Description
Note: Sign up early! Rates go up by $10 on 3/9/2013
Saddle up, Pardner, it's time to hit the trail, and some trail it is!
We're not talking about some easy little jaunt into the desert on some mule with no name (apologies to America) with a pick and shovel hung over your shoulder. No siree! However, when you see what you'll be climbing, you may want to reconsider that mule! Or maybe get a mountain goat!
Climb. Climb. Then climb some more. That's the Mining Country Challenge. It's not for everyone, but if you have aspirations to really put your climbing abilities to the test, this is the ride for you. By the end of the 96 mile ride you'll have climbed 7000 feet.
The ride starts in Old Town Superior in the heart of Arizona's mining country. From Superior, you'll go through the Queen Creek tunnel on US 60 (bring your blinking red tail light) and head on toward Miami on the climb nicknamed "Top of the Hill." The road has a narrow shoulder or no shoulder in some spots and it is a two-lane road so please ride single file. The route passes the Inspiration Mine near Globe and then leads southeast out of Globe. Then you tackle a long, 8% grade into the Pinal Mountains to the top of "El Capitan." This is a great place for a rest stop. The downhill into Winkelman is your reward...and the lunch stop is after you turn the corner toward Superior (or the Circle K if you prefer).
Out of Winkleman, you'll head north toward Kearny, passing the Ray Mine. The climb culminates in a "hill" called "The End of the World," a 1.5 mile climb that averages 11%. After you make it up that hill, you will think it is the end of the world! From the top it is downhill into Superior.
The metric century option is 66 miles. The route will go from Superior to Winkleman and return. This will be a great route for those who want to test their climbing abilities, but are not certain they can (or want) ride the full 96-mile route. The cyclists riding the metric century will also have the challenge of surviving the 11% climb up "The End of the World" on their way back to Superior.
Note: Sign up early! Rates go up by $10 on 3/9/2013
Tandem Riders: You must register separately. Please include emergency contact for someone other than your tandem partner.
Event schedule and times
- Registration and the Start will take place near the intersection of Main Street and Magma Ave in Superior, AZ. Look for the signs and the registration table.
- From the Phoenix Metro area take Hwy 60 (Superstition Highway) east to Superior. Exit at the 177 Winkelman exit and head north. Main Street is less than a mile from the exit and where the start will be.
- Parking: Main Street and the courthouse on the east end have parking spaces. Or park along a side street.
