Greetings all; We are less than three weeks out from the 1st Annual Valles Caldera PyroClassic Mtn Bike Race.  We have mapped out and ridden the 3 courses and generated course descriptions (attached here).    The descriptions and course topo maps as well as other race details are available at the NM Sports On-line registration site: https://www.newmexicosportsonline.com/MountainBiking/1st-Annual-Valles-Caldera-PyroClassic-2014/722

 If you want to pre-ride the course(s),  the VCNP  is open for biking Friday through Monday every week.  They charge a $10  activity/entrance  fee.    We have done some preliminary marking of the course with blue Shimano flagging so with these resources you should be able to do the courses right now.  -although we are finding that wildlife seem to like to chew on flagging so some may be missing.    All categories/courses have the same starting point, commonly called the Bull Barn.  If you go up to ride them, stop at the staging area/visitor center to check in.  >From there you can either ride to the Bull Barn, 3 miles, to start  the course or VCNP staff will give you a van ride out there (they have bike racks on their vans).  We have decided to run the SS's on the intermediate course.   If you do, we would love to get your feedback on ease of route finding, etc.  A word of caution; we have seen a mama bear and her cubs around the last 5 miles of the course so just be aware of your surroundings as you ride.  Should not be a problem but keep your eyes open.  And on that same note, elk are very common on the course, mostly the last 8 miles (common to all three courses) so again, be aware of your surroundings as you ride. 

 

Camping will be available at the race staging area for a fee.  Go to the Los Amigos De Valles Caldera site for more details: http://losamigosdevallescaldera.org/ 

And for more info on the Valles Caldera National Preserve:  http://www.vallescaldera.gov/index.aspx