The classic season opener for endurance racing in Arizona—Kona Bikes 24 Hours in the Old Pueblo —sold out on December 31. “It’s the earliest we’ve ever sold out,” says race organizer Todd Sadow.
“We registered in early December,” says Joe Romero of Sahuarita, Arizona. He’ll be riding with teammates from Tucson on Team Spokehead. “Because last year, there was a problem and we couldn’t get into the race—so I made sure we got in this year.” His teammate Javier Venegas will be riding a new Specialized 29er from Fair Wheels Bikes for the race. “But I’m making this my last ride on my 26-inch before I upgrade to a 29er,” says Romero.
This will be their first time racing 24OP, so Team Spokehead is riding the course every weekend, and practicing night riding on Fantasy Island and Starr Pass trails. “This Saturday, I’m bringing my family, setting up the grill, and making a day of it,” says Romero. “One of my teammates will ride with me, we’re doing two laps of the course on Saturday.”
Tucson’s famous 24 hour race may be sold out but there’s one last chance to get in. Sadow explains: “Write a stellar comment on why you deserve the last 5-person spot on our facebook page, and you could still get into the race.”
He also emphasizes that there’s a great fundraising opportunity: “Riders can raise money for the Arizona Cancer Center, by getting sponsors—like the jogathon you did in grade school. You can get sponsored by lap or for a flat rate. All funds go directly to lung cancer research.”
Sadow continues, “If you’re upset you didn’t get into Old Pueblo, you should register now for the Whiskey Off Road.” This 3-day mountain bike event in Prescott offers something for all levels of riders, their friends, and family on the weekend of April 29-May 1. There’s a Whiskey-15 proof (15 miles) on Friday and a pro mountain bike criterium, exciting for spectators who want to get close to the action. Saturday, it’s time for the amateurs to ride in the 25-proof or 50-proof races.
The Whiskey Off-Road is named for Prescott’s famous Whiskey Row, saloons that line Montezuma Street. “The City of Prescott has been hugely supportive,” says Sadow. “This year, they’re supporting the biggest road closures in the history of Prescott,” with downtown streets closed to vehicle traffic for most of the weekend. “To entertain everyone’s significant others, families and friends, we’re going to have free concerts all weekend in the Town Square, and people can check out all the stores, restaurants and museums in downtown Prescott.”
“We opened registration on January 3, and we’re sending out an official announcement on January 11 that registration is open. We’ll be sold out by the end of the month,” Sadow predicts. There are 1400 spots available for amateurs. No matter what the distance, “They’re all riding the sweetest sections of singletrack in Prescott National Forest,” assures Sadow. He's worked hard over the years to earn the respect and support of the National Forest for these races.
It will be tough for professionals and beginners: “A seasoned pro might walk less than a beginner, but it’s still a challenging course for everyone,” says the race promoter.
“We have one of the largest cash prizes for professionals of any mountain bike race in the country,” says Sadow. “I want to make it possible for people to be full-time professional racers, and prizes like this help make it happen. Too many pro mountain bikers are slinging pizza on the side.”
Some professionals not slinging pizza the last weekend in April are defending female champion Grethen Reeves and two-time Leadville 100 winner Rebecca Rausch who rides for Specialized. In the mix for the women will be Tucson pro Krista Park riding for Canondale and Zephanie Blasi riding for Stans No Tubes.
On the men’s side, Tucsonan Dejay Birtch will be on his single-speed Niner. Riding geared bikes, last year’s winner Andy Schultz of Team Kenda will be facing the 2009 winner Jay Henry. Eric Salstrand of Phoenix, who won Tour of White Mountains in 2010, will also be challenging out-of-staters for the podium.
“I want this to be the best mountain bike race in the country,” says Sadow. Prescott appreciates his efforts. “The business community realizes we deliver a lot of mountain biking dollars to them on that weekend and throughout the year.”
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