MARFA — The Marfa100, an annual bike race that benefits local nonprofits, takes place this Saturday, October 19, bringing local and visiting cyclists together for a challenging ride down scenic 2810.
Zeke Raney and Elizabeth Farrell, race organizers for the past five years, said there are around 300 riders registered to compete in both the 100K and 50K. They are expecting a strong contingent of local and El Paso-based cyclists in addition to racers from as far as Alaska and Germany. “I think we have a good mix of return riders and new people, which is what makes it interesting every year,” Farrell said.
This year a portion of race proceeds will be donated to the Marfa Education Foundation (MEF), an organization that helps augment Marfa ISD’s programming. MEF will also sponsor an aid station along the route at mile marker 16, the 50K turnaround.
Festivities kick off Friday evening with a “Tour de Marfa” 10K led by Karl of Manhattan Project Beer Co. Everyone is welcome to join the self-timed, marked ride around town, which will take off from the Marfa Visitor’s Center (U.S.O.) at 6 p.m.
The primary race takes off from the U.S.O., heading towards 2810, at 9 a.m. on Saturday followed by an additional wave of 50K riders at 10 a.m. MEF and the Marfa Public Library will host a bike jamboree for children from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the U.S.O. The event — free and open to all — will feature face painting, a “make your own license plate” craft and supplies for decorating wheels and handlebars. Kids can bring their bikes, scooters, rollerblades and skateboards.
The race after party on Saturday, for Marfa100 participants, includes catering from El Turista, cut-out silhouette portraits by Molly Dumas and golden goat head trophies for the winners of each age group made by Katy Milam. The weekend concludes with a coffee and pastry meet up/slow ride at 10 a.m. Sunday at Bitter Sugar.
For more information, visit marfa100.com/