VERDICT Remote southern Colorado gravel through Sangre de Cristo mining country at altitude.
A training plan for Pony Xpress—shaped to your fitness and the hours you have.
Remote southern Colorado gravel through Sangre de Cristo mining country.
Annual gravel event in southern Colorado, part of the Colorado Gravel Grinder Championships series. Inspired by the 1860s Pony Express riders who crossed remote, desolate regions.
Reputation: Remote Colorado gravel grinder with genuine altitude and mining-country character.
Photo: YouTube / A T
Photo: YouTube / A TRolling high desert and foothills gravel through Sangre de Cristo mining country.
Signature challenge: 100 miles of remote gravel at 6,000-8,800 feet through Sangre de Cristo mining country with limited cell service.
Race-specific preparation details are included in the demand profile below.
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50°F start to 75°F midday in May is nearly perfect gravel weather. Southern Colorado location reduces snow risk, and 70% tree/canyon shelter protects from wind. Hard to complain about those conditions. Similar climate challenges to SBT GRVL. "These roads are fine gravel, so lighter tires can be run. Rain or snow makes the conditions fast."[1]
Packet pickup split between Trinidad on Saturday and race-day pickup ending at 8:30 AM for a 9 AM start. 'newly and deeply graded roads' made times slower in 2022, suggesting inconsistent course preparation. Remote Las Animas County location means limited services and the 2025 race already got postponed from April to May.[1]
Race organizers warn that 'portions of the course have no mobile phone reception' and emphasize that 'you cannot ride till your too tired and then pull over and expect someone to ferry you home.' The remote Las Animas County roads require GPS navigation and self-reliance, with no support crews allowed on course.[2]
Part of the Colorado Gravel Grinder Championships series, but nobody's talking about it online. Zero notable past winners or pro field depth mentioned anywhere. It's inspired by the 1860s Pony Express which sounds cool until you realize that's just marketing fluff for a remote Colorado county road ride.[1]
If you're in Colorado and want a remote gravel adventure through mining history at altitude—yes, it's a well-organized event with serious terrain. If you're from out of state—there are more accessible events with deeper fields.
Research sources used to build this race profile. Always verify details with official race sources before making travel or registration decisions.