Desert RATS Kokopelli 150 Stage Race – Updates

Live Tracking

Live Tracking – We’re working with Adventure Enablers to offer 2022 racers cell tracking for the race. The goal is near-real time tracking for every stage but it is not 100% guaranteed. Please don’t be concerned if there are lags or drops in coverage. The tracking will catch up!

Pre-Race

Stage 1 – Salt Creek – 19.8mi, 2040′ Gain

Stage 2 – Milt’s – 39.1mi, 2520′ Gain

Stage 3 – Sprint – 9.3mi, 761′ Gain

Stage 4 – Expedition – 41.4mi, 7810′ Gain

Stage 5 – Marathon – 26.0mi, 3150′ Gain

I’m thankful to live in Boulder, CO where the winters are mild and the skiing in the mountains is close but a couple times a year I need to get out and visit somewhere warm. The first adventure escape this year was a mountain bike trip to Scottsdale AZ. Smaller than Phoenix, Scottsdale has everything you need for a winter getaway. This town is pedestrian friendly and has an abundance of breweries and taphouses for apres adventure. It promises year round sunshine and a landscape filled with desert mountains and saguaro cactus. 

We were able to rent top quality mountain bikes from REI Co-op Experiences and ride right out their door on the first day. Since we couldn’t fit the bikes in our rental car we had REI transport our bikes to the trailhead the next couple of days and it was reasonably priced. The trails we rode were part of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. With lots of parking, luxurious bathrooms, boasting more than 35,000 acres and 215 miles of trails, this area is perfect for both mountain bikers and runners. Most of the trails are flowy and smooth. They tend to get green or blue ratings but with so many miles to choose from, you can find something for everyone. My favorite was West Express for the downhill. All of the whoop-de-dos. It’s best to grab a map at the start or have an app to help you navigate through the maze of trails. With temperatures hanging out in the 60s and 70s this area makes for a perfect getaway. Our next “snowbird” winter getaway? Paddling in the Everglades…

Desert RATS Kokopelli 150 Stage Race – Updates

Live Tracking

Live Tracking – We’re working with Adventure Enablers to offer 2021 racers cell tracking for the race. The goal is near-real time tracking for every stage but it is not 100% guaranteed. Please don’t be concerned if there are lags or drops in coverage. The tracking will catch up!

Pre-Race

Stage 1 – Salt Creek – 19.8mi, 2040′ Gain

Stage 2 – Milt’s – 39.1mi, 2520′ Gain

Stage 3 – Sprint – 9.3mi, 761′ Gain

Stage 4 – Expedition – 41.4mi, 7810′ Gain

Stage 5 – Marathon – 26.0mi, 3150′ Gain

As things begin to open up, event organizers are looking around to see which races happen and which ones are shutting down their start lines. We want to know which ones are going on as normal and what other race directors are modifying to make a safe environment for their racers and staff. Who knows what events will look like down the line but for now this is what we and many of the races in the area are doing.

We’ve created a full list of protocols and rules to ensure the Mountain RATS events go off in a safe, triumphant and respectful manner. As the pandemic continues to evolve, there is a strong chance some of these protocols will too. We promise to communicate any changes via email, social media and our website – but it is ultimately your responsibility to read, understand and follow the full list. We have friendly community based events. Politics has no place here in relation to these rules. Our ability to hold these races is contingent on following these safety rules to be put into place. If you do not wish to abide by the rules you will be asked to leave the venue. This is a chance for all of us to get off social media, enjoy the mountains and challenge ourselves. We can accomplish this if we’re able to trust everyone is following county health guidelines. Here is a summary of the main points:

• ALL participants (runners & volunteers) are required to: sign a COVID-specific waiver
• Wear a mask at all times, except when 1) running 2) eating/drinking
• Limited Menu & Service at Aid Stations
• Crew and Spectators Strongly Discouraged
• Modified Awards Ceremony
• Wave Starts 

We couldn’t be more excited to see you all out there in September. Happy running and riding!