Biking is serious business. Serious stoke, that is. So if you like to go full throttle, Angel Fire is the place to be.
First, we’ve got Angel Fire Bike Park, voted Best in the Southwest by MTBparks.com for three years in a row. It’s the largest bike park in the Rocky Mountains, with 2,000+ vertical feet and 60+ miles of lift-served terrain. Then we’ve got our Cross Country Trails network, which offers numerous paths in and around town and through National Forest land that suit all levels of ability and needs for adventure. Talk about a treaded slice of heaven.
But who doesn’t like a bit of competition? An opportunity to show what you’re worth? Maybe a chance to do a little extra smack-talking and beer-drinking, while you’re at it? We sure do. That’s why we’ve got almost nonstop bike races, qualifiers and events scheduled from May through October this year. Giving you plenty of opportunities to shred.
So get your bike tuned up, your head in the zone, and your calendar out, because we stole a few moments with in-house Race and Bike Park Director, Hogan Koesis to bring you the down and dirty on what’s ahead.
Fire 5 | Downhill
The premier downhill race series in the Rocky Mountains for amateurs and pros alike, with a distinctly grassroots vibe, Fire 5 is an awesomely affordable race with big prizes at stake. Ride in just one or up to all five, unique races between May 29th and October 8th, 2016.
Highlights:
- Each race will feature a new and challenging downhill track. Expect steep, technical and demanding trails – after all, this is downhill racing, ladies and gents.
- At registration costs of only $30-$55, why wouldn’t you Fire 5? Heck, treat that broke friend of yours to a ticket too.
- Major prize payouts. We’re talking a $10,000 Pro Purse and $10,000 in Amateur Prizes.
- 21+ racers get two beer tickets per race, sponsored by Shock Top & Goose Island IPA, to fuel back up after the grunts, gnarls and grinders.
Scott Enduro Cup | Enduro
Part of a worldwide circuit for enduro racing, this prestigious series is taking over Angel Fire Resort for two sweet days, June 11-12, 2016. Not just for fun, as of this year, all potential Enduro Series Cup racers have to qualify first – and this is one of only two opportunities to qualify. We’re stoked to host it, and you’d be wise not to miss it.
Highlights:
- It’s enduro – downhill meets cross-country meets uphill racing, for the most extreme, cardio-killer riding you’ll ever experience.
- Day one is in the backcountry of Angel Fire’s greenbelt and Kit Carson National Forest for cross-country and uphill racing.
- Day two is for downhill racing through the epic, the thrilling, the one-and-only, Angel Fire Bike Park. (Because the best riders can handle any twist and turn the trail throws at them.)
Chile Challenge | DH, XC, Short Track XC
One of the oldest mountain biking events in the country, the Chile Challenge draws herds of riders and spectators from all over. This multi-day event, from June 23-26, 2016, features tons of prizes, Pro GRT and Pro XCT, and courses made for all skill levels.
Highlights:
- Multi-day event with elite racers from all over the U.S. and thousands of dollars in prizes.
- Angel Fire is the ONLY venue hosting both the USAC Pro GRT and Pro XCT. (As they say, go big or go home.)
- A creative Short Track XC course featuring urban, single track and DH trails.
- The Pro GRT features a pro course and one intermediate course.
South Boundary BigRide | Endurance Series
Arguably the best ride in New Mexico, the South Boundary trail is a 40-mile, high-alpine, aspen-covered forest romp that tops out at nearly 11,000 feet. Perfect as a warm up race for those training for Leadville, or those who just want to race this epic trail. Scheduled for July 30, 2016.
Highlights:
- Mostly singletrack ride from Angel Fire to Taos.
- Shuttle ride back to Angel Fire with after party.
- Totally stunning views and exciting terrain.
- It’s the inaugural race brought to you by Zia Rides – be a part of history.
Gravity Games | Festival
Sick riding, one-of-a-kind races, beer, events, bands, movies – tell your non-biker friends you’re busy this Labor Day weekend. September 2-5, 2016 is the 6th Annual Gravity Games, a big and rowdy gathering of all those who love biking and love fun. Haters need not apply.
Highlights:
- Lots of free events and good, old-fashioned fun to partake in before and after racing.
- A variety of races and competitions that require both adventurous spirit and technical skill to win.
- Loads of great giveaways and prizes from our sponsors.
- The absolute best trail conditions of the season. The team here works hard all summer to make sure our trails are totally topnotch for this event.
-Written by Emily McCaffrey, a partner of Angel Fire Resort
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