Prickly Pedal

Experience the Prickly Pedal, a challenging and scenic 36-mile point-to-point mountain bike race that starts at Flat Tire Bike Shop in Cave Creek. The course weaves through picturesque landscapes, offering diverse terrain from rocky climbs to sandy stretches, all leading you over to Lake Pleasant Regional Park.
The route begins with an ascent up into the heart of Cave Creek, where you'll encounter steep and rocky sections that may require dismounting for a hike-a-bike segment. As you progress, the trail joins the Maricopa Trail, providing stunning views as it takes you through rolling hills and valleys before concluding at Lake Pleasant Regional Park’s 10 Lane Boat Ramp.
This race not only tests your physical limits but also supports local initiatives by pouring all proceeds into expanding more of the pristine Maricopa Trail. The vision is to evolve this event into a world-class, multi-day endurance stage mountain bike race that attracts thousands of enthusiasts to the desert southwest.
Prepare for an intense day on two wheels with numerous short and steep climbs interspersed with descents that challenge your technical skills. Most racers can expect finish times between 3-4 hours, making this not just a test but also a celebration of endurance and camaraderie among riders.
For those seeking to extend their adventure, Lake Pleasant Regional Park offers camping facilities. We have reserved two group camping sites near the finish line at Lane 10 Boat Ramp. Camping is available for tents, vehicles, or RVs (though no hook-ups are provided), with a shared fire pit and amenities like water and electricity. Limited distance between campers ensures privacy while maintaining access to essential services.
Camping fees are $22 per night per unit, which can be purchased through the merchandise page. Check-in is from 1:00 PM onwards, and check-out by 12:00 PM on race day. Note that camping spots will be assigned based on reservations made during race week.
While this event promises an unforgettable experience for seasoned riders, it's essential to register early to secure your spot in the race lineup and avoid delays when picking up your packet or accessing racer SWAG.