Attention, New Mexico endurance riders! The fifth annual Caja del Rio Endurance Ride is scheduled for August 23, 2008. This year's ride will be a fundraiser for the Caja del Rio Trail, too.

There will be three options for riders:

1. A 15-mile "Fun Loop" that makes a great trail ride for a beginner
2. A 30-mile limited distance endurance ride
3. A 50-mile endurance ride

The event is sanctioned by the AERC, and will be monitored by veterinarians. Water for the horses will be available along the trail  every 5-7 miles, and sponsors are encouraging new riders to get involved. Fun riders can choose to tide with or without a ride leader, and will have the convenience of marked trails. HAM radio coverage will also be provided as part of a rider safety net.

So what and where is Caja del Rio?

The fun ride starts at 8:30 a.m., and costs $40. Since horses must be vetted prior to departure, riders shoulld plan to arrive by 7:45 a.m. Endurance competitots should plan to arrive the night before, as vetting for these horses is scheduled for 3-6 p.m. on Friday. Start times are variable, depending on weather, and may be as early as 6:30 a.m.

Directions to the trailhead:

North on I-25 to Santa Fe; take the 599 bypass. Go approx. 2 miles northeast of the stoplight at 599 and Airport Road to the Cja del Rio Landfill turnoff. Turn left onto the frontage road, continue 1.5 miles, following signs to the landfill. At 1.5 miles, take your mileage and turn right, again following signs to the landfill. Go almost 3 miles to county Road 62. Turn left onto Co. Rd. 62, and continue 1.2 miles, at which point Co Rd. 62 becomes Forest Road 24. Make an immediate left onto a dirt road, and follow it to the corrals.