09/04/2026
Yes, it's looking good that Planet Ultra will be able to get the last-minute permits to host a nice substitute for the cancelled 24 hr WTTC: Borrego Time Trial Classic - a fun competitive, grassroots event in Borrego Springs, California, on October 31... and then have time to plan something bigger and better for 2027...
But we need racers on the roster to move forward. Hosting events in California is expensive. We need 50 by September 10th to move forward. When you register you'll not be charged unless we reach the minimum number to make it happen.
After RAAM cancelled WTTC, folks changed plans and the enthusiasm was lost... and we still want to step up and save the event. But we can't afford a big loss.
If we don't get the minimum, we're open to going down to Borrego and hosting a club-style event: Just a group of cyclists hang out and riding laps (counting of course), and celebrating the winners with high fives. We know some folks just want to hang out in the desert. We're happy to partake, support the community and then sit around making plans for next year.
So if you want it. Sign up NOW. Otherwise we'll put a little slow in our roll.. and work towards 2027.
It would be nice if the RAAM organization would support this event as a substitute for their CANCELLED event. If they cared as they said they do about the 6-12-24 hr and ultra communities, they'd be grateful that their audience has a venue for the next two years while they figure things out (find a buyer).
Not only are they NOT being supportive, they are censoring / taking down our posts to the RAAM Ultra-Cycling Forum and RAAM Support Crew Central facebook groups.
Ultra Cycling in the USA suffers when there is division, not unity. Organizers must support the athletes, not be divisive and petty when their events aren't even happening.
It's shameful that both 24 Hour Worlds and The 508 were cancelled so close in time to the events; without providing information about obvious alternatives.
The RAAM organization knew way before announcements were made that they were cancelling their autumn events. Instead of letting their riders know, and plan to race either HOODOO 500 or No Country for Old Men; they waited until it was too late for those riders to plan to travel elsewhere. Same with WTTC.
It's very sad for and completely disrespectful to those racers who planned for the better part of a year to participate in those events. It's bad and sad for our entire sport, which has been in decline for many years.
PLEASE support the alternatives. They will likely be around when RAAM events are not.
Event info and link to "commit to race" - https://planetultra.com/borrego/