Half-Century Ride
About the Half-Century
This ride is great for cyclists of moderate ability. If you have done some 20-25 mile rides, you might surprise yourself at your ability to now do a Half-Century! The camaraderie and support of the other cyclists will encourage you. Many riders are occasional weekend cyclists. But because it is 50 miles and does require some endurance, doing some training rides prior to the event will add to your confidence and ability. The total elevation gain is 2,921 feet. A large part of the ride is on rural roads with little car traffic. There are rolling hills and glorious picturesque views, like scenes from old western movies. It also includes a rest stop in the charming historic village of Galisteo, where the locals turn out to offer their support at the Galisteo food stop.
Finishers in every category will receive a commemorative finisher’s medal, earn yours in 2024!
The Route
From the Railyard, City of Santa Fe Police will guide riders out of town in a mass start style at 8am, heading east on Paseo de Peralta then turning right onto Old Santa Fe Trail. From Old Santa Fe Trail the route makes its way to Rabbit Rd. and to NM HWY 14. Riders will head south on HWY 14 for 14 miles before turning left onto Camino Los Abuelos/42. Enjoy the rolling terrain and beautiful views before the Galisteo food stop. Turn left on US Highway 285 and start your climb back into Santa Fe. The last food stop is in the Cafe Fina parking lot at the intersection of HWY 285 and Old Las Vegas HWY.
The Finish
From HWY 285, riders will head North on Old Las Vegas Hwy and turn right on Old Pecos Trail at the traffic light and then make another right a mile later to stay on Old Pecos Trail. Old Pecos Trail will bring riders into town (eventually turning into Old Santa Fe Trail) where it intersects with Paseo de Peralta. When riders turn left onto Paseo de Peralta they may use the entire right lane, which will be closed to cars all the way into the Railyard before turning right onto the finishing straight Chili Line Lane.
Parking
Free parking is available 0.7 miles from the start/finish line at the Joseph M. Montoya and Harold L. Runnels buildings parking lot. The parking lot is located between Cordova Rd. and Alta Vista St. near the South Capital Railrunner station. There is also street parking and a parking garage in the Railyard.
To Be Timed, or Not to Be Timed
The Half-Century and the Medio Fondo follow the same course. Half-Century riders are not timed while Medio Fondo riders are timed and their results recorded. If you wish to ride 50 miles timed, please register for the Medio Fondo.
Start Time
The Half-Century riders have the option to launch in a group or by themselves. We strongly recommend to join the group start at 8:00am, riding out behind the timed Medio Fondo riders. This is a great way to kick off your ride with the fun and energy of the other riders in a safe, escorted group! A police escort in front and behind the entire group of riders will slowly lead the riders for 11 miles until just after the intersection of NM 599 and NM 14. At that point, the escort will pull over and everyone is free to go at their own pace. If you choose not to participate in the 8:00am rollout, please be aware that a group launch will be taking place at that time and plan accordingly.
Gear and Equipment
Each rider needs a multiple gear bike with a low gear for hill climbing in good mechanical condition. A bicycle tune up prior to the event is highly recommended.
Helmets meeting CPSC standards are mandatory. In addition, each cyclist must carry a spare tube, a patch kit, pump or CO2 cartridges and basic tools. This ride is heavily supported with six Food/Hydration Stops. However, each rider should carry extra water.
Course Time
The average moderate rider should allow 4-5 hours to complete the course. The biggest challenge for the 50 mile rider will be Lamy Hill. Located on the return part of the loop about 5 miles from Galisteo, the steepest part is about 1/2 mile long. The moderate rider can probably take the climb in 15 minutes or less. Just keep pedaling!! The course and the start/finish venue close at 5:00pm when the route is swept for any remaining riders.
Food Stops There are 3 Food Stops with snacks, energy drinks, water and more:
Turquoise Trail Fire Department – 15 miles
Galisteo – 23 miles
Cafe Fina- 37 miles
Photographs Rider photos will be taken on HWY 285 just before Lamy Hill.
Registration Fee
August – November – $55
December – January – $65
February – May -$75
Onsite registration May 17th – 19th – $85