Like to bike? Mesa is the place to be this weekend
Cyclomesa
The weekend starts with a fast-paced bike race Friday night called El Tour Criterium, with live entertainment, beer garden, food and vendors. The fun continues Saturday and Sunday with a zip line, bungee trampolines, a rock wall, BMX Freestyle shows, tailgating, vendors, food, lots of inflatables and a custom-bicycle competition. Kids can participate in the bicycle rodeo and receive a helmet and safety lesson. Details: April 10-12. 4 p.m.-11 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Mesa Convention Center, 263 N. Center St. Free. 480-890-2613, cyclomesa.com. Mesa celebration. Proceeds benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Phoenix Children’s Hospital and Uphill Into the Wind. Details: 6:15 a.m.-1 p.m. (72-mile course); 8:15-1 p.m. a.m. (28-mile course); 11 a.m.-1 p.m. (11- and 6-mile courses). Saturday, April 11. Various starting locations in Mesa for each race. 520-745-2033, perimeterbicycling.com/ el-tour-de-mesa/.
Wild West Run Half Marathon/10K/5K
Cinch up the running (or walking) shoes, pull down your hat and get your giddyap on through Arizona’s (real) most Western town, Wickenburg. Awards for top age-group finishers among men and women folk. Details: 7 a.m. Saturday, April 11. Sunset Park, 3020 W. Wickenburg Way. $30-$40, depending on race. 928-6680109, wickenburgswildwestrun.com. Arizona event offers races that range from a couple of laps around a short course for newbies to a 3.5-hour marathon ride on a 5-mile loop for serious dirt busters. It all takes place within the confines of Fort Huachuca, the U.S. Army installation near Sierra Vista. Details: 7:15 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, April 11. 556 Auger Ave. $20-$55, depending on age and event. 480442-4229. mbaa.net/racing/3-sierravista-foray-at-the-fort.
Lake Pleasant Paddle Fest
Try out canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddleboats while enjoying the warm April weather on the lake. Contests, games, live music, clinics and demonstrations are just some of the planned activities. Vendor booths will be on hand with information and items for sale. Details: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, April 11. Lake Pleasant Regional Park (Fireman’s Cove), 41835 N. Castle Hot Springs Road, Morristown. $6 per vehicle. 928-501-1710, maricopa.gov/ parks/lake_pleasant/EventsDetailPublishers.aspx.