The Pinewood Showdown is Zia Rides’ answer to the question riders had been asking for years: When are you going to put on a gravel event? They waited until they found a location worthy of it, and the White Mountains of Arizona certainly qualify.

Based at scenic Wilderness Ranch outside Pinetop-Lakeside and Show Low, the event sends riders onto the beautiful dirt and gravel roads of Northern Arizona. Choose from approximately 25, 45, or 80 miles, making this a weekend that works for newer gravel riders as well as those looking for a serious day in the saddle. Gravel bikes and mountain bikes are both welcome.

This is also much more than showing up, riding, and driving home. Courses are well marked with fully supported aid stations, while Wilderness Ranch becomes the weekend gathering place with camping, live music at the pavilion, and plenty of opportunities to hang out with other riders, friends, and family.

Best of all, you’re escaping the desert heat for a weekend of bikes, dirt roads, pine trees, cool mountain air, and some of the prettiest country in Arizona.

A portion of the proceeds also stays in the White Mountains, benefiting Re in Pinetop.

Great gravel. Pine forests. Live music. Camping. Three distances. One very good excuse to spend a weekend riding bikes in Arizona’s White Mountains.