A year ago, Josh Propfe set off on his first FKT attempt at the 260-mile Monumental Loop in New Mexico. He set the record, but Anton Krupicka beat his time later that year. This weekend, Josh returned to lower the fastest known time of the loop to just 22 hours and 49 minutes. In this recap, Josh shares a little about his ride and the gear he relied on to make it happen…

This past weekend, Josh Propfe set a new fastest known time (FKT) on the Monumental Loop, a 260-mile figure-eight through the Organ Mountains Desert Peaks National Monument and surrounding Chihuahuan Desert that follows dirt roads and rarely ridden singletrack. Josh is no stranger to the route. In fact, he beat Andrew Strempke’s previous FKT last year, and then Anton Krupicka beat his time by 41 minutes later that spring. This weekend, Josh managed to shave 20 minutes off Anton’s time, finishing the loop in just 22 hours and 49 minutes. Find details from Josh below.

Words and photos by Josh Propfe

On October 14th, I set out for a new FKT attempt on the Monumental Loop, a 260-ish mile route that forms a figure-eight through Doña Ana County, New Mexico. I started with the 140-mile South Loop, putting some of the more singletrack-heavy portions first. About 45 miles in, as I rolled out of the first resupply in Vado, my front tire sagged to the rim. Trying not to worry, I spent the next 10 minutes fiddling around to get the valve stem to quit leaking. Thanks to Stans, the remainder of the South Loop went smoothly.

Josh Propfe 2023 Monumental Loop FKT
  • Josh Propfe 2023 Monumental Loop FKT
  • Josh Propfe 2023 Monumental Loop FKT

Starting the North Loop, I was immediately overwhelmed by the sand and heat. Sections of the route that are generally rideable were soft and spongy, and I had more hike-a-bike than I anticipated. As the sun was setting, I was relieved to be out of the afternoon heat, but I was behind on my projected time goal. I hammered down into Hatch for a quick stop before riding into the Uvas Mountains for another rough and tumble section of the route, which felt especially chunky in the dark. Here, I began to really question if I would make the FKT. I hit the pavement just outside of Radium Springs and knew I needed to move! The last 35 miles of primarily smooth gravel and singletrack made it easier to move efficiently.

Josh Propfe 2023 Monumental Loop FKT

I finished at 2:19 a.m. for a total ride time of 22 hours and 49 minutes. I feel incredibly lucky to have seen so much of my “backyard” in a 24-hour period. I’m grateful for this beautiful place and the amazing community of people here. Thank you to Matt Mason and the Monumental Loop board for their unending hard work to make the route accessible and enjoyable for all.

Josh’s Bike Setup

  • Surly Karate Monkey
  • 32T x 10-52T
  • Front tire: Teravail Ehline 2.4, rear tire: Teravail Sparwood 2.2
  • Bags: Oveja Negra super wedgie frame bag, Oveja Negra top tube bag, Topo Designs handlebar bag, Revelate Designs Shrew bag
  • Snacks: Little Debbie Honey Buns, peach rings, Gatorade, Sand
Josh Propfe 2023 Monumental Loop FKT

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