Big Mountain Enduro: Santa Fe, New México - Race Recap

Santa Fe is the oldest capital in the United States founded by Spanish colonies in the early 1600´s. Nowadays a touristy renowned town for its Pueblo adobe style architecture, food, art and a 400-mile trail system. Years ago Santa Fe was an enchanted place where gods were called up and harness used to run millenary trails. This past weekend bikes enchanted the town and riders were called up for an enduro western race.

With this event being part of the Outside Bike and Brew Festival in downtown Santa Fe, the Big Mountain Enduro HQ and sponsors village were based in the main field of the Fort Marcy Park where more than 5,000 visitors went in to ride bikes, drink beers and listen to amazing music.

Photo Credit: Tony Wilhelms capturing the heavy Yeti crew at the Outside Bike and Brew festival

Photo Credit: Brian Riepe mountainflyer magazine

Photo Credit: Brian Riepe mountainflyer magazine

Photo Credit: Eddie Clark Media

Photo Credit: Eddie Clark Media

Photo Credit: Brian Riepe mountainflyer magazine

Photo Credit: Brian Riepe mountainflyer magazine

Photo Credit: Nick Ontiveros

With great weather on their side, 35 miles of challenging riding throughout 4 stages and more than 7,500 feet of elevation gain, riders were tested at Glorieta Camp's private trails, where they had to confront two long and steep climbs combined with a hike-a-bike section to earn their turns around diverse riding terrain composed of fast sections with tight turns and technical moves over rock gardens.

The pro riders gave an amazing show surprising the spectators with unimaginable lines over raw and physical trails to make their time competitive between each other. Some of those top riders included reigning Enduro World Series champion, Richie Rude, amongst other fan favorites like Adam Craig, Curtis Keene, and Cody Kelley.

Photo Credit: Tony Wilhelms

Photo Credit: Nick Ontiveros

Photo Credit: Brian Riepe mountainflyer magazine

Photo Credit: Eddie Clark Media

Photo Credit: Nick Ontiveros

During the race day on Sunday, the riders went out for more than 8 hours to prove who is the fastest on each category; and the most fit. Richie Rude, racing for Yeti/Fox factory team took the hot spot for the pro men, while Cooper Dendel, new to enduro, surprised everyone with her fast and amazing riding skills on second place and Anne Galyean taking first place for the pro-women.

Photo Credit: Nick Ontiveros

Photo Credit: Brian Riepe mountainflyer magazine

Photo Credit: Tony Wilhelms

Photo Credit: Eddie Clark Media

Full results here.

This venue was more than a racing venue, Glorieta Camps allowed spectators and family to have a great time around the facilities while racers were tackling the backcountry terrain. A great beer garden with Oskar Blues and the classic BME BBQ could not be missed this weekend. Hopefully, the BME will come back to New México next year for more fun and new tracks.

Thanks very much to everyone who supported this event, especially the team at Glorieta Camps. Without all of the amazing riders and partners, BME wouldn't be what we are today.

See you all on July 9th and 10th at our second stop taking place at Keystone, CO. This is always one of the favorite stops on the tour that includes some of the most technical riding and longest descents in the BME series.

Words by Alvin Chill Down

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MENTIONS: @BigMtnEnduro / @yeticycles

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