explore Northern Arizona on 2 wheels!
**UPDATE - For July 6th Weekend
2024 NAZMAT is still on, but will be self-directed
Hello everyone! Sincere apologies for the lack of communication the last few months. I just haven't had the bandwidth to properly organize a ride this year. Here's the short story of NAZMAT 2024: For those still looking to ride, the GPX files are available on this site for the multiple days. IF you would like to ride, I will likely still go out for at least 1 or 2 days the weekend of July 6th and would love some company, however this year will be very self-directed. The what/where/when is as follows:
- SATURDAY, JULY 6th, 8:00 AM, I will be at the base of the Snow Bowl Road to ride "Day 2".
- Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/yPVfXsL2vGEY18qJ7
- Sunday, I might ride "Day 3" (also starting at Snow Bowl)...but may also go back and do "Day 1".
- It has been dry, so many roads are dusty and sandy...but monsoon rains have started
- There are no hotels or campgrounds booked, but Ft. Tuthill has and Woody Mtn. have sites.
- Email me with questions and I'll do my best to answer: [email protected]
- Hopefully I see a few other riders out there....
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NAZMAT is a 4-day*, motorcycle adventure tour that features some of the best backroads, hidden treasures, and scenic wonders that Northern Arizona has to offer. The routes are specifically designed to keep things fun and interesting, and to get riders off the "beaten path". NAZMAT is for riders, by riders...so participation is free.
The Tour will be based out of the scenic mountain town of Flagstaff, AZ, and riders will explore a different surrounding region each day, starting and ending in Flagstaff. Each day of riding will cover generally 80-120 miles, and will be over varied terrain. This tour is designed for all ADV riders, so there will be no extreme-technical portions for any of the routes, but rest assured, there are still plenty of moderate-technical sections that will keep you on your toes, and provide for some exciting riding. If beginner riders are not comfortable with some of the technical sections, there will be published alternate re-routes for those sections. |
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Each day will also feature many scenic destinations and side trips (both planned and spontaneous). There will be enough time each day for riders to document footage, motovlog, eat lunches or snacks, or just to enjoy the scenery. Maps, GPS tracks, and other resources will be available for all rides/routes through this site. There will also be an optional day 5*, and day 6*, for riders looking to further explore Sedona, Williams, Jerome, or the Grand Canyon. Previews of all rides/routes are available on this site here, and over on the YouTube Channel: On2Feet.
Most of the area surrounding Flagstaff is part of Coconino National Forest, so open camping is generally permitted anywhere that is not private property. There are also established campgrounds with services, and dozens of local lodging options in town. Depending on how many riders participate, a group rate may be available at a local motel. Flagstaff is located at 7000' elevation, so plan accordingly if you think you may need to acclimatize to the elevation.
Each day will generally start around 8 AM, with the goal of completing that day's route by 5 PM. For those that are interested, we will also plan to conclude each day by gathering after the ride at a local restaurant, café, or pub, to exchange stories from the day, and to simply enjoy good food, beverages, and company.
Most of the area surrounding Flagstaff is part of Coconino National Forest, so open camping is generally permitted anywhere that is not private property. There are also established campgrounds with services, and dozens of local lodging options in town. Depending on how many riders participate, a group rate may be available at a local motel. Flagstaff is located at 7000' elevation, so plan accordingly if you think you may need to acclimatize to the elevation.
Each day will generally start around 8 AM, with the goal of completing that day's route by 5 PM. For those that are interested, we will also plan to conclude each day by gathering after the ride at a local restaurant, café, or pub, to exchange stories from the day, and to simply enjoy good food, beverages, and company.
PLEASE NOTE: This form is just to gauge interest. An Official Registration LINK will be available on this site once all logistics are finalized.
Road/Terrain Rating
The difficulty and terrain of all NAZMAT sections will be described using the following Class rating below. This is not an "official" rating system per se, but is still meant to give riders a general sense of the terrain. Nearly all of the routes will fall between Class 0 and Class 3, with a few short sections falling under Class 4. There are no Class 5 sections on any NAZMAT route.
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Class 0
Any paved road or surface. There are some Class 0 paved sections, primarily used as a way to connect various off-road sections or to get to trailheads. |
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Class 1
Well-maintained gravel or forest roads. No major risk of falls, Very few rocks, roots, or obstacles. There are many Class 1 sections. |
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Class 2
More-primitive forest roads, including dual track roads. Minor risk of falls. Occasional rocks, roots, obstacles, or loose gravel/sand. There are many Class 2 sections. |
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Class 3
Unmaintained Jeep or ATV roads. Reasonable risk of falls. Regular rocks, roots, sand, or obstacles. Requires fair amount of skill and concentration. There are many Class 3 sections. |
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Class 4
Technical Jeep or ATV roads. Considerable risk of falls. Frequent large rocks, roots, or obstacles. Requires high skill and full concentration. There are only a few Class 4 sections (with alternate routes available). |
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Class 5
Highly technical dirt-bike/ATV routes. Extreme risk of falls and high danger. Constant large or unstable rocks, sand, roots, or obstacles. Requires advanced skills and full concentration. Not well-suited for typical ADV bikes. There are no Class 5 sections on any NAZMAT route. |
About me...
Hey everyone! I'm John. By day, I'm an assistant professor at Northern Arizona University working broadly in the fields of climate science and glaciology (see my research page). In whatever spare time I have though, you'll find me out either running on trails, or navigating the woods and backroads on my Royal Enfield Himalayan (affectionately dubbed, Freyja). Over the past two years, I have spent considerable time on Freyja, exploring some of the most interesting and unique places around greater Flagstaff. Gradually, I started putting a lot of my favorite rides together and realized that I could design some spectacular routes that really highlight some of the best parts of Northern Arizona. Thus...NAZMAT was born. Just about every ride I have ever done in the area can also be found over on my YouTube Channel: On2Feet. I really hope you consider joining me this June for the 1st-Annual NAZMAT. - John
Freyja and me just before our 2021 Colorado backcountry tour through the San Juans.
