Day of ride registration and check-in opens at 6:00 AM and the ride starts at 7:30 AM. More information at AzBikeClub.com.
This half century ride features a mix of suburban and rural roads. Newly opened roads are highlighted by this route. There are three SAG stops. The longest distance between stops is 15 miles. The total distance is 45.8 miles.
The route climbs gently but relentlessly gaining about 260 feet of elevation in the 14 miles to the Tramonto SAG stop. As you ride north on the North Valley Parkway, watch for the distinctive shape of Gavilan Peak on the horizon directly to the north. As you turn east you climb gently and cross the Cave Creek wash. Black Mountain dominates the horizon as you approach the second (Black Mountain) SAG stop. This is very close to the highest point on this route. This stop is at St. Gabriel Catholic Church. There is a driveway on the south side of Rancho Paloma Drive just before you get to Cave Creek Rd. The next 10 miles is a gentle descent along Cave Creek Road and it's pretty much all down hill from here. The final SAG stop is on Deer Valley just west of Cave Creek Road where Deer Valley Road crosses the CAP canal. With only a little more than 12 miles to go, the route follows bike lanes almost the entire remainder of the route. It may feel level, or maybe even slightly uphill, but you really are dropping about 270 feet as you coast into the finish.