belgianwaffleride
Fourth Annual Belgian Waffle Ride Arizona – Cave Creek
February 27–28, 2026
Welkom to the first stop of the Belgian Waffle Ride Quad-Tripel Crown of Gravel Series — the Fourth Annual BWR Arizona, known as the Hell of the North Desert…
The 2026 Belgian Waffle Ride Arizona is something we cannot wait to share with you. It’ll be a unique experience, one known as the Hell of the North Desert. This will be the first of four BWRs that comprise the Quad-Tripel Crown of Gravel, with BWR CA, BWR UT, and BWR Montana in Bozeman, respectively.
Here is a snapshot of information about the event and what to expect…
There is a formula to the creation of each new Belgian Waffle Ride, and this season’s first Unroad Race and the kick-off to the Quad-Tripel Crown of Gravel. The BWR AZ, which will take place in Cave Creek, Arizona, on the fringes of the Valley of the Sun, embodies the three ingredients that make the BWR so special. 1) A dream destination, 2) varied terrain to accommodate an extremely dynamic racecourse, and 3) a cycling community that is both vibrant and desirous of the Unroad experience only the BWR can offer.
1) Located in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, on the fringes of North Scottsdale, the BWR AZ will start and finish at Stagecoach Village in Cave Creek and take in a seamless connection of beautiful desert and varied challenging terrain with breathtaking views and near-perfect riding conditions. The area enjoys over 300 days of sunshine and incredible scenery, with conditions that are perfect for exhilarating Unroad riding, including crushing climbs to beautiful views of the surrounding desert. The destination is a picture-perfect town in the desert foothills that brings together history, culture, and nature in a unique atmosphere. The downtown area has plenty to offer the entire family, and the city is surrounded by many other destinations that you don't want to miss out on.
2) The topography, transitioning from the verdant riparian environment along the Salt River to the foothills of the McDowell Mountains, will offer towering saguaro cactus standing sentry against a backdrop of made-to-order sunsets. The springtime temperatures will nurture an array of stunning wildflowers among an ocean of vibrant green cacti and remain mild enough for riders to enjoy the full day of riding. The BWR AZ will bring along technical Unroads punctuated by pristine tarmac in the outskirts of Scottsdale. The course in and around Cave Creek will boast a fantastic concoction of terrible terrain, including pitchy undulations in Carefree, Tonto Forest Mountains & washes, Rio Verde, sinuous single-track in McDowell Mountain Regional Park & its Sonoran Preserve, and smooth roads connecting gravel sectors completely unique to this desert playground. The dynamic nature of the course, which at roughly 122-miles is less than the usual BWR, will surely devastate even the most well-trained professional gravelleurs by its finale – a series of steep, paved climbs with pitches of 20%. How do you say, “Ouchie,” in Flemish. Oh yeah, it’s AUW! Kind of like, WTF!
3) And then there is the third and final ingredient – a vibrant cycling community. Not only has the area been designated one of only 35 gold-level bicycle-friendly communities in the US, with its safe accommodations, miles of designated bike lanes, and, of course, a plethora of trails to explore – both urban and desert – it has an extensive network of cycling teams, enthusiasts, and every type of bike shop to support them. This Sonoran Desert locale is the most diverse desert in the world, offering amazing views along the rocky mountain ranges that surround it. No wonder this destination has become home to such an active and enthusiastic bike community.
Last Year’s Course Highlights:
Introducing the 2026 Quad-Tripel Crown of Gravel Series:
The Quad-Tripel Crown is a four-part test of endurance, grit, and good humor—spanning Arizona, California, Utah, and Montana. Riders must complete at least three of the four to earn the coveted Crown title.
2026 Series Dates:
• Arizona: February 27–28
• California: May 2–3
• Utah: June 12–13
• Montana: June 19–20
Rider Perks:
Every rider will receive a BWR musette bag from Neversecond that contains essential race-day items and special swag:
· Sponsor Swag
· BWR Bucks for use with MUMU, Almsthre, QEJA Socks & Neversecond or A BWR branded memento
· Race Number and RFID Tag (for official finishing time)
· Pre- and Post-Race Waffles, Coffee & Beverages
· Beer
· Finisher’s Trophy Beer
· Bragging Rights
· Podium Recognition for the Top 3 in each age category for Waffle & Wafer, and Top 5 Overall
The category races with the race – Q/KOM, Q/KOD, Q/KOS are not open to the elite field. Amateurs will be vying to win these jerseys.
T-shirts and BWR branded gear are available at registration and at the Mumu booth at the expo.
To learn more, visit https://belgianwaffleride.bike
Connect with Us!
PRO TIP: The best thing you can do to protect your entry fee is buy the insurance. Click here: EVENT INSURANCE INFO
For your bike shop needs or shipping your bike to Cave Creek please contact:
Training and Nutrition
There is a prize purse for elite men and women.
There are age group awards for Waffle and Wanna. These are the age groupings –
Age group competition – determined by the age of a rider on December 31, 2025
18 & Under
19 – 34
35 – 39
40 – 44
45 – 49
50 - 54
55 – 59
60 – 64
65 - 69
70 & Over
Men’s and Women’s Live Race Day coverage will be on BWR’s Instagram account. Follow @BelgianWaffleRide
There are five Feed Zones on the Waffle course (four for Wafer, two for Wanna) to help riders get the proper hydration and nutrition from Neversecond. Neverscond has a full array of performance nutrition available to all riders. There will also be Stykr gels from The Feed. Other food and beverages typically on offer: Water, Coke, Bananas, Peanut Butter Pretzels, Fig Bars, Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwiches.
Riders will also have the ability to fill their bottles on course with Neversecond. All stations are run by volunteers giving their time to make riders' experiences the best ever. Please give thanks to them…
McDowell Mountain Cycles
Grind & Gears Bike Shop
Flat Tire Bike Shop
The Rob Dollar Foundation
For information on becoming a sponsor/partner or for exhibiting in the expo please contact Michael Marckx: mmx@monumentsofcycling.com
