Grassroots gravel event in Arizona high desert. By Shendo Cat Racing.
Reputation: Small regional Arizona event.
[01]
Course Overview
Central Arizona high desert gravel in Chino Valley.
63 mi
Distance
3,600 ft
Elevation
Chino Valley, Arizona
Location
October 17, 2026
Date
~50
Field Size
$60-90
Entry Cost
Facts & History
[03]
The Course
Photo: YouTube / Stephen Schaefer
Photo: YouTube / Stephen SchaeferHigh desert gravel through Arizona grasslands.
Signature challenge: Arizona high desert heat and sun exposure.
SURFACE COMPOSITION
overall
gravel 60%pavement 40%
20
MILE
Desert Rolling
Rolling terrain in desert.
40
MILE
Midpoint
Halfway through desert.
55
MILE
Final Stretch
Last miles to finish.
RIDERS REPORT
HC road climb
Long HC category road climb that comes right in the middle of the race, though it didn't end up being very decisive in this edition.
First descent after high point
Poor visibility descent due to dust thrown up in dry conditions combined with sunrise glare, making it difficult to see. Non-technical but straight with a few kickers.
Roads have recently been regraded. Initial portion features low gradient climbing, mostly 1 to 2% grades.
Dry and dusty conditions with a lot of dust thrown up in the air, creating visibility issues especially during sunrise.
[04]
From the Field
At 107 miles and 8,400' of climbing, Chino is an attritional 5 hr+ race that is as much a test of one's will to keep pushing as it is a test of one's legs. Start temperatures were a little below 40° at the start, so pretty nippy, but things really warmed up pretty quick once we got moving and once the sun rose.
Stephen Schaefer · 156 views
One of the really defining features of this race is the long HC road climb that comes right in the middle of the race. I really made a point out of making sure that I was going to attack and be the first one up over the first high point so I could take the descent at my speed with a clean line and with clean vision.
Stephen Schaefer · 156 views
Coffee truck opens at 5:00. Line up around 8 and start at 8:15. Slept decent car camping, no worse than at home.
Knitter by Day, Cage Fighter by Night · 79 views
The 20ish mile distance was the perfect distance for me. Things I did well include how I carb loaded and hydrated, though maybe overhydrated since I stopped to pee at the halfway point.
Knitter by Day, Cage Fighter by Night · 79 views
RACER
Racer Reviews
Raced Chino Grinder? Be the first to rate it.
[07]
Training
October 17, 2026 CHINO GRINDER
RIDERS REPORT
Understanding the appeal of investing in a gravel bike now because of hand soreness from regular bike.
[08]
Train for Chino Grinder
RACE DEMAND PROFILE
Durability
2
Climbing
4
VO2 Power
2
Threshold
5
Technical
4
Heat
1
Altitude
6
Race Specificity
5
FREE
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[09]
Race Logistics
Airport
Phoenix (PHX) 2 hours
Lodging
Chino Valley has basic lodging. Prescott (nearby) has more options.
Food
Small town with minimal dining. Bring your own.
Packet Pickup
Race morning
Parking
At start/finish
RIDERS REPORT
Attack and be first over the first high point to take the descent at your own speed with clean line and vision, especially important in dusty conditions with poor visibility.
Start temperatures were below 40 degrees but warm up quickly once moving and once sun rises.
[10]
Tire Picks
38mmMIXED
1
Specialized Pathfinder Pro
Fast center, grippy edges. The modern all-rounder benchmark.
2
Vittoria Terreno Mix
Graphene versatility. Mixed-terrain grip with reasonable rolling speed.
3
Continental Terra Trail
excellent wet grip
FRONT/REAR SPLIT Rene Herse Snoqualmie Pass 44mm / Specialized Pathfinder Pro 38mmFaster front for reduced rolling resistance on straights, grippier rear for traction on loose climbs and corners
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Similar Races
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the climate like at Chino Grinder?
Historical weather data shows average highs of 76°F and lows of 47°F, with a 10% chance of rain on any given day. Danielle Goold got hammered by sudden hail and freezing rain that turned the dirt into 'a mud pit full of red clay' where she felt like 'swimming through the mud.' Nicole Duke faced desert conditions where 'the wind was sucking all the water out of us faster than we could replenish.' October weather can swing from perfect to punishing without warning. Similar climate challenges to SBT GRVL. "Just finishing the @EpicGravelRides Chino Grinder is an accomplishment. 106 miles. Hot. Windy. TOUGH."[5]
How are the logistics for Chino Grinder?
Ryan Goold had to scramble for a bike fit at 'World Famous Flat Tire Bike Shop' just before the race, suggesting minimal pre-race guidance. The 'NO REFUNDS, NO DEFERRALS' policy with $25 transfer fees signals bare-bones customer service. Basic amenities exist at Chino Valley Community Center, but you're largely on your own for preparation.[8]
How adventurous is Chino Grinder?
Danielle Goold was 'so happy during this section of the race' with 'beautiful scenery, big blue skies, red rocks in the distance and views of the Verde Valley.' The route follows the Overland Historic Road Trail from 1000 AD, but the adventure comes from Arizona high desert views rather than technical challenges or dramatic terrain changes.[1]
How prestigious is Chino Grinder?
Ben Berden declared it 'one of the hardest races he had ever done' after finishing seventh, and Jamey Driscoll won by 14 minutes in the 2014 edition. However, documented elite participation remains sparse across the race's decade-plus history. Being Arizona's longest-running gravel grinder since 2014 carries regional significance but limited national recognition.[3]
Should I race Chino Grinder?
Only if you're in Arizona or seeking desert gravel. Not worth traveling far for.
[11]
Sources & Citations
Research sources used to build this race profile. Always verify details with official race sources before making travel or registration decisions.
- Route Maps RideWithGPS: 2023 Chino Grinder Half Grind 60ridewithgps.com/routes/44452406
- Other Sources Azgravelridesazgravelrides.com/blog/category/chino-grinder/
- Other Sources Gooldsgonewildgooldsgonewild.com/2016/05/10/chino-grinder-race-report-a...
- Other Sources Bikesignupwww.bikesignup.com/Race/AZ/ChinoValley/ChinoGrinder
- Media & Press CX Magazinewww.cxmagazine.com/riding-spy-chino-grinder-nicole-duke
- Other Sources Granfondoguidewww.granfondoguide.com/Events/Index/5163/chino-grinder
- Other Sources Racecenterwww.racecenter.com/cycling/chino-grinder
- Community Redditwww.reddit.com/r/gravelbike/comments/1745hg1/chino_grinder/
- Community Redditwww.reddit.com/r/gravelgrinder/comments/8f82n6/chino_grin...
- Community reddit.com: Hardest Ride Of My Life Grail Was Flawlesswww.reddit.com/r/CanyonBikes/comments/xnpv8n/hardest_ride...