Rigs of the 2024 Arizona Trail Race

The Arizona Trail Race is an unofficial challenge that takes place every year on the Arizona Trail and spans the entire state. There are two distance options: the Arizona Trail 300 is a 300-mile event that has been held every April since 2006, and the Arizona Trail 800 is the complete traverse from Mexico to Utah, which was offered for the first time in 2010 as the AZTR750. Both events are run concurrently, and for 2024, they start at the same location and same time on the Arizona/Mexico border. If the riding wasn’t challenging enough, the AZT800 riders must carry their bikes 21 miles across the Grand Canyon, as bikes are not allowed on those trails.

Some folks were already out taking on the Arizona Trail earlier this year, including Austin Killips, who set a new overall and women’s record for the AZT800 route, finishing in 8 days, 23 hours, and 27 minutes. Alex Schultz currently holds the men’s AZT800 record with a time of 9 days, 5 hours, and 43 minutes. With the help of event organizer John Schilling and the riders, we gathered a list of over 40 rigs, each accompanied by the name, age, and hometown of the rider, plus a brief kit list. Check them all out below, then head over to the event tracker to follow along live and find the updates we’ll be posting during the event.

Leigh Bowe

Age 43 / Flagstaff, Arizona (USA)

BIKE: Why S7 singlespeed mullet. SRAM 4 pot brakes. Comfy saddle.
BAGS: Special blend of Oveja, Rogue Panda Designs, and a handlebar harness setup made possible by Kids Ride Shotgun & Voile.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I have gradually been shaving away the edges of my old Therm-a-Rest for several years and hopefully have it just right this time. My right shoe already has a split down the middle of the sole, but that just adds to the flex for hike-a-bike.

Brad Burgtorf

Age 43 / Livingston, Montana (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be riding the AZT on a 509 Cycles Up N’Atom titanium hardtail. The bike includes a pair of Maxxis Rekon 2.6” tires, 130mm Fox fork, and Industry Nine aluminum wheels with a SON Dynamo hub up front.
BAGS: My bag setup includes an Oveja Negra frame bag and Revelate Designs for the rest. I am also carrying an Osprey Sirrus 24 backpack for the Grand Canyon portage. 7L of water carrying capability through Camelback bladder, Be Free filter, and bottles strapped everywhere.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: A Big Agnes Tiger Wall tent, Therm-a-Rest Air mattress, 30 degree REI sleeping bag will be my shelter. I’ll also be carrying an eTrex 32 for navigation and KLite/Feenix lighting systems.

Andrew Denham

Age 28 / Westminster, Colorado (USA)

BIKE: 2019 Specialized S-Works Stumpjumper. Fox 36 fork, Fox DPX2 shock, and Fox Transfer dropper post. SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain with a 28T absoluteBLACK oval chainring. SRAM Code R brakes. Maxxis Minion 2.6″ DHF Exo+ front tire, 2.5″ rear. WTB Volt saddle, Ergon GP3 grips, and Crank brothers double shot pedals.
BAGS: Mix of Rockgeist and Bedrock Bags on the bike. Osprey Raptor 14 hydration pack.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Wearing compression socks and Pearl Izumi arm and knee sun sleeves to provide a layer for sunshine/thorns. Night riding with Fenix HM65R-T V2.0 headlamp and Fenix BC26R handlebar light. Navigating with Garmin eTrex 20 and riding with up to 6.5L of water.

Lawrence Dennis

Age 55 / San Antonio, Texas (USA)

BIKE: Kona Honzo DL.
BAGS: Salsa frame bag (3L Apidura water bladder, Katadyn water filter, tent stakes, ground cover, and 20oz coke), Salsa anything bag (Puffy, Bivy, pad and pillow, warm gloves), anything cage, toolbag (tube, plugs, and tools), Apidura top tube bag (batteries and banks, chain lube, and cactus comb), Revelate Designs feedbag (sealant, Garmin mini, food) and Osprey Stratos 24 backpack (rain gear, jacket, 2.5L water, food, and toiletries), air pump mounted on the fork, 500ml water bottle mounted on the seat stay.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Fenix BC26R lights, Garmin Edge 830, Box 3 wide 9. My favorite item are my Shokz headphones.

Dylan Disarro

Age 25 / Salt Lake City, Utah (USA)

BIKE: Trek Top Fuel.
BAGS: Restrap top tube bag, Sea to Summit dry bag. Gregory Zulu hiking backpack.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Custom front roll internal bag with exterior Sea to Summit bag. Aeroe rear rack repurposed to make front bar roll cradle. Carrying all Grand canyon equipment from start. Hiking bag, poles, and walking in Fizik Ergolace shoes.

Elliot DuMont

Age 36 / Tucson, Arizona (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be riding my Soma Juice 29er with Fox Factory 34mm fork 130mm travel, custom built wheels, Shimano SLX 12-speed drivetrain, and Fox Factory dropper. I’ll be rolling on a Maxxis Recon (rear) and Dissector (front) both in 29 x 2.4″.
BAGS: Nuclear Sunrise frame bag, gas tank, and feed silo with a Revelate Sweetroll. Bottle cages are Wolf Tooth and King Cage ti.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’ll be swinging a full NEMO kit with their GoGo Elite bivy, Tensor pad, and Siren quilt, the classic Garmin eTrex 22 for navigation and rocking Fenix lighting systems.

Kevin Emery

Age 53 / Victor, Idaho (USA)

BIKE: 2022 Chumba Sendero Steel singlespeed geared 30x22T. Fox SC 34 120mm fork. Industry Nine Trail 270 rims, Hydra hub rear, Son Dynamo hub front with Maxxis Rekon 29 x 2.4″ tires.
BAGS: Dispersed bags, Tailfin Areopack, and Osprey Stratos 24 backpack.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Water capacity on the bike is 6.5L with 3L bladder in the backpack. Lighting is a kLite MTB, Fenix PD36R on the helmet and Fenix bc30 backup on the handlebar. Sleep kit consists of a Patagonia 30 degree down sleeping bag, Tyvek ground sheet, Therm-A-Rest Neoair Xtherm sleeping pad plus an ZLite Sol foam pad and inflatable pillow. Nemo Eqiupment Apollo pyramid with carbon pole for shelter. If I’m going to sleep, it better be good sleep.

Rocky Gingg

Age 35 / Durango, Colorado (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be pedalling on a Pivot Trail 429 Enduro. I swapped the 140mm fork for a 120mm Fox 34 with remote lockout. XT build, 30T chainring, and Reynolds wheels with I9 hubs. Rolling on Maxxis Rekons EXO+ 2.6″ up front and 2.4″ in back. OneUp dropper and bars with Wolf Tooth Fat Paw grips.
BAGS: Frame bag, seat bag, and front top tube bag by Bedrock. Revelate Designs Pronghorn on the bars. Oveja Negra rear top tube bag and Chuckbuckets for bottles.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: OR Helium bivy and a Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite Sleeping Pad. Fenix BC26R and HM65R for lights. USWE Rush MTB vest for hydration and King Cage under the down tube for extra H20. For navigation, I’ll be using a Garmin Edge 540 Solar.

Frances Hacker

Age 32 / Flagstaff, Arizona (USA)

BIKE: Pivot Trail 429 with SRAM drivetrain, XT brakes, DT Swiss MX1700 aluminum wheelset, and Maxxis rubber.
BAGS: A mix of Rogue Panda and Oveja Negra.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’ll be wearing the Duro 6 Osprey Hydration pack to help stay hydrated in the desert heat. Also sporting Dirty Girl Gaiters to keep rocks out of the shoes.

Jason Hanson

Age 52 / Florence, Arizona (USA)

BIKE: I will be riding a Binary SuperBxc with SRAM 1×12 and a 26T chainring, Maxis Ardent 2.25″ and 2.40″ tires on NOX wheels with Industry Nine hubs.
BAGS: Bike Bag Dude frame bag, gas tank bag, and top tube bag. Revelate Designs feed bags and handlebar bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Zpacks sleeping bag and a Garmin Etrex 30 for navigation.

Jennifer Hanson

Age 57 / Florence, Arizona (USA)

BIKE: I will be riding a Binary SuperBxc with a SRAM 1×12 and a 26T chainring, Maxis Ardent 2.25″ and 2.40″ tires on NOX wheels with Industry Nine hydra hubs.
BAGS: Rockgeist framebag and top tube bag, Revelate Designs gas tank, feed bags, and handlebar bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: a Gregory pack to haul my bike across the Grand Canyon and a Garmin 1040 solar.

Danny Harper

Age 43 / Phoenix, Arizona (USA)

BIKE: 2023 Specialized Epic Evo Pro. Increased travel to 130mm from 120mm, cause why not. Fox Factory 34/DPS/Transfer. Vittoria Mezcal XC Trail, 29 x 2.35″ F/R. Shimano XT/XTR 12-speed drivetrain, 30T Wolf Tooth ring, and SRAM Level Stealth 4p brakes. Custom Nox Farlow Carbon 29er wheels w/DT350 rear and Son 28 Dyno front. kLite Adventure package (light/charger).
BAGS: Custom Rockgeist Frame Bag, Revelate Salty Roll, assorted Rockgeist cockpit bags and Revelate Mountain Feed Bags. Osprey Stratos 24 and a set of backpacking shoulder straps for the GC portage.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Mountain Laurel Designs Bivy, Sea to Summit Spark 40 bag, Sea to Summit pad. Garmin 1040 Solar, Fenix headlamp, an assortment of rechargeable and lithium batteries, hoping to dial in my dyno charging management. Velocio Cargo bibs, Pearl Izumi X-Alp Elevate shoes, Velocio Jersey.

Rootbeer Hero

Age 49 / Carbondale, Colorado (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be lining up for the 800 on ‘Blue,’ my singlespeed Revel Wayward. Blue is geared 32x22T with an out-of-spec 140mm fork up front.
BAGS: Forward top-tube bag and the best front-roll on the market by Dispersed Bikepacking. Custom frame bag, rear top-tube bag, and Gondola seat bag by Rockgeist. Feed bags by Revelate Designs. I will start with a 20L Ultimate Direction Fastpack, which I will swap for an Osprey Stratos 24L bike hauler before the canyon.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Titan’s blood x2.

Andrew Hook

Age 35 / Durango, Colorado (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be riding the AZTR 800 on my Scott Spark ST (140mm Fork, modified steer angle, with a piggyback Fox floatX). I’m running a Smorgasbord GX and X01 SRAM 1×12 analog drivetrain on 165mm Raceface ERA Cranks with a 30T chainring. The bike rolls on 29″ Reserves, sporting Cushcore Trail inside Teravail Ehline tough/fast rolling tires. I’ve also added a Rockbros handlebar extender (Replaced the 11″ carbon bar with a 16″ piece of 22.2mm Ti from a local fabricator, Sanitas Cycles) and some cheap bar ends which helps support the bar bag, mount the lights, and give me more hand positions.
BAGS: Bedrock bags made the custom bolt-on frame bag as well as the Dragon seat bag (Love the stability). JPaks LLC made the huge Farva toptube bag. Handlebar roll is Revelate designs with a Salsa front pouch. I’ll also be wearing a Salomon XT 20L pack. Arundel makes the Zip Tied water bottle mounts for the fork and downtube.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I think I’ve got a pretty standard kit for the most part. Helium bivy with Exped sleep pad and a 20 degree bag. I’m cold camping this round so I left the stove at home to save time and weight. I’m stoked on my Exposure Maxx D MK15 light and its 26-hour run time. I’ll use a Wahoo Roam for navigation and have an inReach Mini for tracking and emergency contact.

Alexandera Houchin

Age 35 / Duluth, Minnesota (USA)

BIKE: Esker Steel Hayduke singlespeed 32x22T with Cane Creek, Wolf Tooth, Industry Nine watermelon wheels and stem.
BAGS: Dispersed frame bag, feed bags, and top tube bag, a jank-ass stuff sack-seat-bag attached with a fussy Voile strap. A tiny Bark Joe handlebar roll.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I deliberated for way too long on my gearing (I just copied this from every single other “Rigs of” post I’ve done. So I naturally went harder than planned due to training on a harder gear than usual (32x22T for race.)) I have an old Osprey Sirrus 24L backpack that I’ll wear from the start with H2O capacity (8L) and other stuff smooshed in there. I mailed a box to the PO because I’ve done it 3 times carrying everything from the start, I think it’s time to switch it up.

Jake Inger

Age 27 / Yarmouth, Maine (USA)

BIKE: Specialized EPIC 8 EVO custom build. 34T chainring, XTR drivetrain and brakes, ROVAL Control SL wheels with Maxxis Aspen 2.4″ tires. S-Works cockpit, Fox Transfer SL dropper post.
BAGS: Running an Apidura Racing Top Tube Pack for quick food access. A Revelate Designs Shrew with a Hyperlite Mountain Gear 40° quilt and some gloves. Apidura Expedition Downtube Pack with some back up layers. I will be wearing a USWE Outlander Hydration pack. I am running two SWAT pouches in the frame with all my tools and pump.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I am excited about the lean set up. Running a Niterider Pro 2200 Race headlamp and a 900 lumen bar light. Using a Garmin Solar 840 as a head unit.

Aaron Johnson

Age 40 / Truckee, California (USA)

BIKE: 2021 Specialized Epic Evo. 30T chainring with SRAM Transmission drivetrain. AXS dropper, 4 piston brakes, 180mm rotor up front. Ergon saddle. I’m running 2.4″ 60TPI Rekon Race tires for something a bit lighter and faster rolling. Garmin 1040 Solar for navigation. Fenix BC26R for bar light and Fenix UC35 on helmet. Pearl Izumi X-Alp Summit shoes for all the hike-a-bike and GC portage.
BAGS: Bedrock Bags custom frame bag and handlebar roll. JPaks and Topeak top tube bags, Revelate feedbags.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Two Insta360 Go 3 cameras for video, iPhone for photos. 8L water capacity (5 on bike, 3 on back). I will be carrying everything for the Grand Canyon hike from the start, so will have a larger pack than normal and will bring hiking poles. 28F degree bag, and going with a foam mattress this time for quick deployment and no puncture risk.

Abe Kaufman

Age 42 / Harrisonburg, Virginia (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be riding a Transmission Spur with a Fox 34 130mm fork, 1×12 SRAM Transmission with a 30T chainring and 10-52T cassette. The cockpit features ESI grips and some inner bar ends wrapped with bar tape for some additional hand positions. Contact points are rounded out with Shimano XTR pedals and an Ergon saddle mounted to a 150mm dropper. Tires are 2.4″ Maxxis Rekons with a lightweight insert in the rear for extra flat protection.
BAGS: Running a front roll for my clothes and sleep system. Tools and spares stored in a downtube bag, electronics in a top tube bag, and lots of calories in two feed bags and a Rockgeist frame bag. Also carrying a hydration pack with a 3L bladder and room for extra bottles.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Fenix lights and lots of extra batteries and Nitecore power banks to keep me powered up and riding into the dark. A bivy, 30 degree quilt, and Therm-a-Rest pad will hopefully allow me to catch a few hours rest when needed!

Max Keegan

Age 40 / Bend, Oregon (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be riding the Mostly Forever (MF) MKultra, a titanium frame with a Fox 34 SC 120mm fork. SP dynamo front hub and a Project 321 rear hub laced to BlackBird Send 2 rims with 29 x 2.6″ Teravail Kessel tires—ultra durable. MF titanium Norton handlebar with a bolt-on prototype Ti harness system. Sinewave headlight, Supernova E3 2 Tail Light. Hope Tech 3 brakes, Ergon seat on a Bike Yoke Revive 185mm dropper. Mechanical power meter set to 32x22T.
BAGS: I made the roll-top frame bag a while back and it mostly fits this bike. I have a JPaks Footlong Snakpak bolted on the top tube and a Rogue Panda dry bag on the harness. Roll-top tool pouch on a MF cage under the down tube. Osprey Stratos 24L backpack for carrying stuff and the bike portage.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Fresh extra chunky grips and a waxed chain.

Annie Le

Age 35 / Kingussie (Scotland)

BIKE: Salsa Timberjack ti, souped up with Hope Tech components. Singlespeed with a teeny tiny 28/22T gear. Hoping to dance, rather than push, as much as possible.
BAGS: Everything is my tried and trusted Revelate Designs. Plus my Evoc 20L bag, which won’t be the best for the carry, but I didn’t want to buy new kit.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: A tent as I plan on catching all the beauty sleep I desire, a small quilt to be beefed up with down jacket and pants. And I sewed myself a polar tech alpha hoodie that I think will get worn a bunch further north. Shoes are Teva sandals, that might be great or might result in lots of cactus spines in my feet. Time will tell.

Justinas Leveika

Age 35 / Tolga, Innlandet (Norway)

BIKE: Trek Top Fuel Gen 4. 130mm travel front and 120mm back. SRAM T type transmission with 30T at the front and a 10/52T cassette. RockShox dropper. Tested on the Colorado Trail. Hunt Proven XC/trail wheels with Maxxis Recon Race 2.4″ tyres with inserts front and rear. A variety of lights to see the trail at night.
BAGS: Line of custom bags from Tailfin R&D Division. Modified rear rack, long top tube bag and frame bag, made to perfection. Hydration vest with some extra capacity as we are racing in the desert.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Clothing from Albion, we will burn in the south, but up north it can get chilly, more like to what I am used to. I will use Osprey backpack to carry my bike through the Grand Canyon.

Matt Lind

Age 29 / Albuquerque, New Mexico (USA)

BIKE: Soma Juice 27.5+ 32x22T oval, DT Swiss f232 fork, 350 hubs laced to Sunringle Wideboy rims. Not making a statement with 27.5″ just the best way to stuff lots of tire in this frame.
BAGS: Swift frame bag, Oveja Negra stuff, a bit of Revelate and some Buckhorn bags. Gregory day pack that was one of the first outdoorsy things I bought like five years ago.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: The Crank Tank is awesome. 3 liters in the space of two bottles. Overall ready for 7+ liters of water.

Adam Lovill

Age 40 / Phoenix, Arizona (USA)

BIKE: I’m riding my Santa Cruz Tallboy through the desert this year, equipped for comfort with an SQlab saddle, Ergon grips, and Togs thumb grips. It rolls on Reynolds carbon wheels paired with Maxxis Rekon tires, 2.4” rear, 2.6” front, and my Wahoo Roam will keep me on track.
BAGS: Most of my gear is packed in Oveja Negra bags, including a hip pack with hand-sewn suspenders. I also have Revelate bags mounted on the frame and handlebars, plus a small 8L USWE backpack. I’ll carry 6L of water distributed across my back, downtube bag, and frame bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My favorite new piece of gear is the Pedal Stoke Li-bar-ator handlebar mount. It provides a solid 3-inch gap between my handlebars and Revelate handlebar bag, allowing plenty of space for cables to move freely. I even managed to fit an Oveja Negra feedbag in that space which allows me to carry an extra water bottle.

Matt Murray

Age 28 / Tucson, Arizona (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be riding the AZTR 300 on a fresh Stooge Scrambler. Rolling (and pushing) singlespeed (32x23T) on big 27.5 x 3″ tires. Fit is dialled thanks to pals who gifted me a shorty boxcar stem to match the brakes.
BAGS: Dispersed Bikepacking handlebar roll, DIY top tube and frame bag, and a backpack for extra water and overflow fig newtons.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Stoked to have dynamo lighting for the long nights, gardening gloves for the catclaw, and hyperpop for the motivation.

John O’Malley

Age 59 / Scranton, Pennsylvania (USA)

BIKE: I am most grateful to roaring all the way on a 2018 Salsa Rustler morphed with a set of Bontrager Line Pro 30 wheels. I’m running Maxxis Minion 29 x 2.4″ tires up front and Maxxis Agressor D.D 2.3″ in rear. XT 1×12 soul train at 10-50T with a 30T chainring. Ergon for the Kung fu grip. Huge thanks to the Greenwood Village REI tech shop for the painstaking build out.
BAGS: Revelate Designs Mountain feedbags, Jerrycan, Terrapin 8l, a custom Bedrock bags frame pack at the core. Tailfin SFMs.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Garmin 1040 Edge solar for navigation, inReach 66i for C2. REI flash air 1, Nemo UL Tensor, quilt for sleep system. Fenix lights, an Osprey 24L Stratos for the big beautiful Canyon adventure and plenty of Stars and Stripes for inspiration.

Ivy Pedersen

Age 40 / Fruita, Colorado (USA)

BIKE: Trek Supercaliber with SRAM Transmission drivetrain.
BAGS: Bags are a random assortment that I’ve used on various trips over the years. Blackburn tail bag, Revelate Jerry Can, Wizard Works top tube bag, two stem bags; one is Moosetreks and the other is Durango Sewing Solutions. A front roll that I got as swag at Gravel Nationals last year. I’ll also use a small Camelback Chase vest with a 2.5L bladder.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My sleep kit is an emergency bivy, puffy jacket, and an inflatable Sea to Summit pillow as my luxury item. Using a Garmin 1030 for navigation. Tires are 2.4″ Maxxis Rekons.

Johnny Price

Age 38 / Gary, Minnesota (USA)

BIKE: Esker Hayduke singlespeed. 32T oval x 22T Wolf Tooth Components.
BAGS: Dispersed front roll, seat bag, bivy, frame bag, and gas tank. Osprey stratus backpack.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Miniature J Doobies doll on seat bag.

Jason Puleri

Age 51 / Colorado Springs, Colorado (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be hitting the AZT on my Chromag Wideangle “shredpacking” rig. The bike is equipped with a 150mm RockShox Pike, SRAM GX/X01 Eagle 32/52T, and Stans Flow rims with DT Swiss 350 hubs. Tires are Maxxis Rekon 27.5 x 2.6″ with EXO+ casings.
BAGS: Bags are all from Revelate Designs. Handlebar bag, Mag Tank top tube bag, Mountain Feed bags, Tangle frame bag, and Shrew seat bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Fenix lights, Garmin 540 solar, Osprey Syncro pack, and a Mountain Laurel Designs superlight solo bivy to keep the desert critters from snuggling up with me.

Tyler Reynolds

Age 31 / Houston, Texas (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be on my Trek 1120. It has been converted from rigid to a 100mm Fox fork, 1×12 XT drivetrain, SLX 4 pot brakes, and Bontrager Line Pro carbon wheels wrapped in Bontrager Gunnison RSL tires.
BAGS: My frame bag is for a Trek Farley, but ironically fits perfectly on the 1120! I also have a Revelate Designs Jerrycan for tools and spare parts, Revelate Designs feed bags, and a Bontrager top tube bag. The rear 8L Osprey Drybags are secured to the 1120 rack using the stock harness.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I am excited about the NEMO Bikepack OSMO tent, and NEMO base pad. I will be using my trusty Garmin 840 for navigation and a Nightcore Carbo 20,000mAh for power supply. Lights will be two rechargeable 1300 lumen Trek Ion Pros. I am MOST excited about my emergency support pickle though.

James Rothwell

Age 13 / Morpeth, Northumberland (UK)

BIKE: I’m riding my Orange Clockwork EVO hardtail with a comfy 130mm fork. It has a full Shimano XT groupset with Pro components and I’ll be running flat pedals. Wheels are DT Swiss 350 hubs and XR391 rims with Vittoria Mezcal and Barzo 2.35″ TNT tyres. I’m using an Exposure Maxx-D light with a Link+ headlight and a back up Black Diamond.
BAGS: All my bags are from Restrap and include a custom frame bag. I will be using my Hike-a-Bike harness for the Grand Canyon. I’ll also be using a 2L Restrap hydration vest and stem bags with two bottles. My bike has extra bottle cages added to the forks for extra water capacity.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My dad and I are sharing our Sea to Summit Telos TR2 fly only tent set up. I am using a Sea to Summit Spark Pro bag and a lightweight insulated mat with Aeros pillow. Clothing is all from Albion and includes Zoa waterproof pants, trousers, and a lightweight Zoa insulated jacket. The Albion Traverse jersey keeps me cool in the heat and I’ll be wearing Castelli leg and arm sun sleeves. I am in charge of our back up Garmin eTrex for navigation.

Rich Rothwell

Age 53 / Morpeth, Northumberland (UK)

BIKE: I’m riding my 2024 Giant Anthem Advance 2. It has a full Shimano XTR groupset. Pro components. Wheels are DTSwiss 350 hubs and XR391 rims with Vittoria Mezcal and Barzo 2.35″ TNT tyres. I’m using an Exposure Maxx-D light with a Link+ headlight and a back up Black Diamond.
BAGS: All my bags are from Restrap and include a custom frame bag. Stashed in the down tube bag I have my Hike-a-Bike harness. Yes, the wheels will be OFF! I’ll also be using a 2L Restrap hydration vest and stem bags with two bottles. I have added bottle cages to the forks for extra water capacity. Hopefully I can find enough of the wet stuff to fill them all.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: As I am riding with my son, it made sense to take our Sea to Summit Telos TR2 fly only tent set up. It weighs little more than two bivvy bags and provides proper shelter. I am using a Sea to Summit Spark Pro bag and lightweight insulated mat with an Aeros pillow. Clothing is all from Albion and includes Zoa waterproof pants, trousers, and a lightweight Zoa insulated jacket. The Albion Traverse jersey keeps me cool in the heat and I’ll be wearing Castelli leg and arm sun sleeves. Navigation will be through a solar boosted Coros Dura.

Christopher Schmidt

Age 49 / Lake Geneva, Wisconsin (USA)

BIKE: BikeDr Blue 2020 Trek Top Fuel with SRAM Eagle AXS + Kogel Kolossos cage/pulleys. Full squish from Rock Shock SID Flight attendant + Reverb dropper (and a mess of batteries!). Cockpit and lighting supported by Baryak Ultra 35 rails with carbon crossbar and Triple Crown mount customized for GPS/tracker/GoPro. Cane Creek bar ends with blips surrounded by ESI grips. Wheelset: Bontrager Carbon/Son Dynamo. Rolling on Vittoria Agarro Trail 2.4″ tires pushing Shimano XT Trail pedals.
BAGS: Dispersed Bikepacking front roll, top tube, stem, and rear bags. Bedrock frame bag. Osprey Talon 22L on my back
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: 35 degree bag, small Therm-a-Rest Neo-Air and Z Lite pads in a Dispersed Bivvy and tarp. Custom Nunatak synthetic puffy for cold nights. Lighting system compliments of jefe.bike and K-lite. Navigation & Tracking: Garmin 1040 solar, InReach Mini2. Pedaling and hiking Shimano SH-EX700 kicks.

Alex Schultz

Age 31 / Marquette, Michigan (USA)

BIKE: Specialized Epic 8 with 130mm fork and SRAM Transmission drivetrain 30-52T. I am running Maxxis Ikon 2.4″ tires with EXO casing on Zipp Hitop wheels.
BAGS: Morrow packs custom frame and top tube bags. Bedrock bags moab handlebar bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: The 30F quilt will be really nice in the high country if it gets cold! I am opting for the MSR E-bivy since most of race is warm—it is smaller and less bulky. I am excited to hopefully make the most of the Garmin Edge 1040 Solar capabilities in the desert.

Matt Schweiker

Age 37 / Chattanooga, Tennessee (USA)

BIKE: Chuma Stella Steel Singlespeed (32x22T). Reynolds Carbon Rims, SON Dynamo Hub (front), I-9 Hydra Hub (Rear), 2.4″ Maxxis Rekons EXO+, Ti Bar and rigid post, 120mm MRP Ribbon SL.
BAGS: Dispersed Framebag, Bedrock Cocino Seatbag, Revelate Designs Pronghorn, Tailfin Toptube Bag, and and Osprey Stratos 24 with gear for the Grand Canyon portage.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Western Mountaineering Sleeping bag, Marmot Alpinist Bivy, cut-down foam pad. Garmin 1040 Solar, Fenix BC26R Headlight with spare batteries. 6L water capacity.

Harrison Shotzbarger

Age 33 / Brokedown Palace (USA)

BIKE: Esker Hayduke Ti SS. The bike is geared at 30x21T with a fancy Boone cog. Fox 34 140mm up front, 2025 Fox Transfer 180mm dropper shimmed down a bit, Code RSC brakes w/ HS2 rotors, Roost handlebars with Cane Creek barends, Garmin Edge 840 Solar, 8L H2O capacity, lots of power and lights.
BAGS: Dispersed Bikepacking framebag, top tube bag, and handlebar roll. Revelate Designs seat pack and rear top tube bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Osprey Stratos 24 on my back for the duration, plenty of music downloaded, lots of Carborocket and a few RecPaks. Hoping to pedal away from a week of vehicle issues and enjoy some Sonoran sunsets. Singlespeeders unite!

Ryan Sigsbey

Age 40 / Brevard, North Carolina (USA)

BIKE: Specialized Epic Evo.
BAGS: I’m running a mix of Rockgeist and Revelate Designs bags. Consider donating to Rockgeist to help them recover from Hurricane Helene that devastated their whole shop. Greg’s gonna need some help!
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’m running about the same setup as last year on the AZT 300 but a bigger front roll for more warm layers and I’m also carrying an Osprey Stratos 24 pack for the Grand Canyon portage. Looking forward to riding (and pushing) my bike through Arizona!

Brook Smith

Age 42 / Toronto, Ontario (Canada)

BIKE: Pivot Mach 4 SL with fresh steel 30T chainring, waxed chain, 10-52T cassette. Rolling on Hydra hubs, Santa Cruz Reserve 30 SL rims and Vittoria Barzo tires.
BAGS: My homemade bags have #10 Vislon zippers with black and Purple X-Pac fabric. The frame bag houses 2L of water. My monster top tube bag & feed bags are mostly housing food and quick access items like a headlamp, headlights and ass cream. I’m wearing a Vaude Bike Alpin MTB Backpack 25+5L. It contains another 3L of water and passport/money/tp/butt kit/etc, nothing too heavy. My front roll contains a custom purple and orange Little Shop of Hammocks 20f sleeping bag. My under bike roll contains a tube and any tools/spares that don’t fit in my One Up pump.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’m carrying hiking poles from the start, balanced out with a bunch of UL nonsense like a Graham Medical, FlexAir pillow, and a Cortech Prison Toothbrush. I’m wearing Five Ten Trailcross Pro mated with fresh XT trail pedals, Patagonia Micro Puff with Hood, Helium Rain Jacket/Pants, Outdoor Research Echo sun hoodie, Patagonia Dirt Roamer Bike Shorts, Injinji Liner socks (for the hike), Topo Wool socks, 7Mesh Foundation Bike Boxer Brief, DIY Alpha Direct hoodie & a Poc Vest with removable diy sleeves. I’m running two FENIX BC26R with 6x 5000mAh 21700 batteries. Katadyn BeFree 1L + 1L bottle on the fork for a total of 7L of water capacity.

Andrew Strempke

Age 31 / Old La Sal, Utah (USA)

BIKE: Chumba Sendero Ti, singlespeed 32x22T.
BAGS: All Dispersed Bikepacking bags, made by Katie and me. Not pictured: a small hydration pack.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Garmin Edge 1040 Solar, Fenix lights, and my new favorite hike-a-bike shoes, Shimano SH-GE900.

Beau Troesch

Age 35 / Saint Paul, Minnesota (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be racing the AZT 300 on my Salsa Spearfish with a Rockshox SID fork. The drivetrain is mostly Shimano XT/SLX with a Raceface Next Crankset. The tires are 2.4” Maxxis Rekons with plenty of sealant added.
BAGS: Rockgeist Custom framebag, Rockgeist Gondola saddle bag, Revelate Designs Harness and top tube bags, a handy little Bedrock Bags Sinbad for my tools, and a feed bag sewn by my friend, Chris. I’ll also be wearing an Ultimate Direction Hydration vest.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Sleep Kit: Bivy with an Enlightened Equipment quilt and a Therm-a-Rest pad. Other goodies include a Katadyn water filter, Wahoo Elemnt Roam for navigation, and an Exposure MaxxD to light up the night.

Shannon Villegas

Age 44 / Hereford, Arizona (USA)

BIKE: “Wildflower” a Juliana Wilder.
BAGS: My trusty Rogue Panda bags, all around! Custom framebag with my own design printed on it.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Focusing on my sleep kit, because I’m going to need some comfort this time around for the 800. Sea to Summit ultralight 25 degree down bag, Big Agnes inflatable pad, Cocoon pillow, and Sierra Designs bivy. Oh, and of course all the snacks shoved into all the bags.

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