Quartz Crusher Advanced

Race - Jun 6, 2020

Dogs Off-leash

E-Bikes Unknown

The course follows historic logging and mining roads within Cibola National Forest. This year's event takes place in what will soon be our newly revamped Quartz Hill trail network. The new Zuni Mountain Trails Project will create 30 miles of singletrack in the near future. All proceeds from the event go to Cibola Trail Alliance to advocate for, build, and maintain the new trail systems being developed in Cibola County.

This is our inaugural event, and we have several categories to offer that we hope you find as enjoyable as we do. Overall, the Quartz Crusher Beginner and Quartz Crusher Intermediate Course routes are fast, flowy, and very rewarding. There will be opportunities to view historic mining camps along the way for those looking for a more recreational experience.

Our Advanced 28 mile-ride starts by cutting up through La Jara Canyon and down Trail Canyon which has some excellent climbing and descending. Experienced riders could get away with a gravel or CX style bike.

Once you have made your way through the stream bed, be prepared for several hundred feet of elevation gain before summiting at 8,500 feet. The initial climb is steep and sometimes loose, watch for pedal strikes as you're navigating your way up La Jara Canyon. The downhill can be a bit loose and rocky.

Once you get back onto the hard pack, it's easy to pick up speed again, proceeding your way around the beginner and intermediate route will be a breeze but conserve your energy because you'll have to hit the advanced route one more time before crossing the finish line.

Total route is 28 miles with 2,290 ft. of elevation gain.

All mileages and sums are approximations based on GPS.