Region/State: Southwest

Fish Rock

Fish Rock is a serious event that is billed as a “Road bike race for people who aren’t afraid of a little hardcore gravel”.  The ride is named after the fabled Fish Rock Road in an absolutely stunning region of Northern California.  There’s only one route for Fish Rock.  It’s 72.4 miles and +9,670 feet of elevation gain.  The route starts in Boonville, heading west over the beautiful low-traffic Mountain View Road all the way to the Pacific Ocean.  After turning inland, the route tackles Fish Rock turning to gravel and pitching upwards.  For the next 25 miles you’ll find yourself on very remote challenging up/down gravely terrain.  The event producer, Bike Monkey, recommends you ride a road bike with 28c tires or bigger.  Although the course is mostly road, 14 miles of Fish Rock is time-consuming gravel.  Some riders are more comfortable riding a fast gravel bike with treaded tires.  The course is well supported with 3 official aid stations.  Look for a great post ride celebration hosted by co-sponsor Anderson Valley Brewing.

 

USAL Hopper: The Lost Coast

The Lost Coast off-road biking event is an extremely beautiful and unique experience organized by Hopper Adventures. There is a rural and uninhabited strip of land that hugs California’s rugged coastline which is named the Lost Coast. Hopper Adventures has been able to make a partnership with local organizations and its park services which is allowing this cycling event in such a remote area to showcase its restoration services and pure beauty that had n to been possible before. There are three lengths of rides to choose from. The El Chiquito is a 32-mile off-road loop with over 4,000 feet of climbing. The El Mediano is 43 miles with nearly 7,000 feet of climbing, and finally, the El Mero-Mero is 60 miles with a leg bringing 8,500 feet of elevation gain respectively. The El Mediano and the Mero-Mero will be timed making it more are themed while the Chiquito is non-timed making it more relaxing and fun for more levels or riders or people just wanting to enjoy the beauty. Being mixed surface, people elect to use a range of bike quiver for the event with their being a split between gravel and mountain bikes. The roads are. a mix of hard-packed dirt, loose gravel, pavement, and rutted county first roads. There will be two rest stops along the routes and competitive categories with prizing are included. The Lost Coast is a very unique and visually stunning off-road cycling/mountain biking event that should be at the very top of every rider’s bucket list.

Old Pueblo Endurance Runs

Started by a group of local trail runners, all friends, who are still friends, two of whom were married in these mountains. Unknowingly they were actually early pioneers of trail running in Arizona. A sport that has grown by leaps and bounds in recent years.

Since its inception in 1985, Old Pueblo has taken on many forms and has had different routes, starts, finishes, distances, race directors and its share of ups and downs. But it has always been run on the flanks of the beautiful Santa Rita Mountains. And so it continues.

By entering this race you will be running in the footsteps of Arizona history. Not only of Arizona Trail Running History, but of early Native Americans whose footsteps have long marked these trails. Of early ranchers, farmers, migrants and miners who managed to etch out a living in this arid land. Many of their descendants are still here.

Starting at the historic mining site of Kentucky Camp the race takes you into the rugged, rocky shadow of Mt. Wrightson along the Arizona Trail. Looking down at you from 9452’, it is one of the tallest peaks in southern Arizona. You will seldom lose sight of it as you run the course. It is truly a beautiful area.

The course consists of a 25 mile loop on forest service roads and trails through the southeastern part of the Santa Rita Mountains (part of the Arizona Trail). Elevation at Start/Finish is 5142 and ranges between 4031 and 6232 with an average grade of 6%. The Race includes 100, 75, 50, and 25 mile events there is enough variety for anyone embarking for a challenge in the desert. Time limit: 7 hours for 25 miles, 15 hours for 50 miles, 24 hours for 75 miles, and 34 hours for the 100 miler.

Moab Trail Marathon and Half Marathon

The Moab Trail Marathon, Half, And Adventure 5k checks the boxes of everything you want in a race: challenging terrain, epic views, fabulous event organization, and race variety. The event spans over a full weekend with the Marathon, Half, and Adventure 5k taking place Saturday, November 7th, and the option of a second Half that Sunday. The setting of the event speaks for itself, set in Moab, racers will be taken through gorgeous canyons, single track trails, slick-rock, and Rugged Jeep Trails.

The Hammer Road Rally

The Hammer Road Rally is one of California premiere gravel events andis returning in October 2020. What makes the Hammer road rally worth a visit is the beautiful Sierra National Park scenery. Like so many bike events these days, the Hammer Road Rally is bringing 4 routes to accommodate many levels of rider. THe courses range from easy to The Hammer which is a big 10,000 feet of climbing. If you are a big gravel rider or just entering the world of dust, The Hammer Road Rally will have an epic ride for you. If you’re interested in this event, check out The Vegan Cyclist video on it below for some nice insight to what you might be expecting.

Tour of California Alps – Death Ride

What was scheduled to be the 40th Anniversary of The Death Ride was cancelled in 2021 due to the Tamarack Fire.  Look for the return of this iconic cycling event in 2022.  The Death Ride started in 1978 when five guys decided to cycle the California Alps in one day, with just the support of friends and family following along in a vehicle. The event quickly grew to worldwide recognition in the cycling community, and is a sought-after event for those looking for a serious challenge.

Today, the ride still caters to the elite mountain cyclists, but also offers a range of challenge levels, from one pass to up to six highly categorized climbs over Monitor Pass, Ebbetts Pass, and the Pacific Grade.

The event is not only a sought-after cycling venue, it is the primary fundraiser of the Alpine County Chamber of Commerce and Visitor’s Center, whose mission is to promote business prosperity, tourism marketing, and a healthy community for Alpine County and its neighbors.

The goal: keeping Alpine County’s economic vitality alive while providing a world class destination for cyclists, fishermen, hikers, climbers, skiers, and many more. We thank those who have participated in past year’s Death Rides, and who have contributed to help us keep our mission alive.

Starting and finishing at Turtle Rock Park in Markleeville, Calif., the 103 mile course begins at 5:30 am and covers both sides of three mountain passes: Monitor Pass (Hwy 89), Ebbetts Pass (Hwy 4), and  the Pacific Grade (Hwy 4). The full course is not for the faint at heart! The course will be closed to traffic from Markleeville through all sections of climbing, with a turnaround point at Lake Alpine where participants will head back to the finish at Turtle Rock Park.

Those who complete all of the climbs and return to the finish line within the 13-hour timeframe may purchase the sought-after Death Ride® – Tour of the California Alps 40th Anniversary Finisher’s Jersey.  All athletes, their families, and spectators are encouraged to join us at the finish line festival for food, photos, comaraderie and to visit our expo booths and sponsors.

View the new route tested by Pete Stetina

The course route, water and rest stop locations are subject to change without notice. Road closures will be in effect from 5am – 4pm. The 13-hour time limit ends at 6:30 pm, and all riders must be off the course by 7:00 pm. All cut-off times are strictly enforced. Segment cut-off times indicate the latest time that a rider will be allowed to begin each segment. Riders attempting to begin a segment after the cut-off time will not be allowed to proceed.

 

El Tour de Tucson

The 38th annual edition of the Tour of Tucson is one of Arizona’s largest and longest-running participative events. Held annually the Saturday before Thanksgiving, El Tour is a fundraising ride that features nearly 6,000 cyclists of all ages and abilities from the United States and worldwide. Participants range from novice to professional as they ride either the 100, 57, and 28mile rides. Fun Ride distances are 10, 5, and 1 mile bringing great options for kids and family.  Main event routes feature beautiful landscapes of Tucson and Southern Arizona and the crisp, cool air of the Tucson winter. Of course, mountain ranges and the desert’s signature saguaro cactus are highlighted throughout the route. Course profiles range from flat to rolling or moderately hilly. The 28-mile route is mostly flat, which is great for families and ideal for a first-time to the beginning.

All rides conclude at Armory Park in Downtown Tucson, the location for the day-of-the-event party as well as the two-day packet pickup (Thursday, Friday).

Cyclists collect a commemorative finisher’s medallion based on distance and/or finish time. Conclude your ride at the post-ride party with family and friends at the party complete with music, a Beer Garden, numerous food vendors, El Tour Perimeter Store merchandise, kid’s activities, and the Award Ceremony.

More than 12,000 fans, spectators, and cycling enthusiasts gather to celebrate the weekend that is El Tour de Tucson.