Overview: The routes below offer a progressive training plan that introduces more miles, more elevation, and more technical features at each phase. This will make your race day more enjoyable while also extending courtesy to the other racers by practicing things like how to respectfully get off the course if you can’t continue riding. The shortcuts depart from the course for returning back to your starting point but are still good practice for trail features that will be encountered in future phases.
Disclaimer: Everything is offered for entertainment purposes only. Each individual accepts all liability for following these routes and should validate the directions while always riding within your ability.
Parking: Don’t forget to park your vehicle with courtesy by utilizing street parking instead of private parking lots that businesses need for their paying customers.
Phase One
8.5 miles and 1,217 feet of climbing, including the second half of the Copper Basin Rd climb, FR9402D up to the Mt Francis radio tower, and Thumb Butte Rd up to the Sierra Prieta overlook before heading down the Sierra Prieta singletrack and then hitting the infamous “avalanche” down 9401J. Work on pacing your climb, trying to do limited stops, such as going until you get to the Aspen Creek Trailhead. Or see if you can make the entire climb up to the radio tower without stopping. Session the various technical features on the Sierra Prieta and 9401J downhill segments, including how to walk your bike off the course, if needed, so as not to block the other racers. A shortcut on High Valley Ranch returns you to the starting location, where there is parking for 1 – 3 vehicles on the east side of Copper Basin Rd. Route can be shortened to 7 miles and 1,053 feet of climbing by skipping the left turn on FR9402D up to Mt Francis and instead continuing up Copper Basin Rd before taking a right turn on Thumb Butte Rd and rejoining the course.
Phase 2
13.26 miles and 1,429 feet of climbing, including the first half of the Copper Basin Rd climb that Phase One skipped before taking a shortcut up High Valley Ranch to rejoin the course and hit Pott’s Creek, Butte Creek, the infamous “cramp hill” on Butte Connection, and Garden Grove before taking another shortcut on Miller Creek to rejoin the course at the Thumb Butte Rd descent. Try to work on limited stops during the road climb, such as making it to Hassayampa Village Ln or even the four-way stop before putting your foot down for the first time. Or perhaps you can make it all the way to the right turn onto the singletrack. Session the rock features on Butte Creek. Work on line choice and pedal cadence to avoid slipping on Butte Connector. If needing to hike a bike, practice getting off the course to not impede other riders. Begins and ends downtown.
Phase 3
20 miles and 2,312 feet of climbing, including the entire Copper Basin Rd, FR9402D, and Thumb Butte Rd climb up to the Sierra Prieta Overlook before taking the same course singletrack and Miller Creek shortcut as Phase Two. Can shorten slightly by skipping the southern loop to the Mt Francis radio tower and instead stay on Copper Basin Rd past FR9402D until taking a right turn on Thumb Butte Rd. Continue working on pacing up the road climb while also sessioning the singletrack technical features and being prepared to walk your bike off the course, if needed, to not impede other riders. Starts and ends downtown.
Phase Four: Full Course
25.7 miles and 2,821 feet of climbing. Continue working on climb pacing with limited to no stops Instead of taking the Phase Three shortcut, you will continue up to the White Rock trailhead and ride West Trail, Firewater, Willow Creek, and Ridge Top. All of this newly introduced singletrack has additional technical features that should be sessioned, especially the Firewater descent and Willow Creek climb, including where to get off course to not block the other riders should you need to walk your bike. Starts and ends downtown.
