Regulations

New Mexico Singletrack: Rules & Regulations

We keep the spirit high and the rules clear. These guidelines protect you, your fellow riders, the trails, and the communities that welcome us. Please review them carefully so everyone can ride safe, ride strong, and ride fair.

1. Eligibility

Riders must be in good health, experienced with mountain biking and/or endurance events, and prepared for sustained physical effort at altitude.

The minimum age to enter is 15 years.

2. Categories

Riders may choose the Enchantment Route (full distance) or Horizon Route (shorter distance) for the 3-day race.

Solo Categories

  • Elite Men and Women

  • Open Men and Women

  • Non-Binary

  • U20/Student Men and Women
    (E-Bike categories are not currently offered for this event.)

A minimum of 5 entries is required for each category.
Age is calculated as of the first day of the event.
Categories cannot be changed once Stage 1 begins.

3. Withdrawal

If you are unable to continue:

You must notify race officials immediately:

  • At a checkpoint or finish line

  • Via the race office

  • Or by informing a medical team member

Do not rely on another rider to relay your withdrawal — this may initiate search-and-rescue efforts at your expense.
Riders who withdraw will be transported to the finish area when possible.

4. Environment & Land Respect

New Mexico’s trails, landscapes, and cultural sites are precious. Respect them.

  • No littering of gels, wrappers, bottles, or any waste.

  • Penalties for littering:

    • First offense: 2-hour penalty

    • Second offense: Disqualification

Routes may change due to fire, smoke, weather, wildlife, or land access.
Organizers reserve the right to modify, reroute, shorten, or cancel any stage.
No refunds will be issued due to environmental conditions.

5. Liability

Riders participate at their own risk and must sign a waiver.
Organizers, sponsors, and staff are not liable for injuries, loss, theft, or damages.
All riders must carry personal health insurance and, if traveling, appropriate travel insurance.

6. Start Numbers

Provided number plates must be mounted on handlebars and remain visible and unaltered throughout the event.

7. Sponsorship & Branding

Personal sponsor logos are allowed on clothing, helmets, and bikes.
Unauthorized signage is not permitted in event areas.

8. Starts

  • Start staging begins 30 minutes prior.

  • A mandatory rider briefing is held 15 minutes prior.

  • The start line remains open for 5 minutes after the official start. Riders arriving later will not receive a ranked time.

  • Self-seeding is required — please stage yourself honestly based on speed and ability.

9. Checkpoints

Each stage includes 1–2 checkpoints offering hydration, nutrition, and support.
Riders must check in at all checkpoints.

10. Finish Protocol

  • Riders must finish on the same bike they started with, with number plate visible.

  • Riders arriving past cutoff time will receive maximum stage time + 60 minutes.

  • Riders finishing via vehicle transport (due to injury or withdrawal) may continue racing but will receive maximum stage time + 120 minutes for that stage.

  • Riders must complete all three stages to earn a finisher award.

11. Road & Trail Safety

  • Trails and forest roads remain open to the public.

  • Riders must obey all traffic laws.

  • Yield to vehicles, hikers, equestrians, and follow marshal instructions.

  • Ride cautiously in multi-use zones and blind sections.

12. Course Conduct

  • Slower riders must yield when safe to do so.

  • Ride conservatively on blind corners or steep descents.

  • No headphones or earbuds.

  • No shortcutting or cutting switchbacks.

  • Pull completely off-course for mechanicals.

Violations may result in time penalties or disqualification.

13. Outside Assistance

Support is only permitted at designated checkpoints.
No outside assistance is allowed elsewhere on course.

14. Equipment & Mechanical Self-Sufficiency

Riders must be prepared to manage minor repairs. Carry:

  • Tube or repair kit

  • Pump or CO₂

  • Multi-tool

  • Chain link

Mechanics are at finish areas only.

15. Safety Gear

Approved cycling helmets are mandatory at all times while riding — no exceptions.

16. GPS Navigation

Courses are well marked, but GPS files will also be provided.
Riders are responsible for staying on course.

17. Protests

Riders may file a written protest with a $50 fee (refunded if upheld).
A jury will review the matter and issue a ruling prior to the next stage.

18. Penalties

Officials may issue penalties for:

  • Unsportsmanlike conduct

  • Rule violations

  • Unsafe behavior

  • Environmental violations

Penalties may include warnings, time additions, or disqualification.

We’re here to create an unforgettable three days on the high desert’s best singletrack — but safety, respect, and responsibility always come first.

Ride smart. Ride kind. Ride the Land of Enchantment.