Ride at Altitude
The High Altitude Classic is Cloudcroft's XC mountain bike race, with a history dating back to the '90s. Blazing-fast singletrack descents, rocky technical sections, and not-so-easy doubletrack connectors at 8,676 feet draw riders from New Mexico, Texas, Chihuahua, and across the region. Organized by Chubby Tire, the race runs independent for 2026 — no USAC one-day license fee — and is supported in part by the Cloudcroft Lodger's Tax.
The race starts at 10 AM on Sunday, September 20, 2026 at the High Altitude shop in downtown Cloudcroft, with awards at 2 PM at the finish line at Elevation Park (the Cloudcroft Disc Golf Course, top of Mescalero Ave). The field is capped at 175 racers and sold out the last two years — registration opened July 18.
High Altitude Classic
Race Categories
Choose the course that matches your skill level. Every category offers a challenging and scenic mountain ride.
Pro / Cat 1
17 miles with 2,914 feet of climbing — one full course lap plus two half-course laps. The flagship bracket races for a share of the $2,500 cash prize purse, with equal payout for men and women, plus a trophy.
Cat 2 / Singlespeed
13.5 miles with 2,245 feet of climbing — one full course lap plus one half-course lap. Singlespeed racers share the Pro/Cat 1 purse; Cat 2 winners take home a trophy and schwag prizes.
Cat 3
10 miles with 1,576 feet of climbing on one full course lap. The entry point to racing at altitude — still a real test on real singletrack, with trophies and schwag for the winners.
Route Highlights
What makes this one of the most talked-about cycling events in the region.
Extreme Elevation
Race at 8,676 feet in the Sacramento Mountains. The thin air adds a challenge that sets this race apart — up to 2,914 feet of climbing in the Pro/Cat 1 course.
Real Singletrack
Fast singletrack descents, rocky technical sections, and doubletrack connectors through Lincoln National Forest pines. Strava routes and GPX files for every course are posted on the official race page.
Finish at Elevation Park
The finish line and 2 PM awards party are at Elevation Park, home of the Cloudcroft Disc Golf Course at the top of Mescalero Ave — a format that worked so well it's back for 2026.
Race Details
Everything you need to know to prepare for race day.
Race Start
10:00 AM start on Sunday, September 20 at the High Altitude shop in downtown Cloudcroft. Awards at 2 PM at the Elevation Park finish line.
Registration
$65 through August 1, $75 August 1 – September 8, $85 from September 9 unless the race sells out. Field limited to 175 racers; no race-day registration. Register on BikeReg. Free T-shirt for the first 50 registrants.
Packet Pickup
Bib numbers and merch: Saturday, September 19, 3–5 PM at Cloudcroft Brewing, or race day 8–9 AM only at the High Altitude shop.
Getting There
Cloudcroft is 30 minutes from Alamogordo on US-82. Book lodging early — race weekend fills up quickly, and the race is supported in part by the Cloudcroft Lodger's Tax. El Paso airport is 2 hours away.
Gallery
Start line under the branded flag, kids in the lead-in ride, the pack rolling out past the Burro Street Exchange, motion-blur on the racecourse, and post-race scenes.
Ready to Race at Altitude?
The field is capped at 175 and sold out the last two years. Sunday, September 20, 2026 — registration is open now.