Tag Archives: Mountain Bike

Saguaro Soiree

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Skills Clinic and MTB Race

Come join us for our annual women’s-focused mountain biking event! We will kick things off in the morning with some skills clinics led by pro enduro rider & owner of Adrenaline Coaching Stefanie McDaniels. We will offer different levels of clinics so there will be something for everyone.

Have you been wanting to gain more confidence understanding how your bike operates as a machine? Worried about getting a flat on the trail or breaking a chain? We will offer bike mechanics sessions led by some amazing bike mechanics!

Ready to test your new found skills? Come race against your skills-classmates and other women in the afternoon. There will be a 10 mile and 20 mile race option to choose from.

Our hope with this event is to create a welcoming, positive environment to get more women participating in mountain biking events! Any person who identifies as female, femme, trans or non-binary is welcome to sign-up.

All of this takes place along side our Tonto Mountain Rides races. Enjoy the festivities surrounding a a day of racing at Usery Regional Park. There will be games, vendors, a beer garden with football on the big screen if that is your thing when you’re not riding. Keep full and hydrated at our fully stocked Main Aid Station

MOVIE TENT

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Get Tickets Here

Finished your race? Hydrating? Enjoying a cold O.H.S.O. brew? Come over to the World Ride Movie Tent. This event supports World Ride, a 501(c)3 non profit that works to empower women globally through mountain biking. World Ride has programs to help get more local women mountain biking in Nepal, Guatemala, Peru, Lesotho, Botswana, and Iran.

“LIBERTAD”–2023 Saguaro Soiree debut film

In the heart of the most gender-unequal country in Latin America, Christa Castillo turns to the mountain bike to help Guatemalan women find healing and freedom… including her own. Libertad chronicles the story of World Ride’s program in Guatemala through the eyes of Christa, their first ride leader in the country.

 

Tickets: $20 adult, $10 child–ticket sales benefit World Ride

Royal Gorge Groove

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Come join us at Royal Gorge Park in Cañon City and play on the rolling climbs and descents through the park as you take in the views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and the Arkansas River! These trails offer plenty of rocks to play on mixed with flowy single track to make it a speedy day taking on either one or two loops. Grab a friend and make it a relay!

All rides will start and finish at the Royal Gorge Ranch & Resort.

Picketpost Punisher – Arizona Endurance Series

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Picketpost Punisher

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When:
November 15, 2025
The B (49 miles) and C (22 miles) routes will start at 7:30am. The A route (76 miles) will start at 5am.

Where:
You will  start at the Picketpost trail head off of Route 60 near Superior, Arizona. This is about 60 miles east of Phoenix and about 5 miles west of Superior. If you pass the Boyce Thompson Arboretum, you’ve missed the trailhead turnoff. You can get directions to the start here.

The trailhead has pit toilets, but no water. Also no trash receptacles – pack it in, pack it out.

Camping is NOT allowed at the trailhead. There are however,  a bunch of places to primitive camp beside the road that leads to the trailhead.

What:
The Punisher will once again be split into 3 different lengths so that you can choose the amount of punishment you deserve. Make sure you review the GPS files.

The C ride will be the shortest AES ride ever. A measly 22 miles and about 2300 feet of climbing. In place of FR4, you’ll get to ride new trails in Arnett Canyon. The route will climb on dirt roads part of the way up Montana Mountain. The descent back down will be on the Arizona Trail back to the Picketpost trailhead. Easy peasy.

The B ride is heading south this year. It is actually a subset of one of the previous year’s A route – without crossing the Gila River. You will head south on the Arizona Trail to FR4, then turn south on FR4 (it is not closed in this area). You’ll climb up on the ever lovely Telegraph Canyon road, then down, past Ajax Mine to Box Canyon. There will be a hard left to get you over to Martinez Canyon. After traversing the “brass knuckles” you’ll end up at the Gila River not far from the Arizona Trail. Filter water at the river, then head north to the AZT – all the way back to Picket Post.

The B ride has an opportunity for a time bonus. You’ll notice a little additional part of the route in Box Canyon. This goes to a section where the canyon gets very narrow – really cool to see. This is an out and back of about 3.75 miles. Do this and take a selfie. Your selfie, along with your GPS track, will get you an hour deducted from overall time.

The A ride (aka: The Pulverizer) will be the same stroll in the park as last year. You’ll begin by heading south on AZT down to the Gila River. You’ll cross the river (good chance to filter water) and start climbing to Florence-Kelvin Highway. You’ll then bomb down that dirt road all the way to Kelvin Bridge. From there it is AZT all the way back to the start.

READ THIS IF YOU ARE THINKING ABOUT DOING THE A RIDE:

The A ride is a seriously difficult ride. It is only for very experienced and capable back country endurance cyclists.  One of your sources of water is the Gila River – and that needs to be filtered. If you cannot meet the following criteria, don’t even bother:

1. You must have a GPS and know how to use it. There are no trail signs and it will be very easy to get lost.
3. You need to be prepared to be on your bike for 10-15 hours or more. Some VERY fast folks have done this in 10 hours. Expect it to take longer for most everyone else. 
4. You must have lights and be comfortable with riding at night in challenging terrain.

Water:
In a race of this length and remoteness, water is a concern. Bring as much as you can! We’ve done some scouting and found some possible and some dependable water sources. Water sources are marked (as waypoints) on the GPS files.

Route:
It is HIGHLY recommended that you bring, and know how to use, a GPS for this race. The Legends of Superior section has lots of areas where it is easy to miss the trail and get off course. Using a GPS and paying attention are the best ways to stay on course and not get lost. GPS files for all three courses can be obtained at the links below.
PPP_C_route
PPP_B_route(punisher)
PPP_A_route(pulverizer)

Kentucky Camp – Arizona Endurance Series

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When:
November 25, 2025 at 9:00 am (9:15 start time for those doing the short course)

Where:
Kentucky Camp, 40 miles south of Tucson. Google maps link here.

What:
There are two options for this race, (1) a 29-mile lollipop or (2) a 46-mile figure 8. There will be camping available and a post-race party in the area for those that would like to grill. This year, we are doing the Kentucky Camp as a charity event for the Arizona Trail Association. If you want to ride and are not a member, please become a member here: https://aztrail.org/get-involved/join/ 

GPX files and maps:

Kentucky_camp_long_route

Kentucky_camp_short_route

For help uploading the GPX files to your GPS see: http://topofusion.com/tutorials/uploading-tracks.php

Using a GPS is highly recommended!

The Tusayan Tussle – Arizona Endurance Series

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The Tusayan Tussle

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The Tusayan Tussle

When:  The 100 event will start at 6:00 a.m. The 60 mile event will start at 7:00 a.m. on August 24, 2024

Where: The start/ finish will be on Forest Road 302 located on the south end of Tusayan, half a mile east from the roundabout on Hwy 64.

Lots of parking and lots of camping options right at the start/finish area on both sides of FR302.

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The routes:

Option #1: 60 Mile route that is a loop with fun double track all the way to the turnaround at the historic Moqui Stage Stop and follows the Arizona Trail all the way back to Tusayan. An epic ride for any ability.

Option #2: 94 mile route that includes 40 miles of double track forest service roads with literally no traffic all the way to the turnaround where you will ride the Arizona trail all the way back to Tusayan.

****Grandview Lookout will be on the route approximately 16 miles from the finish with a requirement to climb it. The views are worth the climb up. If you fear heights, you don’t have to climb it. ******* Time bonus for the ones that climb it. Selfie pic for proof******

Fully self-supported ride. Russell tank has water and can be filtered if needed. There will be NO water drop unless we have a volunteer drop and pick up at Russell Tank or elsewhere. Russell Tank is a reliable filtering tank.

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Where: The start/ finish will be on Forest Road 302 located on the south end of Tusayan, half a mile east from the roundabout on Hwy 64.

Lots of parking and lots of camping options right at the start/finish area on both sides of FR302.

Tussle

Route:

The Tussle will be a loop rather than the out and back. The route will be ridden in a counterclockwise fashion with the route consisting of 25 miles of scenic remote forest service roads, 35 miles on the Arizona Trail and 1 mile of asphalt/concrete riding through Tusayan back to the finish.

****Grandview Lookout will be on the route approximately 16 miles from the finish with a requirement to climb it. The views are worth the climb up. If you fear heights, you don’t have to climb it. ******* Time bonus for the ones that climb it. Selfie pic for proof******

Fully self-supported ride. Russell tank has water and can be filtered if needed. There will be NO water drop unless we have a volunteer drop and pick up at Russell Tank. Russell tank should have plenty of water for filtering with all the monsoon activity.

Tusayan_tussle_short_route

Tusayan_tussle_long_route

Please sign-up below with the link as well as commenting if you are interested in camping a 1-2 nights.

Advanced 2 Nighter: Gila River Ramble

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***If you would like to join this ride but it is cost or transportation is prohibitive or you cannot afford all the gear, please let us know.

Are You Ready for the Adventure?

*Some details are tentative*

We’re really excited for a new to us route and to get our “Spring” bikepacking season rolling. We’ll be heading up toward phoenix to ride Scott Morris’ Gila River Ramble Route (Anything but a ramble, from what I’ve heard ) it’s 110 miles and 10,663 feet of climbing (and descending) into pure joy. Keep in mind this will be an extremely challenging route with lots of hike-a-bike, limited water/resupply and challenging single track terrain.

The plan is to meet up and Start at the AZT Parking in Kelvin and then camp somewhere past mile 30 or so on the first day depending on how the wind goes up on the ridges (we might opt to ride a little further down hill to get out of the wind). Second Day we will ride through Superior for a resupply (there is an optional route we will probably include) and then camping somewhere around between mile 75-80. On the third day we will finish back at the trailhead. We will try and collect water as much as we go, but plan on being able to carry up to 7 liters of water for safety. There will only be food resupply in superior if we plan on using that lollipop extension).

Here’s what you can anticipate by reading about the route, as well as read recent comments: Gila River Ramble on Bikepacking.com and from the original route on bikepacking.net.

This ride is advanced bike packing with challenging terrain (technical singletrack, slickrock drops, fair amount of climbing and low sources of water as well as a possible river forging. We recommend a hardtail mountain bike with big tires or a Full Suspension.

Ride Pace is ride at your own comfortable pace. This is not a race. We generally ride at a party pace with many meetups and stops so we can re-group and enjoy the scenery. Campfire Cycling will always have a mechanic at the back of the ride so no one is “stuck” alone at the back or incase a mechanical issue come up.

Anticipate Temperatures to range from: 30 degrees (or slightly below) at night to low 70’s during the day.

We will be contacting everyone who signs up for the ride to make sure they are prepared for the challenge. Please sign up if you plan on joining us.

Protect the land/area that we recreate on. For this ride we are very near to Oak Flat (Chi’chil Biłdagoteel). The Apache People and mining activists have fought for over a decade to protect this sacred land from a giant copper mine. You can read more about and it and get involved here. We recommend that everyone make a donation to Protect Oak Flat, write Congress and Senate and consider getting involved in some capacity. http://apache-stronghold.com/take-action.html. We will be riding through the traditional lands of the Akimel O’odham,O’odham Jewed, Western Apache and the ancestral lands of the Hohokam and Sobaipuri

Molino and Milagrosa – Tucson MTB Addicts

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Plan to meet up at Ave de Suzenu by 9AM and we will shuttle to Molino Basin. Johnny is back in town and we are all getting together for a pre-Super Bowl ride. It may also be a good idea to meet up in the Le Buzz parking lot to shuttle over and reduce the amount of vehicles parked on Suzenu.
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.

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WHITE TANK WHIRLWIND

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2024 Pivot Cycles – MBAA XC Series
White Tank Whirlwind
February 10, 2024

PRESENTED BY:

Trek West Phoenix

 

LOCATION: 
White Tank Regional Park (Map)

GENERAL INFORMATION:
White Tank Regional Park is a great course with a mix of flow and technical sections that has long been a staple of the MBAA. White Tanks is part of the Maricopa County Regional park system, it’s close to the Phoenix Metro area and offers up some all around great riding.

There is a $7 per vehicle entrance fee for this park.

TEAM TENT RESERVATIONS – Teams wishing to setup in the team pit area can Reserve a Team Tent Spot for a $50 donation to the MBAA (10×10 tent). This helps us plan out the venue and ensures you’ll have spot on race day.

CAMPING:
Camping is extremely limited and tight so please keep a small footprint. There’s just not enough room like other venues we race at.

The cost is $22 per night (pay at entrance station). We have use of the Group site in addition to the competitive track. If you are taking up too much space you may be asked to move or downsize your setup to make room for day of parking.

FOOD ONSITE:

– Single Speed Coffee
– Stanzi’s Food Truck (Veggie bowls)
– PizzArt (Pizza)
– Dogs R Us (Hot dogs & burgers)

OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHER:

– Frozen Motion Photos

REGISTRATION FEES:
Please register online before coming to the event.

First Timer – $30
Your first race? This is the category for you.

Junior (17 & under)

  • $30 – until 4 weeks out
  • $35 – until Thursday before race at 8 pm
  • $45 – on race day

Adult

  • $45 – until 4 weeks out
  • $50 – until Thursday before race at 8 pm
  • $60 – on race day

RACE AGE:
The age you will be on December 31, 2024.

Need to change your category? No problem – email to info@MangledMomentum.com

MBAA MEMBERSHIP:
Signup for an MBAA membership when you register for just $25 ($15 for juniors) and contribute directly to trail projects across the state. Plus you’ll get a cool pair of members only socks and sticker. You’ll also be entered into out members only raffles drawn at each race!

https://mbaawhitetankwhirlwind.itsyourrace.com/register/

See Who’s Registered

MBAA REFUND POLICY:
The MBAA is a non-profit that raises money through these races to put towards trail projects in Arizona. If you sign up and cannot race we will donate your race entry to maintaining the trails.

CATEGORIES:
Elite (Pro) – Competes at the highest level
Expert (Cat 1) – Seasoned racer
Intermediate (Cat 2) – Not just a weekend warrior, usually rides quite bit
Beginner (Cat 3) – Relatively new to the sport
First Timer – Newbie, never raced before
Single Speed – Only one gear, likes to suffer
Rock Crusher – Men 200-lbs +
Athena – Women 165-lbs +
E-Bike – Class 1 only, pedal assist, no throttle (1 battery for entire race)
Marathon – Long distance, approx. 3.5-hrs
Junior – Ages 6-17
Kids – FREE 6 & under race

AWARDS:
Podium is 3 deep per category.

Payout to top 3 Elite Men & Women: $250 | $150 | $100

VOLUNTEER Sign Up
Every event is not possible without the help and support of volunteers. Help make these events great by giving back a bit of your time.

START TIMES & LAP COUNTS:

COURSE MAP:

  • Green – Junior (2.6-miles) Strava – A fast and flowy loop with great singletrack in and out of ravines.
  • Blue – Inner (5-miles) Strava – A slightly longer version of the fast and flowy Junior loop.
  • Black – Outer (7-miles) Strava – The Outer loop has a bit more teach when it branches off from the Inner loop. Up a steep switchback climb and down a technical descent.

SCHEDULE

Friday 2/9 –

  • All Day Course open for pre-riding (Final markings underway in the AM)
  • 4-5 pm Number plate pickup open

Saturday 2/10 –

  • 7:00 am – Number plate pickup open (check in at least 30-mins prior to start time)

SSAZ-Single Speed AZ

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If you’re camping with us you can expect:
  • Fuck off if you’re not camping, you can expect:

     

    Schedule

    Don’t fucking hold me to it! We’re fluid.