NMES Sacramento Rim Roller

Race - Nov 3, 2019

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Unknown

Due to the nature of these courses (mostly easy-to-follow trails with distinct, well-marked intersections), I've compiled course descriptions that will enable most riders to follow the courses with only a reliable cycle computer. A GPS may still be helpful in a few places and is always a good backup, and therefore is recommended.

Don't be fooled… this may be southern New Mexico, but it will be November and much of the riding is above 9,000 feet. Be prepared for a cold start and unpredictable weather. And don't forget the short days; you may want to bring lights (especially A Course riders).

At least nine bailout options exist along the 22-mile Rim Trail, providing access to the Sunspot Highway. Get a map, carry it with you, and know these bailouts. There are a few gates on the course; whether open or closed, leave them as you find them. I don't recommend a rigid bike.

1. Head East on Burro Ave, turn right on Curlew Pl (in front of the Western Bar).
2. Mile 0.1 Cross US 82, continuing on Curlew Pl.
3. Mile 0.3 Turn right on Sunset Blvd (dirt), which eventually turns back into Curlew Pl.
4. Mile 0.9 Turn right on Corona Ave. Follow Corona Ave a short distance, staying right at Switchback Ln (follow the Dead End sign).
5. Mile 1.1 Go around the green pipe gate and onto a broad, easy singletrack.
6. Mile 1.4 Cross the road and pick up the Rim Trail (T105). You'll roll through a tunnel under NM 130 and parallel the road for a bit. Enjoy the Rim Trail for the next 7.4 miles.
7. Mile 2.1 Bear right on T105, avoiding the gate to the parking area. You'll soon pass a campground; stay outside the fence to continue on T105.
8. Mile 6.6 Jog right as you cross FR 636 to continue on T105.
9. Mile 7.5 Stay right on T105 (left is a bailout to Sunspot Hwy).
10. Mile 8.7 Leave T105 here by turning left and climbing up to Rim Trail parking #4.
11. Mile 8.8 Go through the gate and jog right as you cross Sunspot Hwy onto Russia Canyon Rd. As soon as you cross the cattle guard, turn left onto Goodsell Rd (FR 623). Stay on FR 623 for the next 5.4 miles. Be sure to stay right at mile 11.7, 13.2, and 14.0.
12. Mile 14.2 Turn right on Chippeway Trail (T250).
13. Mile 15.9 Turn right up a short rocky climb to continue on T250.
14. Mile 17.3 Cross Russia Canyon Rd and start up Lucas Canyon Trail (T251).
15. Mile 22.3 Turn right on Benson Ridge Rd (FR 223).
16. Mile 26.5 Cross Sunspot Hwy onto Alamo Peak Rd (FR 64D, a one-lane paved road).
17. Mile 27.2 Turn right onto T105. You're back on the Rim Trail for the next 12 miles.
18. Mile 27.8 Cross Karr Canyon Rd (FR63) and up the rocky ramp to continue on T105.
19. Mile 29.0 Cross FR 634, staying on T105.
20. Mile 30.5 Stay left on T105.
21. Mile 30.9 Stay left on T105. This is where you left the Rim Trail on the way out; now you'll backtrack all the way back to Cloudcroft. Following the Rim Trail should be obvious by now.
22. Mile 38.1 After riding back through the tunnel under NM 130 and up to the Rim Trail trailhead, cross the road and pick up the easy singletrack (marked T105 here) that takes you to the green pipe gate and onto Corona Ave.
23. Mile 38.7 Turn left on Curlew Pl (dirt), which turns into Sunset Blvd.
24. Mile 39.3 Turn left back onto Curlew Pl (paved). Ride down, cross US 82, up to Burro Ave, and left back to your car. Roundup is at the Western Bar!