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.
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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.
