Reputation: Regional NM event.
[01]
Course Overview
The Santa Fe Century's gravel Saturday — mesa forest roads at 7,500 feet.
54 mi
Distance
2,850 ft
Elevation
Rowe Mesa, Santa Fe National Forest, New Mexico
Location
May 16, 2026
Date
~100
Field Size
$77
Entry Cost
Facts & History
[03]
The Course
Gravelón is a 54-mile timed loop from Rowe Mesa using rough dirt, pavement, rolling gravel, forest doubletrack, and dirt roads. The organizer's gain field is malformed as 2,85000 feet, and wet conditions can force an alternate route, so 2,850 feet is retained as a numeric best value with a Varies display.
Signature challenge: A mixed-surface Rowe Mesa loop whose closing dirt and doubletrack include moderate longer climbs and can become muddy in wet conditions.
16
MILE
End of Ojo de la Vaca Road
The Ojo de la Vaca Road segment (15.9mi) ends and the course turns onto NM-34.
31
MILE
Onto the Forest Roads
After 15.9 miles on Ojo de la Vaca Road and 15.5 miles on Highway 34, the course turns onto Santa Fe National Forest roads.
RACER
Racer Reviews
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[07]
Training
May 16, 2026 SANTA FE CENTURY GRAVELÓN
[08]
Train for Santa Fe Century Gravelón
RACE DEMAND PROFILE
Durability
6
Climbing
8
VO2 Power
2
Threshold
8
Technical
6
Heat
0
Altitude
6
Race Specificity
5
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[09]
Race Logistics
Airport
Albuquerque (ABQ) 60 minutes
Lodging
Santa Fe has excellent lodging options.
Food
Santa Fe has full dining options. Stock nutrition.
Packet Pickup
Day before typically
Parking
At start/finish
[10]
Tire Picks
42mmMIXED
1
Specialized Pathfinder Pro
Fast center, grippy edges. The modern all-rounder benchmark.
2
Pirelli Cinturato Gravel M
Mixed-terrain specialist. Balanced grip and speed for variable conditions.
3
Panaracer GravelKing SK
Affordable all-rounder. Light knobs add grip without killing speed.
FRONT/REAR SPLIT Vittoria Terreno Dry 40mm / Specialized Pathfinder Pro 42mmFaster front for reduced rolling resistance on straights, grippier rear for traction on loose climbs and corners
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Similar Races
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the climate like at Santa Fe Century Gravelón?
2024 delivered ideal conditions at 70-75°F partly cloudy, but wet weather forces course modifications due to 'mud and clay formation on Rowe Mesa, which creates extremely difficult riding conditions.' More weather exposure than Belgian Waffle Ride San Diego.[1]
How are the logistics for Santa Fe Century Gravelón?
Split packet pickup between Friday at Railyard (2-7pm) and Saturday at venue (7-8am) adds complexity. Parking exists at Forest Road 326 pull-out and road shoulder, but there's no cell service at the remote Rowe Mesa start requiring ham radio communication. "The start/finish is located just inside the boundary of the Santa Fe National Forest off of Forest Road 326 on Rowe Mesa, a 20 minute drive southeast of Santa Fe."[1]
How adventurous is Santa Fe Century Gravelón?
The counterclockwise loop winds through Santa Fe National Forest terrain 'edged with cholla and yucca' across remote forest roads. Ramon Sarason captures the feeling: riding gives him 'that youthful freedom of kind of flying on a bike — like a bird.'[4]
How prestigious is Santa Fe Century Gravelón?
Race director Hadji Corona acknowledges the humbling nature: 'People think they can be talented in different sports and go to cycling. But this will humble you in an instant.' Still, no coverage or recognizable names suggest limited reach.[3]
Should I race Santa Fe Century Gravelón?
If you're local to NM—yes, it's solid. If you're traveling—skip it.
[11]
Sources & Citations
Research sources used to build this race profile. Always verify details with official race sources before making travel or registration decisions.
- Other Sources Santafecenturywww.santafecentury.com/gravelon-fondo/
- Other Sources Santafecenturywww.santafecentury.com/maps/.[2
- Other Sources Santafecenturywww.santafecentury.com/results/
- Community fltresults.com: 267fltresults.com/event-summary/267