Event Overview
The Tour de Scottsdale is a premier cycling event in the American Southwest, scheduled for early November 2026. Starting and ending in the luxurious environs of North Scottsdale, Arizona, the race takes cyclists on a breathtaking journey through the Sonoran Desert. With the scorching summer heat long gone, November offers the perfect 'Goldilocks' weather—cool mornings and warm, sunny afternoons. The event features both a 62-mile (100km) and a 32-mile (50km) route, attracting over 2,000 riders ranging from professional racing teams to weekend enthusiasts. It is celebrated for its safe, well-marshaled roads and the incredible backdrop of the McDowell Mountain Regional Park.
Course Details & Terrain
The 62-mile course is a rolling masterpiece with approximately 3,000 feet of total elevation gain. While there are no 'HC' (Hors Catégorie) climbs, the terrain is 'heavy'—meaning there is very little flat ground. You are either climbing or descending.
The Terrain: The roads are generally in excellent condition with wide shoulders, but the desert environment presents unique challenges. The wind can be a major factor, often picking up in the late morning and creating challenging crosswinds on the exposed sections of Dynamite Boulevard and Rio Verde Drive. The most significant climb occurs as you head toward the McDowell Mountain park entrance; it's a long, steady grind rather than a steep wall. Physically, the dry air is the silent killer—cyclists often don't realize how much they are sweating because the moisture evaporates instantly, leading to rapid dehydration.
Who Should Enter? (Beginners vs. Experienced)
Beginners: The 32-mile route is an excellent introduction to organized cycling events. It avoids the most strenuous climbing and allows newer riders to experience the beauty of the desert in a safe, supported environment. The atmosphere is non-intimidating and focuses on the 'experience' of the ride.
Experienced/Elite: For the serious cyclist, the 62-mile route is a fast, tactical race. Because of the rolling hills and wind, staying in a fast-moving paceline is essential. It is a great end-of-season test of your aerobic engine and your ability to produce power on 'false flats' (inclines that look flat but are actually 2-3% gradients).
Coach Raye's Race-Day Pro Tips
- Hydration with Electrolytes: In the Arizona desert, water alone is not enough. You must use a high-sodium electrolyte mix. Aim to drink one 750ml bottle per hour, even if you don't feel thirsty. By the time you feel parched, your performance has already dropped by 10%.
- Master the 'Draft': Because of the potential for desert winds, riding alone is a recipe for exhaustion. Find a group that matches your speed and work together. If you find yourself in a crosswind, use an 'echelon' formation to protect yourself and the group from the wind's bite.
- Sun Protection is Speed: The Arizona sun is intense even in November. Apply a high-quality, sweat-resistant SPF 50 sunscreen. Sunburn increases your skin temperature and heart rate, making your body work harder to cool down, which saps energy away from your legs.
How to Train for This Event
Preparing for the Tour de Scottsdale requires a mix of sustained climbing power and the ability to handle high speeds in a group. Raye (the AI endurance coach) builds adaptive, custom WhatsApp training plans specifically tailored to the Arizona terrain. Raye focuses on 'sweet spot' intervals to improve your threshold on those long desert grinds and provides guidance on group riding etiquette and nutrition. With Raye as your coach, you'll arrive in Scottsdale with the fitness to enjoy the views and the power to finish strong. Let Raye build your path to the desert finish line today.