'Be prepared to have a good time': Road Apple Rally features a fast track for cyclists of all levels

In its early years, the Road Apple Rally pitted man against beast, as mountain bikers raced against horses on a network of dirt roads outside of Farmington.

During these contests, the cyclists would occasionally have to dodge foul-smelling obstacles — also known as “road apples” — left behind by their equestrian counterparts. If the head-to-head matchup seems like an unfair fight, it might have been more competitive than one might expect.

“You would think that, but the reality is that mountain bikes are faster on the descents,” said Evan Pilling, outdoor recreation coordinator for the city of Farmington. “But in more technical terrain and especially on technical climbs, horses can be faster. It depends on the terrain.”

That’s just part of the history of one of the longest-running, continuously-run mountain bike race in the United States. Horses are no longer involved in the competition, but the “Road Apple” moniker is a nod to its colorful origins.

Today, riders can compete in multiple divisions on a 30- or 15-mile course, which begins at Lions Wilderness Park in Farmington.

Perhaps the most appealing aspect of the race is its inclusive nature. That, and the fast track.

“It’s a very fast course,” Pilling said. “It’s entirely cross-country. There is not much, if any, technical or rocky terrain in it, and so it’s very accessible to a wide variety of riders. The folks who ride it enjoy the speed associated with it, whereas some other mountain bike races are more slow speed, technical riding. This is just wide open and fast for the whole (race).

“The other thing is just our high desert terrain is pretty unique. It’s very flowy single track through piñon and juniper. There are a bunch of spots where you’re overlooking kind of the classic northern New Mexico badlands terrain … It’s very remote. With the exception of the start and finish, you’re really just out in the desert the whole time.”

Last year, approximately 300 cyclists signed up for the race, and Pilling hopes for a similar turnout this year. All told, there are seven divisions for which to register. In addition to pro and beginner classes, there are Clydesdale and Athena categories, which are designed for cyclists who might be larger than some of their counterparts.

“Clydesdales and Athenas are a nod that there are some of us who are still very fit mountain bikers but have a few more pounds on us, and therefore, we deserve our own categories,” Pilling explained. “It’s just above a certain body weight for those who are comfortable acknowledging that. As somebody who’s a very fit rider but who also weighs 210 pounds, I’m never gonna be as fast as a 160-pound (cyclist). We get our own category.”

The start times are staggered appropriately to keep the riders separated. Approximately $4,000 in cash prizes will be awarded to top finishers in the professional and expert classes.

“In the elite and pro categories, there’s some good competition,” Pilling said. “It’s like any other mountain bike race where there are folks who get extremely competitive about it and are riding at a very high level. And then it’s just as much fun for the folks who ride one or two days a week and just want to put a numbered plate on, have a fun ride and compete against themselves.”

The fun factor was a driving force behind the addition of some new events in conjunction with the 2023 race. The festivities begin on Friday, Oct. 6, with a downtown bike party at the Farmington Civic Center that will feature an outdoor gear and bike swap, a community bike cruise and a skills clinic, among other things. On Saturday evening, a free premiere of the film “The Engine Inside,” a documentary that showcases “the bicycle’s unique power to change lives and help build a better world,” will be held at Totah Theater at 7:30 p.m.

Of course, the race remains the main attraction. While there are no more “road apples” to avoid on the track, Pilling suggests participants view the maps uploaded at FarmingtonNM.org to get a sense of the routes and elevation ahead of time.

“It is a well-supported race. We have search and rescue staggered throughout the course. We have a couple of aid stations,” Pilling said.

“Just show up and be prepared to have a good time.”