Race Bible
Course maps – A large course map will be posted at the registration tent. Please study it and feel free to ask questions. You may also download the GPS files linked on our website.
First Aid – There will be first aid kits at all feed zones. Be aware that much of the course is very remote and a serious injury requiring an evacuation will NOT occur in a timely manner. El Paso does not have an air med service. Your extraction will take place on a litter carried by rescue personnel or an ATV. Take caution if you do not know this course.
WHAT YOU SHOULD CARRY WITH YOU – Other than normal “race stuff”, you should carry a bit more in regards to tire repair. We suggest a spare tube with sealant, patch kit, plug kit, and a small container of tire sealant. It is also suggested that you stash a spare tube in your drop bags for every feed zone.
Race Rules –
1. Racers may receive Outside Food and Beverage handouts at Designated Open Feed Zones ONLY.
2. Racers may only receive Outside Assistance at the Designated Pit Area(s). All repairs must be done by the individual racer, no other person may touch the bike. The Pit Area is designated by race officials. Racers may not leave the Course for any purpose. A racer may leave items inside the pit area, however the race promotion team assumes no responsibility for items left unattended.
3. You MUST complete the entire race on the same bicycle frame and fork with which you started. All other parts can be switched out.
4. You MUST be 18 years old to compete in the full marathon 50 miles (Not race age)
5. E-bikes (pedal assist) are NOT allowed to race/register, if any E-bike is seen in use, the race times will be disqualified.
6. No headphones allowed on course.
7. Trails are NOT closed to other users, so please be kind when asking to pass anyone on the course.
2022 El Paso Puzzler
MTB Race Information
Welcome to the Bowen Ranch and the Franklin Mountain State Park, the largest urban state park in the nation. Please read this information carefully so you can have a successful race and an enjoyable experience in prime Chihuahuan desert terrain.
Parking
Camping
Toilets
Team Tents
Feed Zones
Time Cut-Offs
Dogs
Failure to Abide by Event Rules
First Aid – There will be first aid kits at all feed zones. Be aware that much of the course is very remote and a serious injury requiring an evacuation will NOT occur in a timely manner. El Paso does not have an air med service. Your extraction will take place on a litter carried by rescue personnel or an ATV. Take caution if you do not know this course.
WHAT YOU SHOULD CARRY WITH YOU – Other than normal “race stuff”, you should carry a bit more in regards to tire repair. We suggest a spare tube with sealant, patch kit, plug kit, and a small container of tire sealant. It is also suggested that you stash a spare tube in your drop bags for every feed zone.
Race Rules –
1. Racers may receive Outside Food and Beverage handouts at Designated Open Feed Zones ONLY.
2. Racers may only receive Outside Assistance at the Designated Pit Area(s). All repairs must be done by the individual racer, no other person may touch the bike. The Pit Area is designated by race officials. Racers may not leave the Course for any purpose. A racer may leave items inside the pit area, however the race promotion team assumes no responsibility for items left unattended.
3. You MUST complete the entire race on the same bicycle frame and fork with which you started. All other parts can be switched out.
4. You MUST be 18 years old to compete in the full marathon 50 miles (Not race age)
5. E-bikes (pedal assist) are NOT allowed to race/register, if any E-bike is seen in use, the race times will be disqualified.
6. No headphones allowed on course.
7. Trails are NOT closed to other users, so please be kind when asking to pass anyone on the course.
2022 El Paso Puzzler
MTB Race Information
Welcome to the Bowen Ranch and the Franklin Mountain State Park, the largest urban state park in the nation. Please read this information carefully so you can have a successful race and an enjoyable experience in prime Chihuahuan desert terrain.
Parking
- In an effort to streamline limited parking at the venue. Only racer vehicles are allowed into the venue during certain times.
- Parking is $5 per vehicle. Carpooling with 3 or more racers in the same car on race day will get you parking for free. Parking is first come first serve and may fill up early. If full, park at the lost cow trail head and ride the 1.5 miles to the venue, using lost cow trail.
- We are working on a shuttle service, check back soon.
Camping
- Fee for camping is $10 per night.
- RV’s and trailer campers will be parked in 3 specific areas. Please do your best to park as close as possible to other campers. We cannot allow you to “sprawl” with a chuckwagon circle or small tent city. Please park where event staff guide you and allow others to park where there is space.
- No water or electricity is available at the venue.
- Tents, vans, and truck campers will be allowed to park in more dispersed areas, but please attempt to use a spot recommended by event staff.
- No fires will be allowed at any location other than the main fire pit at the venue.
- Quiet hours are 8 pm Saturday to 6am Sunday. Please do not run generators between 8 pm and 6 am.
Toilets
- Located near the corrals and near the neutral feed zone. Please do not dump in the desert. Use the provided toilets.
Team Tents
- No team style tents or tables (EZ-Ups, 10x10’s, etc) will be allowed in any area other than the venue. If you want to set up a team tent, and you are not affiliated with a Puzzler sponsor, you will be charged $100 to set up in the venue.
- If you want to sell product in the venue, you will be charged $250 to set up and sell product or services. You must also have your business license posted somewhere in your tent or on your table
Feed Zones
- There are three feed zones. The first is at 6 miles at the venue. 50 mile racers will be passing through this feed zone twice. It will be the last feed zone for the final 15 miles for the 50 mile racers. There are 2 feed zones on the west side of the mountains located at about 15 and 25 miles. 35 and 50 milers will pass through these zones once. You may have a drop bag taken to both zones but be aware that the bags may not be returned until around 5 pm. There will be water and fruit in all feed zones.
- Feed zone vehicles will be marked “FEED ZONE #1” at 15 miles (lower sunset) and “FEED ZONE #2” for 25 miles (end of the foothills loops). Please have your drop back to the feed zone trucks by 7:50 am. Bags may not be returned until around 5 pm.
- It is advisable that you use a bright colored or unique bag for your drop-bags. Other than food and your favorite drink, we suggest an inflator cartridge, tube, and plugs at minimum.
- Volunteers are not responsible for items that may fall out of drop-bags.
Time Cut-Offs
- 6 miles – 10:00 am, 15 miles – 1:00 pm, 25 miles – 2:00 pm, 35 miles – 2:00 pm. Cut riders will be prevented from continuing and transported back to the venue if necessary.
Dogs
- Please keep them on a leash at all times!
Failure to Abide by Event Rules
- You will be asked to leave the premises, or you may be removed by law enforcement.
- Any riders affiliated with your team or group may be disqualified or not allowed to race.
