Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
Q: What is the date of the event?
The event takes place on Saturday, April 25, 2026.
Q: What is the exact location of the event?
Start and finish are in downtown Fruita, Colorado. The central hub is Civic Center Park (Peach St & Ottley Ave), Fruit a, CO.
Q: What distances are available?
30 miles (Fruitadens) (including e-bikes)
50 miles (Pterodactyl) (including e-bikes)
75 miles (Stegosaurus)
100 miles (Triceratops)
125 miles (Utahraptor)
All distances are approximate and subject to minor adjustments as course finalisation occurs.
Q: I don’t own a gravel‑specific bike. Can I still ride?
Absolutely. A gravel bike is ideal. A hardtail mountain bike will also work (no big rock gardens, no single‑track). For top comfort and float in the sand, we recommend tires around 45‑55 mm. (Based on past CO2UT terrain)
Q: Are e‑bikes permitted?
E‑bikes are permitted on the shorter distances (30, 50) but not permitted on the 75-mile, 100‑mile or 125‑mile distances.
Q: Where can I find the schedule for the weekend? You can find a full/detailed Schedule of Events on our website here
Q: Where should I park for the event? Parking will be avialable on a first come, first serve basis in and around the town. Please be respectful of the neighbourhood that we are in and do not park in front of people’s driveways. Obey all parking signs at all times
Q: What about smoke or poor air quality due to wildfire?
In the event of significant smoke or wildfire conditions, we will monitor the U.S. EPA Air Quality Index (AQI). If AQI rises above safe thresholds at the time of the start, we reserve the right to modify or cancel the course. Safety always comes first.
Q: Is camping included in my registration?
NO. Limited camping spots are available for purchase as you go through the registration process.
Registration & Entry Questions
Q: Where can I register for the event?
You can sign up here
Q: What’s the cancellation/refund policy?
No refunds will be issued by TransRockies Inc under any circumstances.
Transfers to another participant are permitted until midnight on April 18, 2026, with a $25 admin fee.
Deferrals:
On or before March 20, 2026 → 75% of your entry will be deferred
March 21 – April 1, 2026 → 50% deferred
After April 1 → No deferral
Full deferral allowed for pregnancy or active military duty with documentation.Optional insurance through Protecht is available—read the policy before purchasing.
Q: I bought the optional cancellation insurance, how do I make a claim? You can find detailed information on how to make a claim here: https://intercom.help/movemint/en/articles/11370729-registration-protection
Q: Can I change the distance I’m registered for?
Yes. If you want to move to a longer distance, you’ll pay the difference. If you move to a shorter one, no refund is given—just a straight switch. Requests must be received before April 18, 2026.
Please email info@transrockies.com to make the change.
Q: I need to cancel my registration, transfer my entry, or have general questions about my registration, who do I contact? Please email the Race Office at registration@transrockies.com
Q: How many riders are there?
Maximum number of riders for 2026 is 1000 across all distances.
Q: Can a friend pick up my event package? Yes, they can – nothing is needed on our end, but please make sure you & your friend have planned ahead so that you each know who is picking up what.
Q: My t-shirt doesn’t fit, can I exchange it? Yep! We just ask that you wait until after 8am on the morning of Saturday April 25 once all the riders have checked in. Come to the Race Office tents to see what we have available.
Course & Ride Questions
Q: Where can I find the route descriptions, profiles & GPX files? You can find full/detailed descriptions of each distance along with downloadable GPX files on our website under “The Courses” tab (on the left side of the menu bar)
Q: How hard is the event?
The honest answer: it’s as hard as you make it. We’ve built five distances so you can pick your level of adventure. The terrain features short, sharp climbs, unexpected sand, changing surfaces, and wide‑open desert vistas—so choose wisely.
Q: What kind of road surface and terrain should I expect?
Our courses are gravel and hard‑pack dirt, not single‑track or rock gardens. Rough breakdown:
~70% hard‑pack dirt with fine gravel (occasional sand)
~15‑20% narrower hard‑pack/jeep‑style roads
~5% true gravel roads
Minimal paved/modern asphalt (primarily first & last miles)
You will ride across wide expanses, remote terrain, and some unexpected sand traps.
Q: Are the roads closed for the event?
No. All roads remain open to traffic. You must ride on the right‑hand side where applicable, follow traffic laws, and stay alert.
Q: Will the course be marked and how do I navigate?
Yes – Major turns and departure points will be signed. Downloadable GPX files will be provided ahead of the event. GPS units are strongly recommended.
Q: What’s available at the aid stations? Our aid stations are fully stocked with nutrition chews, electrolytes, water, chips, fruit, M&M’s, candy, cookies, and much more!
Q: What if I’m having a tough day and want to drop down a distance mid‑race?
Yes: for certain routes we allow downgrades at designated points. If possible, Riders should let the nearest Aid Station crew know so that they can let the Race Organizers know. If you decide to change your distance mid-ride, riders must check in with timing tent immediately after finishing to update distance.
DROP BAGS/SPECIAL NEEDS BAG (available for the 100 mile & 125 mile distance ONLY)
Q: When & where do I leave my checkpoint Drop Bag/Special Needs Bag for the 100 mile & 125 mile event? Drop Bags MUST be left at the Race Office/Registration tent during package pick-up on Friday April 24 from 2pm-7pm. Drop Bags will NOT be accepted after 7pm on Friday April 24 as our aid station crew needs to drive them out on course early in the morning. Please make sure you label your drop bag with your name &/or your bike plate number before you drop it off.
Q: Where will I find my Drop Bag on course? Your drop bag can be found at Aid Station B (please note that you’ll hit this aid station a few times, so pack for multiple stops if needed)
Q: Where & when will I get the items that I dropped off at the aid station back? Our Aid Station crews will bring the items left at the aid stations back to the start/finish area with them at the end of the event – aprrox 8pm on Saturday April 25 at the Merch tent.
Post‑Ride & Experience Questions
Q: What's the deal with lunch? Each registered rider will receive a hearty, delicious lunch from Moab Private Chef. Lunch will be served from 11:30am-4:30pm. Additional lunch tickets will NOT be available for purchase on site as we need to give the caterer final numbers by mid-April. *Vegan, vegetarian, and Gluten Free options available*
Q: Can my friends and family have lunch with me? Yes, but you must pre-purchase your extra lunch tickets during registration. The deadline to purchase these tickets is April 5, 2026. They will NOT be available for purchase on site Extra lunch tickets can be purchased here: https://www.movemint.cc/events/desert_gravel_2026/merchandises
Q: Who qualifies for awards? We will be recognizing 1st, 2nd, & 3rd place in the following categories: Non-Binary, Open Men, Open Women, 50+ Men, 50+ Women for for Triceratops (100 mile) and Utahraptor (125 mile) distances ONLY. No awards will be issued for the 30 mile, 50 mile, or 75 mile distances, however all riders in every distance will be able to see their final ride time broken down by age category online at zone4.ca
Q: Where will official results be posted? Official results will be posted at Zone4.ca by the end of the day.
Technical / Equipment Questions
Q: What bike should I ride?
Gravel bikes are ideal. Mountain bikes (preferably hardtails) are fine for the shorter distances. No rock gardens or single‑track, so suspension is optional. For long courses and potential sand: wide tires (45‑55 mm) provide better comfort and float.
Q: What safety measures are in place?
Course sweepers monitor the final riders and may transport riders/bikes if needed.
Emergency procedures: If you have a serious issue, call 911 and alert course/timing staff.
Weather, fire and air‑quality contingencies may force modifications or cancellation (see “General Questions” above).