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
mtb
Ubuntu Trail, Payson
Arizona, USA · 10–11 October 2026
Difficulty: 3/5 — Hard
A multi-lap mountain bike circuit race for middle and high school student-athletes, featuring a rugged, high-desert singletrack course with berms, jumps, and technical sections, offering distances from 10.3 km to 29.8 km. It demands both fitness and technical skills.
Visit official site →- Distances
- 10.3km · 15.4km · 17.8km · 23.8km · 29.8km
- Surface
- singletrack, dirt
- Typical W/kg
- 3.2–4.8
Rider fit
Who it's for
This event is designed for middle and high school student-athletes who enjoy competitive mountain biking on technical, multi-lap courses and are seeking national ranking and upgrade points.
Who will struggle
Riders new to mountain biking or those without experience on technical singletrack with features like berms and jumps, as well as those unaccustomed to short, intense, multi-lap circuit racing, may find this race challenging.
Training focus
Training should emphasize technical mountain biking skills, including cornering, jumping, and navigating technical sections, alongside high-intensity interval training for repeated punchy efforts and sustained power on climbs.
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 race distances and course details?+
The event offers multiple race distances ranging from 10.3 km to 29.8 km (6.4 to 18.5 miles). The course is a purpose-built singletrack mountain bike trail at the Payson Event Center, featuring a rugged, high-desert environment with trees, berms, jumps, and technical sections. High school riders complete 3.7-mile laps, while middle school riders complete 3.2-mile laps.
How do I register for the event?+
Online registration for the race closes on October 7 at 11:59 p.m. Onsite race registration is available but incurs an additional $15 late fee. An active Arizona Cycling Association (ACA) membership, completed online, is required for participation.
Can riders pre-ride the course?+
Yes, registered student-athletes and licensed coaches can pre-ride the course on Friday from noon until sunset, and on Saturday after racing concludes (approximately 3:00 p.m.) until sunset. There's a specific window on Friday (3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.) open only to high school female and all middle school student-athletes and their coaches. All pre-riders must have a number plate attached to their bike.
Are there different race categories and start times?+
Yes, the event features multiple categories for Middle School (6th, 7th, 8th grade) and High School (Varsity, JV1, JV2, Freshman) boys and girls. Races are organized into waves with specific staging and start times across Saturday and Sunday, with independent riders competing in Division 2 in split fields.
What is the policy for USA Cycling license holders?+
Current USA Cycling license holders will earn national ranking and upgrade points for their participation in the event. An active license is required for points to apply, and points will not be awarded retroactively.
What should I know about number plates and timing?+
All student-athletes receive a race number plate with a chip timing transponder on the back, which should be used for the entire race series. Riders should take care to avoid damaging the plate and remove it from their bike before transport to prevent damage or loss. Replacement number plates are available for $25.