ROUTES - 200K - WHITE ROCK

***We have changed the route this year to simplify the course and it also makes the route an exact 200k. The new route is simply an out and back on NM 4 from the White Rock Overlook Park to Jemez Springs (Los Ojos Bar and Grill or Deb's Delights - your choice) with an out and back to the Bandalier NM Visitor's Center (out bound only) and to end of the pavement on NM 126 past Fenton Lake.***

This route traverses the southern half of the 'active' volcanic Jemez Mountain Range. Riders will climb up and over the caldera rim four times to enter and depart the central crater floor, the Valles Caldera National Preserve, the former Valle Grande Ranch. The volcano has been inactive for 50,000 years, but the mountain range has been formed for a million years along the Rio Grande rift. The caldera is fifteen miles across and dominated with the view of Redondo Peak (11,254'). This distinct bowl shaped topography was formed a million years ago when a magma chamber below the surface erupted. When the magma drained, the overlying rock collapsed into the void. This is one of the world's best examples of a volcanic collapse crater. The ride also traverses the Bandelier National Monument and Santa Fe National Forests. The elevations range from 6250' at the start to the eastern rim's 9300' and then eventually back down to 6300' at the turn around on NM 4 in Jemez Springs.

The brevet starts by climbing from the White Rock Overlook Park up to NM 4 where riders will turn left heading west. Riders will drop down into Frijoles Canyon to Checkpoint #2, the Bandilier National Monument Visitor's Center and return to Rt 4. Then the climb continues up the eastern escarpment to the caldera rim and into and across the Valles Caldera National Preserve. A detour is then taken to the north and stays within the caldera by heading up to Fenton Lake and then on up to the Seven Springs Fish Hatchery. This is an out back from La Cueva where riders can resupply at Amanda's Jemez Mountain Country Store at the intersection of NM 4 and NM 126. Amanda's is a central location of the ride as there is the out and back to the fish hatchery and the out and back down through Jemez Springs which is one of NM's most unique places. If you have a chance, catch diner at 'Los Ojos Bar and Grill' on your way to or from the event. It is a truly unique expression of New Mexican culture.

The return is completely on NM 4 until you return to White Rock and then merely following the 'Overlook' signs will get you to the finish line. This is a tough route to be sure and there are several climbs of note. The total elevation gain is over 11,000' and this is spread out throughout the ride, but the finish is down hill for many miles.

As with all NMBS events, the terrain is mainly mountainous or remote backcountry and weather can change dramatically in a short period of time. One of the reasons we chose to hold this event in May is that this is normally a dry period, but don't count on it and be prepared for any weather event to some extent. A short thunderstorm can be dangerous at altitude for the ill-equipped, so come prepared. A little extra weight for layered clothing options can be the difference between enjoying yourself or being downright miserable.