The Desert Foothills Mountain Bike Association (DFMBA), a local chapter of the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA), announced the return of the Cave Creek Cactus Classic, known as C4, the organization’s flagship mountain bike race, set for Saturday, November 14, 2026, with an 8:30 a.m. start.
Local Jonny’s will serve as C4 Race Headquarters for the day, hosting packet pick-up, the start, and the finish. The 25-mile course is a challenging ride through some of the region’s best terrain, taking riders through Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area, Cave Creek Regional Park, and the Maricopa Trail, with roughly 2,000 feet of climbing through the Sonoran Desert.
“The Cave Creek Cactus Classic is more than a race — it’s a celebration of everything that makes the Desert Foothills special. Spur Cross Ranch and Cave Creek Regional Park are some of the best trails in the state, and this event lets us share that with riders from all over while raising support for the trail work that keeps them rideable for everyone,” said Richard Meyers, President, DFMBA.
Proceeds from the Cave Creek Cactus Classic support DFMBA’s ongoing mission to build, maintain, and advocate for sustainable mountain biking trails throughout the Desert Foothills area, and fund local youth cycling programs.
Event Details:
-
Date: Saturday, November 14, 2026
-
Start Time: 8:30 a.m.
-
Race Headquarters: Local Jonny’s, 6033 E Cave Creek Rd, Cave Creek, AZ 85331 (packet pick-up, start, finish)
-
Course: 25 miles, ~2,000 ft elevation gain, through Spur Cross Ranch, Cave Creek Regional Park, and the Maricopa Trail
-
Registration: www.dfmba.org/events
Riders can register online at www.dfmba.org/events. Volunteers are needed to help make the event possible and can sign up at DFMBA’s volunteer page.