2026 Bartlett Lake 200km Brevet

 Ride Report 

January 2026

Lush hillside near Bartlett Lake

Eight hardy souls lined up for the Bartlett Lake 200 and Sears-Kay 100 rides on Saturday morning. Weather was forecast to be cloudy and mild and with a 0800 start time the sun was well above the horizon and starting to warm up.

Mike Sturgill gives last minute instructions

Mike Sturgill completed the ride brief at exactly 0800 and we were off. Like usual, the group headed out at a quick pace and I drifted off the back. Rose, a new RUSA member visiting from San Francisco, dropped off too and we rode the first 3 miles together. She wondered if the Arizona brevets always started so fast; they do. She also asked if we regrouped along the way; we don’t. I mentioned that our rides are lightly attended and everyone pretty much goes at their own pace.

After 15 minutes or so and finally starting to feel warmed up, I dialed up my pace and Rose dropped off. The main group ahead of me was caught at a traffic light and I closed part of the gap just riding my pace. When they were caught at a second light I nearly caught up before the light turned green and decided to hammer to catch them. 

It took a few minutes of hard work and I caught Chris’ wheel at the back of the group. Unfortunately that part of the ride is slightly uphill, greatly reducing the aerodynamic advantage of group riding, and they were clipping along at a pace that was uncomfortable for me so I dropped off a second time.

High desert golf courses

I wouldn’t see the group again until reaching the sharp rollers near the end of pavement on Seven Springs Road. The route continues past the Sears-Kay Ruins for a mile and a half. 

The desert flowers were just starting to appear

About a half a mile past the ruins, I started to wonder if I was so far behind that all the riders had made the turn around and were in the control, two tenths of a mile off the route. Then I spotted the first rider from the fast group. Chris had already been to the turn-around and was headed back to the control at the ruins. Soon there after most of the rest of the group flashed by as I made my way to the End of Pavement.

What is the End of Pavement you ask? Well it’s where the pavement ends and this route makes a U-Turn and heads back! The rollers are short, steep, and much more fun on the return!

Mike and Jason

Mike Sturgill’s son Jason volunteered to staff the control and had plenty of supplies and water to refill bottles and food to refill stomachs! The riders were still there when I arrived so I made it a quick stop after topping off my bottle, slamming a Mini-Coke, and stuffing my pockets with food!

Brian on Cave Creek Road

I left the control a few minutes after the group but caught Brian on the steep rollers on Seven Springs Road. He was waiting to see if I would catch up. We rode together to Bartlett Dam Road taking turns on the descent.

Lee, Mike, and Brian at the start of the first climb on the lake descent

By the time we reached the bottom of the first descent, we had caught Lee and Mike. The descent to the lake has a couple of long climbs along the way. Again the group was too fast for me and I let them go.

The last few miles to the lake

The last few miles are steep, and with little wind, and even less traffic, soon I was rocketing along at 41 mph to the next turn around and control point on the ride.

Bartlett Lake Store and Grill

I saw Chris heading up the steep section first, then Lee, Mike and Brian as I turned into South Lake road to the control point at the store and grill. It took an hour to get here and with the cool weather, my bottles were nearly full. So just a quick stop to remove a layer and I was back on the road. 

This north facing formation was especially green

We have had historic rains this winter and the desert was very green and the wild flowers were just starting to appear. I stopped here for a quick photo of this rock face and really green desert grass, that could pass for an irrigated golf course!

It took 90 minutes to climb back to Cave Creek Road. The climb is thankfully interrupted by a few descents, or climbing intermissions, before reaching the top. There is a water fountain at the information board for the Tonto National Forest at the top and today it was working so I stopped and topped off my the bottles and reloaded my pocket food from my saddle bag.

From here the route is mostly downhill, and clipping along at 25+ mph to the town of Carefree, I could watch my overall average mph start to climb up.

Entering Cave Creek the normally four-lane road was reduced to one lane each way. The blocked lanes were not for Contruction but was for overflow parking for Harley Davidson motos. There was a huge motorcycle festival going on. Traffic was so congested and tricky that I didn’t think to get a picture!

Nudist Ranch in New River

The route continues downhill through Cave Creek and heads west on Carefree Highway. Normally the wind would be out of the west and on the nose by now. Also normally at this point in one of my blogs there would have been at least a half-dozen complaints about the wind. Today’s ride was nearly all calm, and only a short bit of wind climbing out of the lake. But today the flags were hanging straight down and I made great time to 7th street for the climb up to New River. Luckily the Shangri La nudist ranch is NOT the control stop.

New River Minute Mart Control 

The New River Control is a Minute Mart/Shell Station on the I-17 Frontage road. Just a quick stop for some different fuel. The Starbucks Frappuccino is a favorite, and some ‘crunchy sugar’ Oreo cookies should be enough to get me through the last 37 miles to the finish. The nice tables out front make this a great stop!

New River Road

The route goes under the I-17 then it’s a slight downhill on the 10 miles of New River Road to Lake Pleasant just outside the edge of Metro Phoenix and the town of Peoria. This time of day the wind would normally be pretty strong out of the west and negate the slight descent. Not today! No wind and I covered the ten miles solo in under 30 minutes!

The City riding starts here

New River road ends at the Carefree Highway and we make a quick left then right onto Lake Pleasant Parkway. The road was recently widened and after a few miles we reach the city of Peoria on the northern edge of Metro Phoenix. Mike has selected a great route through Peoria’s planned communities before reaching Phoenix proper and the Deer Valley Airport.

Brian on Deer Valley Road

Speaking of the Deer Valley airport, it was here that I again saw Brian. He had been working hard with the front group (notice the salt stains on his kit), but had mechanical problems and had to drop off. We were able to ride in the last 7.5 miles together. Sharing the work, and having some company we actually picked up the pace for that last segment.

Brian and yours truly at the finish

We rolled into the finish just before 5 pm, for a total ride time of 8 hours and 56 minutes. We were both hoping to get it done in under 9 hours, and working together for the last segment we were able to do it.

Yeah it fits nicely!

Another great brevet to start off 2026. Thanks to Mike for putting together a great route, Jason for staffing the control, and Brian for the company along the way.

The AZ Brevet season is just getting started, check out azrandos.com for the full calendar of events and come out for a ride. It’s Rouleur Week in February, lots of shorter rides and even a team event. Come join us!

Thanks for following along, here is my GPS data.

Steve Atkins

 

2024 Madera Canyon 200km Brevet

Mt. Wrightson

Ride Report February 3, 2024

Mike gives the rider brief

Seven riders lined up for the Madera Canyon brevets early Saturday morning in the El Con Mall parking lot in Tucson AZ. Two routes were on offer, 6 riders selected the 300km route and yours truly selected the 200km route. Both versions are identical until mile 112, where the longer route heads to Saguaro National Park and the shorter route heads directly back to the start. This is my first brevet of the season; I skipped the Bartlett Lake 200 as we left for our New Zealand adventure the following day! (Ride report for that two week adventure to follow ;-)

Outbound on the Loop

The last several Tucson Brevets have started at the El Con mall near the University of Arizona main campus. Lots of bike lanes connect to the U of A campus and the Loop, a 100+ mile paved bike path around the city. The bike path makes the ride out of town easy and relaxed. Normally city riding is interrupted with many traffic lights and a need to stay on high alert for traffic. The loop uses underpasses to avoid many major streets, is well paved (although frost heaves are starting to form), and got us nearly to the airport before joining regular streets.

Several fast Canadians and Brian McGuire formed a fast group, with Bob Fisher and I at the back. We regrouped a few times at traffic lights, until the roads opened up and we headed on at our own pace.

It started out a bit cold at the start, so I wore my heavier SmartWool lined wind pants. They were perfect for the first hour or so. But as the temperatures started to warm, they were too hot and I made the first of many layer changes to peel them off and change to knee warmers.

Amado, the first control

The first control was in the town of Amado, the gateway to Arivaca! Mike was there when I arrived and Brian and Bob were just pulling out as I rolled in. Brian must have come to his senses and linked up Bob, who passed me during one of my clothing reconfigurations.

I topped off the bottles, grabbed some pocket food, and thanked Mike for staffing this control. It saved a stop at the Mini-Mart to reload! Even better the headwind that had been growing since we left Tucson would now be a tailwind for 10 miles back toward Tucson!

Perfect weather, great views

It was easy to hold 20-23 mph with a nice tailwind and those 10 miles went by ever too fast! Reaching Continental road, a right turn followed by another right turn on Madera Canyon Road put the wind back on the nose for the 13 mile/ 2657 foot climb to the summit in Madera Canyon.

Don’t be fooled by the 2% grade

This was my first time up this road and Mike warned us not to spend too much energy on the easy section of the climb. It went 8 miles at a very easy grade, and the wind seemed to moderate as we went higher. The group of fast Canadians on their return flashed by while I was still on the easy section.

With 3.5 miles to go, the real work begins. While I could comfortably hold a 10-11 mph pace at the base of the climb with a decent cadence, my speed dropped below 3 mph on the steep ramps at the top. The views were fantastic! I thought to myself, ‘as soon as I hit a flat spot, I’ll stop and take a picture.’ But around each bend it seemed to get steeper! Bob rolled by on his return near the top, and the next thing I know, I’m at the top and pulling into the picnic area where Mike set up the control. Brian was still there, but getting ready to leave.

White-nosed Coati 

Brian headed out, and a visitor strolled through the picnic area. Looking well fed and obviously comfortable with humans, it wandered by our table then headed off!

Mike Sturgill RBA and great host!

Again Mike was there with refreshments at the summit picnic area. He commented about how beautiful the peak was covered in snow. I said, yes I stopped to take some photos. They would be next on the blog, but apparently I only THOUGHT about taking some photos, and did not actually stop and take them. I didn't discover that fact until I was home reviewing the photos!

After a nice break, wonderful lunch, and visit with Mike, it was time to head down. The elevation was about 5500 feet, and when the sun went behind a cloud, it became quite cold. So back on with the heavy pants and rain coat for the 13 mile descent. It was so steep, that the first few miles I was held up by car traffic. The extra layers were the right choice for the descent, but soon I was back on Continental road and too warm.

Another stop to layer off, and I was on my way. The route doubles back on itself on Camino del Sol and my Garmin said to take that route. I turned, but it didn't seem like the way to Helmet Peak and luckily I stopped and checked the printed cue sheet. Yes, wrong turn, so back track a few meters to the traffic circle and back on Continental toward Mission Road and Helmet Peak. For the first 300-400 meters my Garmin was convinced I had made a wrong turn and kept beeping and flashing U-Turn now. Finally it realized I was headed to Tucson, not Amado, and the arguments stopped!

Mission Road near the Duval Mine

Mike mentioned that Mission Road had new pavement and was butter smooth. He was correct and finally the wind was starting to cooperate again and soon the next 10 miles to Helmet Peak were in the rearview mirror.

Helmet Peak information control

With the climbing done, and the sun starting to get low in the sky, the temperature started to drop again. Its a long enjoyable descent into Tucson, and can be quite fast. One more time to put on the knee and arm warmers, and with one full bottle, I push off for the last run into Tucson.

Mission Road Descent

I have ridden this section of road many times, but normally at the end of a 400 or 600 brevet, in the dark. It was a nice change to ride it in daylight with mountain views, but no city lights!

Ahh, back on the Loop

Mission Road is quiet, but soon the route dumps us out on Valencia for a mile and a half of high tension city riding! Dodging all kinds of debris in the bike lane, and one asshole city bus driver that decided to pass, then enter the bike lane for a bus stop; happily I was soon on the Loop for relaxed riding to the finish.

The last hazard

One last hazard, University Avenue at the U of A. Those trolley tracks can swallow a wheel so be careful. Its Saturday at about 5:30 pm and while some partying was going on, I didn't have to dodge the drunk students that come out in the late hours!

Back at the start

I rolled into the El Con lot in just under 10 hours after the start of my adventure. I threw the bike in the back of the Mini, and headed over to Chic-Fil-A for fries and a sandwich for the ride home.

Thanks again to Mike Sturgill for putting on another great brevet. This route combined some familiar roads with some new ones, and as aways, its great to see old friends on an Arizona Brevet. Next up is the Around the Bend 400. Twice as long with half as much climbing as this 200! Sign up at Azbrevet.com!

Steve Atkins

Click here for GPS data

2023 Bartlett Lake 200km Brevet

Ride Report

January 2023

Sunrise on a new brevet season

New year, new brevet season! 2023 is also a Paris-Brest-Paris (PBP) year and that usually means a large turnout for the first 200km brevet. The PBP is the longest running organized bike event in the world and runs every four years. 8000 riders from around the world will ride the 2023 edition. It will be the 20th, and completion of a full brevet series (200, 300, 400 and 600km) in 2023 is a requirement for entry.

 

I should not have been surprised that 'only' 14 riders were starting the 200 this year, because a second 200km brevet was on offer in Arizona only two weeks later! Another 20 riders signed up for that one!

Mike Sturgill gives the rider brief

In addition to the 14 riders on the 200km course, four riders were taking on the 100km course. As always it was great to see some of the usual suspects (Tom Altemus, Brian McQuire, and Roger Peskett) at the start and get caught up.  After Mike Sturgill (Regional Brevet Administrator for Arizona) gave the rider brief at 0755 we rolled out at 0800. Mike and Brian had pre-ridden the 100 and noted only a bit of construction on the first 5 miles of the course needed to be navigated; they both were also riding the 200 this morning!

Entering the construction zone

Some pipeline work is happening on Cave Creek road and traffic is pushed into one lane. However, there was no construction activity going on and we were able to ride inside the barricades to enjoy a 'protected' bike lane. My goal for this one was to ride at an even pace all day, and that meant resisting the urge to ride in the group that invariably starts fast. By the time we hit the construction zone, I thought I was lantern rouge (last rider).

Club group in the Legends

Waiting for a light at Scottsdale road, Luciano rode up to my surprise. I thought I was last! After the light turned, he rode off and I was now the lantern rouge! The route continued into the Legends development and I rode into a club group of riders also out enjoying a perfect morning for riding. They were riding in a regroup style, which meant they would string out, then regroup as they continued to ride. The only issue was I was riding at a steady pace, and I would catch them, only to have the faster ones then pass then see them again at the next regroup.

The pavement ends here!

The club group stopped for coffee where Cave Creek Road becomes Seven Springs Road, and thankfully, my game of hare and tortoise was over. The course continues to the end of pavement then U-turns and heads back to the control at Sears Kay and, for the 200km riders, to Bartlett lake.

Great views toward Sears Kay Ruins

The best part of the U-turn format, is you get to see and greet the other riders out in front as they continue on the course.

Rest and refreshments at the Sears Kay control

Charles (North Dakota) and Bill (Tennessee) were riding the 100km and were in the control when I rolled in. After a quick visit, a welcome Mountain Dew (Mike said to save one for Steve, thanks Mike!), some snacks, and a handful of pocket food I was back on my way.

Next stop Bartlett Lake

The route generally descends to the next control at the Bartlett Lake Marina. Winds were favorable and after climbing about 1000 feet to get to the last downhill, I was moving through this section at 40+ mph! The photo above, is from last year's 200, I didn't want to stop in that tailwind! Of course, the lead groups were heading up while I headed down and that would be the last time I would see the leaders.

 

I rolled into the Marina, picked up some food to eat, reload the pockets, and get back on the road. What goes down must go up, and every tailwind becomes a headwind, but the weather was perfect and the climb out was actually quite enjoyable.

Pot is legal in AZ!

With plenty of water in the bottles and food in the pockets, I didn't need to stop in Carefree/ Cave Creek for supplies. I heard that Pot is now legal in AZ, and had to stop at this purveyor, who obviously had embraced the change with gusto! No room in the pockets today for one of these beauties, so I headed on!  

Road to New River

The next official control is in New River. But feeling hungry, I stopped for lunch at a Circle K at Carefree Highway and 7th Street. They had tables out front and a wide selection of snacks and sandwiches. In honor of the PBP, I grabbed a Jambon et Fromage (Ham and Cheese) sandwich, some chips, Mountain Dew and some Gummy Savers for pocket food! OK, the sandwich and food was nothing like the PBP. But for this brevet, my food strategy was to carry only pocket food acquired on the route and not carry carbohydrate drink mix, to mimic my food plan for PBP.

 

New River Control

12 miles later, I rolled into the official control in New River and was surprised to see John and Ann there on a tandem. The last time I saw them, they were in one the lead groups heading toward the lake. Their tandem had a mechanical, and after a long delay, were back on the course. I topped off a bottle and they were already gone!

 

I caught and passed them at the very tricky intersection at Lake Pleasant, and we then made our way through 300 meters of unpaved road under construction. I was looking forward to some company for the last 25 miles of the course, but alas, a staple punctured my rear tire and I stopped to repair it.

 

Balloons over Peoria

I was back on the road in under 10 minutes and into several planned communities of Peoria. The roads are relatively new, all have bike lanes, and while there are many turns to keep track of, there was little traffic and even a few parks with water and restrooms along the way.

Slow pace = Nice sunset!

With a start at 0800 and my slow pace, I was rewarded with a great Arizona sunset. I rolled into the Cortado Coffee Roastery a few minutes before 6 pm to put this one in the books at 9 hours and 53 minutes. John and Ann were in the parking lot and Tom Altemus was there packed up as well. After a quick visit, I threw the bike in the car and headed home.

Debby had homemade soup on the stove, and my food strategy worked during the ride. I was not starving at the end and could generate consistent power to the finish.  I snacked on some pocket food on the way home to an awesome dinner and a great start to the 2023 brevet season!

Next up is the North Valley 100/200/300; something for everyone, come join us!

Steve Atkins

Click here for GPS data

2022 Bartlett Lake 200km Brevet

 

Ride report

January 8, 2022

Mike Sturgill gives the rider brief

Happy New Year! The 2022 Brevet season in Arizona kicks off with the Sears Kay 100/Bartlett Lake 200 routes. 35 riders signed up for the events with a little more than half selecting the 200km version. Of course our dedicated Regional Brevet Coordinator, Mike Sturgill, pre-rode both courses and provided a great pre-ride report with what to expect. We rolled out of the North Phoenix King Coffee Roastery parking lot a minute or two after 0700.

On the 'climb' toward Sears Kay

With just a few traffic lights and turns we are soon in the North Phoenix desert climbing toward the first control at the Sears Kay ruins. The road appears flat but climbs at a mostly steady grade of 1-2%, with a few steep rollers tossed in near the summit. A few eager riders roll off the front and I fall in with a large second group of riders going at an easier pace. Its a good time to catch up with friends and meet some folks that traveled here to enjoy a fantastic day of winter desert riding.

Rollers to the turn-around

Jennifer and Rashid near the end of pavement

The group splinters as we enter the rollers of the Legends development about half-way to the first control. By the time we hit the turn-around at the end of the pavement on Seven Springs Road, the riders are in groups of one, two, and three all over the course.

Mike checks us in at the Sears Kay control

Mike and his faithful companion Aztec, set up the staffed control at the parking/picnic area of the Sears Kay ruins. I grab some Oreo cookies for the pocket, toss down a Starbucks Frappuccino, top off the bottles and head out.

New pavement on Bartlett Dam Road

It is just a few miles past the control where the two routes split. The 200km road turns and heads 'down' to Bartlett Lake. The good news is that the first half of 14 miles to the lake is on new pavement. This section used to be very rough and challenging dodging pot holes and lake traffic. The new pavement even has a bit of room outside the fog line and was butter smooth!

Nearing the top of the first climb out of the lake area

One might think its all downhill to the lake, not so! There a few miles of climbing that gain 1000 feet on the way 'down' to the lake! Finally on the last descent to the lake, we start to see the lead riders returning from the control at the marina. 

The lake is very low and the clerk at the marina store is sharing fishing information with a few customers at the check out.  Not interested in the fishing report, I purchase a can of V-8 juice, some water, and peel off a layer of clothing and reload the pockets, as other riders arrive and depart.

Heading back up the hill, the sun is out and warming nicely. One more stop to remove another clothing layer and we make our way back the way we came!

There is a Forest Service Information kiosk and water fountain at the top of the climb. I stop there and reload a bottle with CarboPro/water for the run to the next control in New River. Its mostly downhill for the next 30 miles, except for a small climb out of Cave Creek to the Carefree Highway.

New River Control

After six miles of Carefree Highway riding, we turn right on 7th Street and head north toward New River and the next control. Its 13 miles away, and at mile 91, New River should be the last stop I need to make before the finish. One last bottle reload, toss down a chocolate milk from the store, and its back on the road for the final segment.

Open desert near Lake Pleasant

The route crosses the I-17 and heads west for 10 miles toward Lake Pleasant. Traffic was light while the cross/head winds picked up, and we soon pass the Welcome to Peoria sign and return to urban riding for the last 25 miles to the finish.

Quiet roads in Peoria AZ

The route Mike selected includes many turns, but follows mostly quiet roads through planned communities. A little construction on the last leg of Deer Valley Road and soon we are back in the King Coffee Roastery parking lot. Mike included a complimentary lunch at the Subway next door with the entry fee. I traded my AZ Brevet ticket for a 6" sub, chips, and a drink. A nice way to finish a great day on the bike. Thanks Mike for another great brevet!

Ready for the next brevet!

Next on the 2022 brevet schedule is the North Valley 123/200/300 on February 5, 2022. Click here for information and to sign up. Hope to see you there!

Steve Atkins

Click here for GPS data