Everything You Didn't Know About N C O M
Its namesake comes from the Cormac McCarthy novel No Country for Old Men. It is truly a race of endurance as well as physical and mental challenge. It is born from RAAM experience. You will discover parts of the route that are reminiscent of the moonscape terrain of Tuba City and Kayenta, climbs similar to the Yarnell Grade and the wide open vastness of the Colorado plains. Enjoy the ugly beauty, appreciate the desolation and respect the ruggedness of this immense land.
The race has 3 distances.
208 miles. 383 miles. 1000 miles.
All 3 races start and end in beautiful Alpine, Texas.
There are solo, tandem and relay team categories for all 3 races.
This is an opportunity for those rookie ultra cyclists who may have never previously ridden their bikes over 100 mile but are now ready to step into the realm of ultra cycling. Experienced ultra cyclists and rookie alike can enjoy this scenic challenge. The Ed Tom Bell is a UMCA World Cup event.
With nearly 19,000 vertical feet of climbing with elevations up to 6000', the Anton Chigurh will provide a true test of endurance for the racers. Solo finishers of the Anton Chigurh 383 within the 32 hour time limit will become RAAM qualified. The 383 is a UMCA World Cup event.
This is the premier 1000 mile ultra race in America. With over 41,000 vertical feet of climbing, this race is truly an elite ultra event made for elite ultra racers. Solo finishers of the 1000 mile race within the 96 hour time limit will be Race Across America Qualified. The 1000 is a UMCA World Cup event.
Don't forget the Relay Teams
NCOM isn't just about the individual challenge. It is also an opportunity to have some Team fun. West Texas is a great place for relay teams to come out and race. 2 person teams can even crew themselves in the 208 and the 383.
The Llewelyn Moss 1000 mile race was introduced to target several new ultra racing opportunities:
-
A new challenge for the 500 mile racer that is looking for something more, Ultra racing isn't just about getting on a bike and racing around in a circle. Sure, loop races certainly have their benefits and place in the sport. But ultra racing is also about preparation, organization, logistics and communication. A true multi-day training race for not only RAAM racers but also for their crew. Many RAAM crews show up at Oceanside with very little actual race situation experience. Some have never even driven an RV until they pull out of the RV rental at San Diego. NCOM offers the crew opportunity to experience leap frog, direct follow, mountain pass driving, etc on very remote, lightly traveled highways. It also gives the racer and crew an opportunity to determine how to set up their follow vehicle, work out the bugs and get a hand on racer to crew communications.
-
NCOM also targets the racer that wants to go beyond the 500 milestone but isn't quiet ready to commit to the needed 3 week vacation, extended crew requirements and a RAAM budget. NCOM offers this racer a chance for a multi day race with minimal vacation time, diminutive crew requirements and a manageable budget.
-
RAW is an excellent training race for RAAM. It offers the benefits of a multi-day race and being on the actual RAAM course. However, RAW is concurrent with RAAM. NCOM gives the racer and crew the option of doing both the training race and RAAM within the same calendar year.
The Murder Maverick Steer Award
The Murder Maverick Steer award will honor and recognize the No Country for Old Men racer, crew member, volunteer or official who displays the spirit of NCOM with true grit, courage, inspiration and sportsmanship.
​
​
Are you rugged enough?
This is not just a catchy theme. Rugged is a word you need to take to heart; it describes the country and conditions you’ll be racing in. NCOM isn’t just about being able to ride long distance. Not only must you prepare yourself, but a resourceful and competent crew is essential. The phrase “no services” has a more sinister meaning in west Texas: there are none, zip, nada. Physical and/or mechanical problems will be yours to handle, and it may be hours before the cavalry arrives. No services, no civilization, no phone — just you, your crew and all the skill and cunning you can muster. More than just a bike race; this is No Country for Old Men.
