Centuries in the Southwest
These all all rides we have riden, and reccomend. Some of the information is a bit subjective, but at least one of us has ridden it.
Santa Fe Century
The third Sunday in May. 103 miles, 4600 ft of climbing. The Santa Fe Century has two long gradual climbs, and a half mile of 15% grade, the famous, or maybe infamous "Heartbreak Hill". We reccomend at least a 39/27 for all but the strongest riders. A compact or triple for most. On windy days, the backside of the course, from Stanley to Galisteo, can be heaven or hell, depending on wind direction. The ablity to ride a pace line and echelon can be very useful.santafecentury.com
Triple Bypass
The Second Saturday in July. 120+ miles, 10,000 ft of climbing. Triple has three major passes, Squaw at 11,100 ft, Loveland at 11,990ft, and Vail at 10,600ft. Compact or triple crank for all but the strongest riders. The start is in Bergen Park, finish in Avon, west of Vail. This ride has filled up quickly the last couple years. teamevergreen.org
Durango Century
End of July. 100 miles.4091 ft of climbing. First half, to Farmington, is gradually downhill and fast. A couple of short climbs, then a long gradual uphill to the 90 mile point, then downhill to Durango. No special graring needed. Durango Century
Enchanted Circle Century
The Saturday after Labor Day. 100 miles, aprox 5000 ft of climbing. Bobcat pass has 2 miles of steep climbing, starting at mile point 94. 39/27 or lower gearing is recomended. It can be cold at the start in Red River, and the first 13 miles are fast downhill. The organisers will have a place to leave extra clothing at the first rest stop before Taos. redrivernewmex.com
Acoma Pueblo Century
End of September.95 miles. One steep climb, only a mile long. The rest of the ride is quite fast. Start is at the Sky City Casino. First three men and women get a hand trown pot from pueblo artist, quite cool! Century is run as a semi race. 505-552-7860
El Tour De Tucson
Saturday before Thanksgiving. 109 miles, one steep but short(200M) climb, nothing else leg breaking. The major difficulites are the two dirt sections, that make you think you have entered a Belgian Classic. This is run in a race format, the first ten finishers, male and female, get thier names of the front page of Sunday's paper. If you can keep a pace for six hours, all traffic is stopped. There will be eight to nine thousand riders, with 4000+ in the 109 mile. Lining up early is important, I get there at 5:30. Males finishing in under 5 hours, women under 6 hours are then Platinum, and are seeded near the front the next year. This ride pretty much takes over Tucson for the day.perimeterbicycling.com
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