Hello all,

As like many of you, I was saddened to learn of the cancellation this year of The Enchanted Circle Century due to road construction. HOWEVER, you need not worry that you have lost all chances to race in the mountains over the summer because Gran Fondo Cloudcroft is just under two weeks away. Registration is live at www.bikereg.com/granfondocloudcroft 

 

There are three distances to choose from-Gran, Medio, and Petite-all situated in the Sacramento mountains. NM state police will escort riders east out Cloudcroft on Highway 82 for 18 miles before turning riders on to NM 130. After 20 miles of rolling mountain scenery, all distances turn left on to the Sunspot Highway and travel to various turn around points on the course before all riders finish at the top of Upper Karr Canyon. There will be three fully stocked aid stations (Skratch labs hydration mix, bananas, etc), full SAG support, and chip timing for instant results. Awards will be given out to the top female and male finishers in all distances for both under 40 and over 40 riders AND we will be doing podiums for age groups as well. Oh and the awards ceremony will be at the Cloudcroft Brewing Company, where the pizza is amazing and, they say, beer tastes better in the mountains. We have discounted hotels for those wanting to come in on Friday night in both Cloudcroft (there are still a few rooms available at the Lodge in Cloudcroft for only $99) and Alamogordo. 

 

It's 4th of July weekend and there is plenty to do in the Village of Cloudcroft all day on Saturday. Take advantage of your only chance to race a road bike in New Mexico all summer and escape the heat.

 

Eric Collins

Zia Velo Cycling