The Race
The Race
Start times may be slightly changed prior to the event, depending on weather forecasts. Please click here for the most current weather forecast.
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For event updates, click here.
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Gran Fondo format, mass start timed ride with awards for top 3 finishers in each category (Men’s and Women’s for each distance).
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2024 Aid Station Locations Map--This map will be coming soon!
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All aid stations will have portable toilet and hand sanitizer.
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Emergency sag and minor mechanical support (flat tires, broken chains, minor adjustments). In the mountain bike race tradition, please be prepared to complete any needed repairs on your own. Our sag support and aid stations will have pumps, chain tools and limited hex wrenches, but will likely not have trained bicycle mechanics on hand.
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Road Surfaces for all routes include smooth pavement, smooth compacted dirt/gravel, loose gravel, washboards and firm, rough surfaces. Water crossings are possible depending on the winter snowpack.
@Charlie Ekburg
@Charlie Ekburg
@Charlie Ekburg
@Charlie Ekburg
Ruby Loop
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​Highlights:
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120.5 miles, 6,270' elevation gain
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64.5 miles gravel, 56 miles paved
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Elevations between 5,457' and 7,230'
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Grades between 7% climbs to 10% descents
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This 120.5-mile route circumnavigates the central, highest elevation part of the Ruby Mountains on 56 miles of lightly traveled pavement and 64.5 miles of gravel. The loop has one significant climb, though most of the 6,270" elevation gain is over the rolling hills along the flanks of the range. The final 18 mile gravel segment will challenge every rider.
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Details:
The ride begins and ends in scenic Lamoille along the west flank of the Ruby Mountains, with the highest peaks of the range dominating the eastern skyline as you head south toward Lee (Lee Peak, Mount Gilbert and Ruby Dome (11,392’)) and the headwaters of the South Fork of the Humboldt River. Depending on the winter-spring snowpack, you may encounter a couple of water crossings along this section. From Lee, you’ll continue south towards Jiggs (paved 2-lane highway), home of the world-famous Jiggs Bar (an advertising campaign for the original VW Van was photographed here in 1965). Jiggs lies at the base of the most significant climb of the ride to Harrison Pass (1,760’ elevation gain), which marks the southern end of the Ruby Crest Trail. The road surface changes back to gravel just before the final assault on the summit, then down the twisting, often loose and wash-boarded descent to Ruby Valley. At the base of Harrison Pass, you’ll turn north on Ruby Valley Road. The steep east side of the Ruby Mountains make up the western skyline, with hay pastures full of happy cows on your right. This section of “gravel” is well maintained, and often smoother than some of the pavement we are accustomed to riding. At the community of Ruby Valley, you’ll continue north on a lightly traveled paved road toward the rather deceptive summit of Secret Pass. Soon you pass the Secret Pass Ranch and begin a fun, wide open descent along Secret Creek. At the foot of the canyon, you’ll turn south on the Fort Halleck-Lower Lamoille gravel road for the final 18 mile grind over a number of deceptive rolling hills with some of the roughest gravel of the route, back to your finish at Lamoille.
Many riders will bypass the first 2 or 3 aid stations if they’re “racing” the course and have sufficient training, fluids and food, however the final 20 miles can be the most grueling part of this ride. Don’t forget to leave the Ft. Halleck aid station with plenty of water.
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Wildflowers should be peaking over the summits and may be lingering at the lower elevations. Keep an eye out for Sandhill Cranes in the lush meadows along the Jiggs Highway and Secret Pass.
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Ruby Loop Elevations GPX (GPS Track of event with elevation data only, NO waypoints for water/aid stations)
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Ruby Loop Elevations with Aid GPX (GPS Track of event with elevation data and with waypoints for water/aid stations)
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Ruby Loop Route Points GPX (GPS "Route Points" for event, updated for new gravel section and contains the Route Points only for GPS devices to use when in "Navigation" mode)
Footage from 2021
Ride Along and Check Out Drone Footage of Ruby Loop Route
Secret Pass Loop
E-bike category available
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​Highlights:
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62 miles out and back route
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4,365' elevation gain
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41 miles gravel, 21 pavement
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Elevations between 5,460' and 6,503'
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Maximum grade of 8.9%
This route is an out-and-back metric century (100 km/62 miles) along the west flank of the Ruby Mountains north of Lamoille. The ride has one significant climb to Secret Pass (~900" elevation gain) on smooth pavement, however most of the elevation gain is along the Fort Halleck Road, with short, punchy climbs on challenging gravel. Total elevation gain is 4,365" at elevations between 5,460" and 6,505".
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Details:
This ride heads north out of scenic Lamoille and traverses the western flank of the northern Ruby Mountains, passing the historic Lamoille Church and multiple ranches. After passing the intersection with Lower Lamoille Road, the distance between ranches gets longer and the road gets rougher with several short but steep climbs (up to 9%), always with a great view of the Ruby Mountains. As you pass the Fort Halleck Ranch, you may encounter water on the road or a muddy section, depending on the winter-spring snow and precipitation. After 18 miles of dirt, you’ll turn right on to the paved Secret Pass climb. This is a moderate grade climb, 3-5% for about 9 miles along Secret Creek. You’ll pass the Secret Pass Ranch and Secret-Starr trailhead as you exit the canyon, and you will think you’re done climbing, but there’s still a couple of miles of 2-3% climbing ahead to the actual, very non-descript summit. Shortly after passing the summit, you’ll turn left onto the gravel North Ruby Valley Road and ride another 3 miles to the turnaround (with a last bit of climbing). As you return, you’ll have spectacular views of the northern Ruby Mountains, Soldier and Secret Peaks straight ahead and the East Humboldt Range - Humboldt Peak on your right. After the sweeping descent of Secret Pass, you’ll turn back onto the gravel of the Fort Halleck road, retracing your route and enjoying the different perspective of seeing the other side of the views you had on the way out.
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Wildflowers should be near their annual peak on Secret Pass, with some lingering along the lower elevations. Keep an eye out for Sandhill Cranes, especially in the lush meadows near the Secret Pass Summit.
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Footage from 2021
Ride Along the Secret Pass Loop by Drone
Lee Loop
E-bike category available
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​Highlights:
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38 mile out and back route with 2,015' elevation gain
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30 miles gravel, 8 miles pavement
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Elevations between 5,610' and 6,102'
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Maximum grade of up to 7.5% for short distances
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This ride is an out and back from Lamoille to Lee along the west flank of the Ruby Mountains, passing by the highest peaks of the range. Don’t let the short distance fool you, this ride is 30 miles of rolling, hilly gravel and only 8 miles of paved road at elevations between 5,610' and 6,102’. Total elevation gain is deceptive at 2,015’, and most of the climbing is on the return leg. Even with that, this is one of our favorite rides.
Details:
This ride begins and ends in scenic Lamoille along the west flank of the Ruby Mountains. The highest peaks of the range (Lee Peak, Mount Gilbert and Ruby Dome (11,392’)) dominate the eastern skyline as you head south toward Lee. At the 10 mile mark and first aid station, the road surface changes from mostly well maintained gravel to somewhat narrower less-maintained and occasionally rutted road. Depending on the winter snowpack and spring precipitation, you may encounter water flowing over the road. Free range cattle are an added bonus. The final descent into Lee includes a short, steep, sometimes loose 2-track road – use caution and keep an eye out for your fellow cyclists. Enjoy the grassy yard and shade at the historic Lee Schoolhouse – aid station - turnaround is at the historic Lee Schoolhouse before re-tracing the route. You’ll enjoy spectacular views of the Ruby Mountains as you grind out those grueling hills you enjoyed on the way out.
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Footage from 2021
Cycle Along The Lee Loop by Way of Drone
Pleasant Valley Loop
E-bike category available
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​Highlights:
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22 mile out and back route with 870' elevation gain
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14 miles gravel, 8 miles pavement
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Elevations between 5,620' and 6,059'
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Maximum grade of up to 7.5% for short distances
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Details:
This ride is a shorter version of the Lee School out and back. The ride begins and ends in scenic Lamoille and heads south along the west flank of the Ruby Mountains with the highest peaks of the range (Lee Peak, Mt. Gilbert, and Ruby Dome at 11,392') dominating the eastern skyline. Don't let the short distance fool you; the ride is 14 miles of gravel and 8 miles of paved road at elevations between 5,610' and 6,102'. Total elevation gain is 870', most of which is gained after the turn-around point.
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Pleasant Valley Loop GPX (gps route)
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