FAQ

Bike Builds and Packing Suggestions

The ideal bike build is one that can manage a wide range of terrain, but is not over geared towards a specific one. This route falls squarely into a true “mountain bike” event, and would not be conducive to modern “gravel” bikes. With over 100 miles of single-track, high volume tubeless tires and front suspension would be favorable- a recommended minimum tire size of 2.2.
“Can it be done on a rigid drop-bar?” Yes, but you’ll encounter plenty of rough terrain.
“Can it be done on a full-suspension?” Yes- but there are plenty of smooth gravel miles in between.
“Aero bars?” There are some long straight lines.
No build could be perfect on such a wide variety of terrain, and riders will have to make sacrifices in accordance of what’s important to them.
The route spends a fair amount of time in the high country above 10k feet, as well as lots of time in the high deserts around 5-6k. While the first week of September is an ideal time for mixed terrain travel, be ready for anything from very cold to very hot. The San Luis Valley can be a harsh environment- with next to no shelter, plan accordingly. A suggested water carrying capacity is around 4-8 liters, depending on heat.

Check out Gregg Dunham’s pack list from 2021- he was the first official finisher of New Colo!

Is there an “event window” or a time cutoff?

There is no time cutoff.

On the extreme end of fast a rider, averaging 150-175 miles a day, could complete the route 6-7 days. A more relaxed pace of 100 miles a day would land riders within 10 or 11 days. These would be hard earned miles – due to the variety of terrain, weather, and trail conditions (wind or mud could be a major factor).

There will be several segments of +-100 miles that will be significantly slower and more technically challenging; especially the segments on day 1 to Groundhog Reservoir, the CDT segment near Chama NM, and the trails around the Pagsosa Springs segment.

Check out the planning tool here for more information on resupplies, water, etc. 

Self-Supported Riders & Duo Rules

  • Be overly courteous to all trail users. Just because you are racing does not mean you have right of way! Yield to hikers, equestrians, and uphill bikers.
  • Riders are required to wear helmets.
  • Riders are required to have a minimum of two blinking safety lights on their bike/person.
  • Complete the entire route, under your own power.
  • Follow the GPX track as best you can. Small deviations and side trips are fine. Intentionally skipping part of the route is not okay and will result in disqualification from the official race.
  • If you must deviate substantially from the route for any reason (e.g., medical, mechanical) but wish to continue in the race, then you must return to the point of the course where you deviated.
  • If you are racing in the solo category, you should carry your own gear, food, water, etc.
  • If you are racing in the duo category, you and your partner may share resources.
  • If you are racing in the duo category, you and your partner should stay together for the duration of the race.
  • You may ride with other people, but drafting is not allowed, unless you are in the duo category and it is your partner.
  • Unplanned support from other racers is allowed.
  • Support crews and pacers are not allowed.
  • Visitation by spectators (friends, family) is okay provided the visit is short and no support is provided.
  • Individual caches (food, water, etc) are not allowed.
  • Gas stations, restaurants, hotels, campgrounds, and any other commercial services along the route are fair game as long as they are not pre-arranged.
  • Practice “leave no trace”. In particular, do not litter!
  • Follow all traffic laws. You must use lights when riding at night on any public roads.
  • Unless you can actually see another rider coming behind you, always close a gate you open.
  • These rules apply to every rider. It doesn’t matter if you are leading the race or at the back of the pack.
  • This event event is capped at 75 participants.

Tracking

The event will utilize Trackleaders, providing a live map, elevation profile and other stats that can be used to follow along. Carrying a personal tracker (e.g., SPOT, Garmin InReach) and being tracked by trackleaders is not mandatory but encouraged. Owners of personal trackers can expect to pay $15 to add their own device to Trackleaders. SPOT rentals (approximately $60 for a SPOT Gen3 with 5min tracking service and SOS) will also be available. Tracking signup link will be available about a month before race start.

Check out the route planning tool for some route highlights, along with local bike shops, resupplies, and other route information.

Registration Open

Departing August 30th, 2025

Durango, Colorado

Register here
Registration Waiver
Planning Tool