Vermejo Charcoal Burner
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Overview
The third annual Vermejo Charcoal Burner takes place at Vermejo Park Ranch, a 558,000-acre property situated in the Southern Rockies near Raton, New Mexico. The event features multiple distance options for cyclists and a half marathon for runners. All courses utilize a variety of terrain, including two-track ranch roads, rural dirt roads, and maintained gravel surfaces. These routes follow closed private roads through expansive wilderness and wildlife areas.
Distance Options
Participants can choose from several categories:
- 99 miles: A long-distance gravel ride featuring top overall payouts and age-group podiums.
- 66 miles: A medium-distance gravel ride with podiums for different age categories.
- 41 miles: A shorter gravel ride with age-group podiums; eBikes are permitted in this category.
- 13.1 miles: A gravel run following a half marathon course through the ranch.
Event Details
The courses begin and end at the historic charcoal ovens, which are the last of their kind in New Mexico. Aid stations are positioned along the routes to provide support for both cyclists and runners. Due to the remote location, cellular coverage is limited, and participants are encouraged to download course maps for offline use.
Limited on-site camping is available by reservation, and various lodging packages are offered in the local area. Packet pickup and on-site registration are available on the morning of the event, though on-site registration requires payment by cash or check only. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
