Prickly Pedal Mountain Bike Race

About the Program

Category: Parks and Recreation (Best in Category)

Year: 2017

In 2016, nearly 300 inaugural-year riders came from around Arizona and across the country to share in the experience of the Prickly Pedal Mountain Bike Race, and support the Maricopa Trail. The course was designed to showcase the unique features of the Maricopa Trail, a 315-mile trail system capitalizing on existing right-of-ways such as canals, parks, utility corridors, and flood control projects to link Maricopa County’s regional park system together. The Prickly Pedal Mountain Bike Race, hosted by the Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department in partnership with the Maricopa Trail + Parks Foundation, was developed as a resource to raise funding for trail maintenance, heighten awareness of the trails, and lay the foundation for the development of a world-class, multi-day, endurance stage mountain bike race, drawing thousands of fans to the desert southwest. After a year of planning, advertising, securing volunteers and sponsorships, the agencies were ready to host the inaugural event. On January 29, riders headed off on the grueling 40-mile course which featured aggressive ascents and descents, and roller coaster runs which were all part of the fun of the course. This was not a race for the inexperienced with finish times for most racers estimated at 4-5 hours. At the end of the exhausting race, participants were treated to an after party which included an awards ceremony, refreshments, beer garden, and live music. Racers were also provided a secure bike corral at the after party for their bikes as they took complimentary shuttles back to their vehicles at the start line. The Prickly Pedal Race netted $40,855.01 in revenue which went back into supporting the Maricopa Trail, and the 2017 Prickly Pedal Race. The agencies are on the path to developing a world-class mountain bike race.