303-475-6053 
info@desertgravel.com 
Co2uT 2023 Update 5.8.2023
by morganmurri@netscape.net |May 8, 2023 | 0 Comments | Co2uT 2023
Holy Dino,
One week to go before you head out to tame your monster! We are so stoked to have you head out and join us – Thank you!
We’ll send another update mid-week and another on Friday. Please read each update. Ya never know how things change here in the desert. Also, please refresh and download your RideWithGPS Co2uT experience Saturday so you have the most updated and accurate information.
We will also post all updates and schedules on our website, and you can find the full Fat Tire Festival schedule here too. https://www.desertgravel.com/co2ut-updates/ Each day this week, we’ll post a tip/trick on our Instagram and Facebook @DesertGravel so stay tuned and follow along.
Volunteers – As you know [FIRSTNAME], these events don’t happen without a busload of volunteers, and we could always use an additional set of hands. If someone is coming along with you that would like to chip in please have them check out our Sign up Genius for shifts and duties. We’ll hook’m up with swag and beer, and if they pull a heavy shift, we’re happy to comp an entry for next year!
Maps/Route – Our course is well marked, yet we require you to carry your course map GPS file in your bike computer or phone (or both is even better!). Many have asked why? Our course markings tell you where to go but will not tell us where you are should you need help or get lost. Your GPS map will. So please, load it up and familiarize yourself with your route highlights, caution areas, and aid stations.
Here are links to all official 2023 courses
30 Miler https://ridewithgps.com/routes/31657814
50 miler https://ridewithgps.com/routes/38712096
75 miler https://ridewithgps.com/routes/38712028
100 miler https://ridewithgps.com/routes/38264591
125 miler https://ridewithgps.com/routes/38712160
Our “Run from the Dino’s” 5k awards are ready! Bring the kids, dogs, strollers, and each other to loosen up those legs Saturday morning before your shakeout ride! Preregister here and use coupon DinoRunner to save $15!
Get those last few workouts in and pack up your rig – The desert and your MONSTER awaits!
Peace and Love,
Morgan, Grace, Jacquie, Jim, and all the Dino Wranglers!
Co2uT 2023 Full Schedule
by morganmurri@netscape.net |May 1, 2023 | 0 Comments | Co2uT 2023Co2uT full schedule (scroll down for Fat Tire Festival schedule)
Co2uT Events Schedule Friday 5.12.23
Fat Tire Festival at Fruita Civic Pavilion Park
Merchandise booth open 4-6 pm
Dino 5K Run registration and packet pickup at the Merchandise booth
C02uT Events Schedule Saturday
Saturday 5.13.23
7:30 Registration and packet pick up
8:00 am 5k Start
10:00 am Shakeout ride. Civic Pavillion Park. 22 Miles – First and last 11 miles of the official race route
2:00 pm Shakeout ride 20 mile course preview with Colorado Summer of Gravel Series. Route in your route file. Here is where it begins. Start/Finish 18rd. North Fruita Desert (add 20 miles if you begin and end in town.)
4pm – 7:30pm Co2uT Packet Pick Up Civic Pavillion Park 325 East Aspen Avenue
Co2uT Events Schedule Sunday
Sunday 5.14.23
All activities are located at Fruita Civic Pavilion Park
7:00 am – 125 mile UtahRaptor Start
7:30 am – 100 mile Triceratops Start
8:00 am – 75 mile Stegosaurus Start
8:45 am – 50 mile Pterodctyl Start
9:15 am – 30 mile Fruitadens Start
11:00 am – First finishers, 30 and 50 mile expected
11:00 am – Beer Garden, Food Trucks and Gear Sale open
1:30 pm – Awards for 30 mile, 50 mile 75 mile
2:00 pm – Overall Awards for 100 and 125 (no age groups yet)
5:00 pm – Age Group Awards 100 and 125 milers
5:30 pm – Aid #2 closes (inbound 100 aid #3, inbound 125 aid #4)
7:00 pm – Aid station 1 closes (inbound 100 aid #4, inbound 125 aid #5)
8:00 pm – Beer Garden closes, Food Trucks Close (we’ll keep beer and food on hand for any late arrivals.)
Fat Tire Festival located at Fruita Civic Pavilion Park
FRIDAY (05.12.23)
18 Rd Bike Demo Venue
8a — Event Opens—“Pre-Registered & Day Of” Festival & Demo Pass may be picked up or purchased at White Registration Tent.
10a — Guided Ride (Fest Pass Holders). Beg to Intermediate Level Trail.
10a — DJ & Music by DJ John.
1p — Guided Ride (Fest Pass Holders). 2 Skill Levels to choose from.
3p — Event Closes. Head To Downtown Fruita for Music & Ska Brewing Beer
Downtown Fruita Outdoor Recreation Venue
11a — Event Opens.
1p — Food Trucks Open
3p — Observed Trials Bicycle Demonstration.
4p — Beer Tent Open – Ska Brewing Beer Tent by COPMOBA
4p — Fun Times!
5p — Live Music – Rhema Music Main Stage. Wowzer
7p — Lighting of the Firepit.
7:30p — Live Music – Rhema Music Main Stage. Wave 11
9:15p — LAST CALL for SKA Brewing Beer and Food.
9:30p — Rhema Music Main Stage wraps up.
10p — Event Closes for the night.
SATURDAY (05.13.23)
18 Rd Bike Demo Venue
8a — Event Opens — “Pre-Registered & Day Of” Festival & Demo Pass may be picked up or purchased at White Registration Tent.
10a — Guided Ride (Fest Pass Holders). Beg to Intermediate Level Trail.
10a — DJ & Music by DJ John.
1p — Guided Ride (Fest Pass Holders). 2 Skill Levels to choose from.
3p — Event Closes. Head To Downtown Fruita for Music & Ska Brewing Beer
Downtown Fruita Outdoor Recreation Venue
9a — Event Opens.
10a — Observed Trials Bicycle Demonstration.
11a — Food Open
11a — Kids MTB Rodeo
2p — Beer Tent Open – Ska Brewing Beer Tent by COPMOBA
3p — Observed Trials Bicycle Demonstration.
4p — Fun times!
5p — Live Music – Rhema Music Main Stage. The One Takers
7p — Lighting of the Firepit.
7:30p — Live Music – Rhema Music Main Stage. Whiskey Stomp
9:15p — LAST CALL for SKA Brewing Beer and Food.
9:30p — Rhema Music Main Stage wraps up.
10p — Event Closes for the night.
SUNDAY (05.14.23)
18 Rd Bike Demo Venue
8a — Event Opens — “Pre-Registered & Day Of” Festival & Demo Pass may be picked up or purchased at White Registration Tent.
1p — Event Closes. Downtown event open until 5p
Downtown Fruita Outdoor Recreation Venue
7a — CO2UT Main Rides Begin. See Co2uT Courses & FAQs – Desert Gravel for more information.
9a — Event Opens
10a — CO2UT Rides start finishing. Cont throughout the afternoon/eve.
1p–4p — DJ & Music by DJ John
5p — FFTF Event Closes.
Co2uT 2023 125 Mile course Riders Manual
by morganmurri@netscape.net |May 1, 2023 | 0 Comments | Co2uT 2023This supplement contains information, rules, and details specific to your course.
You must also read the general riders manual for full event details.
Welcome to the UtahRaptor Course. Don’t tell everyone else but this is our favorite course. The additional 25 miles after the 100 course is the bomb (unless the Raptor Traps are in bloom – in that case, it can be a dusty bomb) you get it all.
To make it you will have to ride smart, push hard and plan well. If you do, you’ll experience a deep sense of accomplishment and satisfaction knowing that you tamed the fiercest monster of Co2uT.
Things you need to know
Start time: 7:00 a.m. Downtown Fruita – Peach Street and Aspen.
The official end of 125 race: 9:00 p.m. Downtown Fruita. Peach Street and Aspen.
Start Location.
All distances Begin in the parking lot on the north side of Civic Pavilion Park 325 East Aspen Avenue
Start Time.
7:00 a.m. UtahRaptor – 125 Miles
Event Parking.
Parking for all distances is Fruita Monument High School. 1102 Wildcat Avenue, Fruita, CO 1.5 miles from the start. Be sure to allow enough time to ride safely to the start and obey all road rules and laws.
Packet Pickup.
All Packets must be picked up Saturday. There will be NO race day pick-up.
Packet pick location, Civic Pavillion Park 325 East Aspen Avenue
4 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 13th.
Neutral Start – First 7 miles is a Sheriff’s lead escort. Nice and easy
You will roll out of and back into Fruita on paved city streets. To keep you safe and give you time to find your groove the first 7 miles is “Neutral.” NO RACING. Just after hitting the gravel on 18 road be prepared for a right turn off the main road. Inbound be extra cautious when you re-enter this busier 7 miles and ride back into city streets and traffic. Remember! All roads are open and will be busy with cars the closer you get to town! You will finish right at the park.
Important course notes.
At mile 23 you will approach State Highway 139. You MUST stop before entering the highway. It is just ½ mile to aid station #1 and back on gravel. Please, use extra caution on this road. The median is wide. Use it to stay far right.
When you are coming inbound. You repeat this same ½ mile in the opposite direction. Again, use caution and stay far right.
Mile 36. CAUTION You will be coming down a very long, rugged downhill. At the bottom of this hill, you abruptly enter a busy, paved road, open to the public. STOP! Check traffic before turning right and heading to aid #2
Aid #2 mile 38. Course Split!
You and the 100 riders turn left into the aid station and continue to the west. The 75mile route continues straight (North) on the asphalt.
Mile 44. Course Split!
Pay attention
This is where the 100 and the 125 depart. 100 milers slight left, 125 – hard right. From here on you get to ride well into Utah
Aid #3 Mile 61
HEAVY VEHICLE TRAFFIC ON THIS PAVED 3 MILES. Very cautious here as aid station support vehicle traffic could be heavy.
Mile 91.5 Extreme Caution – the road is washed out and you must stay left, dismount, and walk across.
Cut-Offs
Aid station #4 (same as aid station #2 outbound) mile 84. If severe weather moves in we may institute a cut-off here at 10 hours.
Aid Station #5 (Same as aid station #1 outbound, 25 miles from the finish.) Race mile 100, 13 hours after the official start time.
• Additionally, any rider leaving aid station #5, between 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. will be required to have an operational front light.
• Official finish line, Downtown Fruita. Final cut-off 9:30 pm.
Drop Down
If you get to the course split at MILE 44 and feel like 80 more miles isn’t in the cards for you today you can “drop-down” to the 100 route here.
Take the 100 mile left turn to continue on the 100-mile route. In doing so, you will officially finish as a 100miler. You will not be eligible for age group awards and you MUST notify an official at the next aid station before continuing, providing your bib number and name.
Lights
You are required to have a flashing red taillight on and operational for the entire event. Any rider on course after 8 pm is required to have a white front light on and operational through the finish.
Drop bags
You will be allowed one drop bag that will be delivered to aid station #2. This is mile 39 outbound and mile 84 inbound.
You must CLEARLY LABEL the drop bag with your name and race number. Mark it well – you will be required to find your drop back on your own. The better you label it the more organized we’ll have it.
It needs to be a reasonable size (such as a race-tote, musette bag) or 6 pack cooler. Drop bags need to be dropped off prior to your start on Saturday morning at the start/finish area (this zone will be marked). Drop bags may not be retrievable until after the race, Sunday morning, 8am. at the finish area. Any items/bags not claimed by end of day, 5pm on Sunday, April 24th will be donated.
Course Splits and two-way traffic.
Your course rides with the 75 and 100 to mile 39 aid #2. Here the 75-mile course continues up the asphalt road. You and the 100 turn left, going through the aid station and heading west on gravel.
At mile 44 the 100 milers continue straight, you go right (west).
At mile 61, Aid #3 you turn left (south).
Lastly and most importantly…
125 miles and almost 7,000’ of gain is no joke. Add in wind, Raptor Traps a heck of a lot of twists and turns and the Utah Raptor will represent her reputation. Not if, but when, she gets you down… Doubt begins to creep in, your tears trail dust tracks down your cheeks and the dino breeding grounds have rattled your confidence. Remember this. You are brave. You are strong. You are healthy. Just a few months ago you told yourself “I would give anything to just go to the desert and ride my bike.!” That day is here and so are you. Look up, take it in. Truly – LOOK around you… and remind yourself how blessed you really are. Then, breathe deep, smile, and pedal on. We are waiting for you at the finish.
Co2uT 2023 100 Mile course Riders Manual
by morganmurri@netscape.net |May 1, 2023 | 0 Comments | Co2uT 2023This supplement contains information, rules, and details specific to your course.
You must also read the general riders manual for full event details.
Welcome to the Triceratops Course. Don’t let the gentle nature of her lull you into a false sense of serenity. This course is more about the horns than the gentleness of this giant. To make it you will have to ride smart, push hard and plan well. If you do, you’ll experience a deep sense of accomplishment and satisfaction knowing that you tamed the ICONIC desert century.
Things you need to know
Start time: 7:30 a.m. Downtown Fruita – Peach Street and Aspen.
The official end of the 100-mile race: 8:00 p.m. Downtown Fruita. Peach Street and Aspen.
Start Location.
All distances Begin in the parking lot on the north side of Civic Pavilion Park 325 East Aspen Avenue
Start Time.
7:30 a.m. Triceratops – 100 Miles
Event Parking.
Parking for all distances is Fruita Monument High School. 1102 Wildcat Avenue, Fruita, CO 1.5 miles from the start. Be sure to allow enough time to ride safely to the start and obey all road rules and laws.
Packet Pickup.
All Packets must be picked up Saturday. There will be NO race day pick-up.
Packet pick location, Civic Pavillion Park 325 East Aspen Avenue
4 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 13th.
Neutral Start – First 7 miles is a Sheriff’s lead escort. Nice and easy
You will roll out of and back into Fruita on paved city streets. To keep you safe and give you time to find your groove the first 7 miles are “Neutral.” NO RACING. Just after hitting the gravel on 18 road be prepared for a right turn off the main road. Inbound be extra cautious when you re-enter this busier 7 miles and ride back into city streets and traffic. Remember! All roads are open and will be busy with cars the closer you get to town! You will finish right at the park.
Important course notes.
At mile 23 you will approach State Highway 139. You MUST stop before entering the highway. It is just ½ mile to aid station #1 and back on gravel. Please, use extra caution on this road. The median is wide. Use it to stay far right.
When you are coming inbound. You repeat this same ½ mile in the opposite direction. Again, use caution and stay far right.
Mile 36. CAUTION You will be coming down a very long, rugged downhill. At the bottom of this hill, you abruptly enter a busy, paved road, open to the public. STOP! Check traffic before turning right and heading to aid #2
Aid #2 mile 38. Course Split!
You and the 125 riders turn left into the aid station and continue to the west. The 75mile route continues straight (North) on the asphalt.
Mile 5.5 Extreme Caution – the road is washed out and you must stay left, dismount, and walk across.
Dropping Down
If you get to aid #2, mile 38, and feel like 62 more miles isn’t in the cards for you today you can “drop-down” to the 75 route here. Doing so, you will officially finish as a 75 miler. You will not be eligible for age group awards and you MUST notify an official at this aid station before continuing, providing your bib number and name.
Mile 44. Course Split!
Pay attention
This is where the 100 and the 125 depart. 100 milers slight left, 125 – hard right. From here on you alone get to ride straight down the Ut .Co. Co2uT border! Enjoy a few miles before swinging left back into Colorado.
Lights
You are required to have a flashing red taillight on and operational for the entire event.
Drop bags
You will be allowed one drop bag that will be delivered to aid station #2. This is mile 39 outbound and mile 61 inbound.
You must CLEARLY LABEL the drop bag with your name and race number. Mark it well – you will be required to find your drop back on your own. The better you label it the more organized we’ll have it.
It needs to be a reasonable size (such as a race-tote, musette bag) or 6 pack cooler. Drop bags need to be dropped off prior to your start on Saturday morning at the start/finish area (this zone will be marked). Drop bags may not be retrievable after the race until Sunday morning at the finish area. Any items/bags not claimed by end of the day on Sunday, April 24th will be donated.
Lastly and most importantly…
100 miles and over 5,000’ of gain is a big day. Add in wind, sand, more tough little climbs a lot of twists and turns, Triceratops will truly challenge you. If she starts to get you down… Doubt begins to creep in, your smile slips into a gritty, dusty frown and the dino breeding grounds have bruised more than your ego. Remember this. You are doing something that many cannot. You are brave. You are healthy. Just a few months ago you told yourself “I would give anything to just go to the desert and ride my bike.” That day is here and so are you. Look up, take it in. Truly – LOOK around you… and remind yourself how blessed you really are. Then, breathe deep, smile, and pedal on. We are waiting for you at the finish. WE believe in you. Now dig! Smile – Push. Repeat.
Co2uT 2023 75 Mile course Riders Manual
by morganmurri@netscape.net |May 1, 2023 | 0 Comments | Co2uT 2023This supplement contains information, rules, and details specific to your course.
You must also read the general riders manual for full event details.
Welcome to the Stegosaurus Course. She’s fun, she’s sassy, and yes, a bit of a sting! Stegosaurus is tough, we actually changed her up a bit this year to remove a little bit of the sting. But this is after all about you challenging yourself, redefining your possible, and coming out amazed. Plan well, ride smart, and believe in yourself. If you do, you’ll experience a deep sense of accomplishment and satisfaction knowing that you tamed the sassiest dino in the desert!
Things you need to know
Start time: 8:00 a.m. Downtown Fruita – Peach Street and Aspen.
Start Location.
All distances Begin in the parking lot on the north side of Civic Pavilion Park 325 East Aspen Avenue
Start Time.
8:00 a.m. Stegosaurus – 75 Miles
Event Parking.
Parking for all distances is Fruita Monument High School. 1102 Wildcat Avenue, Fruita, CO 1.5 miles from the start. Be sure to allow enough time to ride safely to the start and obey all road rules and laws.
Packet Pickup.
All Packets must be picked up Saturday. There will be NO race day pick-up.
Packet pick location, Civic Pavillion Park 325 East Aspen Avenue
4 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 13th.
Neutral Start – First 7 miles is a Sheriff’s lead escort. Nice and easy
You will roll out of and back into Fruita on paved city streets. To keep you safe and give you time to find your groove the first 7 miles are “Neutral.” NO RACING. Just after hitting the gravel on 18 road be prepared for a right turn off the main road. Inbound be extra cautious when you re-enter this busier 7 miles and ride back into city streets and traffic. Remember! All roads are open and will be busy with cars the closer you get to town! You will finish right at the park.
Important course notes.
Mile 23 you will approach State Highway 139. You MUST stop before entering the highway. It is just ½ mile to aid station #1 and back on gravel. Please, use extra caution on this road. The median is wide. Use it to stay far right.
When you are coming inbound. You repeat this same ½ mile in the opposite direction. Again, use caution and stay far right.
Mile 36. CAUTION You will be coming down a very long, rugged downhill. At the bottom of this hill, you abruptly enter a busy, paved road, open to the public. STOP! Check traffic before turning right and heading to aid #2
Aid station #2 mile 38. Until this aid station, your course is the same as the 100, 125. At this aid station, you continue STRAIGHT North, on the asphalt road. All other routes turn left and stay on gravel. Pay attention and keep on the asphalt.
Mile 45.5 Extreme Caution – the road is washed out and you must stay left, dismount, and walk across.
Lights
You are required to have a flashing red taillight on and operational for the entire event.
Drop bags
You will be allowed one drop bag that will be delivered to aid station #2. This is mile 38
You must CLEARLY LABEL the drop bag with your name and race number. Mark it well – you will be required to find your drop back on your own. The better you label it the more organized we’ll have it.
It needs to be a reasonable size (such as a race-tote, musette bag) or 6 pack cooler. Drop bags need to be dropped off prior to your start on Saturday morning at the start/finish area (this zone will be marked). Drop bags may not be retrievable after the race until Sunday morning at the finish area. Any items/bags not claimed by end of the day on Sunday, April 24th will be donated.
Summing up.
Stego is one heck of a course. You get amazing terrain, incredible views a wide variety of roads, and experiences all packed into a course that won’t keep you out there all day. This doesn’t mean it will be easy. We predict almost every rider, of every course, will finish and say “That was harder than I thought it would be.” For us (and we believe ultimately for you too) that is the point. Proving to yourself that you can overcome. When it gets hard, you feel discouraged, those questions and doubts creep into your mind try this. Smile. Relax those shoulders. Wiggle those fingers. Then… Look up and look around you. Take in how truly uniquely beautiful it is all around. Now – remind yourself of this…. You are on your bike, riding through the desert. You are healthy, you are strong. When we were all “locked down” you dreamed of this moment. Now live it, embrace it and finish it. We’re waiting for you. We believe in you. Pedal.