Contributed Photo/Courtesy Terry Johnson: The Javelina Chase will take place March 28 and 29.
Half-marathon added to mountain bike races, fun ride, 5K trail ride, and kids’ bike rodeo
Contributed Article
DUNCAN – The seventh annual Javelina Chase, on Saturday and Sunday, March 28-29, reprises the mountain bike races thought to be the most challenging in Arizona, and again hosts the Ultra-endurance Mountain Bike State Championships for Arizona. A recovery fun ride follows on the next day at Shakespeare Ghost Town near Lordsburg, New Mexico, along with a 5K walk/run and a new half-marathon.
“The Chase” will again feature the enormously popular kids’ bike rodeo at the Greenlee County Fairgrounds on Saturday, March 28. The rodeo is organized this year by the fairgrounds staff, partnering with Bikeworks of Silver City, New Mexico, who will bring their assortment of weird bikes for all to enjoy, and run their customary bike clinic. Greenlee County Sheriff’s Office will lend a hand, as in earlier years. The bike rodeo will open for registration at 9:30 Saturday morning. Because mountain bike racers will start returning a little later in the morning, families attending the bike rodeo must enter the fairgrounds by the north gate on Highway 75.
The mountain bike race courses, on back roads in Arizona and New Mexico, should see a great profusion of wildflowers this year, amplifying the beauty of the terrain. The routes will be familiar to those who have attended in the past, including Carlisle, Goat Loop, Bitter Creek, and Old Lime Canyon. The races will start and end at the Greenlee County Fairgrounds in Duncan, Arizona. This year’s offerings include 20-, 40-, and 60-mile courses, and will include the Ultra-endurance Mountain Bike State Championships for Arizona. There will be cash and other prizes awarded, with an equal payout for men and women winners.
On Sunday, March 29, a family-friendly fun bike ride will cover 25 miles of historic, scenic terrain south of Lordsburg, New Mexico. This is also a recovery ride for racers from the previous day, who will have free registration for the Sunday event. The ride starts and ends at the Shakespeare Ghost Town. All registrants will be offered a free tour of the ghost town.
The half-marathon and 5K trail run take off from Shakespeare after the cyclists have left.
Registration links for the cycling events and the 5K trail run are on the Javelina Chase’s website, www.javelinachase.com, and at swsportsreg.com. Half-marathoners and 5K runners and walkers may register on Sunday morning at the start/finish line at Shakespeare Ghost Town. All information is on the event website.
