24 Hours in the Enchanted Forest
📍 New Mexico, USA
mtbBeginner friendly
Date
18–19 July 2026
Distance
16 mile loop
Elevation
2,528 m
Difficulty
mtbbeginner friendly
Race #4 – McDowell Mountain Regional Park
Arizona, USA · October 24-25, 2026
Difficulty: 3/5 — Hard
This NICA-style mountain bike race on the rolling Sonoran Desert trails of McDowell Mountain Regional Park features varied distances up to 22.4 miles with short, steep inclines and descents, providing a moderate technical challenge for student-athletes.
Visit official site →- Distances
- 6.0 miles · 9.0 miles · 11.2 miles · 16.8 miles · 22.4 miles
- Elevation
- 530 m
- Surface
- singletrack, dirt
- Typical W/kg
- 2.5–4
Rider fit
Who it's for
Designed for student-athletes from 6th grade through high school, this event offers categories for various skill levels, including options for less technical sections through required bypasses.
Who will struggle
Riders unprepared for sustained efforts on hilly, technical singletrack, or those who lack bike handling skills for swooping turns and steep descents, may find certain courses challenging.
Training focus
Training should emphasize interval work for short, punchy climbs, technical skills for navigating diverse trail features, and endurance to cover the specified race distances.
Are you ready for this race?
Compare your W/kg to see how you stack up against this race's typical level — and which races fit you best right now.
FAQs
What are the registration deadlines and fees for Race #4?+
Online race registration closes on October 21 at 11:59 p.m. Onsite registration is available for an additional $15 late fee. Individual races cost $60, or a Race Package covering all four series races can be purchased for $200 by September 10. An ACA membership, completed online, is required to participate.
Can student-athletes pre-ride the course before the event?+
Yes, registered student-athletes and licensed coaches can pre-ride the course on Friday from 12:00 p.m. until sunset, and on Saturday after racing concludes (approximately 3:00 p.m.) until sunset. A specific window on Friday from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. is reserved for high school female and all middle school student-athletes and coaches only. A number plate must be attached to the bike for pre-riding.
What are the course characteristics and distances for different categories?+
The course consists of rolling Sonoran Desert trails with swooping turns and short steep inclines and descents. High School riders tackle a 5.6-mile course with 435 feet of climbing per lap, incorporating technical sections and requiring 'The Ledge' bypass. Middle School riders use a 3-mile Sport Loop course with 175 feet of climbing per lap. Laps vary by category, leading to total distances from 6.0 to 22.4 miles.
How are race categories and starting positions determined?+
Riders are categorized by grade (6th-8th, Freshman, JV1, JV2, Varsity) and gender, with divisions within some categories. All riders are staged, with positions based on their overall placing in the current season's field. The top 10 riders in each field receive call-ups to the starting line. New riders or those changing categories are placed randomly behind staged riders.
What do I need to know about number plates for the race?+
All student-athletes receive a race number plate which must be used for the entire race series. These plates include chip timing transponders, so handling them with care and removing them during transport is essential to prevent damage or loss. If a plate is damaged or lost, a replacement can be purchased for $25 at the registration tent. They are also required for pre-riding the course.