An Inspired Gravel Training Experience
Your Secret Weapon for the ‘Spring Gravel Classics’
2026 Dates:
February 19-22, 2026
Location: Patagonia, Arizona
Airport: Tucson International Airport
Pricing: $1,200.00 (does not include lodging)
Lodging at The Stage Stop Inn: Additional $600.00
*Upon booking this trip, you’ll receive a ‘welcome packet’ with a more in depth itinerary, what to bring, and a list of suggested hotels & camping suggestions for guests planning to arrive early to Tucson or Patagonia. We do not provide a shuttle from Tucson to Patagonia, but we are here to help you with all logistics to make it as smooth as possible. We have a local shuttle driver here in Patagonia who we work very closely with - or - you can rent a private vehicle. Uber/Lyft does not operate in Patagonia.
What’s included
3 nights/4 days
3 Lunches, 3 Dinners
Bike Mechanical support
Professional cycling guides to assist you with riding techniques & training route navigation
Daily support vehicle w/ ride snacks & hydration
Daily education sessions include:
How to fix your bike if it breaks while on a big ride
How to fuel properly for longer distance rides
Both on and off the bike physical training programs focused on gravel cycling events
A gallery of professional photographs of your trip
Event swag & Merchant Cycles Gravel Jersey
What’s not included
Airfare
Transit to and from Patagonia, Arizona
Lodging (available for an additional $600.00)
Daily Breakfast
Alcohol
Bike rentals
Gratuity for guides
Personal shopping
Optional Trip Add Ons
The Mid South - 100 Mile Registration: $168.00
The Mid South - 50 Mile Registration: $140.00
Spirit World 100 - Distance of Choice: $255.00
The Cyclist’s Menu Gravel Trips:
Arizona Gravel: $2,750.00
Mendocino Gravel: $3,750.00
** You will be able to add these options to your trip balance during the check out process **
What to Expect
Four days of immersive riding, skill-building, and educational sessions designed by folks who live and breathe gravel. Whether you’re targeting your first big race or sharpening your edge for the podium, this camp blends real-world training with community and adventure.
Our home base
Patagonia, AZ, sits tucked between the Santa Rita and Patagonia Mountains — where gravel roads stretch endlessly across ranchlands, rolling hills, and desert vistas. The terrain mimics the legendary Flint Hills of Kansas, making it the perfect place to prepare for spring’s biggest gravel races like The Mid South and UNBOUND Gravel.
Patagonia’s region offers a mix of rugged climbs, chunky descents, and hero dirt — a training ground that pushes and rewards riders. It’s the perfect launch pad for your spring gravel season!
Highlights
4 Guided Gravel Rides exploring the Patagonia region
Training + Skills Sessions focused on bike setup, nutrition, pacing, and recovery
Evening Workshops with industry experts and coaches
Coffee & Conversation each morning with Merchant Cycles at Visitors Coffee Bar inside Patagonia Bikes
Chef-Prepared Meals from The Cyclist Menu kitchen
Optional Add-ons: special event entry pricing to The Mid South, The Spirit World, and The Cyclist’s Menu Gravel Trips
Food
The Cyclist’s Menu team chef, Zander Ault will prepare 2 lunches and 3 dinners during your Training Grounds experience. Meals will be served buffet style, featuring seasonal Arizona fruits, veggies, meats, breads and much more. Each meal will share a story of the season and the travels he's experienced over the course of his 15 years in the business. For those of you who have dietary restrictions, allergies, or specific food needs - please let us know upon booking your trip spot. Chef Zander and The Cyclist’s Menu team will do everything they can to make you feel great, perform at your best, and eat well during your trip in Patagonia, Arizona.
Accommodations
*Lodging is an additional fee.
For those of you who would like to stay in our accommodations for this camp, y’all will stay in the comfort of one of Patagonia’s hotels; The Stage Stop Inn. Located in the heart downtown Patagonia, a cold pool to jump in & within walking distance of everything. This place is a historical gem of Patagonia, and an anchor to the downtown scene.
The Vibe
This training camp isn’t a suffer fest — it’s a confidence-builder. You’ll ride hard, laugh often, and leave ready for whatever your spring calendar has in store. Patagonia’s small-town charm, paired with the hospitality of The Cyclist Menu and the expertise of Merchant Cycles, makes for an unforgettable experience both on and off the bike.
Local Patagonia Businesses
Gathering Grounds - Breakfast, baked goods, coffee
Patagonia Bikes - Bike Shop + Visitors Coffee Espresso Bar
The Quail Covey - Coffee, baked goods, to-go sando’s + salads
Patagonia Trading Post - Local art, books, and gifts of all kinds
Global Arts Gallery - Fine art, clothing, jewelry, and gifts
Red Mountain Foods - Organic grocery store
Patagonia Market - Grocery store items, beer & wine, snack foods, ice
Queen of Cups - Patagonia’s local winery
Wagon Wheel Saloon - Bar + Restaurant
Velvet Elvis - Bar, pizza, salads
Tamales Elisa - Sonoran tacos, tamales, burritos
Patagonia Lumber Company - Craft beer and wine bar, live music venue
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival Day - Thursday, February 19 ‘Shakedown Spin’
20 miles, 1,500 elevation gain
Welcome to Patagonia!
2PM: We will meet for our spin today in Patagonia’s town park. We’ll head out for our 20 mile shakedown ride up Temporal Canyon Road. The purpose of our ride this afternoon is to shake out the travel legs and set the tone for a magical few days together.
*We will have rides guides + a support vehicle on this spin - just in case you need anything or have an issue with your bike.
Tonight we’ll enjoy happy hour with Unbound Gravel Champions - Yuri Hauswald and Kristen Legan - who will share stories of their adventures across Emporia’s Flint Hills.
Dinner with The Cyclist’s Menu team will be served at 6:30PM over looking the Patagonia Mountains.
Day 2 - The Spirit World
48-80 miles, 3,000--6,500 elevation gain
7AM - Patagonia Bikes ‘Visitors Coffee’ will be serving PRESTA COFFEE.
We’ll get up early this morning to hop on our bikes and cruise into the magical San Rafael Valley. We’ll ride along the border of Mexico and enjoy lunch under a massive cottonwood tree in the historical town of Lochiel, AZ. Following lunch, we’ll head through the middle of the San Rafael Valley, at which point shorter or longer distance riders will split off into their chosen courses.
We’ll spend the afternoon soaking up the Arizona sunshine while our professional mechanics teach us how to fix our derailleurs if they break in the middle of a big bike ride.
Dinner with The Cyclist’s Menu team will be served at 6:30PM under the Sky Island stars.
Day 3 - Alto Ghost Town
28-40 miles, 2,200-4,000 elevation gain
7AM - Patagonia Bikes ‘Visitors Coffee’ will be serving PRESTA COFFEE.
This morning we’ll gather together for a bike mechanic class, followed by a light lunch.
Our afternoon will take us on bikes to the historical Alto Ghost Town during the heat of the winter Arizona sunshine.
Happy hour this evening will be held around the fire and dinner with The Cyclist’s Menu team will be served at 6:30PM.
Day 4 - Turner Recovery Loop
14 miles, 1 hour
7AM - Patagonia Bikes ‘Visitors Coffee’ will be serving PRESTA COFFEE .
8:30AM: This is our last morning all together. We’ll head out for our early morning recovery loop before packing up our bikes and gearing up to head home.
For those who aren’t on a strict departure schedule, you’re more than welcome to head out past the Turner Loop for more miles before you leave Patagonia.
12-noon: Wow, that was FUN! Bon Voyage….
Ready to gear up for your big gravel events this year in beautiful Patagonia, Arizona?!
Bike Options
Rent a bike:
We are proudly partnered with Patagonia Bikes for Training Grounds! They have Giant Gravel Bikes for rent: $400/duration of the trip.
Bring your own:
It’s incredible to arrive for this training camp and hop onto your own bike. We highly recommend getting a good bike tune at your local bike shop before using it on this trip. We recommend you ride at least 40c tires (or larger!). Be sure to check your tire sealant before you leave home.
Flying with your bike: This is a great way to travel with your bike these days because a lot of airlines charge a low rate (sometimes as low as only $30!), which is much more affordable than shipping your bike. Our mechanic will build your bike up upon arrival, take care of it throughout the week, and box it up for your flight back home.
Ship your bike: You can ship your bike straight to us via BikeFlights. If you are new to this we recommend dropping your bike off at your local bike shop and have them box it and ship it to us. At the end of our trip, our mechanic will ship it straight back to your shop for them to build back up for you.
If you’re shipping your bike, please send it to:
The Cyclist’s Menu - 62 Redrock Dr. Patagonia, Arizona 85624