Bikepacking the Arizona Trail 800
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- čas přidán 2. 06. 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
![The Big Lonely Ochoco Overlander Bikepacking Trip [PNW Bikepacking]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/5deb4fQawpM/mqdefault.jpg)
A 53 minute video from my favorite bikepacking creator on CZcams? 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
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.
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!
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!!!!
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.
"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!
Fantastic video! Great ride, great story and lifetime friends made! Thanks for sharing!
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! ☺
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!
Gordon is hilarious! "Didn't have coffee, don't want to live through that again" 😂
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!
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!
I waited to watch until I could really absorb the glory - fucking epic dude. You're an inspiration. Congratulations.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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!
Wonderful duo. Beautiful souls.
Thanks so much!
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!
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!
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!!!
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!
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!
Best of your videos yet. And you scored with Gordon. What a champ he was.
Gord was totally a champ! Thanks for watching!
Thanks for putting this out! Really inspirational and a beautiful trip
Thank you Lewis!
Great inspireing film, loved every minuit of it, cheers guys!
Thank you Simon!
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!
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!!
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!
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!!!! 👊
Great adventures! Keep it up.
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!
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!
Awesome video! And one hell of an adventure. Very inspiring
Thanks again, now go ride some sections of Pinyons and Pines!!!!!
Another fabulous video and adventure!! Thanks Chris and Gordon!
Thank you!!!
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!
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!
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.
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!
Chris , you make the wait between videos worth it. Keep asking questions , keep searching for new adventures, and keep on inspiring !!!! Congratulations on your AZT 800 finish!!!! I will be watching this video over and over again. Be well my friend !
Thank you Scott I really appreciate it man! 👊
We have two thumbs, so why doesn't YT let us give two thumbs-up? This deserves more than that! Great job and thanks for bringing us along!!
Thanks so much man, really appreciate it!
Congratulations Chris! Gordon is like the perfect person to ride with and I’m glad we had Parker on the video, he make things funnier! Cheers from Norway
Thanks man, glad you enjoyed it!
Thank for filming and posting this awesome adventure!
Thank you!!
dude you sound SO much like Ira Glass. That's a compliment
Thank you! I love how Ira Glass tells a story!
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!
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!
Superb!
Thanks a lot!
fantastic content! thanks
Thanks Mark! Glad you enjoyed it!
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.
What a great story. Your still photos are amazing as usual. Thank goodness for pause, so I can fully appreciate them. The AZT is on my list, so seeing your experience helps put the undertaking into perspective. Well done!
Thanks as always Bernhard! You going to be spending time on the raft and the bike this year?
@@pnwbikepackingYou have quite a memory! I am hoping to packraft the Owyhee with a launch date of next week. The roster of paddlers is dwindling, however, and the trip is in question. So, I may devote more time to training for the Seventy48. I'll be rowing with a friend for my first "ultra" experience. I haven't forgotten my bike though. I did trail work with NWTA last weekend. So excited to have low elevation trails drying out. What fun that you chanced upon such a fine riding companion for AZT. Take care!
Sometimes the best things on big rides is the person you end up riding together with, even though you've never met. This is one your best videos!
Thank you! You're so right! I got super lucky to meet Gordon!
Beautifully done, Chris! Thanks so much for sharing. And great job to Gordon and yourself, impressive effort🍻
Thank you!!! Glad you enjoyed it!
In the short time I have been watching your channel, one of the most engaging and moving bikepacking vlogs I've seen on CZcams.
I struggle to get out of the house when my bike is packed and ready to go (whatever). Your personal insights help.
Thank you.
Thanks so much. I hope some of these videos inspire you. Every time I do a solo trip, I have a slight sense of anxiousness. For all the solo trips i've done, you'd think it would go away! I've kind of just grown to accept that I feel doubt and anxiousness and try not to beat myself up over it and instead, use that energy towards getting motivated to go! Good luck!
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!!
Dude, you're channeling Ira Glass. Love this!
I love how Ira Glass can tell a story! Thanks for watching.
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!
Thanks once again for the awesome photography and taking us along for the ride. I know how much work it is to film yourself while doing activities, and doing it on this sufferfest is impressive. You have succeeded in making me not want to do this trail at all. Haha.
I went into this trip thinking i'd be spending more time filming, it was just too much work to set up the tripod and cover a reasonable distance! I don't think I was able to do the trail justice in terms of it's difficulty! Thank you for watching and your kind comments though, it means a lot to me!
Where are you? Miss your videos!!!
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!
Outstanding! Hats off to you both!
Thanks for watching Gary!!!
Captured the adventure so well. Thanks for putting this together.
Thanks Mick! Appreciate you watching!
Gratz Chris and Gordon. Lots of type 2 in this one, but it makes me want to get on my stationary bike while my world is blanketed in snow. See you next season.
Thanks man! Definitely a lot of type 2 fun! I'd certainly do it all over again. Get on that trainer!!!
You find the best traveling companions. Awesome job finishing that nasty looking route.
Got super lucky with this one! Gordon was so great. Thanks for watching!
Gordon is a beast! Before you said he was a MTB champion, I was thinking how fit he looked.
Great video Chris. Fantastic achievement!
Yeah, Gordon kicked my ass every day! hahahah. Thanks for watching Ed, always appreciate it!
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!
Awesome! Super excited to watch this!
Hope you enjoy!
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!
🤙🏼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!
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.
only half way through the video but loving it! You guys are beasts
Yay 🎉 loved it! So inspiring ❤
Awesome! Glad it got you inspired!!
Congrats Chris on the AZT 800, what an epic adventure and excellent video! Happy Trails.
Thanks!!!
Great video, thanks for sharing your adventure. I'm glad Parker made an appearance.
Thanks for watching and 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!
Great vid!
Thanks
Outstanding!!
Thanks!
Oh the Joy! 🥳
I can hardly wait to schedule a viewing of this flick.
Hope you enjoy it Ellery!
Amazing and worth the wait! Well done, thanks for filming the experience.
Thanks for watching! Glad you enjoyed it.
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!
Fantastic!
Thank you!
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!
Awesome video as usual! Keep it up!
Thank you!
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!!!
Wow. Incredible. Thanks for posting.
Thank you for watching!
Awesome ride !! Thanks for the video footage
Thanks for watching!
Solid work!
Thanks!
Well done! What an amazing adventure!
Thank you, I couldn't have asked for a better trip!
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!
Hey man it was about time. I'll wait to later relax, have a beer and enjoy your videos!!! cheers from Argentina!
Enjoy!!!!
Awesome guys. Great video
Thank you!!!
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!
Fantastic! One of your best yet!
I need to do a bikepacking trip down to your neck of the woods and pull some shots on the Linea Micra
Yes, you do. Maybe I could join you for a hike or something. I'm getting the Pico this Friday, too 😮
Awesome video Chris!!! Really enjoyed it....what an adventure!!!
Thanks for watching Chris, happy you enjoyed it! Can't wait to get out again!!!
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!
Amazing! Congratulations on your achievement!
Thank you!
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.
just amazing people doing amazing things. Luv it!
Thank you for watching!
Enhorabuena por esta gran aventura y gracias por compartirla. Como siempre en tus videos disfrutamos del paisaje, la bicicleta y el buen humor. Eres un gran embajador de tu tierra, y nos motivas a emprender, algún día, un viaje por EEUU con nuestras bicis. Un saludo desde Spain. Grande Chris.
¡Gracias por mirar y todas tus amables palabras! ¡Espero montar un poco en España algún día!
Congratulations on your accomplishment! I loved watching it.
Thank you!!! ❤️