Belgian Waffle Ride Arizona opens the 2026 BWR calendar on 28 February with a mixed-surface route. Set in the high desert north of Phoenix, the course threads through singletrack, jeep roads and sandy horse trails across roughly 103 miles with 7,500 feet of elevation gain. The race is one of the early major gravel events on the US calendar.
The event offers three distance options. The full Waffle course covers the complete 103-mile route, while the Wafer and Wanna routes are shorter alternatives at 68.3 miles and 33.4 miles respectively.
Route profile and key sectors
Belgian Waffle Ride Waffle route map - source: ridewithgps.com
BWR Arizona features 62% off-road content, and much of it is rougher than typical dirt roads. The route opens with two substantial paved climbs, the second stretching 6.4 miles at 4.7% gradient, lifting riders to a high point around 4,000 feet. From there, a 1,500-foot descent on rocky jeep roads takes riders into the open desert.
One of the key sectors is 30 miles of McDowell Regional Park singletrack. Sweeping turns, loose surfaces and proximity to unforgiving cacti demand constant concentration. Past winner Sofia Gomez Villafañe has described BWR Arizona as "one of the hardest races of the year" due to these unrelenting trail sections, Velo reported.
Late in the race, riders return through moto trails featuring "whoops" – rolling bumps shaped by off-road motorcycles. By mile 85, fatigue and desert heat increase the difficulty of these sections for riders.
Preparation and equipment
Tyre choice is important here. Many experienced participants opt for 40-45mm rubber with aggressive side knobs to manage loose corners and rocky descents. A wider gear range than typical gravel setups helps manage the steep pitches, while tubeless systems with appropriate sealant help protect against the frequent puncture risk from desert flora.
Late February weather typically brings highs of 20-24°C (68–75°F) with morning temperatures potentially dipping to 7°C (45°F). However, the intense desert sun and minimal shade mean dehydration becomes a genuine concern by midday. Carry more fluids than you think necessary, and plan to top up at every feed zone.
Feed stations are positioned before major technical sectors, offering water, electrolytes and the signature waffles that give the series its name. Mechanical support is available, though self-sufficiency remains advisable given the remote terrain.
Getting there
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport sits 36 miles from Cave Creek, offering extensive domestic and international connections. Accommodation options cluster around Cave Creek, Carefree and Fountain Hills, the latter providing easy access to McDowell Mountain Regional Park for pre-ride reconnaissance.
For those preferring to camp, McDowell Mountain Regional Park offers 76-80 developed sites with electrical hook-ups, showers and flush toilets. Book well in advance – sites fill quickly once race weekend approaches.
Typical Waffle completion times range from under five hours for elite finishers to more than eight hours for other riders. Whatever your target, arrive with mountain bike handling skills alongside your gravel fitness, and plan carefully for hydration. The course combines long distances, technical singletrack and desert heat, so preparation for all three is required.
Check out the official website for details on how to register.
