TMC Health 24 Hours in the Old Pueblo
Celebrating 27 years of riding singletrack in the Sonoran Desert, the TMC Health 24 Hours in the Old Pueblo is one of the largest 24-hour mountain bike events in the world. But calling it a mountain bike race doesn’t quite explain it.
It’s really a party in the desert with a biking problem.
Every Presidents’ Day weekend, thousands of mountain bikers, friends, families, volunteers and assorted desert characters create a temporary city north of Tucson for one unforgettable weekend.
Yes, there’s a 24-hour mountain bike race. Solo riders and teams take turns riding a fast and fun Sonoran Desert singletrack course continuously from noon Saturday until noon Sunday. But what happens between laps is every bit as much a part of the experience.
There are elaborate camps, costumes that range from clever to completely ridiculous, decorated bikes, music, campfires, food, an industry bike and gear expo and plenty of people who seem to have forgotten there is actually a race going on.
The exchange tent becomes the center of the universe as teammates wait for riders to finish their laps. During the day, the desert can deliver perfect 70-degree February weather. After sunset, lights begin winding across the desert as riders disappear into the darkness for another lap. Through it all, 91.3 KXCI Community Radio provides the soundtrack for 24 straight hours.
And then there are the costumes. At Old Pueblo, Lycra is merely a suggestion. You may find yourself sharing the trail with superheroes, animals, tutus, wigs and costumes that become increasingly difficult to explain as the night goes on. Taking the event seriously and not taking yourself too seriously coexist perfectly here.
That’s what makes 24 Hours in the Old Pueblo different. You can come to race for the podium, challenge yourself to ride solo for 24 hours, put together a team of friends, volunteer, camp or simply experience one of the great gatherings of the mountain bike community.
The bicycles may be the excuse, but the people, costumes, music, camping, desert and community are what make Old Pueblo legendary.
Come for the mountain biking. Stay for the party. And don’t be surprised if you start planning next year’s costume before you’ve even left the desert.
This Link captures the essence of the event better than any other video… but I’m biased as I am one of the minor characters. https://watch.outsideonline.com/series/dispatches/e27xUKcQ-ItgXpnn7?episode=2&season=4&mode=fullscreen