Prickly Pedal Trail Race

Prickly Pedal : event details

Prickly Pedal takes place Sunday, February 1, 2026, in the Maricopa Trail area of Maricopa County, Arizona. The event includes mountain bike point-to-point and loop options plus a trail run. Distances offered:

• 36 Mile mountain bike point-to-point (Cave Creek to Lake Pleasant)
• 15 Mile mountain bike (starts at Pioneer Living History Museum)
• 10 Mile trail run (out-and-back at Lake Pleasant)

Proceeds support the Maricopa Trail & Park Foundation. Registration closes Monday, January 26, 2026. Race perks listed include finish line photos, chip-timed results, aid stations, a finisher award, and live tracking.

Course and logistics

The 36 Mile MTB is point-to-point from Cave Creek to the 10 Lane Boat Ramp at Lake Pleasant and lists 1,385 ft total elevation gain and 2,779 ft max elevation. The 15 Mile MTB lists 356 ft gain and 1,752 ft max elevation. The 10 Mile trail run lists 883 ft gain and 1,880 ft max elevation and follows Frogs Tank, Beardsley, Wild Burro, and Pipeline Canyon trails to Pipeline Cove and back.

Aid stations: two on the 36 Mile course (near miles 15 and 30) and one on the 15 Mile and 10 Mile courses; all provide water, electrolyte drinks, snacks, and fruit. Crews are allowed only at start/finish; pacers are not allowed. Shuttles transport riders and bikes from the finish to start lines; a shuttle ticket is required. Parking at Lake Pleasant has a spectator entry fee; racers parking at the finish may have the fee waived with the proper pass. Camping is available in reserved group sites for a fee. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.