The camping/riding festival that put TORCA on the map, The Pachanga, continues to evolve and this year was no exception. Just like last year, this event included three days of camping and riding. This event was previously open to TORCA members only, but this year’s events were open to EVERYONE. All proceeds benefit mountain bike advocacy and trail maintenance in Southern Arizona. TORCA is a 100% volunteer staffed, 501c3 non-profit that is supported solely on its membership dues, and this annual event is a culmination of its efforts and a celebration of the incredible riding Tucson has to offer!
Freeride Friday, TORCA's on-going weekly shuttle ride, turned into a full on shred fest. Guerrilla Gravity and Rocky Mountain Bicycles sponsored the event, and brought their awesome fleet of new long travel bikes to test out on Tucson's beloved all-mountain trail, Aspen Draw. Shuttles were provided, courtesy of Homegrown Mountain Biking Tours. Afterward, a Welcome Dinner at the group campground offered a delicious Spaghetti Dinner donated by Risky Business restaurant. Oh, and a little fun was had taking some swings at the TORCA burro!
Saturday's events included the original ride that started the Pachanga, The Poker Ride. Riders were shuttled to the top of epic Bug Spring trail, where riders had 5 stops along the way where "Dealers" handed out poker cards. At the end, riders with the best hands chose from a deep pool of prizes donated by some our sport's best companies. Simultaneously, demo bikes were available to all participants from Specialized, Niner, Ibis, Guerrilla Gravity, Trek, Giant, Liv, and Rocky Mountain. Shuttles continued all day long, up and down the mountain, giving riders ample opportunity to ride Mt Lemmon's finest trails and demo the latest and greatest in mountain bikes. As always, our partner Risky Business served up famous Korean Pork Tacos to hungry participants. Saturday's events culminated in an evening game of Corn Hole, sponsored by Five Ten and Ryders Eyewear. This new addition to the festival offered campers and participants an opportunity to make new friends and get a little rowdy. Winners were awarded a free pair of Five Ten shoes.
Several options for Sunday's rides... many chose to take part in the second annual TORCA FUNduro, sponsored by Giant/Liv. This 3 segment, timed stage event took place on the PinkBike "Trailforks Trail of the Month", La Milagrosa. Arguably one of Tucson's most challenging and fun trails, this "race" awards the rider with the most average time, aka the rider who had the most fun. Also acknowledged were the fastest man and fastest woman, Timmy Evens aka "Full Factory" and TORCA supporter Krista Rust. For those who preferred a different scene, demo's continued at the event's main stage as well as a free skills clinic, offered by world famous coach Lindsey Voreis of Ladies AllRide.
The TORCA Pachanga is an exclusive event that happens every fall on Mt Lemmon. If you haven't attended, you're missing one of the finest opportunities in mountain biking to experience new bikes, a supportive and fun atmosphere, camping, great food, prizes, and a rare opportunity to have a fun weekend on the bike while giving back to those who keep our trails running fast and flowy! Thanks to the Sponsors who made this event possible and to the Board of Directors and TORCA Volunteers, this doesn't happen without you. See everyone next year... Cheers!