Long Distance Competition/Ultracycling, Randonneuring and Endurance Cycling - Enchanted circle century - New Mexico - Spot wanted

Whoops - nevermind on the request for a spot wanted. I found out how to register. Duh.

Can't wait to try this century. Lots and lots of climbing. Amazing scenery. Mild to cool weather. Doesn't get any better than that. ::nod::

so, anyone done this?

i just did my first century and am looking for the next. my cavalier approach to "training" for solvang made for a rewarding but long day. this one on the horizon, with promise of climbing and no telling about the weather, will threaten me into serious preparation.

thanks for any feedback about this ride.

I did a segment of that route - Angelfire toTaos - on a MTB after riding the South Boundary Trail. Traffic was a little sketchy, with drivers coming around blind curves at speed. I hope they have some level of traffic control, or at least awareness for the event. Beautiful country, that.

I did a segment of that route - Angelfire toTaos - on a MTB after riding the South Boundary Trail. Traffic was a little sketchy, with drivers coming around blind curves at speed. I hope they have some level of traffic control, or at least awareness for the event. Beautiful country, that.

No traffic control, other then the start at Red River...i have been honked at and cursed....but it is one hell of a ride!

so, anyone done this?
Yes, 13 times and I ride the area frequently. The event used to be held on Sunday, but the past two years they have had it on Sat. The traffic is somewhat worse because of that. It pays to be a faster rider and get through Taos and to the Taos Canyon section earlier in the day. The traffic control is sketchy at best, and usually non-existent, although just a couple years ago, they had MC cops cruising up and down the canyon keeping cyclists and motorists in line. A couple other times they have had a cop at the intersection in Questa which was a real plus because you must make a left turn onto a highway at the top of hill and the intersection is controlled with a traffic signal. Pay attention to the cue sheet and make sure you make the turn in Taos near the Plaza, it like all other turns on the route, are usually unmarked.

The ride is challenging and scenic. Here is a map http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Enchanted-Circle-Century. The total elevation gain is 7,000' with the lowest el around 6800' and the highest 9800'. The hard part of this ride is the last climb (Bobcat Pass) which begins at 90 miles and is 5 miles in length. It starts gently for 2.5 miles then kicks up for the final 2.5. Total el of the climb is about 1100' with about 750' in the last 2.3 miles. It should also be noted that the Taos Canyon climb, though more gentle in all respects (6900' to 9200'), is 19 miles in length.

Zagnut