Chuska

17th Annual Chuska Challenge set for Saturday, September 29

On the Trail

The 2012 Chuska Challenge will be based at Dine' College in Tsaile this fall, giving riders some of the best mountain biking in the Four Corners. This year's Chuska route will include spectacular riding, beginning at just over 7,000 feet elevation and climbing into the range on tribal roads and old logging routes. Riders may opt for rides of 20 miles, on up to 45 miles depending on their skills and interest. The most advanced route climbs to 9,800 feet at the summit of Roof Butte.

All routes include aid stations, which will be well-stocked with great-tasting fuel and plenty of fluids. Kathy's Chuska-famous pasta salad will be one of the personal touches you'll enjoy on the trail. Along the way, you will find plenty of rider support, medical and basic mechanical aid. You'll find stunning fall colors across the reservation highcountry.

Part of the Chuska weekend includes great entertainment and cool activities - both on the trail and at Tsaile. The native blues duo of flutist Jimmy Keith and Nolan James will be playing throughout the weekend. Esther Peaches will be star-gazing and leading night sky activities from a Dine' perspective on both nights and we will have also be showing adventure flicks on the big-screeen at the Hatahlie Center all weekend long. Dine' storyteller Larry King will be sharing his amazing stories of Navajo history and culture in the hogan, which will also serve as a cozy sleeping spot for those camping out on Friday or Saturday night.

Registration

The registration rates are great for early registration - just $30 for adults and $20 for youth. You can sign up at the active.com link at: http://active.com/event_detail.cfm?event_id=2048661. Registration includes a light pre-ride breakfast, well-stocked aid stations all day, a hearty dinner and entertainment at the finish. Camping is available on Friday and Saturday nights on the campus of Dine' College.

Beautiful Chuska t-shirts are available at the time of registration and will also be on sale at Tsaile. You can choose from the classic - our long-sleeve 100% cotton tee for just $15 and tech shirts for only $20. Riders may enjoy shopping at the Chuska Store, which will feature a collection of outdoor gear, bike accessories, past Chuska & TDR t-shirts and Southwestern art.

The Cause

The Chuska benefits the work of NavajoYES, a Navajo Nation nonprofit that offers outdoor adventure programs, service projects and community outreach throughout the year. NavajoYES also sponsors the Tour de Rez adventure each summer. You can find out more about our organization in the "Programs" portion of the website.

A benefit auction featuring Navajo rugs, local art and outdoor gear plus a raffle drawing with hundreds of prizes are a couple ways in which you can support the cause throughout the weekend. Additional contributions at registration or on Chuska weekend are welcome, as well. Our very-own "Chuska Trading Post" will feature tons of gear, t-shirts and art available for purchase at great prices all weekend.

Camping & Lodging Info

You are welcome to camp at Dine' College in Tsaile on both Friday or Saturday nights. If you prefer motel lodging, Chinle is your closest option at 23 miles west of the Chuska basecamp. Your choices are Holiday Inn-Chinle (928-674-5000), historic Thunderbird Lodge (928-674-5841) and the Best Western - Canyon de Chelly (928-674-5874). If you are coming through Window Rock, your best option is the Quality Inn - Navajo Capital (928-871-4108), which is 50 miles south of Tsaile.

Where in the World is Tsaile?

Tsaile, Arizona (zip code 86556) is located at the junction of Routes 64 and Route 12. Tsaile is 23 miles east of Chinle, 52 miles north of Window Rock and 20 miles south of Round Rock. If you need help with locating Tsaile or finding the best route there, please e-mail or call us (928-429-0345) and we'll be glad to help point you in the right direction.

Once you arrive in Tsaile, you will head to the Dine' College campus, which is the major feature in the town. DC is also the home of the world's only five-story hogan - the Hatahlie Center, at the heart of the campus. The Chuska basecamp is right beneath the Hatahlie Center.

Other Information

Check out the pictures on the website to get a look at past Chuska rides. Go to "Photo Albums" on the home page and scroll down to the pictures of the Chuska. You can also find out more about the work of NavajoYES throughout the site.

We would like to encourage everyone to register online. But if that does not work for you and you would like to do a paper registration, please contact Tom by e-mail at chuskaman@yahoo.com. Thanks.

You can contact us at chuskaman@yahoo.com or at (928) 429-0345 for more information.