2022 Skull Valley Loop Challenge

2022 Skull Valley Loop Challenge

I am sorry to report that Prescott Alternative Transportation (PAT) has made the difficult decision to suspend the organization of the Skull Valley Loop Challenge (SVLC) for 2022.

The SVLC is a local, homegrown, on road bicycle event that starts and ends in downtown Prescott, and covers some 54 miles of the “Skull Valley Loop”. The ride features arduous climbs, thrilling descents, and amazing vistas. Over the last 17 years, the SVLC has matured into a wonderful event that draws many enthusiastic riders from all over Arizona and the Southwest, many who look forward to returning the third Sunday of September, year after year.

Originally organized by the Prescott Cycling Club, PAT, Prescott’s non-profit bicycle and pedestrian advocacy organization, took over hosting duties over ten years ago, and has run the event as their primary fund-raiser. The annual event has been successful due to a great deal of community and volunteer support, including valuable financial sponsorship from area businesses.

While the “Challenge” in the event title refers to the physical demands of completing the ride, it also applies to organizing the event. From permitting and coordinating with various jurisdictions and agencies, recruiting and organizing volunteers and contractors, soliciting donations and sponsorships, organizing registration and supplies, graphics, event signage, flyers, social and other media promotion, to… Suffice it to say, making the SVLC happen takes considerable effort.

The energy at the starting line is always incredible. The SVLC has alway had an early Sunday morning start, because it is not a closed course, and we are sharing the roads/highways with other traffic, so we want to minimize conflict. PAT has always made it a priority to respond to suggestions to improve safety, and the number of repeat participants confirms the riders are quite willing to accept the level of risk involved. With over 200 riders on the course, the concept of “safety in numbers” is also on our side.

During the 2021 ride, the unimaginable happened: A car abruptly turned in front of one of our riders, resulting in an horrific collision. The rider, Roberto Cota, was medevaced out by helicopter, and later succumbed to his injuries. Roberto was an experienced, and strong rider. He was a gregarious fellow, respected and well liked by his peers, and loved by many more than the two daughters he left behind.

Despite this tragic loss, an overwhelming majority of participants polled responded that they would be eager to return to ride the SVLC again next year. There was also a lot of enthusiasm from a core group of volunteers, and PAT’s ride coordinator to make the next ride happen, and to dedicate that ride to Roberto.

But, organizing another SVLC presents new challenges: Chief among them is improving safety for participants. Many steps have been identified, but all require increased resources, and some may not even be available when our partner agencies are understaffed, and we are always a few volunteers short. Even if these desired resources were available, they would come with increased effort to manage as well as increased costs. The best way to counter these increases would be to grow the number of participants, (something we’ve never been too good at), but more riders just makes the snowball get bigger too.

So the bottom line is this: The SVLC is a great event, but PAT is not an event management company, it is an advocacy organization that has important work to do to help Prescott become a more bicycle and pedestrian friendly community. Management of this event has become all-consuming, and beyond the capability of a volunteer board.

So, we have suspended the ride for 2022 while we look for options. One option is to just let it transform to a non-organized, self supported community event. That third Sunday in September when the people in Prescott take to the loop on their bikes. Another option might be to find an actual event management company who wants to grow the SVLC.

While we wanted to dedicate the ride to Roberto, we feel we might honor him better if we get back to the work of making our community safer for bicyclists and pedestrians. If you also feel this work is important, please know we are actively looking to grow our board of directors. Please contact us at PAT@prescottbikeped.com

The COURSE

The 54 mile ride begins and ends at the historic Prescott Town Square. The loop leaves town with a series of climbs on Iron Springs Road. After the first summit, riders are rewarded with a fifteen mile descent into the small town of Skull Valley. From there the route follows two lane through ranch land with unique rock features into the town of Kirkland Junction (location of the first aid station). At this point riders start to enjoy seemingly limitless views from the now undulating country road before gradually climbing to Wilhoit. Once past the little Red Store (location of the second aid station) multiple longer climbs will test cyclists as the now twisting ride works its way back through the pine forests of the Spars finishing with a long and winding descent back into town.

Total elevation gain is 2,939′ with a high point elevation of 6,133′.

SUPPORT

Neutral SAG support vehicles will be rolling throughout the course. Kirkland (Mile 27) and Wilhoit (Mile 37) will both have aid stations providing water and various food items.

GENERAL VIBE

It’s best to think of the Skull Valley Loop Challenge as big group ride with your friends throughout some of the best scenery Prescott has to offer. Riders work together, chat and offer support to each other along the way. This event is not a race and there are no prizes for crossing the finish line the fastest. Relax. Work the climbs and cruise the downhills. Have fun.

Electric Pedal Assist Bikes

For 2022, in response to requests, the Skull Valley Loop Challenge will again allow riders on electric pedal assist bikes to participate.

REGISTRATION DETAILS

Online registration completed on or before August 20 will be $70. Online registration completed after August 20 will be $80. Free event t-shirt and schwag bag included with all entries placed before 8/29. Race day registration will be available the morning of the race. However, number of participants is limited and there are no guarantees spots will remain.

Online Registration is available through Webscorer.com

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Saturday 9/17 between 5:00 and 7:00 PM is packet pickup, check-in and late registration (if slots remain) at the Prescott Chamber of commerce located on the Town Square at 117 W. Goodwin Street.

Sunday 9/18 between 6:00 and 7:00 AM is late pickup and check-in at Town Square.

Sunday 9/18 at 7:30 is the ride start from Town Square.

Prescott Alternative Transportation

Proceeds from this event benefit PAT, a non-profit 501-c3. We would like to thank you for participating in this event and hope you will enjoy everything Prescott has to offer.

As a nonprofit, non-governmental organization, PAT relies on participation from our members and supporters in order to make significant progress toward our mission which is working toward a bicycle and pedestrian friendly central Yavapai community.

PAT’s strength comes from our members and supporters. If you’d like to help out, please go to our website to learn how to become a volunteer and engage with our latest activities.