Showdown at the Arroyo XC MTB Race

The Showdown at the Arroyo is an annual cross-country mountain bike race, hosted at Harlingen Arroyo Park and the Harlingen Arroyo Trails, an almost 10-mile, primitive, off-road, singletrack trail along the embankments of the Arroyo Colorado. SATA is part of the Texas Mountain Bike Association’s (TMBRA) fall Texas Cup Series and is the only race south of San Antonio and Houston.

2025 – Showdown at the Arroyo IV

Facebook Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/share/171XErxhm9/

TMBRA Event Page: https://www.tmbra.org/wp/events/showndown-at-the-arroyo/

Anticipated race laps for the Bicycle World RGV and VORBA Present: Showdown at the Arroyo IV – XC Mountain Bike Race. You can use the Strava app to navigate the course, or download the .TCX or .GPX file to your cycling computer.

The Harlingen Arroyo Trails are seven segments connected by the paved hike ‘n bike trail and several wood bridges. Many people are surprised at the elevation and technicality of our course, which was built by hand by our trail builders and volunteers. You will start and finish the race in the open field at Arroyo Park. Here is the order of trail segments you will race:

Recluse: a 1-mile mix of tight singletrack, a rollercoaster series of drops and climbs that will spit you out onto the first bridge crossing (two-way). The following paved hike ‘n bike section is great for passing, before you get to the next segment.

Six Shooter Junction: another 1-mile segment after the second bridge crossing (one-way) that kicks off with a climb and a fun left-hander drop. The exit to the section is a fast downhill back to the paved hike ‘n bike.

Six Shooter Deluxe: after a short ride on the paved hike ‘n bike, you will turn left and drop down to the lower shelf of the Arroyo Colorado and race this flowy section that goes along the river’s edge. Some great places to pass your competitors, before crossing the third bridge (one-way) and the big climb.

Kimbriel Climb (Up and At ‘Em): short .1/2 mile segment after taking a right after the third bridge crossing, riding along the Arroyo then hitting a 1% grade climb (46 feet). This section connects to the CB Wood.

CB Wood: another tight and flowy singletrack section along the edge of the cliffside above the Arroyo Colorado. Watch out for the short and punchy left hand climb at the beginning. This section will drop you down along the Dragon’s Back.

Dragon’s Back: After taking a stair step drop with a catch berm on the bottom, you will fly across the embankment of the Arroyo Colorado in a fast and flowy section, which includes a few optional tabletops that will connect you to the Thicket. Another good passing segment between the features.

The Thicket: a 2-mile segment of tight singletrack, a few small bridges and water crossings, and several short and punchy climbs. The last portion of this segment is on some wide gravel pathways, with a fast downhill section to take you to the fourth and final bridge crossing (two-way).

Henry Roberts Loop: at 2.5 miles, HRL is the biggest segment of the course. You will climb up the paved hike ‘n bike back to Arroyo Park, then enter HRL under the overpass bridge. HRL is a mix of tight singletrack, several drops and punchy climbs, and ends with the challenging “Rick’s Revenge” section that will challenge your technical prowess. You will come back down to the paved hike ‘n bike, then climb back up to Arroyo Park, ride the overpass bridge that will spit you back onto the open field to the finish line.

Pro/Cat 1/2/3/SS/eMTB – 9 mile lap

https://www.strava.com/routes/3408173855856778382

Juniors 10-12U – 1 mile lap

Junior Boys/Girls 10U – 2 laps

Junior Boys/Girls 11-12 – 4 laps

https://www.strava.com/routes/3408177187536519020

Alternate Race Lap (If Trails are Muddy) – 8.79 mile lap

https://www.strava.com/routes/3144655521033397466

Course Highlights Video: