Racing Since 2008CAVE CREEK CACTUS CLASSIC MOUNTAIN BIKE RACE
Arizona's Real Mountain Bike Race
Hosted by DFMBA
November 14, 2026
8:30am Start
Cave Creek, AZ
The Spirit of the Ride
While our event doesn’t fall on Veterans Day, we still take this opportunity to honor the courage and sacrifice of those who have served our country. The rugged terrain, steep climbs, and gritty challenge of the ride remind us of the resilience and strength our veterans embody every day. Join us as we ride not only for the thrill—but in recognition of their enduring spirit.
REGISTRATION
Includes park entry fees, aid station, chip timing and t-shirt until 10/13, after 10/13 t-shirt available for purchase on site for $25
Early Promo July 1 - July 31st = $75
August 1 - August 31 = $90
September 1- September 30 = $110
October 1 - November 3 = $125
November 4 - November 7 = $140
Pricing — all deadlines end at 11:59 PM Arizona time (MST)
Veterans race for free! - please email dfmbainfo@gmail.com to request promo code
2026 Race Jersey — be sure to order during checkout! See Merchandise section below for pricing and sizing details.
SCHEDULE
C4 Race Headquarters: (Packet Pick-up / Start / Finish)
Local Jonny's
6033 E Cave Creek Rd
Cave Creek, AZ 85331
- 7:00 a.m. – Packet pickup & day-of registration opens
- 7:00–7:30 a.m. – Volunteer check-in
- 8:15 a.m. – Rider staging, announcements, & National Anthem
- 8:30 a.m. – Race start!
- 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. – Aid station open on course
- 9:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. – Post-ride celebration at Local Jonny’s with live music
- 9:30 a.m. – First riders finish
- 1:00 p.m. – Course cutoff (all riders off trail)
- 1:30 p.m. – Awards Ceremony
- 2:00 p.m. – Event wrap-up – thanks for riding the C4!
Full event schedule- https://www.dfmba.org/schedule-1
PARKING
Caption
VOLUNTEERS
Volunteers are critical to the success of this event — dedicated volunteers helped make last year's race safe and memorable.
[Click here to sign up to volunteer →] (link to SignUpGenius)
Volunteer check-in is at 7:00–7:30 AM race day. Volunteer perks — free jersey
CATEGORIES
Men and women’s specific categories by age group.
Age Categories Male & Female:
13-15
16-19
20-29
30-39
40-49
50-59
60-69
70+
Single Speed Open
E-Bikes Open - Class 1 pedal-assist bikes only (pedal assist, no throttle, 1 battery for entire race)
DFMBA reserves the right to add (if too many in a single category) or combine categories (too few) for an improved race experience
AWARDS
- Overall: Top 3 male and top 3 female finishers, regardless of age group, win sponsored prizes.
- Age Group: Top 3 male and top 3 female in each age group win awards. (Overall winners are not double-counted in their age group.)
C4 Race Headquarters: (Packet Pick-up / Start / Finish)
Local Jonny's
6033 E Cave Creek Rd
Cave Creek, AZ 85331
COURSE INFORMATION
25 Mile Race
The Cave Creek Cactus Classic (C4) produced by DFMBA, takes riders through 25 miles of beautiful Sonoran desert, with 2,000 feet of elevation gain. Whoa cowboy, think you’re fast? Last year the race winner rode it in 1 hour and 24 minutes! Mortals should plan for 2.5 – 3.5 hours and bring plenty of water!
Tentative Route subject to change:
https://www.strava.com/routes/3370958185190324478
1:00PM Ride Cutoff, All riders must be off the course.
JOIN DFMBA
Discount for new dfmba members and pre rides
Sign up for DFMBA
MERCHANDISE
Event Hats — $25
Available for purchase during checkout or on-site race day.
C4 Jersey
$75 online (through October 1 for personalized jerseys-add your name)
$95 onsite - race day purchase, non-personalized only, while supplies last.
Not sure about sizing? Try one on before you order at any of these local shops:
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Flat Tire Bike Shop – Cave Creek
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Landis Cyclery – Scottsdale & Tempe
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Bike Barn – Phoenix
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Bike Emporium – Scottsdale
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Bicycle Haus – Scottsdale
PRE-RIDES
Check strava club C4 or DFMBA
REFUND POLICY
Sorry, No refunds. Organizing a mountain bike event involves substantial upfront costs, including permits, venue rentals, equipment, safety measures, and marketing efforts. These costs are incurred well before the event date and are often non-refundable. A no refund policy helps cover these costs and allows the event to go ahead as planned.
