PHOENIX METRO BICYCLE CLUB
pmbcaz.org Answer to the Challenge

Answer to the Challenge
Updated 1/1/2010
AN APPROVED HELMET IS REQUIRED FOR ALL RIDES LISTED

27th Annual Answer to the Challenge
Friday, Saturday & Sunday April 30, May 1 & 2, 2010

Sponsored by Phoenix Metro Bicycle Club

Download the official Answer to the Challenge Flyer and Registration Form - (31K .doc Word Document)
Download the official Answer to the Challenge Flyer and Registration Form - (61K .pdf Adobe Acrobat)

See ride review by Don Youngdahl in The Hub.

At 325 miles, Answer to the Challenge will confront you with three consecutive days of century riding. Along the way you'll be asked to do over 22,000 feet of climbing and the weather can range anywhere from cold and wet to hot and dry - and probably will.

The route takes you from Scottsdale to Strawberry on day one. Day two continues on to Prescott over Mingus Mountain. Day three takes you from Prescott back to Scottsdale. The scenery along the way is some of the best that Arizona has to offer.

There are three types of riders who attempt this ride. The racers start at first light, stop only for Cytomax and water and arrive in beautiful downtown Strawberry (population 35) ready for a full afternoon of activities. The tourists actually take time to look at the great scenery, enjoy the generous sag stops, and arrive just early enough for a nap before dinner. The clueless realize at mile 45 on the first day that they should be somewhere else.

Don't be clueless. This ride covers 325 miles and 22,000 feet of climbing over three days. The first day from Scottsdale to Strawberry climbs about 10,000 ft. The second day to Prescott climbs another 6,600 ft. and crosses the inevitably windy Prescott Valley. Distance on the third day is 127 miles. Be prepared for cold in the mountains and heat crossing the desert. And sometimes (rarely) snow.

The crew from Landis Cyclery will transport your bags and provide sag stops with snacks and water. They will also pick you up if you can't go on, but space is very limited. If you start, be prepared to finish!

Lodging and meals each day are your responsibility. Since accomodations are limited - early reservations are strongly recommended.

Answer to the Challenge will test your physical abilities. you'll be pushing the endurance envelope, to be sure. It's suited for strong riders experienced at multi-day centuries studded with long and often steep climbs.

Download the official Answer to the Challenge Flyer and Registration Form - (31K .doc Word Document)
Download the official Answer to the Challenge Flyer and Registration Form - (61K .pdf Adobe Acrobat)

WHEN

  • Friday, Saturday & Sunday, April 30, May 1 &, 2, 2010
  • Check in opens at 5:00 AM Friday morning
  • First riders out at 5:30 AM. Last sag leaves at 6:30 AM. Slower riders (you know who you are) please start early.

WHERE

  • Starts at Landis Cyclery Scottsdale
  • Southeast corner of Scottsdale Road & Shea Blvd.

REGISTRATION FEE

  • Please pre-register! - SAVE $10 and Help the ride organizer
  • Members (PMBC / GABA / ABC / USCF) - $60.00
  • Non-Members - $65.00
  • Late Fee - add $10.00 after 4/24/2010

MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO:

  • Phoenix Metro Bicycle Club

MAIL REGISTRATION FORM (.doc) or REGISTRATION FORM (.pdf), AND FEES TO:

  • Dick Landis
    c/o Landis Cyclery
    2180 E. Southern Tempe, AZ 85282

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

STRAWBERRY ACCOMODATIONS
Strawberry accommodations are limited. If all hotels are full, call Cheryl Holland at the Windmill Corner Inn. She can suggest other B&B's and lodges in the Strawberry/Pine area.

  • Windmill Corner Inn
    928-476-3064

  • Strawberry Lodge
    928-476-3333

  • Strawberry Hill Cabins
    928-476-4252

  • Pine Creek Cabins (in Pine)
    928-970-9511

PRESCOTT ACCOMODATIONS
Prescott baggage drop-off and pickup will be at America's Best Value Inn, Sheldon St. (formerly Super 8) which fills up early. Close by hotels are:

  • America's Best
    (Sheldon St.)
    928-776-1282

  • Motel 6
    (Sheldon St.)
    1-800-466-8356

  • Best Western
    (Gurley St.)
    800-528-1234

  • Colony Inn
    (Gurley St.)
    928-445-7057

If the above are full you might try the following

  • Hotel St. Michael
    928-776-1999

  • American Motel
    928-778-4322

  • Senator Inn
    928-445-1440

  • Apache Lodge
    928-445-1422

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