Scorpion 600

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 a water/food stop 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.

400 km down and 200 km to go. You can choose to get some sleep and finish the remaining 200k tomorrow morning, or continue to ride straight through. The final 200 km of the route will start by going across the Phoenix Sonoran Preserve and then climbing the lush Sonoran desert of North Scottsdale before descending “9 mile hill.” Veteran riders will be familiar with the next section thru Fountain Hills, Bush Hwy/Saguaro Lake but skipping Usery Pass (you’re welcome!) After your final control in Mesa, you’ll head back thru Fountain Hills and N Scottsdale to your triumphant finish.

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.