PP174890 – WDW – Jim Hawkins and Morph – If We Were There! Set 5 – Celebrating 25 Years of Disney Pins 2025 – PinPicsIn the early hours of Saturday, May 16, 2026, 40-year-old Timon Fish clinched victory in the Pinyons and Pines Bikepacking Race in Arizona. He completed the grueling 413-mile course, featuring 40,000 feet of elevation gain, in an impressive time of 1 day, 20 hours, and 47 minutes. (bikepacking.com)
The 2026 edition of Pinyons and Pines presented one of the most demanding courses to date. Riders traversed diverse terrains, from arid deserts to dense ponderosa forests, navigating technical singletrack and rugged jeep trails. The route’s challenges were compounded by extreme temperatures, with midday highs exceeding 90°F, and significant elevation changes that tested both physical endurance and mental fortitude. (bikepacking.com)
Timon’s journey was far from straightforward. He faced early fatigue, contemplating withdrawal after the first five hours due to feeling unwell. However, a fortuitous breakfast burrito in Prescott revitalized him, enabling a resurgence in performance. Mechanical issues, including a broken spoke and a snapped chain, threatened his progress, but timely repairs kept him on course. Notably, he overtook competitors like Rocky Gingg, who suffered a rear hub failure around mile 275. (bikepacking.com)
Jeff Kerkove secured second place, finishing just 13 minutes after Timon with a time of 1 day, 23 hours, and 47 minutes. David Tschan claimed third place in 2 days, 4 hours, and 26 minutes, followed by Alex Schultz in fourth. (bikepacking.com)
In the women’s category, Sarah Didier led overnight but deviated from the course in search of accommodation, allowing Gwen Cameron and Katie Smyth to vie for the lead as they neared the Prescott Circle Trail. Sarah Higgins trailed closely, indicating a dynamic and competitive race among the female participants. (bikepacking.com)
The 2026 Pinyons and Pines race stands as a testament to the resilience and determination of its participants, with Timon Fish’s victory underscoring the spirit of adventure and endurance that defines the sport of bikepacking.