The Enchanted Circle 2026 road cycling event, produced by The Ride Collective, offers riders some of the most picturesque riding in the southwest and a unique opportunity to experience the raw natural beauty of Northern New Mexico. You’ll experience rewarding climbs, rolling hills, fast descents, and hairpin turns, making it an event that the team at Strambecco considers to be one of the Best Road Cycling Events in the Southwest and one of the Best Cycling Events in New Mexico.

Enchanted Circle kicks off with a mass start at 7:30 am, and riders travel counterclockwise around the beautiful Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway, offering the quintessential New Mexico experience and the opportunity to experience two exhilarating mountain passes, Palo Flechado and Bobcat Pass. The course will start and finish in the iconic mountain town of Red River, travel through the Village of Questa, the cultural mosaic of the Town of Taos, and the serene landscapes of the Village of Eagle Nest, and peak at 9,820 feet on Bobcat Pass, the state’s highest mountain road. You may ride the 85-mile loop, which encompasses the entire Enchanted Circle and features 6,000 ft. of elevation gain – or challenge yourself to the century ride, which includes an additional leg in and out of Angel Fire, including a brief stop at the Angel Fire Resort and boasts 7,000 ft of climbing. Either way, be ready for a roller-coaster of terrains – from grueling climbs to swift descents and from steady rolling hills to tight hairpin turns.

Safety and support are top-notch, with clear route signage, dedicated road marshals, and medical teams on standby. Also available are stocked aid stations to fuel your ride and expert bike mechanics for those unforeseen hitches. Strategically placed aid stations are stocked with hydration drinks, water, fruits, and a variety of snacks, and SAG wagons will be present throughout the route, ready to assist.

The weekend is packed with activities for riders and spectators alike, starting from packet pick-up on Friday evening to a spirited Red River Fiesta on Saturday, complete with live music, an expo, delicious meals, and refreshing beers and cocktails from Red River Brewing. After burning all those calories, indulge in a hearty meal (included in your registration) and enjoy some local brews.

This year’s Enchanted Circle tour benefits the Red River Valley Foundation, dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for citizens and visitors to the Red River Valley, NM. The Ride Collective is a portfolio of eight professionally produced events and races in both Colorado and New Mexico, striving to create an inclusive culture where cyclists of almost all abilities can enjoy the simple pleasures of riding a bicycle.