EVENT PREP

  • For Ruta del Jefe 2024, we recommend a well-maintained hardtail mountain bike with 2.4”-2.5” tubeless tires and easy climbing gears. A minimum tire size of 2.3” is necessary. 3” plus bikes and 4.5” fat bike tires will feel right at home in this terrain!

    We do not recommend gravel bikes for this event. You will not enjoy riding at Cuenca Los Ojos on a gravel bike. If you have a choice between a gravel bike and a full-suspension mountain bike, we highly recommend a full-suspension mountain bike.

  • Depending on which course you ride, there will be one to three aid stations on the course with a minimum of water, some snacks, and a bike pump. There will be at least one aid station with full mechanical support.

    While there will be some course markings, each rider should come prepared with the route uploaded to a navigation device or downloaded on your phone to support your navigation between course markings. You will also need to carry food, water, layers, and any parts and tools to support any mechanicals you may have between aid stations.

    The community group rides taking place on Thursday and Friday are fully self-supported.

  • To protect the conservation work of Cuenca Los Ojos, routes will be provided to participants within one month of the event.

What will the weather be like?

The venue is located at 4,500 ft (1,371 meters) altitude. During the rides, you will reach an altitude of up to 6,000 ft (1,828 meters). Most event activities occur within a canyon, often sheltered from the strong winds that can be experienced while riding atop the surrounding ridgelines. 

Late March is typically the dry season for this region, with daily temperatures between 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit (15-26 degrees Celsius) and nightly temperatures between 30-50 degrees Fahrenheit (1-10 degrees Celsius).

During this time of year, it is possible for an occasional wet and or cold system to pass through the area. If this occurs, participants should be prepared for nightly temperatures of 20 F -6 C and bring plenty of warm and dry layers. 

Atop the ridgelines, 10-20 mph (16-32 km) wind is expected. 40 mph (64 km) wind is possible. 

If a significant amount of moisture occurs, many clay-based roads will turn to peanut butter mud. If this occurs, ride departure times may be postponed but not canceled. Come prepared!

Due to the chance of weather conditions impacting the roads and participant departure from Cuenca Los Ojos, 2WD vehicles will not be allowed to park in the main venue area. Instead, 2WD vehicles must park in a secure area 5 miles away. Cuenca Los Ojos will support gear transportation from the secure parking area to the main event area. At the same time, participants arriving in a 2WD vehicle will need to ride their bicycles (mostly downhill) to the main venue area.

What should I bring to Ruta del Jefe?

Ruta del Jefe takes place in a very remote and rugged area. Once you arrive at the venue, it will be highly inconvenient to leave. The terrain and conditions of the roads you will ride can destroy your bicycle. Please ensure your bicycle is in excellent working condition before arriving at Ruta del Jefe, and bring any spare parts you may need.

  • Yourself, an open mind, and a willingness to connect with others

  • A current passport

  • Mexican Pesos

    • for Coffee and Agave Spirits, U.S. Dollars for Ruta del Jefe, Cuenca Los Ojos, and expo swag.

  • A well-maintained or recently maintained bicycle

  • Camping GeaR

    • Plate, bowl, mug, and eating utensils

    • Tent

    • Sleeping pad

    • Pillow

    • Sleeping bag

    • Camp chair

    • Extra blanket

    • Encouraged: Binoculars

  • Electronics

    • Navigation Device (or Phone mounted to your handlebars).

    • Headlight

    • Power bank + charging cables

    • Optional: Camera

    • Optional: Satellite Communication Device (SPOT tracker or Garmin InReach).

  • Food

    • Lunch fixings for three days - propane stoves are okay to use in designated areas

    • Drinks - beer, carbonated water, etc.

    • Ride snacks

    • Any supplemental food to support your dietary needs

  • Bicycle Gear

    • A pump

    • Headlight

    • Multiple spare tubes

    • Spare tire

    • Spare spokes

    • Extra tire sealant

    • Extra chain/chain link

    • Extra brake pads

    • Chain lube for wet conditions (we’ll be crossing many creeks!)

    • Spare bolts

    • Spare cleat

  • Clothing

    • Shorts 

    • Riding shorts

    • Pants

    • Rain pants 

    • Insulated jacket

    • Rain jacket

    • Sleep clothes

    • Light socks (multiple pairs)

    • Heavy socks (multiple pairs)

    • Warm hat

    • Warm gloves

    • Riding gloves

    • Riding shirt

    • Camp shirt 

    • Camp/Hiking shoes 

    • Ride shoes