I am working on a new routing for T1 day 3 (Arco to Challis) for 2011 that encompasses Chinese Wall. This will take T1 over the two highest roads in Idaho, both over 10,300'. There is a video up on the MoJazz Facebook page. The new routing will have some extensive single track and be about 225 miles (including the Massacre Mountain Loop). The problem will be gas and we are working with someone at Sunbeam to help us out with this. More details later.

We are going to ride the entire new routing for T1 D3 on Monday too see how it feels all at once. The new variant is longer (200+ miles vs. 140) and contains extensive primitive road and single track trail - with less pavement and improved road than before even though it's longer. It also takes you over the highest road in Idaho at 10,400'. That means that on two successive days, D3 and D4, you'll be able to encounter both of the highest roads in Idaho. There may even be gas between Arco and Challis by this route.

After we give it a ride we'll post the modified gpx file and topos. This is the route we wanted to pursue years ago but were unable to. With this modification of the existing route it finally encompasses everything that's unique in Idaho.

cheers

m

It did!

The USFS and BLM in Challis have been incredibly helpful in working with us on a bodacious new T1 routing through their district. The next time you hear someone take a whack at the feds for motorized land use restrictions point 'em to Challis where they have created a huge network of motorcycle only trails that we are using for this routing. The ride down French Creek - which they just opened, made this new routing possible. We always wanted to include Chinese Wall in T1 but before this year it wasn't possible without a huge, gasless stretch that also had a 60-mile out and back. Now T1 is really a Tour of Idaho in that it encompasses the best riding in the state. The amount of single-track has tripled as well. And it's just outstanding riding so it's the trifecta.

There is also a store - the Sawmill - just west of Challis for gas and grub and camping at the 175 mile mark. The folks that run this store are some of the nicest we've encountered along the T1 route and the meals they whip up there are outstanding. We are always happy to send riders to such a nice place.

We'll post the new routing next week. I want to return one more time to check out a few alternative trails for the segment from Clayton to Challis to figure out which one is best.

Thanks

m

The Tour of Idaho Route Description page (maps section) has been updated to reflect the 2011 routing and the Tour of Idaho Challenge waypoints.

I'll try to have the entire site updated in a few days and the new .gpx posted.

m

All of the Tour of Idaho T1 pages have been updated to reflect the 2011 routing.

I am on for both Tour of Idaho rides next year. I found the bike I want to modify and will be doing the mods this winter. I posted some pictures in the Bike Choice and Setup thread. I am going to keep a ledger of modifications and pictures of each as I progress through this project.

Nevermind, I got it.

Hello,

The file you downloaded just has waypoints in it. You'll have to consult a map to construct a complete map. Uploading complete routes causes massive conversion problems so we just upload waypoint files. You can consult our maps on the website or use the topos in mapsource.

cheers

m

After discussions with some of the local land-management agencies I think that we will be able to reroute day 1 to include even more trail riding. The famous section through the farmer's field will be gone but will be replaced by a spectacular ride through the mountains to get to Pocatello that cut's the dirt road and pavement on this section in half. More on this as the season progresses.

Weather is starting to warm up a bit here in Idaho. I have a July 25th start date planned but would like to hear from Martin if he feels this is too early for this year. We have had above average snow fall this winter and I feel it will be as late as it has ever been opening up.

Martin, what is the latest you have seen T1 open up in since you have been doing the TIDs?

Thanks, IdahoMan