We know Gravel We know Endurance
Expert help to make the most of your experienceWe know and we love suffering –
We also know that there are two kinds of suffering.
One – In which you are prepared and ready for it. Taking what comes, rolling with the punches (or hills in this case), and having the fitness and preparation to push on and hang strong through the finish – no matter the distance, weather, flat tires or elevation.
Two – The other suffering comes when you’re not prepared, your fitness or your planning is weak and every obstacle, no matter how small grinds you down, erodes your confidence and turns your day into a matter of survival, not fun.
Come as you may but we hope you choose, as we do, suffering option #1. To that end, we are here to help!
Desert Gravel founder and Co2uT course maestro Morgan Murri is also a renowned endurance coach and ultra-distance racer.
He’s put together five different ways to help you be more prepared.
1 – Tips and advice. Within our blog that covers general fitness and gravel questions as well as specific insights into preparation for Co2uT – Sign up here for continued updates.
2 – Training plans. Coach Morgan has written and sold extensive training plans through Training Peaks for ultra-endurance events like Dirty Kanza, DKXL, and Leadville 100 . These plans sell for $74-$149. For the inaugural year of Co2uT Morgan is providing you this level of plan for free with your entry. That’s right. Free. These 12-week training plans will be available July 1st and ready to start you on July 20th for a total cost of $0. Simply because we want you to join us in the desert ready to kick some Dino ass!
3 – Recon rides. We are so stoked to share our secret with you. We invite all of you to come out any Saturday starting in August to recon a section of Co2uT. Meet our monsters, see the beauty and get the inside sneak-peak on what is on the agenda come 05/22/2021. Sign up here for schedule updates.
4 – Training camps. (Date pending COVID clearance) For a limited few of you, we have space for a 3-day on course training camp. Actually we are offering two camps. Go here for details
One camp for everybody/anybody.
A second camp women only.
Come stay with us, ride with us, dine with us and celebrate with us.
Late to the party? Join one of these camps and secure your entry into this year’s race. Go here for details.
5 – Custom, personal, coaching. If you truly want to be as prepared as possible for everything these monsters are going to throw at you Coach Morgan has a limited number of one – on – one, bespoke training slots available. Check out his coaching website to learn more. www.amazeyourself.life
Our Team
We are gravel – Passionate riders, racers, guides, and coaches. We are committed to keeping it real, having a blast and making it hard. We believe in inclusion, community, sustainability and paying it forward.
Desert Gravel - We're here to help!
Meet our Dino Wranglers
Experts, Coaches, Guides - Most of all, Quality people - Committed to your gravel happy!
Training Camp Information
The backyard @ Desert Gravel is “like no other on Earth!” Our riding, our scenery, and our guidance will provide a profound experience.
Safety and health are our primary concern and 2021 COVID-19 requires adaptation. See how we’re making adjustments in the COVID Box below.
We have several camps each with a different focus. We think this should cover most of you but if you’re not sure just reach out.
What all camps have in common (beyond the kick-ass riding and scenery) is a professional group of guides and riders all with broad experience, expertise and most of all great personalities! As a group we strive to exceed your expectations, needs and desires. We’ll work hard to adjust each camp to each rider and you can feel confident that whatever your speed or distance we’ve got you covered.
Additionally, each camp includes excellent, local, high-quality food, snacks, beer, and wine. We like to ride hard and relax and recover in true desert fashion. Generally, with fire, food, and quality beverages. This combination never fails to make strangers friends, and friends, true friends.
Generally, each camp includes 3 dinners, lunches, snacks, and 60-100 miles of riding with our expert Dino Wranglers. You’ll experience our terrain, learn skills, tips, and tricks for riding sandy washes, steep climbs, and dino tracks (yes dino tracks!) You’ll go home with lifelong memories, big smiles, and tired legs. We’ll follow up with fantastic photos, videos, and the promise You’ll never look at the desert the same way again…You’ll find specific details for each camp below.
Gravel Camp General Agenda. (Each camp will have a specific focus outlined in the details below the agenda)
Friday, Welcome Dinner
Check-in @ the Gravel Shack - 810 East Aspen Avenue, Fruita.
5:00PM - 7:00PM
Check in, say hello and settle in.
Happy Hour - Our Gravel Shack is the perfect "inside-outside" space to enjoy a local beer and meet the crew.
6:00PM - 7:00PM
Breaking bread (garlic bread) and sharing a beer or glass of wine from our local breweries and vineyards – The perfect way to meet our team and your fellow riders.
Dino Wrangler welcome and Team Intro
7:00PM - 7:15PM
A brief welcome, team introduction and overview of tomorrow’s schedule
Dino Dinner!
7:30PM -
Awesome local food, and a couple of special treats!
Saturday Ride, learn, and explore
Locations - Gravel Shack, Desert and Gravel Shack
Breakfast on your own - Coffee at the Gravel Shack (not mandatory)
7:30am -
Meet at ride location -
9:00am -
Location provided at check in.
Safety check, Ride overview - Daily objectives, guide plan
9:15am -
Roll out to the Border!
9:30am -
Amazing riding, and iconic photo shot at the border crossing and desert gravel!
Regroup at start location.
12:30pm -
On-sight lunch, morning recap, Q&A and resupply water, snacks, and sunscreen
Skills development -
1:30pm -
Split into Climbing group and Descending group – Head for the hills!
Depart ride location
4:00pm -
On your own until happy hour!
Gravel Shack Happy Hour!
6:00pm -
On your own until happy hour!
Gravel Shack daily recap and tomorrows preview
6:30pm -
Gravel Shack Dino Dinner!
7:00pm - 1 hour
Sunday - Ride more, learn more, explore more!
Locations - Gravel Shack, Desert and Gravel Shack
Breakfast on your own - Coffee at the Gravel Shack (not mandatory)
7:30am -
Meet at ride location -
9:00am -
Location provided at check in.
Safety check, Ride overview - Daily objectives, guide plan
9:15am -
Roll out into the Bookcliffs!
9:30am -
New terrain, new views and desert gravel!
Regroup at start location.
12:30pm -
On-sight lunch, morning recap, Q&A and resupply water, snacks, and sunscreen
Skills development - Sand riding and STEEP climbs!
1:30pm -
All about the Raptor Traps and 25% grades!
Depart ride location
3:00pm -
On your own until happy hour!
Gravel Shack Happy Hour and Nutrition Clinic by Skratch Labs
6:00pm -
Adult beverages and expert insight into endurance nutrition
Gravel Shack Dino Farewell Dinner!
7:00pm -
Gravel Camps - Come ride with us - Meet the Monsters - Up close & Personal
Whether you are looking to race, or improve your desert skills we've got a camp for you!2021 Camp adjustments due to COVID-19 as of 12/15/2020
As we all know, none of us knows what the COVID future looks like. Thank goodness – things seem to be looking up. So, these considerations could and may change.
As of now – here are the key things to know about camps this year.
1-Lodging is on your own. We highly recommend you use our lodging partner (see below) and book an Airbnb type home versus a hotel to promote social distancing.
2-We will not be shuttling campers to ride areas (to promote social distancing). Therefore your own, private transportation is required and you will be responsible for getting to and from ride locations each day.
3-We’ve purchased a private location, the “Gravel Shack” for our gathering location for in-town get-togethers and meals. Ensuring we have a large, safe, private location to gather.
We are STOKED to have you join us and can’t wait to share Desert Gravel “Like no other on Earth!”
COVID Safety
Women only Gravel Camp - Friday evening April 15th - Sunday evening April 17th (Limited to 15 riders) Opens 1/1/2021
Our women-focused gravel camp is all about removing barriers and building confidence. Gravel camp is about riding and making friends in the desert. This camp is focused on experiencing our beautiful terrain while getting comfortable with the unique riding here. This camp will ride a “big” day on Saturday and a “smaller” day on Sunday. “Big and Small” will be tailored to the riders in attendance and may be broken into subgroups.
In addition to 2 days of riding, skills, drills, advice, insight, and a beautiful jersey, the camp also includes: , daily lunches, dinners, on-course snacks, and fuel, post-ride beer and wine, (all food and drinks COVID packaged and individually served) vendor swag, amazing photos, and video of your trip, and most importantly life long happy memories Click here to register!
*See notes about our lodging partnership below!
$995
Moderate Race/ride Camp Gravel Camp. - Friday evening April, 23rd - Sunday evening April, 25th (Limited to 15 riders) Opens 1/1/2021
This Racing-focused gravel camp is about racing Desert Gravel Style but we’re keeping the mileage and efforts lower and moderately paced. You’ll build confidence and learn the key skills needed here. Additionally, Gravel camp is about riding and making friends in the desert. This camp is focused on experiencing a lot of our beautiful terrain, and we’ll work hard to show you variety. We’ll ride 40-50 miles each day.
In addition to 2 great days of riding, skills, drills, advice, insight, and a beautiful jersey, the camp also includes: daily lunches, dinners, on-course snacks, and fuel, post-ride beer and wine, (all food and drinks COVID packaged and individually served) swag, amazing photos, and video of your trip, and most importantly life long happy memories! Click here to register!
*See notes about our lodging partnership below!
$995
Race Camp Gravel Camp - Friday evening April, 30th - Sunday evening May, 2nd (Limited to 25 riders) Opens 1/1/2021
This event focused Gravel Camp is for riders racing longer distances. With three weeks to go before Co2uT this event is perfectly timed for one last big volume weekend. Regardless of which Dino you are taking on this camp will zero in on the key elements of each course, and building confidence in the skill set needed for each monster! Additionally, Gravel camp is about riding and making friends in the desert. You’ll be hustling around a lot but we’ll always make it fun!
In order to cover as many key course sections as possible be prepared for long days, strong efforts and plenty of miles. Again, this camp is specifically about giving you that insider knowledge for your specific monster. We’ll have 3 different pace/distance options each day so, don’t be intimidated, but be ready to ride 50-80+ miles each day.
In addition to 2 big days of riding, skills, drills, advice, insight, and a beautiful jersey, the camp also includes: daily lunches, dinners, on-course snacks, and fuel, post-ride beer and wine, vendor swag, amazing photos, and video of your trip, and most importantly life long happy memories! Click here to register!
*See notes about our lodging partnership below!
$995
*Lodging and getting together @ the Gravel Shack
Due to safety concerns regarding COVID-19 2021 camps require you to acquire your own lodging. We’ve partnered with Visitfruita.com and they are providing campers Desert Gravel discounts for their extensive vacation rental properties.
Upon registration we’ll provide you a discount code and a location map to help you get the best deal and most convenient property.
Our own private downtown located “Gravel Shack” is the ideal meeting space for our in-town gatherings. Providing a “walk or ride to” location and indoor/outdoor space for happy hours, dining, and gatherings in a large, private location.
Lodging Discounts
Group Ride Locations and information
Group rides will generally begin in 1 of 5 locations.
In order of closest to farthest from Fruita.
18 Road mountain bike area 21 minute drive from Fruita.
Co2uT aid station #1 20 minute drive from Fruita.
Co2uT aid station #2 30 minute drive from Fruita.
Ranch Exit 221 30 minute drive from Fruia.
Endless aid station 40 minute drive from Fruita.
- Group rides will range from short to long, easy to hard. Each ride will be announced and labeled accordingly.
- Longer rides will usually have shorter and/or “bailout” options.
- We will post a “Ride with GPS” GPS file/map for each ride and encourage you to upload it and use it during the group ride.
- Most rides will be “no-drop” meaning we will have gathering spots along the way to bring the group back together. That said, there are a LOT of roads and intersections out here and if you get separated from the group the GPS route will be invaluable!
- For the time being (world of COVID) you will be required to bring your own water and food. Plan accordingly, then add a bit more. It can be slower than you might think (sand, climbs – regroups).
Desert Gravel group ride rules and things to know:
- Whining is allowed only in deep sand and on extremely steep climbs and only for the duration of that situation. Otherwise, whiners or complainers may be left for the Raptors.
- Be respectful, mask/buff up when gathered, and keep a safe distance at all times.
- You are riding at your own risk and Desert Gravel, Co2uT is NOT responsible for your safety on these rides.
- It is desolated here but the roads are public and traffic is present usually when you least expect it. Mind the rules of the road! Stay right, be extra cautious around steep and blind corners, and pay attention.
- There is NO water or facilities – plan accordingly.
- Help one another.
- Look up and smile.
- Gravel on~
- Co2uT Gravel Race
05/22/2021
Fruita Colorado to Utah - and back! Desert Gravel - World Headquarters
#1 Gravel Road
Fruita, Grand Junction, MoabEmail Us
Check us out
- 303-475-6053
Partnered with Team Evergreen - Giving to the Grand Valley
