Event Description

We love the spirit of the west and this is our homage to an Arizona legend. Bear Howard who was, a bear of a man. At 6’4” it was said he could “whip just about anyone” even in his twilight years. The stories inflated and outgrew the man, but like the extinction of Arizona’s grizzly he so lustily aided, Bear’s end in 1910 marked the end of an era…..until now! In the spirit of adventure and exploration, like Bear Howard himself, we came up with this event to leave you feeling legendary (if only in your own mind). Sure the stories that follow around the campfire will be exaggerated and inflated, fueled by whiskey and grandeur, but we promise you adventure and a good time with this classic loop around Flagstaffs peaks.

For 2022 we have changed up the format a bit by starting and finishing in the town of Flagstaff. It took some time but finally got approval on the course we have been wanting, by adding a challenging out and back climb up Saddle Mountain, north of the Peaks. This added some distance to make it an even century, YOUR WELCOME! We have also added a Bear Cub distance at 50 miles and a little less climbing. All legends start somewhere, who will be Arizona’s next Bear Howard Legend.

Event details and schedule

Aug 6th 7 am is official start.  Details to follow on official start location.

Aug 5th is packet pick-up at Dark Sky Brewing in Flagstaff AZ

Bear Howard 100 mile and 100k distances of primarily gravel roads around N. AZ

You will be parking at Flagstaff High School we will have a specific pin for you in our race communications.

What to bring- Flagstaff is pretty nice in August.  But at 7,000 ft sun screen will be key.  While on course you may experience our infamous monsoons, so maybe a light rain jacket but often tempratures are pleasant and rain may feel good.  

Gravel bike or 29'er mtb.  Ride what you are comfortable with!  If you are on a gravel bike I would suggest nothing less than 700-40c

When you get here, be ready to have a good time!