Stage 1: Jacobs Lake

Sunrise in Big Water

I woke up at sun rise and go to work pedaling to the start. A ton of empty pick up trucks passed me and I hap hazardly stuck out a thumb hoping someone would give me a ride so I could get on singletrack. There was a surprising amount of traffic once I turned onto dirt of people going to assorted trail heads. I got to state line campground around 11:20 and did some stretching and ate a little in the shade.

At the Northern Terminus

I started up the first hill and it was tough! It was 86* with no shade and a ton of elevation to be gained. I saw a through hiker about to finish only about a mile from the trail head which was a cool way to start. It was interesting I felt like I was on New Mexico style desert, looking at big red rock Utah style desert and marching towards Arizona style terrain. Once up top in the woods the trail became more enjoyable. I was making great progress but right before dark I started to feel weak. I decided it was time to stop and eat so I pulled out my stove. After eating I felt much better. I decided I should stop in Jacobs Lake to get water. I had planned to continue pedaling a few more hours as I originally had planned to make it all the way to the North Rim the first day but the prologue got the best of me and pushed my time off. It was really cold there. I ended up getting a milk shake at the store and as soon as I sat down in their lobby area I was surrounded by a family of 20 making plans for the next day. I decided to grab a spot on a picnic bench at the campground across the street. I planned to pay the next morning since it was pretty late but got woken up at 11 PM by the campground host being asked if I paid. I settled up in the morning and met some cycle tourists who just finished a 4 day trip on roads, paths, and some AZT. The campground closed for the season that night!

First AZT Gate

Milkshake at Jacobs Lake

Stats: 8.5 hours moving time
60.5 miles 6,342k of gain

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AZTR Enduro

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