Desert Gravel Rules & Regulations
Ride smart. Ride bold. Respect the desert.
Desert Gravel is more than a race — it’s an adventure across some of the wildest terrain in the American West. You’ll traverse high desert mesas, remote ranchlands, and ancient landscapes that demand your full attention and respect.
These rules are in place to protect you, your fellow riders, the land, and the communities that make this event possible. We ride with grit and grace out here. Please read carefully.
1. Eligibility
Riders must be in good physical health and prepared for endurance gravel riding.
All participants should be ready for remote, self-supported conditions.
Minimum age: 14 on race day. Riders under 18 must have parental consent.
2. Categories
Choose from five distances:
Fruitadens (30 mi), Pterodactyl (50 mi), Stegosaurus (75 mi), Triceratops (100 mi), Utahraptor (125 mi)
Solo Rider Categories (Male, Female, Non-Binary):
Open (Under 50)
50+
E-Bike (Non-Competitive, select distances only)
Age is calculated as of race day.
Note: Categories cannot be changed once the event starts.
3. Withdrawals & Rider Accountability
If you withdraw, notify a race official at a checkpoint, finish line, or medical tent. Do not rely on another rider to relay your withdrawal — this can trigger unnecessary search and rescue.
We’ll transport withdrawn riders back to the finish line when possible.
4. Environmental Stewardship
We race on sacred desert ground. The land gives us access — we give it respect.
No littering (wrappers, tubes, gel packs, banana peels… all of it goes with you)
No open flames
Yield to wildlife
Obey all reroutes and closures
Penalties for land disrespect:
1st offense: 2-hour penalty
2nd offense: Disqualification
Note: Organizers reserve the right to pause, reroute, or cancel for weather, fire, wildlife, or landowner concerns. No refunds will be issued in such cases.
5. Liability & Insurance
All riders must sign a waiver.
Participation is at your own risk.
The event is not responsible for injury, theft, or damage.
Riders should carry valid health/travel insurance.
6. Start Numbers
Number plates must be mounted on handlebars and clearly visible.
No alterations allowed.
7. Sponsorship & Branding
Personal sponsors/logos are welcome on gear and bikes.
No unauthorized banners, tents, or signage in race zones without written approval.
8. Start Line Protocol
Staging opens: 20 minutes before each start
Mandatory rider briefing: 15 minutes before
Start line remains open for 5 minutes post gun
Riders arriving more than 5 minutes late will not be officially ranked
Self-seeding required. Please line up according to your expected pace.
9. Checkpoints & Aid Stations
Aid station quantity and placement vary by course. Most include:
Water, nutrition, snacks, and comms
Crew access at designated stations only
Riders must check in at each checkpoint
Failure to check in may result in disqualification.
10. Finish Line Protocol
Riders must finish with their original bike and number plate.
Finishers past cutoff time may be assigned max time + 60 mins.
11. Road Safety
Roads remain open to traffic.
Obey all traffic laws.
Yield to vehicles.
Follow marshal instructions at all intersections.
12. Course Conduct
Slower riders must yield when safe
Ride cautiously on blind turns and descents
No earbuds or headphones
No shortcutting
Pull off-course for mechanicals or breaks
13. Outside Assistance
Allowed only at designated crew-access aid stations
No outside support elsewhere on course
No drafting vehicles or receiving items on the move
14. Mechanical Responsibility
This is a self-reliant race. Be ready to fix your own ride.
We recommend carrying:
Multi-tool
Tube(s) or plug kit
Pump or CO2
Spare derailleur hanger
Emergency food/water
Basic first aid
15. Safety Gear
Approved cycling helmets required at all times
Reflective gear & lights strongly recommended for early starts or poor visibility
16. GPS Navigation
Courses will be signed at key junctions
GPX files will be available on the website prior to race day
Riders are responsible for staying on course
17. Protests
Protests must be submitted in writing to the Race Office
A $50 fee applies (refunded if the protest is upheld)
18. Penalties
Officials may issue penalties for:
Rule violations
Unsportsmanlike conduct
Dangerous riding
Penalties may include:
Time additions
Disqualification
Removal from the event
Final Note
Desert Gravel is built on grit, respect, and community. Let’s ride like it. Respect the land, respect the challenge, and respect each other. The dinosaurs are watching.