24 HOURS IN THE OLD PUEBLO RACE COURSE
Level: Beginner to Intermediate (2B)
Description: Located north of Oracle off of Willow Springs road, the course for Epic Ride's 24 Hours in the Old Pueblo has added some single track. It now measures slightly over 16 miles of some really nice, flowing singletrack with a bit of jeep road thrown in. A new "His and Hers" trail has been built, which adds another mile or so to the course. During the race, the faster riders do the loop in about a 60-minutes, with the rest of us taking about 20-30 minutes longer.
Though it is mostly non-technical, there are a few surprises so keep your eyes open and fingers on the brake-levers. This course can surprise you with sudden turns lined with cholla cactus or steep wash drops. There is one long, sustained climb, followed by a fast downhill section, a few rocky, technical spots, and the famous "bitches," a half-dozen steep, jeep road climbs along the gas-line road. It also is open-range so you will see cattle. Though they will stay clear of you, be aware of them.
This is an early morning ride or cool weather outing. Bring lots of water as there is NONE available. You will have to stop and go through a few fences and corral. ALWAYS close the gates behind you! Also be aware this is State Land so you MUST have a State Land Permit (or be ready to pay the fine if you're caught without one). Though enforcement typically isn't that common during the year, it is ramped up close to the race in February.
Directions: Head north on Oracle past Oracle Junction to Willow Springs Road which is about 1.2 mile before the turn to Biosphere II. Take a left (the only way you can go) on Willow Springs for about 6.5 miles until you get to an arch which crosses the road announcing Willow Springs Ranch. Just past the arch the main road curves right with a less-used road breaking of straight/left. Turn on this less-used road, and you'll find a large parking area. Park here, and the singletrack starts on the right side of the parking area. Google Map.
Getting some air off one of the "Bitches"
Enjoying the fast singletrack.
24-Hour town during the race.
