[theBreeze]

I am starting to think about my training goals for next year. It would be really nice to find some events I have never done before. Primarily road events, but I would consider some easier mountain bike event. My experience includes centuries, double centuries, 24 hour mtn bike races (on a team) and multiday touring.

New Mexico, Colorado, Arizona, Utah all under consideration.

All ready done: SF Century, Enchanted Circle, White Sands Century, Tour de Tucson, Iron Horse Classic, Durango 100, 24 Hrs in the Old Pueblo, Bike Tour of Colorado (twice).

So what you got??

 

[My Own Private Idaho]

I like the Magic Circle ride in Wilcox. Its smaller, and only 66 miles, but well-run. Great scenery! It is the Saturday before Labor Day in Wilcox AZ.

 

[azpeterb]

I've done the Taylor House Ride (a century) in Flagstaff, AZ a couple times. It's held in July but with the high elevation there, the temps are quite nice. The last time I did it (2005) they changed the route and it was pretty tough...lots of climbing and I struggled a bit with the elevation. But if you handled the high elevations in the rides you listed (especially Durango) without any trouble, you'll do fine in Flagstaff. Support for the ride was nice, and my only complaint was having to ride on the shoulder of an interstate highway for a stretch...but maybe they've changed the route since then.

 

[theBreeze]

Cool! Thanks. Haven't heard of either one of those.

Have ridden a fair amount around Wilcox. I imagine that it heads down toward Chiricahua and then around somewhere??

Flagstaff in July would be great. I could even take the train back and forth from Santa Fe and skip driving altogether.

 

[terry b]

Marcie - I did this one a few years back, prior to my exile.

It was nice and once I'm back I plan to make it a regular.

Buffalo Bicycle Classic.com/

 

[theBreeze]

Nice thanks terry. I'm a Buff too. Alumnus that is.

 

[spookyload]

I'll make you another offer. Come do the Fleche Wallone or Amstel Gold here in Europe. You are welcome to our guest bedroom prior to the ride, and it is a once in a lifetime chance to ride the courses the pros will race the next day. I am planning on doing one of the events, but not sure which one. I live in Western Germany so both are easy drives to get to the event. You can do all or portions of the race course. I am hoping to have the fitness to do the full length Fleche Wallone, but that will depend on how sever the winter is in Germany this year. Same offer goes out to any of my other New Mexico bretheren. My offer is free lodging and transportation to the event. Probably some decent tour guide work in Germany too.

 

[Waves77]

Tour de Phoenix is quite nice (around 72 miles if I recall correctly). It's in February.

 

[My Own Private Idaho]

Have ridden a fair amount around Wilcox. I imagine that it heads down toward Chiricahua and then around somewhere??

You got it, except its an out and back ride.

 

[MJCBH]

2 great mountainous rides in Utah from 160-200 miles...
RANATAD (hosted by local ski resort sundance usually in July) - climb over 2 HC climbs
Desperadodual.com - double century in southern utah

Done the Tour of Tucson - ok ride, going to do Santa Barbara century and Tour of Scotsdale for first time this year