In an exciting development for the cycling community, on December 1, 2024, GRO Races officially handed over the reins of its beloved 6 Hours in Frog Hollow and 25 Hours in Frog Hollow events to Zia Rides, a rider-owned company based in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Known for its passion for creating unforgettable biking experiences across the Southwest, Zia Rides is poised to carry on the legacy of these cherished events.
With this acquisition, Zia Rides now organizes 10 cycling events across the region, primarily focused on relay-style mountain bike racing. “We’re thrilled to bring these iconic events into our fold,” said Seth Bush, owner of Zia Rides. “Expanding to Utah aligns perfectly with our mission, and we’re excited to honor the traditions established by GRO Races while adding our own touch.”
A Legacy of Community and Tradition
The 25 Hours in Frog Hollow race was first held in 2009 with just 73 participants, launching on Halloween with racers donning costumes. This whimsical start set the stage for enduring traditions, including the beloved Midnight Pie and homemade treats prepared by race founder and director, Cimarron Chacon. Over 16 years, the race grew into a legacy event, selling out in record time for the 2024 season.
The shorter 6 Hours in Frog Hollow followed in 2010, attracting 63 racers in its inaugural year. Since moving to the spring in 2013, it has consistently sold out. “I feel incredibly fortunate to have had such a loyal and supportive community by my side,” Chacon shared. “These events became family gatherings, and I count many of our participants as friends.”
This year, the 25 Hours in Frog Hollow saw an influx of first-time racers, including the children of early participants, further cementing its status as a generational event.
The Next Chapter
Zia Rides plans to maintain the close-knit feel of the Frog Hollow races by working with many of the same staff and volunteers. Bush emphasized the company’s commitment to continuity, saying, “Expect to see the same friendly faces and familiar energy that make these events so special.”
Zia Rides’ updated event pages are now live, and registration for the 2025 season has opened on BikeReg:
- 6 Hours in Frog Hollow: March 22, 2025
- 25 Hours in Frog Hollow: November 8-9, 2025. Registration opens in May.
Preserving the Past
Legacy merchandise and past event photos remain available for those looking to capture memories. Discounted merchandise can be purchased on the GRO Promotions store, while historic event photos are hosted by Crawling SpiderPhotography.
GRO Races Looks Ahead
With the sale of the Frog Hollow races, GRO Races will focus on growing its True Grit Epic series, returning in 2025 as a revamped gravel, mountain, and stage event. The organization is also expanding its presence with new events in Pennsylvania under the UnPaved brand and international ventures like The Hring race in Reykjavik, Iceland, on July 5, 2025.
For Chacon, the transition is bittersweet but filled with optimism. “It has been my honor to host these events for 16 years. I can’t imagine a better organization than Zia Rides to carry the torch. I hope you’ll continue to support the Frog Hollow races and their incredible community.”
As the Frog Hollow races enter a new era, both GRO Races and Zia Rides remain united in their mission to deliver exceptional experiences for cyclists across the Southwest and beyond.
