Come Ride the Zuni Mountains

If you’ve been looking for a reason to point your bike toward the Zuni Mountains this year, The New Mexico Endurance Series Zuni Mountain Ride offers more than a day on the bike: it’s a chance to explore some of New Mexico’s best trails and experience an increasingly rare grassroots mountain biking community.

And if you’re wondering what the ride is actually like, I can tell you about last year.

There was frost. There was draft beer. A campfire and great company.

There were also miles of fast, flowy singletrack, a few questionable equipment decisions, and more climbing than I had originally planned.

There was also turkey jerky that nearly ended me.

Most importantly, there were great trails, great people, and a post-ride campfire that made every cold morning and sore muscle worth it.

Here’s how my Zuni Mountain Ride unfolded in 2025.

A Chilly Start to an Epic Day

The frost was biting at my face and neck as I crawled out of my rooftop tent. It was a little after 6 a.m., and the Zuni Mountains were already showing no mercy. I tried not to see the cold as an obstacle but as an invitation to get moving.

Thankfully, there was no lingering “beer fog” from the night before — a small miracle considering the event hosts had kegs of craft beer on ice when I arrived in McGaffey for the New Mexico Endurance Series Zuni Mountain 100.

As a self-proclaimed IPA lover, I was relieved that the morning’s challenge came from the cold, not the hangover.

Coffee, Campfires, and Trailhead Anticipation

Fumbling with my coffee gear, my fingers felt like frozen sticks. Fortunately, one of the event coordinators had already started a campfire at dawn. That small act of kindness felt like a warm beacon in the crisp mountain air.

There’s something about eating a breakfast burrito and sipping coffee next to a crackling fire that puts you in the zone for a bike ride.

Before long, it was time to roll out.

Trail Magic Under the Ponderosas

By 9 a.m., the sun had climbed high enough to slice through the tall ponderosas, lighting up the trailhead. I was ready.

The Zuni Mountain trails are some of my favorites — fast, flowy, and loaded with character. After recent rains, I knew they’d be perfect.

The night before, I’d overheard a local describing the conditions as being like “Acoma pottery.” I didn’t fully understand until I hit the dirt — tacky, firm, and just the right texture.

Better than hero dirt and way better than the dusty slogs of years past.

Bonus Miles and Jerky Mishaps

Of course, no adventure is complete without a few hiccups.

My first mistake? I didn’t download the updated 2025 course to my Garmin eTrex and rode with the old 2019 route instead. That mistake cost me about eight extra miles and 1,400 feet of climbing.

But honestly, with trails these good, extra miles are a bonus.

The only real downside was trying to eat while riding. Between the rock gardens and tight turns, I barely had time to glance at my GPS, let alone chew. When I finally did, a piece of cheap turkey jerky from Safeway went down the wrong pipe.

Cue twelve miles of coughing and watery eyes.

Single-Speed Suffering (and Loving It)

My bike setup didn’t make things easier — a fully rigid single-speed Esker Hayduke.

It’s a setup that builds character… and sore wrists.

Getting momentum on the punchy climbs was a constant battle. I’d hit rocky sections fast, bounce around, and lose traction again and again.

To add insult to injury, my seatpost kept slipping thanks to the ruts and “bovine potholes” along the descents.

At one point, another rider asked about my suspension setup.

I grinned and told him, “These 2.6-inch tires are my suspension.”

Campfire Stories and the Spirit of the Ride

After more than five hours in the saddle, I finally rolled back into camp — tired, a little muddy, and smiling.

The post-ride scene was everything I love about grassroots events: a roaring fire, hot lasagna, good beer, and great people.

We spent the evening swapping trail stories and laughing with the locals and grassroots trail builders who make rides like this possible.

If you ever get the chance to meet these guys, say hi. Buy them a beer. Thank them for their efforts.

Why I Keep Coming Back

Every year, this ride reminds me why I love the Zuni Mountains.

It’s not just the spectacular trails. It’s the community, the effort, and the shared appreciation for the land.

These trails always deliver.

So, if you’re thinking about making the trip this year, bring your bike, bring some layers for the morning, and come see what the Zuni Mountains are all about.

See you there.

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