Ring of Fire
📍 Oregon, USA
mtb
Date
26 September 2026
Distance
50 miles
Elevation
1,639 m
Difficulty
mtb
El Paso Puzzler
Texas, USA · 16 January 2027
Difficulty: 4/5 — Very hard
The El Paso Puzzler offers 15, 35, and 50-mile mountain bike courses through Franklin Mountain State Park, featuring EPIC and technical XC-style terrain. With significant climbing and challenging singletrack, this endurance event is rated as difficult, testing even experienced riders.
Visit official site →- Distances
- 15 Miles · 35 Miles · 50 Miles
- Elevation
- 1,700 m
- Surface
- singletrack, dirt
- Typical W/kg
- 3–4
Rider fit
Who it's for
This race is ideal for experienced mountain bikers seeking an endurance challenge, those looking to boost their strength and cycling potential, and riders comfortable with steep, technical climbing.
Who will struggle
New beginners, riders unprepared for steep and technical climbs, and those without extensive mountain biking experience will likely find this race very challenging.
Training focus
Training should focus on building endurance, developing comfort with technical singletrack and chunky terrain, and practicing steep climbs to prepare for this demanding course.
Are you ready for this race?
Compare your W/kg to see how you stack up against this race's typical level — and which races fit you best right now.
FAQs
What are the available race distances?+
The El Paso Puzzler offers three distinct mountain bike courses: 15 miles, 35 miles, and 50 miles.
What type of terrain can be expected on the courses?+
Riders can expect challenging XC Style Terrain, described as techy, chunky, and requiring technical climbing on singletrack and dirt paths throughout Franklin Mountain State Park.
What is the overall difficulty level of the El Paso Puzzler?+
The race is considered an "EPIC" and "a$$ kicker" event, known for its steep and technical climbing, making it suitable for experienced riders but explicitly not for new beginners.
Is the El Paso Puzzler suitable for beginners?+
No, the race explicitly states it is "except for new beginners" due to its demanding and highly technical nature.
When and where does the El Paso Puzzler take place?+
The race is scheduled for January 16, 2027, at the Bowen Ranch Roundhouse in El Paso, Texas.
What is the typical elevation gain for the courses?+
The 35-mile course is noted to have approximately 4,800 feet (about 1,463 meters) of climbing, much of which involves technical sections.