April 20,2024

To register, Click on PX160 above. Then click on register . Registration opens Jan 1, 2024.

The Pony Xpress takes place annually in Cokedale, Colorado, just west of Trinidad. This means stunning mountain views while traversing quiet gravel roads. Less than 40 kilometers is paved, making it ideal for gravel enthusiasts.

During the race, roads are open to public vehicles as well as wildlife, though there is little traffic in the area. The course consists of fine gravel roads, perfect for light tires. All participants must have a GPS, as the course is isolated with limited markings. Maps will be available. No sag support is provided. Areas of the course are very remote with limited mobile phone/texting reception. So it will be very important that all riders monitor there energy levels, weather conditions and navigational tools.

Participants are divided into classes by birth assigned sex and age as follows: 18-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60+. The 160K has a men’s and women’s Pro class. The 85K has a ebike class. Minnum of 3 participants needed to create a class. Class’s with less, will be combined with the next most competitive class.

New for 2024, USA Cycling Colorado state gravel grinder championship. Pony Xpress Gravel 160 continues to lead with the introduction of USA Cycling state championship status for the 160k distance only. State championship standings will be created for Pro/Open class and age group / sex assigned at birth classes in the 160K. All 160K riders will need a USA Cycling annual license or a one day license can be purchased on site for $15.

Pro/open class purse, 100% Plus payback, with final purse amount being set April 12, based on the entries received to this date, not including registration credit card charges. The Plus amount, is $5.00 for each non pro class entry in the 160K and $2.00 each non pro class entry in the 85K, registered by April 10. For example, if 100 non pro woman enter Pony Xpress Gravel 160 by April 10, then $500 will be added to the women’s pro purse, plus the women’s pro class entry fees plus $2.00 for every non pro class women’s entry in the 85K. Same for men. Our goal is to have the purse pay back at least 33% of the pro riders. So the higher the number of entries, the further back the pay out and the larger the purse. Keep in mind that the entry fee differs per entry, depending on date of registration. Pony Xpress Gravel 160 will still be accepting registrations after April 10. These “late” entries will still be eligible for the purse, though their entry fees will not be added to the purse. As a practical matter, very few people enter “late”. Sorry guys, no comp entries. Any rider who would like to compete head to head against the pros can do so by entering as a “open” rider. You will be scored in the pro results ,instead of age group, but do not need a pro license.

2:00 lite lunch. 3:00 results recognition for the 85K distance. 3:10 awards ceremony for riders in the 160K.

Camping : Las Animas County has agreed to open up their fairgrounds for the weekend. Providing participants a place to camp. Cost is $25 per night. This includes restrooms and a very limited use of electricity/ water. Rest rooms may have showers. To reserve a spot click on link below. Address is 2000 N Linden or 2020 N Linden, Trinidad , Co 81082. If link does not work then copy and paste into your browser. This place is huge, so don’t worry about it filling up.

   https://secure.colorado.gov/payment/lasanimas-rental

Event Fees

For additional $10, participants can purchase cancelation insurance. Providing a 80% refund if cancel prior to April 1. Otherwise no refunds. Purchase during registration.

For additional $10, Participants can transfer their registration to a different participant prior to April 1. Transfers can be completed on line thru your EnMotive account, after registering.

As a fund raiser for our gracious host, Town of Cokedale, riders can purchase a spot in the preferred parking area which allows convenient access to registration, porta potties and start. These funds go direct to the volunteer fire dept. In 2022 $410 was raised in parking passes and 92$ raised in Fire dept donations. Thank you riders.

Registration pick up: Friday , at Tarantula Cycles, 516 E. Elm st , Trinidad,Co, 81082 , 5PM-8PM. Saturday April 20 at Cokedale start 6:30 AM - 7:00 AM for 160K. 7:45 AM - 9:30 AM for 85K.

Starting times in Cokedale,Co Saturday April 20

Feed stations. Each feed station will be stocked with 3 water bottles per rider per feed station. Also Hammer Nutrition supplied energy drinks and energy gels plus assorted energy/granola bars will be available. Stations are located at miles 25, 45, and 77.6. Clearly marked drop bags delivered to the start by 7:00 AM will be delivered to feed stations. Avoid perishables or valuables in drop bags. Drop bags will be returned to the start/finish area late in the day.

Riders must maintain a minimum speed of 10 MPH for the 160K race distance. For the 85K, riders must maintain a minimum speed of 8 MPH. Participants cycling slower will find feed stations closed and will receive a DNF (did not finish) in the official results and will be considered to be out of the event. It is very important for every participant to carefully monitor there own fitness, energy level, weather and navigation. This is one event where you cannot ride till your too tired and then pull over and expect someone to ferry you home. The course area between the 2nd and 3rd feed station - miles 44-70 - are very remote with NO mobile phone reception. Your text will not get thru. No sag support is provided. When leaving the 2nd feed station, If you don’t feel like superman then turn back!

For questions email Phil_Koobisaddles@msn.com or call 719-484-0477 prior to April 16.

Support Crews 

Support crews are allowed but not required. Any crew members may only give support at fueling stations and will be required to use a specified non-race route to arrive at fueling stations. Although support crews are recommended, they do not provide an advantage, as all riders have access to a drop bag service. No sag support is provided.

Required Equipment

We recommend that all riders have a head and tail light (micro light acceptable), a helmet, and a GPS for navigation. Maps will be available at the start and should be mounted to handlebars for easy navigation. The combination of a using a GPS, riding with your head up, having a handlebar mounted map, and following the limited course marking arrows should be sufficient for successful navigation. If in doubt, riding the course in advance. Pony Xpress Gravel 160 does not have adequate staff to provide IT support. Riders are encouraged to down load the course as soon as possible this will allow time to contact your own IT support to assist in any issues.