2nd Annual AZBDR

2/27/20 to 3/1/20

Link to @MR E30's trip report for this year's AZTW AZBDR trip! Thank you for the awesome write up!

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2nd-annual-aztw-azbdr.655377/

Link to the first AZBDR thread which has a ton of information on what the AZBDR is and all sorts of other information - https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/az-tour.581713/

Arizona Backcountry Discovery Route - https://ridebdr.com/azbdr/

We will be on CB channel 4 and using 13 if we need a backup.

FRS/GMRS 17 as the Primary high power channel and 7 as a secondary low power channel

Thursday morning start: Montezuma Pass 9-10am

Benson Friday meet-up, 9-10am
86 Café
700 E 4th St, Benson, AZ 85602

Friday night campsite: https://goo.gl/maps/Edqj9tKxc5YxGT5b8
@Ace115 says he will be getting there around 5pm Friday.

Saturday meet-up: Globe? Morning/noonish?

Common question that has been coming up: Will a stock Tacoma (any gen) be able to complete these trails?

The answer is yes, as long as it is a 4 wheel drive variant. However, it is strongly recommended that the stock tires (or street oriented tires) are replaced with proper AT or MT type tires as there is a strong possibility of encountering mud and snow. AT/MT type tires will provide better traction in almost all off road conditions that could be encountered on the trails.

Current list of people planning on doing this (thanks @Phessor for putting the list together!):

Last few days before we do this!

Thursday Start - 9-10am meet at Montezuma Pass
@xtremewlr
4runnerErich (xtremewlr's co-worker)
@MR E30

Thursday Afternoon/Friday morning
@Atl-atl

Friday Start - Morning Crew
Benson Friday meet-up, 9-10am
86 Café
700 E 4th St, Benson, AZ 85602
@Phessor
@Sapnjack
@chrslefty

Friday Start - Evening Crew
Friday night campsite: https://goo.gl/maps/Edqj9tKxc5YxGT5b8
@Ace115
@ParadigmShifter

Saturday Start - meet in/around Globe, need a meeting spot for everyone
@Lfaub03
@R & J Overland

Hopefully we can all get hooked up as we progress along the trail. Thursday gang will plan on meeting the Friday morning guys at the 86 Cafe in Benson and then we can all meet up with the Friday evening guys at the campsite linked above. Not sure on a time or meeting place yet for Globe so if you guys have suggestions, post up.

Assuming everyone has at least a CB. What channel does everyone want to use?

No CB, bring some cheap hand-held radios. I've got a couple that I will bring just in case.

Need a list of cell phone numbers. I've got numbers for @chrslefty, @MR E30, @Ace115 and @Sapnjack. Shoot me a private message for anyone that I don't have.

 

AZ Backcountry Discovery Route - https://ridebdr.com/azbdr/

 

First post updated with a link to the last AZBDR thread and the official AZBDR website I just posted.

 

Been trying to do some research on this ever since I read the last thread. In general what requirements do you think a vehicle would need to be able to complete the trail comfortably and safely? Highly modified? Stock? Somewhere between? I’m highly interested as long as I can get work off, which shouldn’t be too much trouble. I’d love to see where this goes!

Current setup:
DCSB 4x4 manual
Warn front bumper and 10k winch
Avid sliders
Body Armor plate rear bumper
TRD skid plate
Bilstein 5100 lift with SPC UCAs and Add a leaf
285/75r16 BFG KM3 with full size spare
CB and Ham radios and Garmin inreach
Trauma kit and extensive training
Fire extinguisher

 

You would have no problems on the trail with your current setup.

 

Good to know. Thanks!

 

Yeah, definitely badass being a DC with a stick. Seems like that might be kind of rare too for the 2nd/3rd gens? Wasn't an option on 1st gen DCs, have to swap to get a stick in one.

 

It’s nice to not have to deal with the 3rd gen auto issues and it’s been great so far. Outside of the forum even, they’re pretty rare, and typically only picked up by enthusiasts. In terms of the route, is it pretty typical to run into snow like the last thread? I’d be down for doing a large portion/majority of the trail, obviously all depending on other folks input and tastes.

 

If I am not able to resume hiking the AZT I am definitely in for sections likely a weekend run type thing.

 

Last February we had a lot of snow. Weather is never a guarantee on any of these trips tho. We had awesome weather for the majority of the trip.

 

@Ace115
@Phessor
@Sapnjack

What you guys think? Let's do this again!

 

I was JUST talking to my buddy in Vail about this. I need to finish the bottom half as well.

 

The original AZBDR crew! From Left to right was @Phessor , @Sapnjack , myself and then @Ace115 .

 

I’m in no matter what!

I know a few guys that wanted to do the 2nd half in the fall this year. Todd are you wanting/planning to run the entire thing in one shot?

 

I really want to do the sections from Globe up to at least the Rim.

 

You should have a very easy time of it with your current setup. How’s you driving skill? Snow can be challenging on the tight mountain trails as we found out on attempt 1.

 

Matt, would you be able to do that this fall? Maybe make a weekend out of it?

 

I think so, going up to Utah to run some backcountry 09/12-09/16. Other than that no real plans. Will say would like to get it done prior to AZT thru hiking season kicks off in early-mid Oct so I can head up north for some trail angel weekends.

 

It’s been a while but used to wheel often in Alaska and northern Canada, lots of times on snowy trails. Haven’t dealt with it here though. As long as safety is a priority, and routes are scoped out ahead, I’m pretty comfortable. It’s silly but I’m very calculated and deliberate like that. I’ll look into investing in some decent chains though.

A pic from a trip back in 2017, driving out and onto a glacier when it was almost -20 degrees outside. Fun times.

 

Anyone know when the fall color is in full swing up north?