Rat Race: Phoenix to Vegas Cheap Bike Challenge

Admin // May 28, 2025

Day 1 has arrived, and the clock is ticking! With just one day to find, inspect, and buy all three bikes, the crew has no time to waste. Come along as they scour the used motorcycle market of Phoenix to find three worthy bikes that won’t put them over their $1000 budget and that will become the stars of the newest cheap-bike challenge.

The bikes have been acquired! But they aren’t great—they need some serious attention if they are going to make it on the trip from Phoenix to Las Vegas. On day 2, the crew goes through each bike and down their checklist of must-do fixes to make sure the most critical maintenance issues and hazards are addressed. With a fair amount of wrenching and ingenuity, can they get the bikes in shape on time?

As the first day of the 500-mile ride dawns, the crew heads out with their hodgepodge of bikes that were clearly not made for what they are about to be subjected to. The route is beautiful, but once they take to the dirt, the bikes start to reveal the effects from years of neglect. Will creativity and trailside innovation be enough to help them make it to their first campsite?

Starting the day at a hard-fought 150 miles into their 500-mile journey, the crew is facing even more treacherous terrain in the new day ahead. With sand, rocks, steep climbs, ever-increasing issues, and delays, their skills and patience are put to the test. After a short night’s rest in Kingman, AZ, the final day arrives. Can the tired, broken bikes and exhausted crew push through the last grueling day, make it to Vegas, and cruise the Strip before giving out?