8ish Days of Christmas Shuttle Ride on the AZT from Oak Tree Canyon

For the SDMB 8ish Days of Christmas ride we are planning a New Year's Eve Shuttle Ride on the Arizona Trail from the (new) Oak Tree Canyon trailhead to Gabe Zimmerman with an option for a shorter ride from the Lakes Rd to Gabe Z. This is a great opportunity to ride the Las Colinas Passage as it is hard to ride without a shuttle.

From Oak Tree Canyon the ride will be about 26 miles with many hills and valleys. Roughly 2000’ of climbing through hilly terrain. The terrain is intermediate level but you should be an intermediate/advanced level rider for endurance. There will be several hike-a-bike sections for most riders. Expect to spend 4-5 hours out on the trail including stops. Please be self-sufficient, prepared for mechanical issues and have plenty of food and water. The Las Colinas passage is a remote, adventure ride with no water access.

From the Lakes Rd to the Gabe Zimmerman trailhead is about 13.5 miles, mostly downhill with several climbs. This section could be rated blue for some rocky downhill areas and hills.

We will plan to load shuttle vehicles at the Gabe Zimmerman trailhead at 9am. Please RSVP on the Meetup site so we make sure to have enough shuttle vehicles.

**Please bring a mask to wear in the shuttle vehicles! Some of us are more susceptible than others.

You could also do a self-shuttle with a friend, leaving vehicles at the start and finish locations. At the moment we have room for about 16 bikes and riders in the shuttle vehicles and may need more depending on turnout. We will also need 1 or 2 volunteers to take the shuttle drivers back to Oak Tree Canyon after the ride.

Bring some food, beverages and a chair for after the ride!
Passage 6 map**-**Las Colinas: [06_LasColinas.pdf (aztrail.org)](https://aztrail.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/06_LasColinas.pdf)
Passage 7 map-Las Cienegas: [07_LasCienegas.pdf (aztrail.org)](https://aztrail.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/07_LasCienegas.pdf)

Parking area off of the Lakes Rd: From the intersection of I-10 and AZ 83, drive south for 7.2 miles on AZ 83 to milepost 51.4. Turn right (west) and go through a gate on an unmarked, rough dirt road. Turn immediately to your left and go up the hill to a grassy parking area.
For Oak Tree Canyon: 15 miles south on 83 near milepost 43.

The Legal Stuff - Please Read Waiver - Signing up for this ride indicates agreement with terms of the Waiver for yourself and any invited guests.

WAIVER, RELEASE, AND ASSUMPTION OF RISKS:
I/we hereby waive, release and discharge the Southern Arizona Mountain Bike Association (SAMBA) and its officers, ride leaders,volunteers, employees, organizers, sponsors, members, and ride participants from any and all claims for personal injury, property damage,or death resulting from my/our participation in any SAMBA event.

I/we acknowledge that mountain biking is a high-risk sport. I/we realize there are certain dangers inherent in the sport of mountain biking, and I/we assume these risks with the full understanding that serious injuries and even death may result from my/our participation in any SAMBA event.

I intend this release to discharge the above-named from any and all liability arising from or connected in any way with my/our participation in any event, even though that liability may result from the negligence or carelessness of the above named .

I/we certify that my/our bicycle is suitable for safe use in all events, that I/we are in good physical condition, and that I/we are able to complete the event. I/we agree to wear a bicycle helmet properly adjusted and fastened and approved by SNELL or ANSI. I/we agree to obey all traffic laws and other laws at all times during all events .

I/we have read this waiver and release and fully understand its terms and agree that it shall be binding on my/our heirs and assigns. I/we consent to emergency care at my own expense if injured or ill .Furthermore, I/we are willing to abide to the Bylaws and Code of Ethics of SAMBA.