thanks for watching!
Thanks for sharing your journey. Congratulations on your finish. I have done the AZT300 and hope to do the entire trail one day. You are truly an inspiration.
You've got it!!! Physically and mentally, If you've done the 300, I think you can do the 800! The hard part is just finding the time and dealing with logistics.... oh... and of course the Grand Canyon. The GC portage is hard to train for... just practice dialing in how to pack your bike and get it moderately comfortable. Dennis - AZT 800 - 2024!!! 👏 Good luck!!!
I’m always riding while watching/listening to one of your videos. Aways imagining I’m riding with you guys. I love it. Never change ❤
Thank you! I am stoked you continue to enjoy the content!
You make awesome videos. Always look forward to watching them
Thanks Mark! Really appreciate it!
Wow man.. Such a epic challenging adventure!!!
I love your videos.. Thank you for sharing.. You inspire me to get out and go bikepacking!!
Thanks for watching Randy and glad you enjoyed it!
Amazing! Congratulations on your achievement!
Thank you!
Absolutely great video. Congratulations on completing such a brutal route!
Thanks! It's been a long time coming! Happy to have finished it!
DUDE ! You are the man that was a awesome adventure .
Thanks Tim!
Awesome video as usual! Keep it up!
Thank you!
Another great video, really enjoyed it. being an Arizona native this is definitely been on my bucket list for a while. The video had lots of good information and thanks for putting it out there.
Thanks for watching Matt! Hope you find time to get out there and get it done!
🤙🏼sick adventure Chris!! Man I’ve been waiting for a long while now for your next adventure! I’m glad you did this!!
Thanks Ken!!! I'm so happy I got this one done! Can't wait for the next big trip!
So badass dude! Worth the wait for the upload. That looked like an amazing, type 2 fun ride.
Thanks! There was definitely a lot of type 2 fun on this route!
Oh the Joy! 🥳
I can hardly wait to schedule a viewing of this flick.
Hope you enjoy it Ellery!
Congrats Chris on the AZT 800, what an epic adventure and excellent video! Happy Trails.
Thanks!!!
I really wasn't planning on watching the whole thing right now, but I did. Fantastic in so many ways. Thank you
Thank you, stoked you enjoyed it!
I waited to watch until I could really absorb the glory - fucking epic dude. You're an inspiration. Congratulations.
Solid work!
Thanks!
Hey Chris - it was great seeing you and Gordon out there, especially special at the top of the Mogollon Rim! Man, the trail got rough after that. Let's get together for a bikepacking trip sometime in the wonderful PNW! I have a route that circles the Blue Mountains that I was not able to finish because of smoke a few years ago. One of many options...
Hey Eric! Hell yeah! It was great to run into another Washingtonian! My buddy Rob and I are going to be doing the XWA on May 19th! I've got your number, would definitely be up for doing some riding this summer! Awesome to watch your video and see your POV on the AZT!
Awesome guys. Great video
Thank you!!!
What an awesome journey. Quite the accomplishment guys.
Thank you Shayne!
Awesome video Chris!!! Really enjoyed it....what an adventure!!!
Thanks for watching Chris, happy you enjoyed it! Can't wait to get out again!!!
Chris that was amazing! Very inspiring and beautiful photos!
Thank so much! Love hearing these videos get people inspired!
Great vid!
Thanks
Congrats! ...and absolutely amazing video, editing, photos, sound design - just everything. Pro work.
Wow thanks so much Tim, I truly appreciate that! You know how much work goes into making these kinds of videos! So stoked that you enjoyed it!
Cool I would love to do that
Congratulations on attempting and finishing such a tough route. Loved all the beautiful footage and storytelling!
Thank you! It's been such a dream of mine! I didn't feel like I I got the footage I wanted, I was too busy suffering!
Chris, per usual, you capture a great adventure through your words and filming. Great to see a new adventure buddy this time with Gordon (although your many adventures with Parker are priceless). Pedal on.
Thanks David, really appreciate it. This one meant a lot to me! More adventures to come with Parker and hopefully something with Gordon in the future!
@@pnwbikepacking Yes, quite the accomplishment completing the entire AZT, pushing through the difficulty (or suck as many say) and overcoming the negative thoughts/doubts that enter the mind. Congrats Chris!
Great work, guys. AZT is no joke! Thanks for the video, well done.
Thank you for watching!
WOW. It's been a minute since your last video drop. The wait was worth it. Awesome work. Thank you for sharing.
Cheers 🌞🚴♀️🖖
Thank you!!! Yeah took me a while to turn this one around! Glad it was worth the wait!
Congratulations on attaining your dream! You are an inspiration to all who watch your videos! It was good to see everyone again. Ironically just yesterday I was thinking it had been quite a while since your last video and then presto---good morning!
Thanks for watching!!! Hopefully I get more videos out in 2024 with Parker!
This was the best AZT video I have ever watched and I have watched a lot of them as it is on my bucket list. Great job!
Thanks! You must not have seen Laels AZT video yet.. 😛 . Appreciate the compliment!! Go get it!! 2024!!!!
@@pnwbikepacking I did see hers and I loved it as well but it’s from the racer pov which makes yours more relatable I suppose.
Hey man it was about time. I'll wait to later relax, have a beer and enjoy your videos!!! cheers from Argentina!
Enjoy!!!!
Great video and beautiful photos, thanks for sharing 🙂
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it!
Congratulations on living your dream! We all feel the same way, inspired by others and then hoping to be an inspiration as well.
Thanks for watching! It's so true... I hope this video inspires some people to go chase their dream ride!
fantastic video! Thanks especially to Gordon for reminding me to bring a comb when I hit some of this trail in a couple of months!
Thanks for watching! Comb is critical!!!! Consider brining some small gaiters too! (kahtoola.com/gaiters/instagaiter-low) Good luck on your ride!
I can not express HOW MUCH I ENJOYED THIS VIDEO. TZhumbs up to infinity!!!!!!!....and beyond! Thank you!
Thank you so much!!! So happy when people get enjoyment out of the videos!
Going to need a beer or 2 and sit down and enjoy this one!!!!!! I have the 300 on my to do list!!!!
Hell yeah! The 300 is brutal. It's incredible how fast some people can do it! Have fun, bring some ankle gaiters, and I pray that you get reasonable weather and the cat claw is tame! Get it! 👊
Awesome video. I lived in AZ for 10 years but never been on the AZT... now that I'm getting into bikepacking, I'm in! Studying your setups and learning. Thanks!!!
Hell yeah! There are a ton of great routes in Arizona that hit sections of the AZT (See the Queens Ransom and Pinyons and Pines). Good routes to test out your setup for the AZT.
Wow. What a ride. What a movie. I have so many thoughts. I didn't want it to end either (ha)!
Hah Thanks Albert, really appreciate that.
One of the best things about solo trips is you're so much more likely to make new friends! Great work on the film. I remember when you were dreaming of doing a longer trip, congratulations!
Thanks man! So lucky to have met Gordon on this trip and lucky to have been able to do this route!
I discovered this video by chance and it completely hooked me. I found myself going back to watch all of your previous content. Eagerly awaiting your next journey! Big fan of yours, Rob, and hoping to see Gordon make a return. Your videos have inspired me to take my tours off the beaten path; I have gotten a mountain bike to explore the back country. Keep up the fantastic work!
Thanks so much Tim. Reading these types of comments are my favorite! I love watching content that gets me inspired, so knowing i've inspired you to get off the beaten path gets me stoked. Have a trip planned this weekend with Parker, and a few bigger trips lined up in May and July! Stay tuned!