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The Race

Come discover the challenges Pony Express riders faced in the 1860s. These earliest American racers sped across remote, desolate regions of America. They had to combine speed, endurance, and mental toughness just to stay alive. While at their physical limits, they had to keep a clear mind, navigate the land, read the weather, and manage their food supply. If they got into trouble, they had only their own wits and fortitude to help them. Join us at the Pony Xpress Gravel 160 to challenge your ability to think and plan under pressure. Success will require the ability to combine speed, endurance, clear-thinking, and dogged determination.  

Showcasing the beauty of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, riders wend their way along country gravel roads northwest of Trinidad, Colorado. Embark on a journey featuring rolling foothills, captivating forests, and open plains with stunning views of Fisher Peak. Travel through historic mining areas including the nationally recognized Ludlow Memorial.

With limited blacktop roads and few cars, all race distances boast entirely new terrain and quiet riding. Most of the course is in calm sheltered areas providing protection from high winds. Elevations range from 6,000 feet to 8,800 feet with typical temps from 45 degrees to 78 degrees. Limited entries are available, act quickly!

A Colorado Gravel Grinder Championships event

What’s new for 2025

We’re tweaking the 160k/100 mile event. Instead of the iconc 160K/100 mile loop, this year the long race will be 2 laps of the 85k/50 mile course with both events starting at 8AM in Cokedale. No change to the 85K/50 mile course. With this format a rider can actually compete in both distances.

We’re adding a new 50k/30 mile distance, for those riders who just want to dip there toe into the gravel experience.