Conquer the High Desert: Why the Santa Fe Century is a Must-Do Cycling Pilgrimage

Every May, as the high desert air warms under the brilliant New Mexico sun, cyclists from across the Southwest and beyond converge on Santa Fe. They come for the challenge, the scenery, and the camaraderie of one of the region's most iconic and enduring cycling events: The Santa Fe Century. More than just a 100-mile ride, the Century is a rite of passage, a celebration of cycling culture, and an unforgettable journey through the starkly beautiful landscapes that define Northern New Mexico. Whether you're a seasoned racer aiming for a personal best in the Gran Fondo or a recreational rider looking to soak in the views on the Half-Century or 20-mile routes, the Santa Fe Century offers an experience that keeps riders coming back year after year.

Context and History: From Club Fundraiser to Cycling Institution

The story of the Santa Fe Century begins in 1985. The Sangre de Cristo Bicycle Club, Santa Fe's local cycling group, conceived the ride not merely as a scenic tour, but as a practical way to raise funds for its racers – money needed for team uniforms and race entry fees. In its earliest iterations, it was a timed, mass-start event, reflecting its competitive roots.

John Crenshaw, the club president around that time, is credited with developing the classic route in 1986, a path that has remained remarkably consistent over the decades. The first year saw 178 participants, a respectable number, but the event's trajectory truly changed after the first few years when Willard Chilcott (1928-2018) took the helm.

Willard, described as having boundless energy and a passion for sharing outdoor adventures, became the heart and soul of the Santa Fe Century for over three decades. Almost single-handedly, he nurtured the event, growing its participation from fewer than one hundred riders to a peak of nearly three thousand. As the ride grew, the format shifted away from a purely timed race to an untimed tour, accommodating the larger, more diverse group of cyclists drawn to the event's reputation and scenic beauty.

The Santa Fe Century solidified its place as the traditional kick-off century ride for the spring cycling season in the region. When Willard Chilcott's health eventually prevented him from continuing, his good friend Charlie Loesch (1937–2016) stepped up to direct the event, ensuring its continuity. Sadly, both Willard and Charlie have since passed away, but their legacy lives on in the smiles of riders crossing the finish line at the Santa Fe Railyard each May.

Recognizing a desire among some participants for a competitive element, timed Gran Fondo (100-mile) and Medio Fondo (50-mile) options were officially reintroduced in 2015, running concurrently with the traditional untimed tours. This hybrid approach allows the event to cater to both recreational riders and those seeking a timed challenge, complete with a police escort out of town for the mass start.

Today, the Santa Fe Century is organized by the Santa Fe Century Committee, a dedicated non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. It continues to be one of the oldest continuously running century rides in the American West, a testament to its strong community support, dedicated volunteers, and the enduring appeal of cycling in the Land of Enchantment.

Why the Santa Fe Century is a Must-Do Ride

Ask anyone who's ridden it, and they'll likely tell you the Santa Fe Century is special. Here’s why it deserves a spot on your cycling calendar:

1. Unforgettable Scenery: The routes showcase the breathtaking, high-desert beauty of Northern New Mexico. Starting from Santa Fe (~7,000 ft elevation), riders pedal south, journeying through landscapes dotted with piñon and juniper, past the quirky former coal mining towns of Cerrillos and Madrid along the Turquoise Trail, and into the expansive Galisteo Basin, offering views of the Ortiz Mountains. It's a landscape that feels both ancient and exhilaratingly open.
2. Options for Everyone: While the full 106-mile Century (or timed Gran Fondo) is the main draw, the event welcomes riders of varying abilities. The 54-mile Half-Century (or timed Medio Fondo) offers a significant challenge and visits the charming village of Galisteo without tackling the toughest climbs of the full route. A 20-mile out-and-back option provides a taste of the Century experience. And for dirt lovers, Saturday features the Gravelón (55 miles) and Gravelito (25 miles) rides on Rowe Mesa.
3. The Perfect Challenge: The high altitude and rolling terrain make any distance a rewarding accomplishment. The full Century features significant elevation gain (around 5,500-6,000 feet, depending on measurement) and includes notorious climbs like Stagecoach Pass and the legendary "Heartbreak Hill" later in the ride, testing legs and resolve. Finishing is a true badge of honor.
4. Exceptional Organization & Support: Decades of experience show in the event's smooth execution. Expect well-stocked food and water stops staffed by friendly, experienced volunteers (including the welcoming folks in Galisteo), clear course marking, SAG (Support and Gear) vehicles patrolling the route, and that helpful police escort navigating riders safely out of Santa Fe for the main start.
5. Vibrant Cycling Atmosphere: The event weekend buzzes with energy. From the packet pickup and potential Browse at the nearby Farmers Market in the Railyard District to the shared anticipation at the start line and the celebratory atmosphere at the finish (often featuring food, drinks, massages, and awards), you're immersed in a community of passionate cyclists.
6. Santa Fe Itself: The ride starts and finishes in one of America's most unique and captivating cities. Extend your stay to explore Santa Fe's world-class art scene, incredible restaurants, rich history, and numerous opportunities for hiking and mountain biking in the surrounding mountains.

5 Things You Might Not Know About the Santa Fe Century

Beyond the beautiful route and the challenge, here are a few interesting tidbits about this classic ride:

1. It Started for Racers: While now embracing riders of all types, the Century's origin lies squarely in supporting competitive cycling – specifically funding uniforms and entry fees for the Sangre de Cristo Bicycle Club's racing team back in 1985.
2. The "Willard Chilcott Effect": The event's phenomenal growth from a small club ride to a major regional event drawing thousands is largely credited to the vision and tireless dedication of one person: long-time director Willard Chilcott, who steered the ride for over 30 years.
3. An Enduring Route: Unlike many events that change courses frequently, the fundamental Santa Fe Century route has remained remarkably consistent since its early days (reportedly since 1986), offering a timeless Northern New Mexico cycling experience.
4. The Timed Ride Revival: After operating primarily as an untimed tour for many years during its peak growth, the competitive spirit returned relatively recently with the official addition of the timed Gran Fondo and Medio Fondo in 2015, blending tradition with renewed racing options.
5. Beware of "Heartbreak Hill": It's not just a clever name. This significant climb comes later in the 100-mile route, typically when legs are already feeling the accumulated miles and altitude, making it a well-earned moniker and a defining moment for Century finishers.

The Santa Fe Century is more than just mileage; it's an experience woven into the fabric of Southwestern cycling. It’s a chance to push your limits, soak in stunning vistas, and share the road with fellow enthusiasts in a truly special place. If you're looking for a challenging, rewarding, and exceptionally well-run cycling event, make plans to be at the Railyard start line next May.

May 17-18th, 2025