Register NOW for the 2026 Belgian Waffle Ride Arizona
The Fourth Annual BWR Arizona, known as the Hell of the North Desert takes place next February 27-28, 2026. Places limited, so register now to secure a place.
The 2026 Belgian Waffle Ride Arizona takes place February 27–28, 2026 in Cave Creek, AZ. It’s the fourth annual edition, nicknamed the “Hell of the North Desert,” and serves as the opening round of the Quad-Tripel Crown of Gravel Series.
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.
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 breath-taking 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.
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 well-trained professional gavellers by its finale – a series of steep, paved climbs with pitches of 20%.
What Makes 2026 BWR Arizona Unique?
- Terrain: Desert gravel, rocky climbs, sandy washes, and paved connectors – highly dynamic and technical
- Community: Vibrant cycling culture in Cave Creek, with festival atmosphere and Belgian-inspired food/beer
- Timing: Early-season race, perfect for riders targeting a full gravel calendar, a dream early season destination
2026 BWR Arizona Event Overview
- Location: Cave Creek, Arizona – desert and mountain terrain on the edge of the Valley of the Sun
- Expo Date - Saturday, February 27, 2026
- Race Date – Sunday February 28, 2026 at 7:30 am
- Edition: Fourth annual BWR Arizona
- Series: First stop of the Quad-Tripel Crown of Gravel (followed by California, Utah, Montana)
- Nickname: Hell of the North Desert – a nod to the brutal mix of sand, rock, and climbs
2026 BWR Arizona UnRoad Expo
The BWR Arizona weekend kicks off with the two-day Unroad Expo on Saturday, February 27, 2026, the ultimate celebration of cycling culture. Expect waffles hot off the iron, Belgian ales cold as sin, live music, vendors showcasing the latest gear, and families feasting on the spectacle.
It’s as much a party as it is a pilgrimage.
2026 BWR Arizona Race Format
- Waffle (long course): ~100–112 miles of mixed gravel and road
- Wafer (medium course): 65-75 miles shorter but still challenging
- Wanna (short course): 30-40 miles entry-level option
- Categories: Elite, age group, single speed, tandem, and Quad-Tripel Crown competition
- Prizes: Cash purses and series points toward the Crown, H2O Audio Premium Headphones
- New courses, more unroadworthy, less sand
- Up to 3 Queen/King of the Mountain segments
- Up to 3 Queen/King of the Dirt segments
- Up to 3 Queen/King of the Sprint segments
- Up to 5 Feed Zones
2026 BWR Arizona 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
- Race Number and RFID Tag (for official finishing time)
- Fully marked course with traffic control
- Stocked aid stations
- 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
- Official BWR t-shirts and branded gear will be available at registration and the Mumu booth inside the Expo.
2026 BWR Arizona Prizes and Awards
- Podium Recognition for the Top 3 in each age category for Waffle & Wafer, and Top 5 Overall
- Pro and age group awards
- Prize money for Quad-Tripel Crown
- Prize Purse for Pros
Category Competition:
- GC (overall General Classification winner/yellow jersey)
- Attaquer Award - most aggressive
- King/Queen of the Mountain
- King/Queen of the Sprint
- King/Queen of the Dirt
- Hardman/Hardwoman (strongest contributor/blue jersey)
- kUDOs Jersey (awarded to the rider(s) who is considered the most spirited, positive and happy rider, named in honor Udo Heinz/orange jersey)
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.
Age Group Categories: 18 & under, 19-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69
Last year’s 3rd edition, saw three-time Life Time Grand Prix champion Keegan Swenson add another accolade to his impressive career, crossing the finish line in a remarkable time of 5 hours, 21 minutes, and 56 seconds. Swenson found himself in a nail-biting contest with fellow competitor Russell Finsterwald, ultimately clinching victory by a mere three seconds. Andrew L’esperance rounded out the podium in third place, showcasing the fierce competition that defines the BWR series.
In the elite women’s field, Sofia Gomez Villafañe, who has dominated the last two Life Time Grand Prix seasons, displayed her prowess with a commanding performance claiming her 3rd title at BWR Arizona. She finished over twenty minutes ahead of second-place rider Courtney Sherwell, with Cecile Lejeune completing the podium. Villafañe’s victory reinforces her status as one of the leading figures in gravel racing.
For your bike shop needs or shipping your bike to Cave Creek please contact:
Flat Tire Bike Shop - 6032 E Cave Creek Rd, Cave Creek, AZ 85331 | (480) 488-5261
Grind and Gears - 10 Easy St, Carefree, AZ 85377 | (480) 488-7981
McDowell Mountain Cycles/Fountain Hills Bikes - 11879 N Saguaro Blvd | (480) 272-8741
REGISTER NOW TO SECURE A PLACE
The 3rd edition SOLD OUT in advance, there are only 1,000 places available, so register NOW to secure a place!
For more information, please visit: https://www.belgianwaffleride.bike/pages/belgian-waffle-ride-az or click the button below to register now.
WHY THE QUAD-TRIPEL CROWN?
Because this is our coup de maître—the masterwork of gravel mayhem. A four-chapter saga of grit, glory, and gastronomy that will test your legs, lungs, and love for the ride. Three races to complete the story. One crown to claim your legend. Waffles, beer, and eternal bragging rights await. So tighten your cleats, whisper a prayer, and let Freddy Merckxury lead you into the unroad unknown.
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.
Make your mark on the 2026 Quad-Tripel Crown of Gravel!
2026 BELGIAN WAFFLE RIDE SERIES CALENDAR
| Date | Event | Location | Distances | Registration Link |
| February 27 - 28, 2026 | BWR Arizona | Cave Creek, AZ | 27, 79, 122 miles |
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| May 2, 2026 | Belgian Waffle Ride Gran RoadieOh | Del Mar Polo Fields, CA | 31, 62, 100 miles |
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| May 2 - 3, 2026 | 15th Annual Belgian Waffle Ride California | Del Mar Polo Fields, CA | 35, 70, 110 miles |
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| Jun 12 - 13, 2026 | Belgian Waffle Ride Utah | Cedar City, UT | 40, 63, 100 miles |
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| Jun 19 - 20, 2026 | Belgian Waffle Ride Montana | Bozeman, MT | 30, 70, 120 miles |
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| November 21 - 22, 2026 | BWR Mexico | Queretaro, Mexico | 31, 62, 112 miles |
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