The information in this race flyer is subject to change. Please check back prior to the event to make sure you have the most up-to-date information available.
Schedule at a Glance
Saturday, October 18 – South Conference
Sunday, October 19 – North Conference
| 7:00 a.m. | Head Coaches Meeting |
| 8:00 a.m. | Middle School Boys Race |
| 8:45 a.m. | Middle School Girls Race |
| 9:30 a.m. | First-Timers Race |
| 10:30 a.m. | High School Boys Varsity/JV1 Race |
| 11:00 a.m. | Middle School Awards |
| 12:00 p.m. | High School Girls Race |
| 1:30 p.m. | High School Boys JV2/Freshman Race |
| 3:30 p.m. | High School Awards |
Location & Directions
Course Overview
The rolling Sonoran Desert trails at the Competitive Track at McDowell are comprised of swooping turns and short steep inclines and descents. The course travels counterclockwise and starts/finishes in the Competitive Track parking lot.
HIGH SCHOOL COURSE: The Sport Loop – Technical Loop combination form the 5.6 mile counterclockwise course and climbs approximately 435 feet per lap. All riders will be required to take the “The Ledge” bypass. Course POV video.
MIDDLE SCHOOL COURSE: The 3 mile Sport Loop course climbs approximately 175 feet per lap. Course POV video.
Course & Infield Map
Course POV
Registration
Online race registration closes on October 15 at 11:59 p.m. Onsite race registration is available, plus an additional $15 late fee (membership registration must be completed online prior). Riders registering “day of” at the race venue must register at least one (1) hour before their race starts.
- ACA membership registration must be completed online in order to participate.
- Purchase all four series races at the same time – Race Package – for the discounted price of $150. Registration for the state championships is included at no additional charge for riders who qualify for the event. The deadline for purchasing the Race Package is September 10. Races purchased individually are $60 each.
- All student-athletes will receive a race number plate and riders will use the same plate for the entire race series. Number plates have chip timing transponders on the backside so exercise care to avoid damage. Please remove the number plate from the bike before loading it for transport to prevent damage or loss. Replacement number plates will be available at the registration tent for $25.
- The registration tent will be open on Saturday and Sunday beginning at 7:00 a.m.
The Student-Athlete Registration FAQs provide step-by-step directions to help you navigate the process. If you need further assistance please contact registration services.
Category Placement Petitions
Riders wishing to upgrade/downgrade to a race category different than assigned must submit a petition through their Head Coach or Team Director. The petition deadline for Race #4 is October 8 at 11:59 p.m.
Pre-Ride
The course will be open for pre-ride to all registered student-athletes and licensed coaches on Friday from 12:00 p.m. until sunset and Saturday following the conclusion of racing (approximately 3:00 p.m.) until sunset. On Friday from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. the course is open to high school female student-athletes, middle school student-athletes (female and male), and their coaches only. High school boys are not allowed on the course during this period. Please pass course workers with care. All student-athletes and coaches must have a number plate attached to their bike in order to pre-ride the course. Unregistered parents/siblings may not ride the course.
We encourage teams to pre-ride prior to event weekend. Click on the top right corner of the Google Map above to view a larger map of the course and staging area.
Coaches Meeting
This is where you’ll get vital information about the race day, such as risk management, race conditions and anything else that we need to share with you. Sometimes we need to make changes due to weather or other circumstances so it’s important you’re at the meeting to keep your team and riders informed! It is mandatory that all teams have at least one (1) coach attend the meeting. The coaches meetings will be held at the awards podium beginning at 7:00 a.m. each day.
Race Categories & Wave Start Times
| Category (Race Plate Color & Number Series) | Start Time | Laps | Distance |
| WAVE 1 – staging will begin at 7:45 a.m. | |||
| Boys 8th Grade (Blue 5000s) | 8:00 a.m. | 3 | 9.0 miles |
| Boys 7th Grade (Copper 6000s) | 8:03 a.m. | 2 | 6.0 miles |
| Boys 6th Grade (Yellow 7000s) | 8:06 a.m. | 2 | 6.0 miles |
| WAVE 2 – staging will begin at 8:30 a.m. | |||
| Girls 8th Grade (Blue 500s) | 8:45 a.m. | 3 | 9.0 miles |
| Girls 7th Grade (Copper 600s) | 8:48 a.m. | 2 | 6.0 miles |
| Girls 6th Grade (Yellow 700s) | 8:51 a.m. | 2 | 6.0 miles |
| WAVE 3 – staging will begin at 9:15 a.m. | |||
| Boys First-Timer (3000-7999) | 9:30 a.m. | 2 | 6.0 miles |
| Girls First-Timer (300-799) | 9:35 a.m. | 2 | 6.0 miles |
| WAVE 4 – staging will begin at 10:15 a.m. | |||
| Boys Varsity (Blue 1000s) | 10:30 a.m. | 4 | 22.4 miles |
| Boys JV1 – Division 1 (Copper 2000-2499) | 10:35 a.m. | 3 | 16.8 miles |
| Boys JV1 – Division 2 (Yellow 2500-2999) | 10:40 a.m. | 3 | 16.8 miles |
| WAVE 5 – staging will begin at 11:45 a.m. | |||
| Girls Varsity (Blue 100s) | 12:00 p.m. | 3 | 16.8 miles |
| Girls Junior Varsity 1 (Copper 200s) | 12:05 p.m. | 3 | 16.8 miles |
| Girls Junior Varsity 2 (Yellow 300s) | 12:10 p.m. | 2 | 11.2 miles |
| Girls Freshman (Grey 400s) | 12:15 p.m. | 2 | 11.2 miles |
| WAVE 6 – staging will begin at 1:15 p.m. | |||
| Boys JV2 – Division 1 (Copper 3000-3499) | 1:30 p.m. | 2 | 11.2 miles |
| Boys JV2 – Division 2 (Yellow 3500-3999) | 1:35 p.m. | 2 | 11.2 miles |
| Boys Freshman – Division 1 (Grey 4000-4499) | 1:40 p.m. | 2 | 11.2 miles |
| Boys Freshman – Division 2 (Red 4500-4999) | 1:45 p.m. | 2 | 11.2 miles |
Independent riders compete in Division 2 in split fields (Boys Junior Varsity 1, Junior Varsity 2 and Freshman).
Riders lapped by the leader and riders outside the time limit may be pulled from the race at the finish line. No rider shall begin a new lap 5 minutes before the start of the next race wave.
Staging & Call Ups
All riders will be staged. The staging order is based on the overall placing in that field in the current season. The top 10 placed riders in each field will receive call-ups by name to the starting line.
- North Conference – High School / Middle School
- South Conference – High School / Middle School
Riders are responsible for knowing their staging position, being at the proper place at the assigned time and listening for their name. Riders who miss their calling will be placed behind all staged riders. Any rider who has not previously competed this season and riders who are changing categories will be put in the race field, at random, behind all staged riders (e.g., all riders with plate ending 7, then all riders with plate ending 3, etc.).
Parking
Parking will be available in the Four Peaks trailhead lot (across from the Competitive Track lot). Riders and teams will be allowed to enter the Competitive Track lot for unloading and loading only. Click on the top right corner of the Course & Infield Map above to view a larger map of the parking area. Please park efficiently and follow the guidance from our staff once on site.
- Vehicles must park in the designated areas identified with signs at the venue and as shown on the venue map.
- All vehicles must abide by the instructions of parking volunteers and/or ACA staff. Any violators risk imposition of penalties against their respective team.
- Handicap parking is available in the parking lot near the team pits.
- Vehicles must use the designated loading/unloading zone and immediately move to designated parking areas after unloading at the team pits area.
- Vehicles must follow one-way directional traffic in/out of team pit drop off area.
- No parking allowed in the team pits.
Team Pits
Each team will be assigned a designated pit space. The team pits will be open to vehicle traffic for loading/unloading during the times listed below. Every team will be given one (1) pass for use in the specified parking area on the pit map. If you or anyone on your team tries to move a vehicle in the team pits outside of the scheduled times your pit pass may be revoked. No gasoline generators and no open flames inside the team pit area.
Team equipment trailers may be stored in Four Peaks over the weekends for teams. Please park them on the northeast edge of the area (see Course & Infield Map). Trailers should be backed in (not parallel) and not go into the desert
Pit Assignments by Team
Move In / Move Out Schedule
South Conference
- Friday 12:00 p.m. – Pits open for South teams to move in
- Saturday 7:30 a.m. – Pits closed to vehicles, all automobiles must be out
- Saturday 3:00 p.m. (approx.) – Pits open to vehicles after the last rider crosses the finish line
- Saturday 4:15 p.m. – Move out deadline, all South teams must vacate pit area and/or move gear to designated storage space
North Conference
- Friday 12:00 p.m. – Pits open for North teams to drop off gear in designated storage space
- Saturday 7:30 a.m. – Pits closed to vehicles, all automobiles must be out
- Saturday 4:30 p.m – Pits open for North teams to move in
- Sunday 7:30 a.m. – Pits closed to vehicles, all automobiles must be out
- Sunday 3:00 p.m. (approx.) – Pits open to vehicles after the last rider crosses the finish line
Team Pits Map (click image to enlarge)
Red 40’x40′; Blue 30’x40′; Brown 20’x40′; Green 15’x20′
Join Us for a Night Ride
Get ready for what we hope will become an annual tradition, ACA night ride at McDowell. Under the stars and on two wheels—the night is gonna be lit!
On Friday and Saturday evenings we’ll meet at 6:00 p.m. at the Start/Staging area. From there, we’ll do a short cruise around the venue to scoop up any stragglers, then head toward the start line and roll out together for a lap on the Sport Loop.
We’ll need coaches to be present, and we’re encouraging everyone to go all out. Decorate your bikes with lights and flair so you can shine bright, and remember a good bike light. And if you have an extra bike light that you’re willing to loan to someone who doesn’t have one, please bring it so that everyone can enjoy the awesomeness of night riding.
Let’s light up the night and make more amazing memories together! All ACA-registered student-athletes and coaches are welcome to join the fun.
Pivot Chill Zone
Pivot Cycles provides a designated area at races for all student-athletes to chill, chat, or destress before and after races. The Pivot Chill Zone is for racers only – no parents, coaches, or siblings in this one. Operated by Pivot Cycles staff members at all ACA races, the zone provides a safe space for riders to relax, or just pop in for a fist bump and some words of encouragement.
Food & Beverage Services
Concessions will be available onsite from Art of the Oven Pizza, Kade’s Deja Brew, and Dogs R Us.
Volunteer
Race day would not be possible without the incredible work of our volunteers. It takes a “village” to put on quality youth mountain bike races. We’d love to have your help and it’s a great opportunity to see a few different sides of how our races operate. Sign up at SignUp.com.
For questions regarding volunteering, contact our volunteer coordinator.
Additional Event Information
- Park entry fee $7 per vehicle; exact change is appreciated.
- Bicycle riders must comply with all traffic regulations and ride single file when on the roads within the Park.
- Helmets are required of all people on bikes at all times at our events. Parent riding from the car to the Pit Zone? Helmet on. Student-athlete riding to staging? Helmet on. Coach riding to the scoring tent? Helmet on. Little brother cruising the venue? Helmet on. Anytime your leg goes over the top tube, helmet on.
- Dogs must be leashed at all times. Please pick up after your dog.
- Dispose garbage in dumpsters provided.
- No ground fires permitted.
- Drone use is not allowed within Maricopa County’s regional park system.
- All participants are expected to read, understand and abide by the rules and guidelines set forth in the ACA Rulebook.
- ACA weather and refunds policy.
Camping & Lodging
Camping is available on site and reservations are recommended. The fee for developed campsites is $32 per night and includes electrical/water hookups, dump station, restrooms, picnic tables and grills. One RV or two tents per spot. The park’s camping policies state no more than eight people per site and the campground hosts will be checking. Small, midsized and large group camping areas also available. Please do not ride bikes through the desert between campsites; stay on the roads and established trails. Visit Maricopa County Parks’ website to make your reservation. Contact the park at 602-506-2930 ext. 3 to check availability.
Camping in the Four Peaks Staging Area (a.k.a., Competitive Track overflow lot) is available Thursday-Sunday and is $22 per night; it’s considered “semi-developed” camping, with restrooms available. First come, first served and efficiency is encouraged (no circular ‘compounds’).
The $7 park entry fee is waived for campers (first car). Extra cars are $7 each. Quiet time is from 10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
For dispersed camping, we recommend 10-15 minutes north of the park in the Tonto National Forest. Enter from Needle Rock Rd (north of the junction of Dynamite Rd with Rio Verde Rd).
