Here are some last minute notes regarding this weekend's events. Please read all of them. There are important bits throughout.  A copy of these notes is linked here: https://www.azbrevet.com/assets/downloads/Madera200k-300kLastMinuteNotes.htm  If I think of anything else, I will put that info in this link.

About the route:

1. I pre rode the 300k route yesterday and the 200k last week. The routes are awesome and here are a few things to note. 
1. Both routes are identical up to mile 112. At mile 112, the routes split.
   
2. All riders: There is construction starting at mile 15.4 (Nogales Hwy). You can ride to the right of the cones for most of it. Use caution in this area.
3. Madera Canyon is a hard climb. The first 7 miles are a steady 4% and you will be tempted to crush it. The last 5 miles get progressively steeper. The last couple miles average about 10% with sections up to 18%. You might want to consider saving a couple matches for this section. Or, go ahead and go for the KOM if you're feeling good!
4. The top 2 miles of Madera are steep and wickedly fast on the descent. There are also numerous picnic areas, some lodging and hikers. SLOW DOWN and get off this mountain safely!
   
5. After descending Madera, there will be a couple miles of traffic getting thru Green Valley. After that, both routes are very quiet! The exception will be a 1.5 mile stretch on the 200k route. At mile 113, you will be on Valencia Rd. It sucks! It does have a bike lane. The left turn will be challenging. I suggest that you make a right turn, then U-Turn to cross over Valencia.
6. The 300k route will continue north thru Saguaro National Park (SNP), then to Marana. The road surface thru SNP is embarrasingly rough. I suggest that you just enjoy the beauty of the desert while your arse is getting tenderized. It is quite beautiful!
   
2. Cue sheet and RWGPS have been updated and are linked on the web (www.azbrevet.com). If you previously downloaded the 300k route, do it again! Many things have changed. The map and cue sheet will say "Madera 300k 2-3-2024" on them. This is important because there is a trail closure on the return from Marana and the routing around the closure has changed. The 200k route has not changed. Download the 300k Route Again here: www.ridewithgps.com/routes/45469923
   
1. I will NOT have printed cue sheets or Brevet cards at the start. You must print your own documents if you want them.
3. Lunch will be served at mile 72 at the Madera Canyon summit! I will be stationed there. Look for me setup. I'm not sure where exactly I'll be because all the space is first-come-first-served. It's a small picnic loop at the summit, so I should be easy to spot. You will have plenty of time to finish with these times. I will be there by 11:00 am and stay until the last rider comes thru.
1. After I meet you for lunch, you will not see me again. It's a fast course (excluding unknown winds) once you start descending Madera.
4. Weather: A cold front is moving thru the desert this weekend. As such, it will be quite cool at the start. Madera Canyon tops out at 5500' (1700 meters) and will also be chilly. You will be sweaty from the climb, so some layers for the descent are advised. You can get a rough idea of the weather on the route by looking here: https://bit.ly/4bnu5Co You can change the parameters to suit your predicted average speed.
   
5. Trolley Tracks as you go thru the University area. These are bike eaters! Make sure you cross them perpendicularly. Then, be aware that you will be riding parallel to them for about 1 mile. 200k riders will ride this road in both directions - early and late. Warnings are noted on the cue sheet and RWGPS in both directions.
6. Proof of passage for RUSA/ACP credit. You have 3 options and you only need to choose one of them. They are linked on the web and may be found here: https://www.azbrevet.com/EPP.html. You MUST read, understand, and follow these instructions. Ask questions if you don't understand them. As Brad says, "Learn it. Know it. Live it."
   
1. GPS Track of your ride to RWGPS or Strava, set to public so that I can see it.
   
2. Photos at each control
3. Traditional brevet card with receipts and/or Informational questions.
7. Brevet cards may be found here. If you want a Brevet Card, you must print it yourself. 
1. Madera Canyon 200k: https://www.azbrevet.com/assets/brevetCards/MaderaCyn200kCard_2-3-2024.pdf
2. Madera Canyon 300k: https://www.azbrevet.com/assets/brevetCards/MaderaCyn300kCard_2-3-2024.pdf
   
8. All riders: If you are running late to the start, you MUST text (602.702.2132) me to let me know you still plan to ride. Otherwise, you will be listed as DNS and will not receive credit for the ride. Please text me when you finish so that I know when everyone has safely returned.
   

Let me know if you have any questions.
-Mike