TAOS GUAC-AMOLE CHALLENGE

Northern New Mexico’s premier mountain bike race.

CANCELLED

Thank you all for your continued support! However, due to ongoing forest access issues related to the Hermit Peak / Calf Canyon fires we have had to make the difficult decision to cancel the Taos Guac-Amole Challenge entirely.

If you are already registered, be on the lookout for an email about what to do next.

And rest assured we’ll be sharing this awesome course with everyone in 2023! Keep June 17, 2023 on your calendar!

We’re bringing cross-country mountain bike racing back to northern New Mexico with the first annual Taos Guac-Amole Challenge!

Bookmark this page for news and updates about the race, up until race day itself.

This challenging (in a fun way) course consists of two loops through the Amole Canyon trail system.

• Lower Loop: a fast rolling flowy single-track loop with gentle climbs through a ponderosa forests and mountain meadows.
• Upper Loop: a challenging (in a fun way) climb to a ripping descent that offers everything from technical rock gardens to flowy single-track bliss sliding through mountain meadows.

Check it out: https://www.mtbproject.com/trail/7062973/taos-guac-amole-challenge-2022-course

 



 

The number of loops you do depends on the category you register for.

• All ages and abilities are welcome
• Junior competitors race FREE!
• All proceeds benefit the Taos Mountain Bike Association
• This race is part of the New Mexico Off Road Series (NMORS) and will count toward your standings — but everyone is welcome to race!

We’ll update this page regularly with relevant details.

Let’s ride!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Amole Canyon?

The venue is in the cool ponderosa and mixed conifer forest just south of Taos, NM on Highway 518 (the road to Sipapu Ski Area). Just past US Hill and FR 114, you’ll see a large gravel pullout on the southeast side of the road, and the entrance to Amole Canyon: https://goo.gl/maps/yUVEmY3j1K5ZSYSx7

How do I register?

Sign up online at https://bikereg.com/guacamole

Do I need to be registered with USA Cycling (or any group) to race?

Nope! To make this race accessible to as many people as possible, there is no club, league, or other registration required. Come one, come all!

I’m new to racing, can I still enter?

Absolutely! This race is beginner friendly. If you are not certain which level to choose, start with the beginner category and see how it goes. Don’t hesitate to ask any questions if you aren’t sure what to do.

Where can I get a course map?

We’re working on that… For now, here’s our draft plan in Google Earth form.

Is there camping available at the venue?

There will be limited camping available at the group shelter the night before the race. Additionally, we are surrounded by thousands of acres of Forest Service land that allows dispersed camping. Please practice Leave No Trace camping and clean up after yourself.

Why is there a fee?

Turns out, putting on a race is expensive… however any proceeds will go to the Taos Mountain Bike Association to support their mission to create, protect and enhance riding opportunities in northern New Mexico. In addition, your fee helps subsidize the participation of a Junior rider who gets to ride absolutely free.

Will riding in this race make me popular and more attractive?

Yes!

What is NMORS and do I need to be part of it to race?

NeWe are a part of the NMORS series — a group of New Mexico races that are stoked about encouraging MTB racing in our state. Basically it’s a way for folks to see how they stand over the course of a season. The more NMORS races you do, the more fun you have. There is no cost to enter the NMORS series.

You do not need to be part of NMORS to race with us, but if you are, your finish will go toward your NMORS standings.

ANYONE can race this race.

I don’t want to ride, but I want to help out. Can I volunteer?

Yes, yes and more yes! We will need lots of help leading up to, and the day of the race. Please send an email to taosmtb@gmail.com to sign up.

Sponsors

We couldn’t do it without our community and business sponsors. Please take a moment to visit these generous sponsors and learn what they are all about. Would you like to sponsor this event? Please see our FAQ and contact us!

Title Sponsor




Taos Guac-Amole Challenge operates under permit on the Carson National Forest

In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, and reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.)

Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, and American Sign Language) should contact the responsible State or local Agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.

To file a program discrimination complaint, a complainant should complete a Form AD 3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, which can be obtained online, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by:
mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;
fax: (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442;
email: program.intake@usda.gov.