2nd annual xcel energy tour de ocho millas 2012

Saturday, September 15, 2012

Start Time: 8am

Location: Bottomless Lakes State Park

EARLY Registration $35 (online only)

LATE Registration: $45 - (don't be late!)

U18 Registration: $10 at packet pickup 09/14/12 only

Check In & Late Registration:
Late registration and packet pick-up will occur on Friday, September 14, 2012 from 5pm-8pm

Location: Grace Community Church

Come join other cycling enthusiasts as they pedal the historic eight mile loop around Bottomless Lakes State Park that was once home to “America’s most incredible road racing circuit” called the Las Ocho Millas. (Road and Track, August 1967).

 

The Xcel Energy Tour de Ocho Millas will follow the eight mile route that encircles BottomlessLakes State Park, a nationally registered park situated in the high desert near Roswell, New Mexico.

The Tour will offer a metric century ride with shorter options for riders of all abilities (8, 16, 24, 32, 40, 48, 56, or 64 miles). Roswell Ford-Lincoln is sponsorning the "ChronoTrack" Timing and Results will be provided by CCR Timing.

The course has a few demanding hills, but the rider is rewarded with fantastic views overlooking the lakes as well as impressive views of the Pecos Valley. Along the way, cyclists will be refreshed at “power stops” to hydrate and refuel.

 

Tour de Ocho Millas Course

click on 'map my ride' at bottom to enlarge

 

In 1933 the Bottomless Lakes area was set aside as New Mexico's first State Park. In the 1960's it was host to America's most incredible U.S. Road Racing Champion circut (SCCA) called "Las Ocho Millas". The Attached article from August 1967 Road and Track magazine quoted, "There's only one road to the circuit and the circuit itself is also the only way to get in and out of the park. The course is driven in a clockwise direction so as you reach the Y you stay to the left and the road runs along the mesa above the lakes. Though there are a few gentle bends along here, the top speed is limited only by the driver's skill (and daring) and the car's road holding and power. Whoeeeee, so fast and so much of it. On most road racing circuits there is one stretch where the driver can dump it in top gear and let it wind out but here there's mile after endless mile where your whole life could pass before you while you're scaring yourself to death."
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