Hop on your road or gravel bike and climb 13 miles up the steep paved road leading to Mt. Taylor. Save your energy- the best is saved for last on this section. The 2.5 miles and 1,000’ elevation gain between Coal Mine Campground and the Bike/ Run transition area make even the strongest cyclists hurt!

Run 5 miles up a gravel and often snow-packed & icy road. Depending on the year, traction cleats like Yaktrax or MicroSpikes may be helpful. The final push to the run/ski transition is icy and steep.

Nordic skis? AT skis? Splitboard? The choice is yours, but be prepared to come back with a new plan next year. The ski course doesn’t fit neatly into anyone’s box. It’s steep on the up and fast on the down. The course stays on groomed forest roads but steep corners and sometimes icy conditions on the downhill add challenge for those on skate or traditional xc skis. The downhill ski course is the only portion of the race that varies from its uphill counterpart.

Savor the final mile as you take in incredible views and climb straight up “the face” to the summit of Mt. Taylor. The dopamine hit you’ll get when you hit the top will keep you coming back for more. We should have a registration booth at the top! Be sure to spare a few minutes for a stop at the Edge of the World- the highest altitude and most fun party you’ll go to all year!