Dawn to Dusk is a timed endurance race — the goal is to lap as many miles as possible between sunrise and sunset. Zia Rides runs a tight, festive ship here: this is a proper race, but the vibe at the staging area is full party, with live music, food trucks, vendors, and a beer garden keeping things lively for however long you're still turning pedals (or done turning them).
McDowell Mountain Regional Park sits on the northeastern edge of the Phoenix metro, and the trails here earn their reputation — fast, flowy, and punchy in all the right places. December in the Sonoran Desert means crisp mornings, blue skies, and temperatures that make you remember why people move to Arizona. The Four Peaks Staging Area is a solid home base with the namesake mountains looming on the horizon.
This one sells out — Zia Rides says so explicitly, and they'd know. Get your registration in early if you want a spot.