April 19, 2025
To register, click PX160 above. Then click register. Registration open NOW.
The Pony Xpress takes place annually in Cokedale, Colorado, just west of Trinidad. This means the course features stunning mountain views while traversing quiet gravel roads.
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 reception. 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. Minimum of 3 participants are required to create a class. Classes with less will be combined with the next most competitive class.
The pro class purse will be set based on 100% payback from pro entries received by April 12. Entries after this date will be excluded from the prize purse. Additionally, $2.00 will be added to the purse per age group entry received by the deadline.
Event Fees
| Event | Prior to February 1 | February 1 - February 28 | March 1 - March 31 | April 1 - 19 |
| 160K/100mile | $89.95 | $99.95 | $129.95 | $149.95 |
| 85K/50mile | $89.95* | $99.95* | $129.95* | $149.95* |
| 48K/30mile | $39.95 | $49.95 | $69.95 | $99.95 |
*The 85K/50 mile distance is the 2025 USA Cycling Colorado State Gravel Grinder Championship for age group entries. The 160K/100 mile distance is the 2025 USA Cycling Colorado State Gravel Grinder Championship for the pro and open class entries. These entries will need to purchase a USACycling $100 annual membership or a $15 one day membership.
For additional $10, participants can purchase cancelation insurance. Providing a 80% refund if cancellation occurs 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 through your Haku Sports account after registering.
As a fundraiser for our gracious host, Town of Cokedale, riders can purchase a spot in the preferred parking area which allows convenient access to registration, port-a potties, and start. These funds go direct to the volunteer fire department. Thank you riders.
Registration pick up: Friday at Tarantula Cycles, 5PM-8PM. Additionally, packets can be collected Saturday, April 19 at the Cokedale start.
Starting Times in Cokedale, CO Saturday, April 19
| Event | Start Time April 19 Cokedale | # of Feed Stations | |
| 160K/100mile | 9 AM | 3 | |
| 160K/100mile pro/open class | 9:50 AM women, 10 AM men | 3 | |
| 85K/50mile | 9 AM | 1 | 48K/30mile | 10:30 AM | 0 |
Feed stations
Each feed station will be stocked with 2.75 water bottles per rider per feed station. Also, Hammer Nutrition will supply energy drinks and energy gels plus assorted energy/granola bars. Stations are located at miles 25, 50, and 75. 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. 50 mile feed is at the start/finish.
Riders must maintain a minimum speed of 10 MPH for the 160K race. For the 85K and 48K, 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. No support crew access to race course. Support crews are encouraged to travel to the 25/75 mile feed station via the Intestate. This is about a 30 min drive. Portions of the course have no mobile phone reception. Which means you cannot count on calls or texts getting through.
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 course route to arrive at feed 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.
Camping
Las Animas County has agreed to open up their fairgrounds for the weekend. This provides 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.