Prickly Pedal Trail Race
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Event overview
The Prickly Pedal takes place on Sunday, February 1, 2026, on the Maricopa Trail with start and finish locations in the Cave Creek / Lake Pleasant area. Distances offered:
- 36 Mile mountain bike point-to-point
- 15 Mile mountain bike "Sprint"
- 10 Mile trail run (out-and-back)
Proceeds support the Maricopa Trail & Park Foundation.
Courses and logistics
The 36 Mile MTB is a point-to-point route starting in Cave Creek (Flat Tire Bike Shop area) and finishing at Lake Pleasant Regional Park 10 Lane Boat Ramp. The course includes varied desert trail surfaces, rocky and sandy sections, short steep climbs and descents, and two on-course aid stations near miles 15 and 30; the finish aid station includes an egg breakfast. Total elevation gain listed is 1,385 feet with a max elevation of 2,779 feet. Crews are allowed only at the start and finish, no pacers are permitted, and a drop-bag area is available at the finish.
The 15 Mile MTB starts inside the Pioneer Living History Museum, includes a relatively flat opening 6.5 miles, an aid station near mile 9, a canyon section, and climbing in the final three miles. The 10 Mile trail run begins and finishes at Lane 10 Boat Ramp and follows Frogs Tank, Beardsley, Wild Burro, and Pipeline Canyon to Pipeline Cove before returning. Both the 15 Mile and 10 Mile courses have one aid station on course, similar crew/pacer/drop-bag rules, and published elevation stats for each course. Parking, shuttle service to MTB start lines, camping options, and race-day medical support are provided. Registration closes January 26, 2026. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
