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EL MALPAIS
April 26, 2008 Start Time - 6:00AM
This brevet is
a long loop that starts and ends in Grants, NM. We chose this route for the remote and scenic countryside. The
route passes through El Malpais National Monument which is one of the largest lava flows in the U.S., El Morro National
Monument, the tribal lands of the Ramah Navajo and Zuni Pueblo, the North Plains, while crossing the Continental Divide twice.
The finish is along the Sandstone Bluffs with a direct view of La Ventana Arch in the Narrows and volcanic Mt. Taylor.
The route is entirely above 6400', but never higher than 8000'. There is approximately 5200'
elevation gain for the 194 miles and most of that is in the beginning in a long gradual climb to the Continental Divide.
There are no particularly steep climbs and the finish is mostly downhill and should have a tailwind on most days with a setting
sun behind saturating the colors of the bluffs for the later finishers.
Traffic is minimal and and the road surfaces
are good throughout the ride. There are few services along the way, so we will have food and water available as well
as drop bag (small) service at miles 55 and 114. Please stock things that you are used to eating and drinking
as endurance events are not the time to experiment. Having said this, it is courteous to buy something at the checkpoints
if the businesses are open and you want to use their restrooms. You may not want to eat or drink it is just then, but
put it in your bag for later consumption.
This will be a relatively
fast 300k due to the moderate amount of climb for the distance. The fastest riders will complete the loop in less than
10 hours and nearly all riders will be in before sunset as we start at 6:00 AM. However, if you feel that you are at all close
to not being able to finish this in the allowable time, please bring lights and reflective gear. The traffic at the
finish will be light, but the drivers here don't see too many riders, except for crazy people like us. Modern super-LED
lights are light weight and bright enough to keep speed. They are hedge against unexpected events. Most experienced
randonneurs carry a few extra things that one might not during a race where one has continuous sag. Cell phone reception is
not available on all parts of the ride, so don't count on it as the assured failsafe. *A final note regarding light -
there will not even be any moonlight to help you out as it will be rising too late. The ride starts and ends in the parking lot of Days Inn/Holiday Inn Express. Please be
ready and checked in 15 before the event so that we may have a briefing on the current course conditions, weather, and your
fellow riders.
Registration Form - '08
Accident Waiver Form
Registered Riders
Grants 300km Elevation Graph
Check the Weather! Type in Zip Code 87020.
Map of Route
Google Map of General Area
Places to See/Things to Do
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