Download the official Mining Country Challenge Flyer and Registration Form - (452K .doc Word Document)

Saddle up, Pardner, it's time to hit the trail, and some trail it is!

We're not talking about some easy little jaunt into the desert on some mule with no name (apologies to America) with a pick and shovel hung over your shoulder. No siree! However, when you see what you'll be climbing, you may want to reconsider that mule! Or maybe get a mountain goat!

Climb. Climb. Then climb some more. That's the Mining Country Challenge. It's not for everyone, but if you have aspirations to really put your climbing abilities to the test, this is the ride for you. By the end of the 96 mile ride you'll have climbed 7000 feet.

The ride starts in Old Town Superior in the heart of Arizona's mining country. From Superior, you'll go through the Queen Creek tunnel on US 60 (bring your blinking red tail light) and head on toward Miami on the climb nicknamed "Top of the Hill." The road has a narrow shoulder or no shoulder in some spots and it is a two-lane road – please ride single file. The route passes the Inspiration Mine near Globe and then leads southeast out of Globe. Then you tackle a long, 8% grade into the Pinal Mountains to the top of "El Capitan." This is a great place for a rest stop. The downhill into Winkelman is your reward...and the lunch stop after you turn the corner toward Superior (or the Circle K if you prefer).

Out of Winkleman, you'll head north toward Kearny, passing the Ray Mine. The climb culminates in a "hill" called "The End of the World," a 1.5 mile climb that averages 11%. After you make it up that hill, you will think it is the end of the world! From the top it is downhill into Superior.

Again this year we will have the addition of a metric century option (actual distance 66 miles). The route will go from Superior to Winkleman and return. This will be a great route for those who want to test their climbing abilities, but are not certain they can (or want to) ride the full 96 mile route. But don't feel leftout - The cyclists who will be riding the metric century will also have the challenge of surviving the 11% climb up "The End of the World" on their way back to Superior.

For some interesting history of the Kearny / Winkleman / Ray area that you will be riding through, click here.

Download the official Mining Country Challenge Flyer and Registration Form - (452K .doc Word Document)

WHEN

• Saturday, March 22, 2008.
• Ride starts in Superior, Arizona at 8:00 AM
• Registration / Check-in: 7:00 AM to 8:30 AM.
• The Full Century starts at 8:00 AM, the Metric Century starts at 8:30 AM

• Ride starts in Superior, Arizona
• Registration and the Start will take place near the intersection of Main Street and Magma Ave. Look for the signs and the registration table.
• From the Phoenix Metro area take Hwy 60 (Superstition Highway) east to Superior. Exit at the 177 Winkelman exit and head north. Main Street is less than a mile from the exit and where the start will be.
• From Tucson take 77 north to 79 and continue until you get to Hwy 60. Turn east on 60 and exit at the 177 Winkelman exit and head north one mile.
• Parking: Main Street and the courthouse on the east end have parking spaces. Or park along a side street.
• The ride finishes at the same location.

• PMBC/GABA Members - $25.00
• Non-Members - $30.00

• Phoenix Metro Bicycle Club

• Phoenix Metro Bicycle Club
  P.O. Box 26788
  Tempe, AZ 85285-6788
  
• The above registration/release form is a Microsoft Word Document (.doc). If you have trouble downloading, viewing or printing this document you may use the generic ride registration form and PHOENIX METRO RELEASE FORM.

• For more information contact email Leon Smith or call 480-456-0716.