Some races are about time. Others are about terrain. But the Sabino Canyon Sunset Run—that’s a race about atmosphere. About golden-hour magic colliding with sweat and stride in one of Arizona’s most iconic landscapes.
Held in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, this unique event winds through the scenic beauty of Sabino Canyon, just as the day gives way to dusk. The towering cliffs catch the last rays of sunlight, casting long shadows over the winding road. Runners thread through the canyon in a glowing parade, their silhouettes outlined by the fire of an Arizona sunset.
This isn’t your typical race. There’s an intimacy here—a quiet reverence for the land, the light, and the effort it takes to conquer the climbs. The road is unforgiving at times, but so is the view: it dares you to keep going, just to see what’s around the next bend.
Photographing this event is always a dream. Every step, every breath, is backlit by nature’s most dramatic display. Faces lit in amber. Legs kicking up dust in the fading light. That moment when the sun finally slips behind the ridge, and the desert breathes in silence.
Whether you ran it, supported from the sidelines, or just love the quiet poetry of movement at golden hour—this gallery is for you. A tribute to perseverance, to beauty, and to the rare kind of race that lingers long after the finish line.
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.
mountDawn Patrol Eastside :::::
Vail Vortex and more!
This Midday Mayhem is one of the Eastside’s favorite rides! We will start at the GG opening to the Vortex, head South and take the bikes towards Post Comeda ranch. Then its around the campgrounds and towards the back side of the Pistol Hill piece of the AZT. At Pistol Hill road we will take the sweet sweet downhill back to the Vortex and finish strong on the dirt back to the vehicles.
If you haven’t seen the Faerie tree, talk to your ride leader, maybe a detour can be planned
RIDE GUIDES ::: Eastside Instigator Aric Jack will be your Ride Leader for this Dawn Patrol
DIFFICULTY: Blue, Friendly for most levels of riders, nothing too techy, There is a long slow climb for the first 1/3rd of the ride however, got to pace yourselves.
DISTANCE: about 14-16 miles
MEET TIME: FIP (Feet In Pedals) @ 10 AM, so Meet about 0945. (approx ride time 1.5 – 2.5 hours)
PARK: The dirt lot to the left at Garigans Gulch 9243 S Camino Loma Alta, Vail, AZ 85641
I was asked to be the photographer for the St. Patrick’s day parade. I said I would only if they would provide a float for Bikes. It was a fair trade. Now all I need is some bikes adorned with decorations and and riders in green. Hopefully, that will include you. We will go for beverages afterwards. Bring the family. Wear Green. Be Seen.
Join SAAS Adaptive Cycling program for a weekly supported group ride around the Sam Lena Park 2-mile loop bike & walking path or connect to the Julian Wash portion of The Loop. Look for the SAAS Eduardo Aguirre Adaptive Cycling Center located in the parking lot at the corner of S. Country Club & Sam Lena Drive
Volunteers are there to assist those who want to test ride one of our adaptive handcycles, trikes or tandems. Please call Mia 520-370-0588 to reserve a bike
SAAS has the largest Adaptive Cycling Program in Arizona! VeloVets adaptive cycling for Veterans with disabilities every Tuesday 4pm Sam Lena Park 3400 S. Country Club Funded in part by the Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services as made available through the Arizona Veterans’ Donations Fund.
What makes VeloVets unique?
VeloVets has been helping our Veterans experience the thrill of being a part of something greater. Through teamwork, strength and community, VeloVets aids in an experience that leads to a more active life through cycling while improving overall quality of life.
All are welcome, regardless of ability, to join us at our Tuesday ride. Our Tuesday rides have expanded so much, and we are welcoming so many more. We believe everyone can experience the joy that comes from pedaling or handling (the use of hand-cycle) themselves through the air and breaking a sweat (or not!) while spending time with friends, their community, and family. We feel that all of this contributes to a feeling of well-being and success.
This one-time, 3-hour course is designed to educate you on basic maintenance of bicycles in general and to help you get to know your own bicycle specifically. This course will help you learn how your bicycle works and what actions you can take in order to prolong the life of your bicycle, as well as what to check for when your bicycle is not functioning properly.
Topics Covered:
Specifics of your bike
Regular maintenance techniques
Fix a flat
Adjusting brakes and shifters
Diagnosing problems
Safety Checks
*Please note: Students should bring their own bicycle to this class. Bike must be in general working condition. This workshop is designed for standard modern and vintage bikes with rim brakes, multiple gears and tires with tubes, but works well for BMX and cruiser style bicycles. If your bike has tubeless tires and hydraulic disk brakes – check out our Modern MTB technology and maintenance class
Join us for a themed group ride between every last Monday of the month. These no-drop rides range around 5-10 miles, and are a great way have fun with other WTF-identifying people. We gather at 6:30 PM and head out at 7 PM, and it follows directly after the workshop so make sure to come by early if you need to work on your bike! Check our FB page and our Instagram for upcoming events.
This is a fun, welcoming event for women, trans*, and femme identifying people to socialize and ride as a group!
ROUTE 32.6 miles/954 feet ascent will be at 12-14 mph
If you want to ride a little faster and longer, sign up with Ed’s ride HERE that will start/end at the same location and time.
Weather: Check back the night before the ride and if rain is forecasted, the ride will be postponed by one week.
Route: We will share the roads with traffic for ~60% of route which will have shoulders/bike lanes. Approximately 40% will be on the loop.
Begin: St. Philips Plaza South parking lot
End: Feel free to join us at Ren’s Coffeehouse after the ride.
NOTE: There have been some bicycle thefts recently at Ren’s so keep your bicycle at your elbow or lock it up while you have coffee.
Water/Bathroom Breaks:
9 miles – 1161 W Silverlake Rd (short stop)
16.6 miles – Feliz Paseos Park (long stop)
26 miles – Rillito Park at Camino De La Tierra (but only if needed)
Please arrive 15 minutes early to sign in. If you sign up for the ride and are running a couple of minutes late call Cliff at 520-551-1155 and we will wait up to five minutes before leaving.
Load the route into your bicycle computer, it will help if you get separated from the group or your leader doesn’t load it correctly.
If you haven’t ridden with me before, I will not have your contact information. If so, please send your name, phone number, emergency contact, emergency contact phone number (NOT 911) to cliffhaston55@gmail.com. If you are bringing a +1, send their information as well. The ride waiver will be filled out prior to the ride, you will just need to verify the information and sign it.
There is a good chance that the C ride will end with an average speed of 14 mph. If you are not comfortable or not capable of this expected pace average over the entire route, please do not participate in this ride, it is not fair to the other riders. At the same time, do not push the ride leader to go over the upper threshold for the ride or you may get to talk to 1st Sgt Liane after the ride. These are social rides, lots of conversations, and regroupings as we will not drop anyone. Riders are expected to ride at the pace of the ride leader and between the ride leader and the sweep. There will be ride-at-your-own-pace sections and regroup areas designated by your ride leader.
If you are not a member of our cycling club, please join: Sign Up Link
What to Bring:
Food & fluids for 3 hours – 2 24oz Bottles or Hydration Pack.
Bring a tube/patch kit and a way to inflate your tires.
Be sure your bike is in good mechanical condition.
CPSC approved helmets must always be worn while riding.
No ear buds! This is a safety requirement, not a request.
If you are riding, I ask that you agree that:
You will obey traffic laws. Drive your bike as you would your car.
You are a representative of the greater cycling community and will therefore conduct yourself appropriately.
You will represent GABA well.
This is not a “training” or “intensive” ride – this is a social, no drop, base building ride.
If any of these standards are unclear, you will ask for clarification.
Route subject to change based upon, weather, road conditions, group requests, and or the ride leader getting lost.
Safety/Legal Refresher: If you made it this far, then you probably have some free time on your hand to see about cycling in Oro Valley. Click HERE for more information about laws, paths, plans, …. that OV has. Did you know that OV has one bicycle law? What is it?
COVID-19 safety measures
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.
