Come spend Valentine’s Day with your bikepacking kin out on the wild and scenic @aztassociation as we ride the Gila 100 the direction it was intended, North to South from Picketpost to Oracle. Be sure to register on the AES site if you want in on the fun and @homegrownmtb shuttle.
Formerly the long course of the Antelope Peak Challenge, it was later turned into its own event beginning at Picketpost and finishing at Tiger Mine Trail Head in Oracle. After participation dwindled (this is a super hard single-day ride with the fastest riders completing it in 12 hours, and stragglers finishing in 20+), the Gila 100 organizers have decided to experiment with breaking this outstanding stretch of the Arizona National Scenic Trail into 2 big, hefty days of riding.
Speaking of the AZT, please consider donating to the AZT Association!
Beginning in 2025, though, this event will be a point-to-point, 2-day stage event just like the Coconino 250. This means there will be a coordinated campsite at the end of day 1. Of course, anyone is welcome to do the full 100-mile event on the Arizona Trail without the camping if they so choose.
We will flip the direction every year, with a 2026 group depart from Picketpost Trailhead and finishing at Tiger Mine Trailhead in Oracle.
Southbound direction.
This is a 92-mile route between the Picket Post trailhead to Tiger Mine Rd on the Arizona Trail. The trail is marked (Arizona Trail the entire way). This route is VERY challenging, but goes through some outstanding sections of the AZT. If you have the will and ability, it is worth the effort.