Intermediate Overnighter: Tombstone Hustle w/ Campfire Cycling in Arizona

***If you would like to join this ride, but it is cost/transportation is prohibitive to do so, or you need to borrow gear to make it happen, please let Campfire Cycling know.

Campfire Cycling Community Events/Rides follow the Campfire Code of Conduct. Organizers strive to create a positive and supportive environment where everyone feels welcome and heard. Organizers don’t assume anyone’s abilities based on outwards appearance. All participants take responsibility for their actions and words. All participants respect the land, it’s original stewards and leave no trace.

Campfire Cycling is riding the Tombstone Hustle!

Meet in Tombstone and headed clockwise on the loop. This is not a good trip for first time rider as it involves some rugged terrain and carrying water for the overnight, but is a great trip to step up your bikepacking skills and experience!

Protect the land/area that we recreate on. This ride is very near to Oak Flat (Chi’chil Biłdagoteel). The Apache People and mining activists have fought for over a decade to protect this sacred land from a giant copper mine. You can read more about and it and get involved here. Campfire Cycling recommends that everyone make a donation to Protect Oak Flat, write Congress and Senate and consider getting involved in some capacity. http://apache-stronghold.com/take-action.html. The route passes through the traditional lands of the Chiricahua Apache, O’odham Jewed, and Hohokam.

The first day will be the shorter but tougher one as the group heads up and over the Dragoon’s for a long 3-mile single-track trail section. This 3 mile section is half up and half down and mostly hike-a-bike for all but the most technically skilled mountain bikers. After about 30 miles on the day, the group will camp out in the Cochise Stronghold open camping areas right past the campground with restrooms, but no potable water available right before our campsite. This is dry camping with no restroom or any facilities.

It’s possible that there will be creeks that water can be filtered from during the first day of riding, but don’t count on it. Expect to be able to carry at least 5 liters of water, but 6 will do.

The following day will be a flatter more mellow 40 mile cruise back around to Tombstone. The route passes some stores in Sunsites for resupply. The day will consist of mostly road with some sandy dirt road thrown in there for excitement.

This is a no drop ride. The group rides at a party pace with many spots to regroup or just hangout. Campfire Cycling will always have a mechanic at the back of the ride so no one is “stuck” alone at the back or in case a mechanical issue come up.

Mountain bikes are recommended for this route primarily for the challenging first day. If you’re comfortable riding a gravel bike over rougher terrain that could be a reasonable choice for you as well.

Given the intermediate challenges of the ride, Campfire Cycling will get in touch with all riders that are interested to make sure that you understand what you’re getting yourself into…