The Century Tour, one trip around the Enchanted Circle for bicycles, has been a Red River tradition for 40+ years, originally organized by outdoor enthusiast and former Mayor John Miller.
Roll Massif, a part of Outside Inc., and a collection of Colorado-based cycling events, has announced the acquisition of the Enchanted Circle Bicycle Tour to its lineup for the 2021 season.
The Enchanted Circle Bicycle Tour will take place on August 28, 2021, with an 85-mile and 100-mile ride through some of the most spectacular peaks in New Mexico along the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway.
The course will start and finish in the Town of Red River, and travel through the Village of Questa, Town of Taos, Village of Angel Fire, Village of Eagle Nest and peak at an elevation of 9,820 feet on Bobcat Pass.
(Info courtesy Roll Massif)
Chandler Smith and Scott Olmsted rolled into town one day in a automobile for the purpose of organizing a bicycling experience that involves riding around the legendary Enchanted Circle.
Co-founders of Roll Massif, a Colorado-based company, their particular job is “to oversee and run the bicycling division of our company, Roll Massif. Our events are predominantly tours, recreational rides, rules of the road,” says Smith. “However, we do have two 12-hour mountain bike races which are traditional races. Those take place in Winter Park (June) and Castle Rock (July).
“Our events as a whole start in mid-May and run through the end of September. We have events in the Front Range, the heart of the Rockies, and the Western slope of Colorado.
“Our largest event back in its heyday had 7500-8000 participants, while our smallest events – which are the mountain bike races – have closer to 300 riders.
“This is our first time to go outside of Colorado, so we are really excited to expand our portfolio!”
Smith and Olmsted were aware of the Red River Century Tour “strictly by name.” Their opportunity to get involved came about through a relationship with April Ralph, Director of the Office of Tourism and Economic Development for the Town of Red River. She had participated in several Roll Massif rides while working in Colorado.
“We’re excited about the history and culture of this event. There is a proven blueprint to the ride itself.
“We want to make sure that we honor the legacy of the ride, as well as impart our knowledge to elevate it to yet another level!”
