Scorpion 400

Blow by Blow: We’ll start in North Phoenix with a gentle ascent up to Cave Creek to warm up while still in the confines of the city. These are nice roads that will be mostly deserted in the early morning.

After your first control, you will mostly descend for the next 20 miles or so, then head out into the open desert on the Carefree Highway with lots of open miles and no impediments to slow you down. As the sun gradually rises behind you and the desert air warms you up, you’ll reach food and water in Wickenburg. You’ll want to fuel up here because the climbing is about to start.

Heading out of town will provide some annoying miles getting to the base of the infamous Yarnell Hill. 6 miles at 6% awaits you. The views on the climb are worth the effort. After you reach the town of Yarnell, you’ll slowly descend through the ranch lands of the always beautiful Peeples Valley. Look ahead of you to see the White Spar Mountains. You’ll switchback your way to the summit at 6200′. Did someone tell you that Arizona is flat?

Next you’ll descend into the old west town of Prescott and ride around Prescott Square and Whiskey Row. This is a great place to visit and you have your choice of places to eat on the Square. Take a few minutes and enjoy the Old West here. By now, you’ll be ready for some food!

To get back, you’ll retrace your route back through Wickenburg, but this time descending White Spar and Yarnell Hill! After Wickenburg, instead of heading across the Carefree Highway you will continue your gradual descent into the far west Phoenix metro area before you turn back east to return to the hotel from which you started.

Sound interesting? Challenging? Consider joining us on this event. You’ll get to see a diverse range of Arizona packed into a challenging couple days.