Welcome to the page for the Cloud Gravel Invitational - a gravel bike ride in one of the most amazing settings in the U.S.

 

For those who would like a challenge of mountains, high elevation, gravel and forest service roads, amazing scenery, wildlife, and ruggedness of southern New Mexico, this might be the ride for you.

 

June in the Sacramento Mountains is typically beautiful, with temperatures usually ranging from 73-44 F (23-7 C). Since the month is typically before the monsoons start in July, the average rainfall is about 2.5” for the month. June us known as the warmest month in the Cloudcroft/Sacramento Mountains area. That being said, weather can be on the cool side, sometimes so being prepared for all temperature ranges is wise. Ride elevation varies between about 6,500 ft- 10,200 ft, so that means you are closer to the sun, shorter on oxygen, and dehydrate faster — please keep that in mind when making your plans!

 

Since we plan the ride to take place on the Longest Day of the year (closest weekend to it) there should be about 14 hours of daylight each day of the weekend. It is a ride, not a race, but we do understand anytime two or more cyclists get together, someone is racing. To that end, we will keep informal time for everyone’s ride. BUT, for those who don’t want to race, and want to see spectacular surroundings like nowhere else, you will have ample time to do so! You won’t be disappointed! The only time restriction is being in by sunset.

 

Camping is free in the area via dispersed camping in the National Forest. But, it is definitely traditional off grid camping, so plan accordingly. We will try to have a couple of port-a-pots at the base area, but that is the extent of any possible facilities. There are also several nearby towns with hotels, and several full hookup campgrounds that do charge, if you need that.

 

It is an invitational ride, which means we will limit the number of riders who can participate, as the roads will still be open to the public. If you haven’t already been invited, use the registration form to secure your spot.

 

The routes for this year will be 25 miles with about 2,000 ft of climbing (out and back), 55 miles with about 5,500 ft of climbing, 90 miles with 10,000 ft of climbing, and a 2-3 day bike packing route with 200 miles with more than 20,000 ft of climbing for those interested.

 

There is a requested donation of $20 per rider or $30 per family up to four to join us in this invitational ride. In honor my my wife, KimJoy Ovard, who has FrontoTemporal Dementia, we will collect donations to be given to the Association of FrontoTemporal Degeneration. Additional donation is NOT REQUIRED to participate in the ride, but is encouraged.

 

 We’ll also have a 6-mile hill climb challenge Friday evening. (About 2,000 ft. Elevation gain in 3 miles, then turn around and come back down).

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TO REGISTER FOR THE TBD, 2023 CGI:

• Fill out registration form

• Send starting line donation via paypal or by check

• Bring a gift for someone you've not met to the ride

• Get ready for fun in the woods!

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