(January 19th, 2014) EL PASO, Texas- The El Paso Puzzler is considered one of the hardest mountain bike races in Texas, and is arguably one of the toughest 50 mile races in the nation. With endless rocky trails, the riding is demanding from start to finish. "I've been riding for 12 years," said DJ Singh, one of the event's organizers. "I've ridden many races in Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona. There are some races in Colorado with a climb of 2,000 vertical feet in one section, but nothing where it is a constant pounding, rocky terrain like El Paso."

The El Paso Puzzler takes place in the rugged Franklin Mountains within the Franklin Mountain State Park. It is the largest urban park in the nation lying completely within city limits, covering 24,247.56 acres. But just because these trails are within a city limits, don't be fooled. "There might be about 30 seconds you can sit up and relax on the course," said Team Ride for Reading racer Dejay Birtch. "The rest of the time it is game on!"

The El Paso Puzzler takes place a short drive from downtown El Paso at the Bowen Ranch Round House.

(L) A chilly start by Texan standards. (R) I don't think this guy will be going hungry today.

The Puzzler would not be possible without these two hardworking gentlemen; Brent Sanders and DJ Singh, along with all of the countless volunteers. "This race would not happen without all of the local volunteers that come out to help," said Singh. This year saw 183 racers with 148 of which that finished the tough race. This was the seventh year of the Puzzler race and the organizers are looking forward to many more to come.

Endless amazing views to be had in the Franklin Mountains.

(L) Promptly at 8am the 50 mile race began, followed by the 35 mile and 15 mile races. (R) The Franklin Mountains offer some of the best mountain biking within any city limits.

The infamous backside of Mundy's Gap, 1.5 miles of rocky scree that wil surely rattle loose every bolt on your bike.

(L) "I hate this scree field!" Screamed overall women's winner Jen Wilson. (R) The best advice for making it down Mundy's Gap? Minimal amount of brakes and let the rocks push you where they want.

Point it and pin it is the idea of Mundy's Gap. If not, running your bike isn't a bad idea either.

Lower Sunshine Trail on the west side of the park offers one of the few sections were your teeth aren't being rattled out of your skull.

If you have never experienced mountain biking in El Paso, I highly recommend you check it out. Miles upon miles of trails litter the Franklin Mountain State Park.

29 year old Marco Escarcega from Tequisquiac, Mexico took home the overall win for the 50 mile race. He took the front with Jose Escarcega from the start and never looked back.

(L-R) Manuel Salas Chaves put in a hard effort and ended up second less then a minute off the lead. An all to common scene on the Puzzler course. The El Paso Puzzler will beat you down and leave you wanting more. The rocky course will certainly put your gear to the ultimate test.

At the end of the day everyone is all smiles. The cycling community of El Paso is a very unique one. If you are looking for a great grassroots event that will challenge you physically and technically then look no further then the El Paso Puzzler. Plus, who doesn't like racing their bike in January?

A big thank you to The Borderland Mountain Bike Association for hosting the event, to all of the volunteers that give up their time and to the El Paso Convention and Visitor Bureau for making this great event happen year after year. For more info about the event visit their website here.

Official Results

Photos by Devon Balet