El Paso Puzzler

About the Event

Start the year off right at the 20th El Paso Puzzler, set to take place on January 16-17, 2027. This endurance race challenges participants with its unique combination of scenic trails and challenging terrain within Franklin Mountain State Park.
The event kicks off early in the morning on Saturday, January 16, 2027, at 8:00 AM for the grueling 50-mile route. Just half an hour later, the 35-mile race will commence at 8:30 AM. On Sunday, January 17, 2027, a more manageable 15-mile course awaits early birds who join in from 9:00 AM.
For young racers and families, there’s also a kids’ race scheduled for the same day as the 15-mile event at 10:00 AM. The Borderland Mountain Bike Association (BMBA), a non-profit organization run entirely by volunteers, ensures that all proceeds support local mountain biking infrastructure.
Top finishers in the 50-mile category will receive equal prize money, with first place earning $500 and fifth place taking home $100. Additionally, there are awards for top performers across various age categories, including Juniors (under 18), 18-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, and 60+.
Prizes extend beyond the monetary with Epic giveaways available throughout the event. The first 75 finishers in each race will receive a special prize, adding to the excitement of participating.
Safety is paramount, so riders on both the 35-mile and 50-mile courses must adhere to cut-off times at specific aid stations: Lower Sunset Parking Lot (mile 13) by 1:00 PM and Northwest Access Road (mile 23) by 2:30 PM. For those in the 50-mile race, Roundhouse (mile 35) also marks a critical point with its own cut-off at 2:30 PM.
Registration includes entry to Franklin Mountain State Park on race day; however, non-racers must secure a $5 daily use permit from self-pay stations or online. Camping is available starting Friday and closing Monday for those looking to extend their stay.
E-bikes are strictly prohibited in this endurance event, ensuring that all participants face the challenge with pure mountain biking skills alone. Weather conditions can be unpredictable, but organizers will do everything possible to run the race as scheduled. In case of weather-related cancellations or delays, the race may shift to Monday for safety reasons. No refunds will be issued due to weather.
For those who might need additional peace of mind, BikeReg Refund Protection is available and should be considered when registering. More information can be found online at their official website.
With its scenic trails and supportive community, El Paso Puzzler promises a memorable experience for all participants. Mark your calendars now and prepare to tackle the puzzle that awaits!

Races Offered

15 Mile Mini-Epic - Sunday - 15 Mile Men

Jan 16, 2027

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Distance — 24.1K

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Type — Cycling

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195 days remaining

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$60.00

15 Mile Mini-Epic - Sunday - 15 Mile Women

Jan 16, 2027

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Distance — 24.1K

terrain

Type — Cycling

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195 days remaining

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$60.00

35 Mile - Saturday - 35 Mile Men (geared)

Jan 16, 2027

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Distance — 56.3K

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Type — Cycling

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195 days remaining

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$70.00

35 Mile - Saturday - 35 Mile Men (single speed)

Jan 16, 2027

straighten

Distance — 56.3K

terrain

Type — Cycling

timer

195 days remaining

sell

$70.00

35 Mile - Saturday - 35 Mile Women (geared)

Jan 16, 2027

straighten

Distance — 56.3K

terrain

Type — Cycling

timer

195 days remaining

sell

$70.00

35 Mile - Saturday - 35 Mile Women (single speed)

Jan 16, 2027

straighten

Distance — 56.3K

terrain

Type — Cycling

timer

195 days remaining

sell

$70.00

50 Mile - Saturday - 50 Mile Men (geared)

Jan 16, 2027

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Distance — 80.5K

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Type — Cycling

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195 days remaining

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$80.00

50 Mile - Saturday - 50 Mile Men (single speed)

Jan 16, 2027

straighten

Distance — 80.5K

terrain

Type — Cycling

timer

195 days remaining

sell

$80.00

50 Mile - Saturday - 50 Mile Women (geared)

Jan 16, 2027

straighten

Distance — 80.5K

terrain

Type — Cycling

timer

195 days remaining

sell

$80.00

50 Mile - Saturday - 50 Mile Women (single speed)

Jan 16, 2027

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Distance — 80.5K

terrain

Type — Cycling

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195 days remaining

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$80.00

Free Kids Race 16 and Under - Sunday - Kids Race

Jan 16, 2027

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Distance — 4K

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Type — Cycling

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195 days remaining

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$0.00

Weather History

These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for January in El Paso.

thermostat Temperature

-6.4° / 3.9°

wb_sunny Feels like

-11.7° / -0.7°

light_mode Avg sunshine hours

7h 58m

water_drop Avg rainfall

0.7 mm

ac_unit Avg snowfall

0.3 cm

air Avg wind speed

10.7 km/h (Light breeze)

opacity Sweat loss rate

Low

terrain Course conditions

Firm and slightly soft

sunny Max UV Index

Low (2.0)

humidity_mid Humidity

62.6%

wb_twilight Sunrise

08:23

nightlight Sunset

18:21

About El Paso

Learn more about the host city, El Paso.

El Paso is a city in and the county seat of El Paso County, Texas, United States. It is the 23rd-most populous city in the U.S., sixth-most populous city in Texas, and the most populous city in West Texas with a population of 678,815 at the 2020 census. The El Paso metropolitan area has an estimated 879,000 residents.