Patagonia race organizer urges county to study outdoor recreation’s economic role

Xander Alt, organizer of Patagonia's Spirit World 100 cycling event, told the Board of Supervisors on Sept. 17 that outdoor recreation is driving visitor spending and tax revenue in Patagonia and asked the county to schedule a study session on opportunities around trails and events.

Alt described the Spirit World 100 as in its seventh year and said organizers have submitted permits and approval letters since 2019. He said he had recently been contacted by county emergency services leadership for the first time about permits and described that outreach as appropriate "because outdoor recreation is quickly becoming a really big deal for Santa Cruz County."

Alt gave economic figures for the region as part of his appeal: he said the state outdoor recreation economy generates about $21 billion annually and cited local tax-revenue growth in Patagonia from roughly $230,000 in 2019 to about $1.3 million in 2025. He also said trail visitors spend an average of just over $400 per visit in areas where trails draw visitors. Alt asked for a study session with the board to present photos and discuss logistics; the chairman invited him to return for a study session and noted county interest in supporting outdoor recreation opportunities.

Alt invited the board to the Spirit World 100, which he said is scheduled Oct. 23–26, and supervisors indicated willingness to follow up and consider participant and infrastructure needs such as permitting and emergency services coordination. No formal county action was taken at the meeting.