Red Rock Roller
- Date Sat 25th July 2026
- Time 7:00AM MDT
- Location Church Rock, New Mexico
- Price Free
- Races 1 race
Last chance to enter
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Event summary
Join us for the exhilarating Red Rock Roller on Saturday, July 25th, 2026, in the picturesque Gallup, McKinley! This unique event is part of the City of Gallup's vibrant Route 66 Rides festival, and while it's not a race, it promises an unforgettable scenic ride through the stunning landscapes of Red Rock Park and the iconic Route 66.
Starting bright and early, participants will kick off their adventure at 7:05 AM from Red Rock Park, just as the sky fills with color from the mass ascension of hot air balloons at 6:40 AM. Riders will enjoy a delightful 1.5-hour journey, taking in breathtaking views of Pyramid Peak and Church Rock while the balloons drift gracefully overhead. With a mix of gravel and road sections, this ride is perfect for those on either type of bike. So, gear up for a morning filled with beauty and camaraderie, and don't forget to arrive early to catch the magical balloon launch!
Starting bright and early, participants will kick off their adventure at 7:05 AM from Red Rock Park, just as the sky fills with color from the mass ascension of hot air balloons at 6:40 AM. Riders will enjoy a delightful 1.5-hour journey, taking in breathtaking views of Pyramid Peak and Church Rock while the balloons drift gracefully overhead. With a mix of gravel and road sections, this ride is perfect for those on either type of bike. So, gear up for a morning filled with beauty and camaraderie, and don't forget to arrive early to catch the magical balloon launch!
Organiser's Description
The Red Rock Roller is held in conjunction with the City of Gallup's Route 66 Rides festival [https://www.visitgallup.com/events/annual-gallup-rt-66-rides/]. This event is not a race, but a ride meant to showcase the beauty of Red Rock Park, Route 66 and the surrounding area.
Starting from Red Rock Park, the ride begins just as the hot air balloons begin their mass ascension. From there, you'll ride on Route 66 for a few miles and watch the balloons float among the stunning red rocks. The route soon heads north to make a loop around the park, offering views of balloons drifting past Pyramid Peak and Church Rock. If the timing and weather are ideal, you should roll back into the park just as the balloons finish their flight.
A gravel or road bike is appropriate for this ride, with some parts having sections of rough pavement. Expect to ride for about 1.5 hours, depending on your ability. The event is not timed and there are no awards.
Please note that the balloon launch is weather dependent.
View the route on Ride With GPS. [https://ridewithgps.com/routes/54579571]
Event Schedule:
6:30AM -Recommended arrival time
6:40AM - Balloons launch (weather dependent)
7AM -Deadline to arrive
7:05AM -The ride departs
8:30AM - Approximate arrival back to Red Rock Park
9:15AM - Sag Wagon cutoff time
Starting from Red Rock Park, the ride begins just as the hot air balloons begin their mass ascension. From there, you'll ride on Route 66 for a few miles and watch the balloons float among the stunning red rocks. The route soon heads north to make a loop around the park, offering views of balloons drifting past Pyramid Peak and Church Rock. If the timing and weather are ideal, you should roll back into the park just as the balloons finish their flight.
A gravel or road bike is appropriate for this ride, with some parts having sections of rough pavement. Expect to ride for about 1.5 hours, depending on your ability. The event is not timed and there are no awards.
Please note that the balloon launch is weather dependent.
View the route on Ride With GPS. [https://ridewithgps.com/routes/54579571]
Event Schedule:
6:30AM -Recommended arrival time
6:40AM - Balloons launch (weather dependent)
7AM -Deadline to arrive
7:05AM -The ride departs
8:30AM - Approximate arrival back to Red Rock Park
9:15AM - Sag Wagon cutoff time
Races
-
22-Mile Loop Around the Park
Sat 25th July 2026 (7:00AM MDT)
Free
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Location
825 Outlaw Rd, Church Rock, 87311, NM, United States
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Red Rock Roller
