Experience the beauty, culture, and challenge of Southern Arizona’s premier cycling event. The Nogales Bicycle Classic offers scenic routes for every level—whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or a casual rider. Pedal through rolling hills, desert landscapes, and historic streets, all while supporting local causes and celebrating the vibrant cross-border spirit of Nogales. Join us for an unforgettable ride, great company, and a powerful sense of community.
After a sucessful first year, Zia Rides will be back in Tucson again in 2026. Mark your calendars!
This 10 hour race for solos, duos, and teams takes place at historic Old Tucson Studios, the film site for many famous westerns. The main venue comes with sweeping views of saguaro covered mountains along with old-timey fun on the studio grounds for racers and their families to enjoy. The main event space is a large barn with bar, stage and plenty of space for vendors and hanging out. The singletrack is wicked fast, and we expect fast lap times through the towering saguaros. With Saguaro National Park, the Sonoran Desert Musuem just down the road, and the City of Tucson just over the hill, Old Tucson provides Zia Rides with an ideal winter event destination. We can’t wait to show you what’s in store, and we are sure you won’t be disappointed. Tucson, here we come!
Check out Visit Tucson for local info and attractions! Also, check out the free Tucson visitors guide:
Every year, the Sonoran Desert Mountain Bicyclists (SDMB) pull off what might just be Tucson’s most entertaining and community-driven mountain biking event—the Annual Poker Ride. As a fundraiser for this passionate advocacy group, the event not only raises crucial funds for maintaining and expanding trails but also brings together hundreds of riders for a day packed with adventure, camaraderie, and unforgettable fun.
This year’s ride unfolded under the kind of weather that makes the Sonoran Desert famous. With not a cloud in the sky and warm, golden sunlight blanketing the landscape, it was a perfect day to experience the desert’s unique beauty. The Tucson Mountains provided a stunning backdrop, with rugged peaks, craggy ridges, and panoramic views of the sprawling valley below.
A Ride Through the Sonoran Desert
The route took participants deep into the heart of the Sonoran Desert, a landscape defined by its striking geology and vibrant biology. Riders tackled iconic trails like the Explorer Trail, El Grupo Loop, Max Shemwell Trail, and Ledge Surfer. Along the way, they were surrounded by towering saguaros, their arms stretching skyward like sentinels of the desert. These iconic cacti stood among barrel cacti, prickly pear, and cholla, creating a tapestry of green that contrasted beautifully with the golden hues of the rocky terrain.
The trails twisted and turned over ancient volcanic rock formations, evidence of the Tucson Mountains’ fiery past. Riders traversed washes carved by monsoon rains and skirted cliffs that told a story of millions of years of geological evolution. Every turn of the trail offered something new—a dense cluster of ocotillo with their spindly stalks, a fleeting glimpse of a desert jackrabbit darting across the path, or the sharp cry of a red-tailed hawk circling overhead.
A Poker Ride with Personality
Riders set off at 9 a.m., aiming to collect the best poker hand by visiting 10 stops scattered along the route. These weren’t just ordinary checkpoints—they were themed party zones that captured the creative spirit of the SDMB community. Costumes, music, and refreshments were the order of the day. From beer at one stop to mixed drinks at another, the ride felt more like a rolling celebration than a competition.
The stops were as diverse as the scenery, blending seamlessly into the surroundings. A few even felt like they were part of the desert itself, with riders pausing to sip drinks while taking in sweeping views of the rugged mountains and endless desert plains.
Fuel for the Fun
No Tucson event would be complete without incredible food, and the Poker Ride delivered. At the finish line, riders refueled with a spread that included pizza, tacos, and the quintessential Tucson treat—Sonoran dogs. Paired with the crisp desert air and the warm camaraderie of fellow riders, it was the perfect way to close out the adventure.
Prizes for All
The poker aspect added an element of strategy and luck to the ride, with the best hand at the end of the day earning first pick from an impressive prize table. Thanks to the overwhelming generosity of sponsors, there were enough prizes for every one of the 280 riders to take something home. Whether it was gear, gift cards, or swag, nobody left empty-handed.
Beyond the Ride
While the event is all about fun, it’s also about supporting the trails and the mountain biking community. SDMB continues to lead the charge in advocating for trail access and maintenance, and events like this are critical to their mission.
Why You Should Join Next Year
The Annual Poker Ride is more than just a mountain biking event—it’s a celebration of the Sonoran Desert and the incredible community that calls it home. Whether you’re shredding the trails, marveling at the desert’s beauty, or laughing at the creative costumes and party stops, this event captures the essence of why Tucson is a top destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
So, mark your calendar for next year. Come for the adventure, stay for the tacos and Sonoran dogs, and leave with a deeper appreciation for this incredible desert we’re lucky to call home. You won’t regret it.
The following is more about my day at the poker Ride. As I’m new to blogging daily, I’m still looking for the voice I want to use. Having a background in writing newspaper columns, sharing my prospective seems to self centered. It’s not about me, but I also consider myself a participatory journalist. I never show up just to watch, I’ll always find a way to participate.
The Poker Ride was a humbling yet exhilarating reminder of why I love mountain biking. These trails around Starr Pass and Tucson Mountain Park are as raw and rugged as they come—untamed, chunky, and beautifully technical. Riding them forces you to improve, to push boundaries, and to embrace the challenge. Yes, there are flowing sections that let you catch your breath, but the jagged, cauliflower-like rocks make you earn every mile. It’s mountain biking in its purest form, unsanitized and unapologetic.
This ride wasn’t just about trails, though. It was also about finding balance—both on the bike and off it. A sip of beer, mia tia, whiskey, at a few stops helped ease the nerves, but not enough to steer me into a saguaro. I found that perfect middle ground: enough to laugh at the challenge without compromising my lines.
But as I write this on Monday morning, I’m feeling the consequences in muscles I didn’t know needed strengthening. Technical riding like this, far removed from traffic, is my happy place—mentally stimulating, physically demanding, and spiritually rejuvenating. Ad in stations with food and booze and it’s a wonderful place to be. Yet, either I’m not doing it enough to stay sharp, or age is catching up with me.
What wiped me out wasn’t just the Poker Ride itself. I left home on the bike in the dark and rode the 16 miles to the event and took the long way home, detouring to show a house, and then to the gym to spin and watch the Lions and Vikings. To cap it off, I realized I’d dropped the gift card I won from Tap and Botttle and went back out at 10:30 p.m. to follow my route and look for it. 20 miles and An extra hour and a half later, I came up empty-handed. Frustrating, yes, but at least it nudged me past my weekly hours goal and took the daily miles to just shy of a century.
In the end, the Poker Ride was more than just a ride. It was a testament to perseverance, finding joy in the grind, and embracing the adventure—even when it spills into the night.
Intermediate road ride. Starting at Mona”s bakery on Sunrise, we’ll ride down to the loop then take East Old Spanish Road for a loop around Saguaro Park East.
40 miles with small climbs
Rolling pace about 17-20 with regroups.
“OldSkool OG’s” :: The Longest standing organized ride that OPMTB offers each week ! The ride that started it ALL. This is generally an Intermediate to Advanced ride with Beginner friendly options to shorten the ride or skip sections to crate an easier route. There’s a loyal & regular following for this ride with an intentional rotation of trails all over Tucson for all levels of interest. OG rides are NO DROP.
RIDE GUIDES ::: Todd Rasmussen, Derek Petz & Jeremy Harper
DIFFICULTY: Blue – Ride it hard or ride it easy, expect 8-12 miles in distance.
MEET TIME: FIP (Feet In Pedals) @ as close to 3:00 PM, so Meet about 2:45 pm. (approx ride time 90mins to 2 hours)
PARK: “Sweetwater Trailhead” on google is right at the main parking lot of Sweetwater Preserve. Easy to find and the Pin drop on this event is accurate.
Plan to meet up at Ave de Suzenu by 8:45 AM and we will shuttle to Molino Basin at 9:00 AM.
This is a technically challenging ride, so I would not recommend beginners attempt this trail. If you can’t ride it, feel free to walk whatever features you are not comfortable with. It takes around three hours with a group, so make sure to have at least 2 L of water, nutrition, bike/tire repair kit and a helmet
2026 TUCSON BICYCLE CLASSIC PRESENTED BY THE METEOR
Celebrating 38 years of bringing Pro and Amateur cyclists together for a 3 day stage race
What: A three-day USA Cycling stage race: Stage 1 – time trial, Stage 2 – road race, Stage 3 – circuit race. Riders MUST complete each stage in order to start the next stage. Novice riders not required to start or finish every stage. DNF riders in those groups will be allowed to start the next stage. See Tech Guide when it becomes available.
When and Where:
Time Trial Prologue –
Downtown Crit
Road Race –
Circuit Race –
For course layouts, times and venue locations see official Tech Guide. Please note that Tech Guide will be available mid-January. To stay up to date, please like and follow us on Facebook.
Entry Fees:
Men Pro/1 & Women Pro 1/2: $185
All other adult categories: $155
Juniors (13-18): when racing in a Juniors category: $65
Fees include mandatory USA Cycling daily surcharge but not the BikeReg service fee or Arizona Sales Tax.
Normal online registration closes at midnight Mountain Time on Sunday, February 15, 2024. Late Fee registration is available at 20% surcharge from February 16, 2024 until midnight Mountain Time February 18, 2024. There is no registration after February 18th, 2024 and category changes must be made prior to close of online registration. No exceptions.
Ride Description:
This is a recurring full loop ride that takes place every two weeks. We will make a brief stop for coffee at Ren Coffee House at the 35-mile point. We will be treated to views of four different mountain ranges, as well as the Tucson skyline along the way.
This ride will start at Pour My Coffee at the intersection of E Valencia and S. Nexxis Dr. We will travel gradually downhill through the Julian Greenway to the Santa Cruz bike path. We will return along the Rillito and Pantano washes, and then finish on the fabulous bike path next to Fantasy Island.
Re-groupings may be as much as ten miles apart for a few minutes. If you are farther off the pace than that, please navigate to the coffee shop or finish.. This ride is about gaining some fitness, and of course spending time with new and old friends.
Participation rules:
Your GABA membership should be current. Bring food & fluids for 4 hours. Front and back flashing lights are encouraged on The Loop. Helmets must be worn at all times while riding. No ear buds. This ride is unsupported. Please obey traffic laws and represent GABA well.
Notes:
Start Time: Arrive by 8:15 AM for sign-in, meeting others, and overview. Wheels rolling by 8:30 AM.
Final rolling average- 17+ mph. Rolling speeds may be higher.
Terrain: Relatively flat bike paths, one easy climb of less than 200 ft.
Total Elevation Gain: 960 ft.
Traffic: Special attention is required along Ajo.
Ride Type: Training/ Re-group.
Parking: Ample parking at Safeway parking lot.
Group size: Ten riders
Ride Coordinator: Dave McElwaine (781) 367-8643. If you are running late, give me a call.
Ride Codes:
• A 20+ mph
• B+ 18-20 mph
• B 16-18 mph
Terrain Codes:
• 1 Flat
• 2 Minor Hills
• 3 Moderate Hills
• 4 Long Climbs or Very Steep
COVID-19 safety measures
COVID-19 vaccination required
Event will be outdoor
The event host is instituting the above safety measures for this event. Meetup is not responsible for ensuring, and will not independently verify, that these precautions are followed.
The Arizona Endurance Series (AES) consists of a number or grassroots, endurance races and rides. At the beginning of the year, the Antelope Peak Challenge will open the series with some little known singletrack near the town of Oracle. We have another Tucson ride, the Tortilita 50, at the beginning of February. Next up is a ride that includes the famed Ripsey ridgeline. This is a great chance to check out a remote and rarely ridden section of the AZT. In March we will be heading to Red Rock country for the Sedona Big Friggin Loop. Have you ever wanted to explore singletrack in Prescott? Come out to the Prescott Monstercross. We wrap up spring with a ride in the mountains of Flagstaff at the Aspen Asphyxiation. Then we will break until fall. First event of the fall season will be the Tusayan Tussle – up near the Grand Canyon. Then, a new addition to the calendar – Mogollon Mayhem. Next up is a 4 day stage race – Coconino 250 . The year will finish out with the Kentucky Camp, Picketpost Punisher and, Pleasantville.
There are no fees, no prizes, but all attempts will be made to record your finish time in comparison to others. The goal is to finish these challenges while setting your own pace. A start time and route are provided here and it is up to the participant to understand the route, and also have full responsibility for their navigation and well being. These are not group rides, although some people might do these as rides with friends or even other riders they meet at the start, along the route. Since the events are self-supportive, it should be understood that these are for experienced backcountry cyclists only. If you question your ability to complete such an event, it is best that you consider another option before trying one of these. Also, maps, gps devices, water filtration units, and other back country tools are methods to ensure you complete the race. Therefore it is up to you – and you alone – to ensure your safety!! The goal of the Arizona Endurance Series is to promote responsible grassroots endurance mountain biking in Arizona, and to provide a competitive outlet for the state’s current endurance racers – most of whom currently go out of state to compete. The AES will help train current endurance riders and perhaps enhance success by Arizonans in national events. We recommend that you join the Facebook site for all the updates, maps, and questions. So if you have interest, come on out and join us, and do your part to contribute to this grassroots effort! Only 74 participants can do the event, so make sure to sign up on each event page. Also, if you have any questions, you can use the comment section below each event.
Join us on one of our Saturday morning group rides. They are very popular with the local cycling community and the regulars range in ability from racers to enthusiasts out for a fun ride.
If you have never ridden in a large group before, it can be intimidating. If you need some pointers or additional assistance, we will be glad to help. Our goal is to make your ride as enjoyable as possible.
Join our Strava club and compare your efforts to other Roundup riders. You can find our club here.
If you have never ridden in a large group before, it can be intimidating. If you need some pointers or additional assistance, we will be glad to help. Main RoundUp Group : 55.5miles at 18 -22+ mph. There are always splits and smaller groups forming.
“All store rides are designed to promote the enjoyment of cycling in a friendly group atmosphere.”
Time will change to 7:00 in late October or early November
2026 TUCSON BICYCLE CLASSIC PRESENTED BY THE METEOR