By the Avid Cyclist Staff
Date: August 8, 2026
Location: Red River, New Mexico
Produced By: The Ride Collective
Prepare to experience the raw, natural beauty of Northern New Mexico on August 8, 2026, with the Enchanted Circle Bicycle Tour. Produced by our esteemed partners at The Ride Collective, this event offers cyclists the opportunity to ride some of the most scenic and challenging routes in the Southwest.
As a proud Media Partner of all Ride Collective events, Avid Cyclist is thrilled to feature the Enchanted Circle. We believe in the power of cycling to bring people together, and this event perfectly encapsulates the spirit of adventure and community that we cherish.
A Ride Through the Land of Enchantment
The Enchanted Circle Bicycle Tour takes riders on a counterclockwise journey around the iconic Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway. Bounded by the spectacular peaks of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the route circles Wheeler Peak, the highest point in New Mexico at 13,161 feet.
Cyclists will traverse a landscape rich in history and natural splendor, passing through charming towns and villages:
- Red River: The mountain-town start and finish line, offering a perfect basecamp for the weekend’s festivities.
- Questa: A village steeped in tradition and culture.
- Taos: The artistic and historic soul of the Southwest, near the 1,000-year-old Taos Pueblo.
- Angel Fire: A renowned four-season resort with stunning alpine views.
- Eagle Nest: Offering serene lakeside vistas and home to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
Choose Your Challenge
The tour offers two distinct routes to cater to different levels of endurance and ambition, both featuring rewarding climbs, rolling hills, fast descents, and signature hairpin turns:
| Course Option | Distance | Elevation Gain | Highlights |
| The Loop | 85 Miles | ~6,000 ft | A challenging and scenic ride tackling Palo Flechado Pass and the formidable Bobcat Pass, New Mexico’s highest paved mountain road topping out at 9,820 feet. |
| The Century | 100 Miles | ~7,000 ft | For those seeking the ultimate challenge, this route adds a bonus trek in and out of the Village of Angel Fire. Note: Riders must reach the Angel Fire turnoff by 12:00 p.m. |
Ride Logistics and Support
The Ride Collective is known for its impeccably organized events, ensuring that participants can focus on the ride and the scenery.
- Fully Stocked Aid Stations: Five aid stations along the course provide hydration (featuring Tailwind Nutrition), fresh fruit, and both sweet and salty snacks.
- On-Course Support: Cyclists are supported by local law enforcement, medical teams, road marshals, SAG vehicles, and on-site bike mechanics.
- Safety First: While the roads are open to traffic, comprehensive safety measures are in place. Riders are advised to use caution, especially on the steep descents and tight curves of Palo Flechado and Bobcat Passes.
The Red River Fiesta: A Post-Ride Celebration
The experience doesn’t end when you cross the finish line. The weekend kicks off with packet pick-up on Friday evening at the Red River Conference Center.
On Saturday, after conquering the course, riders are invited to the Red River Fiesta at Brandenburg Park. The post-ride celebration includes:
- A hearty post-ride meal (included with registration).
- A vibrant beer garden featuring local brews and cocktails from Red River Brewing.
- Live music and entertainment.
- A cycling expo featuring gear, apparel, and accessories.
- Prize drawings and a chance to connect with fellow cycling enthusiasts.
Exclusive Avid Rewards Member Discount
As part of our commitment to bringing value to our community, Avid Cyclist and The Ride Collective have partnered to offer an exclusive benefit.
The Ride Collective is an Avid Rewards partner, which means all Avid Cyclist Members receive a 10% discount on registration for the Enchanted Circle Bicycle Tour.
This discount alone covers more than double the cost of an annual Avid Cyclist membership!
Don’t miss out on this incredible value. If you’re not yet a member, now is the perfect time to join and start saving on premier events like this one.
Click here to join or renew your Avid Cyclist Membership today!
Register Today
Registration for the 2026 Enchanted Circle is open now. Entry fees are tiered, so register early to secure the best price. Your registration also includes an automatic donation to the Red River Valley Foundation, supporting local charitable organizations and community projects.
Register for the Enchanted Circle Bicycle Tour Here
Join us in Red River this August for an unforgettable weekend of cycling, scenery, and celebration. We can’t wait to see you on the Enchanted Circle!
