Whiskey 50 Offroad: Tour de Taco
PRESCOTT, ARIZONA – SPICY STREATS
This year was my third time returning to the Whiskey 50 Offroad in Prescott, Arizona. It is an event that combines so many things I love about mountain biking – great community, an exciting and adventurous course and some very strong elite fields to keep everyone on their toes. After a big week of training, I struggled in the fat tire crit but managed to hang on for 5th place and a front row call up in Sunday’s marathon cross country race.
The course for Sunday’s 50 miler featured some exciting changes over past years, including the addition of significant, technical single track towards the end of the lap. The women’s race stayed together at the front with a strong group of 5 riders heading into the infamous Skull Valley climb which this year featured a roughly six mile relentless climb up to the highest point on the course. From the base, the pace began to lift and I was able to work together with Erin Huck and Catherine Pendrel to begin establishing a small gap. By the last section of the climb, Erin and I were together off the front and took turns pulling hard at the front.
At the top of the climb, I attacked into the single track and found that I got a small gap. I charged hard on the descent and could no longer see my competitors behind me – but knew there was a lot of racing left to be done. One of the most challenging things about this race, and particularly with the new course changes, is the mental task of staying focused and pushing hard for so long without any clear picture of where your competitors are. I was able to keep my foot on the gas and stay away to take my second Whiskey 50 win after just under 4 hours of racing! All this racing definitely works up an appetite…
The Taco Spot: Spicy Streats
Local recommendations from Mile High Middle School students who were clearly in the know brought us to Spicy Streats for some post race refueling. There, I ordered a taco platter which comes with four tacos and the choice of two sides. I elected for one chicken, one steak, one al pastor and an avotaco with a side of elote corn as well as some chips and guacamole. They also provide the option of flour or corn tortillas which is always lovely for a gluten free diner.
The atmosphere was average, but the service was quick and the salsa bar was satisfactory. As for the tacos, the al pastor was most definitely the stand out and I’d honestly recommend just looking no further than that option. Second place for me was the chicken taco followed by the steak. To be honest, the avotaco was a bit of a let down. The real star of the show, however, was the corn. The cheese was delicious and the corn tasted fresh and perfectly roasted so as to maintain a bit of a crunch while still being nice and juicy. Brad would also like to note the deliciousness of the queso dip which he selected as one of his sides. It was homemade, a little spicy and overall a very fun time.
Overall, Spicy Streats was a well branded restaurant with good service and some ingredient highlights but lacked the pizzaz we search for to be seen as an outstanding example of the taco craft. That said, we will definitely be back next time we are Prescott…. Gotta get those tacos!
Tacos: 2/5 for all but the al pastor which gets a 4/5
Ambience: 3/5
Fun Factor: 3/5
Value: 3/5
Overall: 2.5/5
