One Dino reigns supreme - Rexy, Queen of the Desert!
A Point-to-Point ride from Moab, Cisco, or the Utah border to Downtown Fruita, Co. Amazing gravel, bonfire finish, food, beer, and music.
Do you have what it takes to tame her?
Here are you options:
200 mile solo
200 miles as a relay team
100 mile Moe
100 mile Moe Team Relay
50 mile solo with little-t
Come see what all the Desert Gravel hype is about!
We've learned that by taking on audacious goals
pushing yourself into the very deep end of the sandbox
packing your entire life into one huge day
amazing personal growth happens.
Rexy was created to provide exactly that - a true desert Odyssey full of incredible beauty, amazing roads, epic climbs, and endless views. A route connecting two of the most iconic towns in off-road cycling via a ribbon of unknown, untapped, unbelievable gravel. Fruita, Colorado - Moab, Utah for the course and Cisco, Utah for Moe, via a route that few even know exists.
Full aid stations, marked course, and sag support. Shuttle options to the start of the 200 and 100 milers. Camping options at the starting line and very close to the finish line! Come experience what Desert Gravel is all about.
A route challenging enough to truly test you, rideable enough to truly inspire you. Still not sure? Gather 2 or 3 of your gravel besties and conquer REXY as a relay team of 4.
Any way you size her up it all comes down to a 200 mile or 100 mile, or 50 mile EPIC desert challenge - One day - one goal - one incredible accomplishment.
REXY is ready, are you?
**Gravel-Girl discount**
We strive to have the highest percentage of female participants in our gravel event on the planet. We are putting money where our mouth is. How? The first 50 solo women that sign up will receive a 50% discount that you can give to your sister, girlfriend, daughter, niece, mother, grandmother, or partner! That’s 100 female riders, 20% of our 500 rider limit. How about a 50/50 field? Help us make it happen.
Rexy Solo 200-miles A beautiful act of survival
Entry cost $248. An adventure you won’t soon forget! Click the pic for details, map & elevation profile
Rexy's little Moe 100-miles. Amazing, just fewer miles!
Entry cost $148. Don’t have the time or are not quite ready for the big monster? Little Moe is just the ticket! Click the pic for details, map & elevation profile
Rexy's little t - 50-miles. Amazing, route from the border to Fruita
Entry cost $148. Not quite ready for the big monster? Little t is short, sweet, and a little bit tough. Click the pic for details, map & elevation profile
Rexy Relay - 2, 3 or 4 person relay 200-miles All woman or Open. - Moe Relay - 2,3 or 4 person 100-miles All woman or Open
Entry cost 200 miler $598, 100 miler, $498
What is riding desert gravel like?
Co2uT is an instant classic gravel event. Spectacular vistas all around and incredibly challenging riding beneath your tires. The ultimate gravel experience is to end the ride both exhilarated and entirely spent. Full marks on all fronts for CO2UT. Doug Wilwerding – Steamboat Springs, CO
The CO2UT is a fabulous event! From initial information provided to packet pickup to amazing staff and volunteers to an unbelievably awesome desert route! Can’t wait for the next event 🙂!!! Bob Watkins
This was hands down one of my favorite biking events that I’ve ever ridden in. I thoroughly enjoyed the course and just took my time riding and enjoying the beauty of it all. Everyone that I met that day could not have been nicer. Fantastic event and great memories. Thank you, guys! For the entry, my name is Beau Looking forward to next year.
What our riders are saying
Desert Gravel CO2UT 190 was the perfect mix of everything beautiful, challenging, and “fun”. I was blown away by how we rode almost the entire thing on dirt, little to no pavement or cars! Added bonus, you’re weaving between beautiful book cliffs and watching the backside of the La Sal mountains (in Moab) get closer and closer. There is such a fun adventure vibe to the entire event, a lot of folks are out there to challenge themselves, a lot of us (myself included) signed up just to see what we could accomplish! And what a way to do just that, there is a refreshing mix of serious racers and first-timers out there on the course to keep you motivated. Plus the aid stations every 20 or so miles is such a nice safety net, just when you start to feel like a crazy person for doing the thing you’re doing there are ready available snacks and the nicest volunteers out there helping you finish! I truly give this race a 10/10 for spirit and riding! Sarah Zoey Sturm – 2nd overall woman. 2x SS CX National Champion
The 190 course was absolutely spectacular, it never got boring and was always changing and challenging, the aid stations were oasis’s and the energy and excitement from volunteers kept us racing our hearts out. I can’t say enough positive things about this race. I would 100% recommend this race to others in the future no matter the distance they choose. Starla Teddergreen – 3rd overall woman
Take two of the most iconic cycling towns in the U.S. Fruita - Moab
Connect them together with mind blowing roads few even know existAdd incredible views and a never-ending variety of terrain
11,400′ of climbing
And that my friends is one hell of a gravel day!
This ain’t no Kokopelli trail
DESERT GRAVEL “Like no other on Earth!”
COURSE DETAILS, MAP, ELEVATION PROFILE
Click the Solo or Teams map for informationLooking to go huge and solo or share a big day with friends?
Rexy has what you need and then some!
Click our map to see the route* and elevation profile.
Don’t be afraid, she’s way prettier than she looks.
*The Route may change and adjust to improve your experience – distances and elevation change will remain similar to what’s shown.
Click the pics to see event details. Photo 1 for solo photo 2 for Moe and photo 3 for relay info.
You against her, 1 on 1
Rexy 200 Solo
Details Rexy 200 Solo
You against her, 1 on 1Rexy 200, Solo. One hell of a big day! with a bite $248 Click here for a map link
The VIBE
Technically speaking, Rexy is a race. As with all ultra-endurance challenges through it really is about the journey – the adventure, the finishing! So yes, if you are a world-class bad-ass athlete Rexy welcomes you with tiny little T-Rex arms and a mouth full of huge teeth. Come out and throw it down! We’ll have amazing awards for the overall winners. Crowing the Queen and the King of the desert as well as age group placers too.
For everybody else, we welcome you not so much with the tiny arms and giant teeth but with the huge heart that it takes to power such a monster! Your competition isn’t so much about you versus Rexy as it is about you versus you. When the sand gets deep, the road goes straight up and the sun goes down we want you to forget about the monster and dig deep inside you, perhaps deeper than you ever have and find within you the strength to Get It Done!
Whichever group you find yourself in we can promise you three things.
1-We’ve done everything we can to provide an incredibly exciting, challenging and inspiring event.
2-Whether you are the first to arrive or the last, when we hang that finishers award around your neck you will absolutely know you’ve accomplished something special.
3-When the dust settles, the soreness fades and the red is finally gone from your socks the memories from your day in our desert will be there for a long, long, long time.
Course Details
This 208-mile route has it all – Starting at Lone Mesa Group Campground, north-west of Moab. You’ll head west and north through the Redrock desert of Moab before heading East all the way into Colorado and ultimately downtown Fruita, CO.
The first 40 miles to aid #1 are rolling hills and flat(er) sections, giving you plenty of time to find your groove.
From aid #1 you’ll climb more, cross the border into Utah, and move onto a higher plateau as you head to aid #2 at 78 miles.
From aid #2 you are now far enough west to see the La Sal Mountains near Moab and glimpses of redrock canyon country to the south as you continue your western assault. You will climb steadily to mile 96 at which point you’ll dive straight south to aid #3 at mile 109. Located right of I-70 this is a great spot for crews bringing you smiles and moral support!
From aid #3 it’s west again across Danish Flats (look for antelope). You’ll pass two of our most iconic Desert Gravel features – “Endless” and “Eternal” both worthy of a quick selfie stop. From there it’s a steady climb to mile 128 then a short reprieve to mile 134. Now it’s time to earn Rexy’s respect as you climb the penultimate section at mile 140, at almost 30% grade you’ll feel her teeth! Nice and steadily up to the course high point (just under 6,000′) to mile 144. Then, a very well-earned long downhill. At mile 148 you’ll pass incredible ancient Native American rock art, 6′ tall red drawings, worth a quick stop. Then on to aid #4 at Tompson Springs!
Aid #4 Mile 151 Tompson Springs. Another good spot for crew, complete with a gas station.
From aid #4 enjoy six miles of asphalt to regroup and get set, then a small bit of climbing as you turn north, away from Moab at Cresent Junction. A beautiful jaunt into the bookcliffs for the last time on this trip! On to the final aid #5.
Aid #5 Mile 170 Ruby Canyon Rd. This is it. Your last aid station. A last chance to check your lights and your gear as you likely head off into the sunset or dark… A comfortable wide and steady gravel road for about 14 miles south, southeast until you turn due south, and, you guessed it… Climb. A steady push into the sandstone and desert surrounding the infamous Dubinky well. A picturesque windmill spot in the light at mile 191. With only 7 miles to go until the timing finish, you might breathe a sigh of relief. But hold tight, immediately after the windmill you’ll likely be introduced to the beautifully challenging red sand of Moab. Rexys last chance to pull you down! Have faith, it doesn’t usually last too long but it can be deep and tough. Keep your eyes peeled straight ahead to slightly left for the lights of the timing finish. Yes, that’s it, at the TOP of the hill!
Official Timing Finish Mile 198. Turn left, into Lone Mesa GROUP Campground and log your official race time. But don’t doddle, you don’t want to cramp up now, it ain’t over, yet!
Catch your breath, check your lights (Mandatory from this point onward, front and rear), and remind yourself race pace is over, now it’s about making it safely to the finish line! Leave the campground and head east a few hundred yards to the beautiful pavement of hwy 313. Time to get your wits about you, you’re close to civilization and will be rolling with car traffic! The good news is that the climbing is DONE and it’s a lot of downhill to the finish! 9 miles hang a right on the bike path, right past the giant dinosaur park, 1 mile up the path to the lights and the party of the official finish line! Mile 208. Done and Dusted. Rexy will be there waiting with the beer, the family, and all your new Desert Gravel friends. CONGRATS – that was one hell of a day!!!
Aid at miles 41, 78, 109, 151, and 170. You’ll find the support you need to take on this rugged monster.
The General Rules *Full details will be provided in the “Racers Manual”
In the spirit of ultra-endurance and gravel racing, an element of adventure and self-sufficiency is required while riding/racing Rexy. In the spirit of the above, desert etiquette and rider safety being paramount riders helping one another and looking out for each other is critically important and encouraged.
Therefore riders helping riders is allowed. Otherwise, riders taking ANY help or aid outside of any of the 5 official aid stations is grounds for disqualification.
We will provide a course sweep to ensure no rider is left to the dino’s and support for hire will be available if you’d like to have additional support at aid stations.
Cutoffs. To be an official finisher you must cross the final, not timed, finish line in less than 24 hours. Corresponding aid station cutoff times will be established to make this schedule for aid station #2, #3, #4, #5 and the timing finish. Course marshall’s determination on these matters shall be final.
Desert Gravel will provide 5 official aid stations. Aid stations will be stocked with water and nutritional supplementation supplied by Skratch Labs. Electrolyte replacement drink and bars/snacks. Aid stations will be crew accessible to receive additional support for specific needs.
Riders MUST carry a modern GPS-enabled computer with routing capabilities. Rexy will have limited signage and be marked but GPS is the go-to route director. Desert Gravel will provide the current race file GPS for the exact course prior to the event.
Riders MUST have lights front and rear, from start to finish of the race. Everyone will start in the dark and all but the very fastest riders will finish in the dark. Not having lights illuminated during legal dark hours will be grounds for immediate disqualification.
Riders MUST wear a currently approved helmet anytime you are on your bike from start to finish. Period.
Moe - Small (by T-Rex standards!)
Moe 100-miler Solo
Details Moe 100-miler Solo
Moe - Small (by T-Rex standards!)Moe 100 miler, Solo. All the adventure of Rexy, packed into 102 miles Click here for a map link
The VIBE
We get it. You want to ride the incredible terrain of Desert Gravel. You are down with exciting challenges and something completely fresh and new. You’d love to end up in Moab for Halloween…. You just don’t want to ride 200 miles to get there! We’ve made Moe just for you.
We’ve put a lot of thought into bringing Moe into the world and how to make him fit right into the Rexy odyssey.
The Details
Start, 10:30 a.m. in the quirky little community of Cisco, Utah at the Buzzards Belly general store. Beginning at 10:30 a.m. accomplishes three primary objectives we believe riders will appreciate. 1-Allows friends/family of riders doing the fully 200 mile Rexy to attend the 6 a.m. start in Moab and still have plenty of time to get to Cisco for the Moe start. 2-Gets Moe riders on the course just ahead of the arriving fastest 200 riders. Blending the two groups together mid-race for the 200 riders provides motivation and inspiration for both groups. 3-Allows enough ride time that almost all Moe riders will finish prior to dark.
Format – Point to Point. This means you begin in Cisco, Utah, and finish in the Downtown Fruita, Co. This will be easiest to facilitate with the support of family/crew. Your family/crew is allowed and encouraged to support you at your aid stations – leap-frogging along for your support and to meet you at the finish line! Ample, private parking is available for all Moe riders in Cisco, for those that want/need to leave a vehicle behind. (It is a 55-minute car drive from the finish line to Cisco)
You have until midnight to be an official finisher. 13 1/2 hours is plenty of time to get this done. All official finishers receive a special award and age group awards are provided for women and men. Refreshments, water, food and cold beer will be waiting for you at the finish line!
Course Details
This 102-mile route is packed with scenery, challenges, and desert gems. Right out of the gate you’ll pass two of our most iconic Desert Gravel features – “Endless” and “Eternal” both worthy of a quick selfie stop. From there it’s a steady climb to mile 17 past a remote, operational ranch. Then it’s fun downhill and rollers to mile 23 where you’ll begin a steady climb to mile 26 and the entrance to Rexy Canyon. As the canyon closes in you’ll sense the gentle nature of Moe giving way to the formidable challenge of Rexy as you hit the penultimate climb of all Desert Gravels events at mile 28-29! Don’t despair – It is steep as hell but doesn’t last long and your reward is incredible views ahead! Nice and steadily up to the course high point (just over 6,000′). At mile 35 you’ll take a one mile out and back requiring two actions on your part. 1- Remove a page from the Edward Abby book (to verify you made it – this will be presented at the upcoming aid station) 2-Take a minute to soak in one of the most incredible views of Desert Gravel! Standing hundreds of feet above the desert floor you’ll have unobstructed views of the spires of Castle Valley, the Majestic LaSal Mountains and the red rocks of Arches National Park. Then, a very well-earned long downhill. At mile 39 you’ll pass incredible ancient Native American rock art, 6′ tall red drawings, worth a quick stop. Then on to aid #1 at Tompson Springs!
Aid #1 Mile 42 Tompson Springs. Just a 24 mile jaunt via I-70 from the start this is a great place for your friends and family to meet you for cheers and support.
From aid #2 enjoy six miles of asphalt to regroup and get set, then a small bit of climbing as you turn north, away from Moab at Cresent Junction. A beautiful spin into the bookcliffs for the last time on this trip. On to aid #2.
Aid #2 Mile 60 Ruby Canyon Rd. Your last aid station. A comfortable wide and steady gravel road for about 14 miles south, southeast until you turn due south, and, you guessed it… Climb. A steady push into the sandstone and desert surrounding the infamous Dubinky well. A picturesque windmill at mile 83. With only 7 miles to go until the timing finish, you might breathe a sigh of relief. But hold tight, immediately after the windmill you’ll likely be introduced to the beautifully challenging red sand of Moab. Moes last chance to pull you down. Have faith, it doesn’t usually last too long but it can be deep and tough. Keep your eyes peeled straight ahead to slightly left for the lights of the timing finish. Yes, that’s it, at the TOP of the hill!
The finish. Turn left, into Lone Mesa GROUP Campground, and log your official race time. Done and Dusted. We’ll be there waiting with the beer, the family, and all your new Desert Gravel friends. CONGRATS – that was one hell of a day!!!
The General Rules *Full details will be provided in the “Racers Manual”
In the spirit of endurance and gravel racing, an element of adventure and self-sufficiency is required while riding/racing Moe. Desert etiquette and rider safety being paramount riders helping one another and looking out for each other are critically important and encouraged.
Therefore riders helping riders is allowed. Otherwise, riders taking help or aid outside of any of the official aid stations is grounds for disqualification.
We will provide a course sweep to ensure no rider is left to the dino’s and sag support be patrolling the course.
To be an official finisher you must cross the finish line prior to Midnight.
Desert Gravel will provide 2 official aid stations. Aid stations will be stocked with water and nutritional supplementation supplied by Skratch Labs. Electrolyte replacement drink and bars/snacks. Aid stations will be crew accessible to receive additional support for specific needs.
Riders MUST carry a modern GPS enable computer with routing capabilities. Moe will be marked but GPS is the go-to route director. Desert Gravel will provide the current race file GPS for the exact course prior to the event.
Riders arriving at aid #2 beyond 5 p.m. MUST have lights front and rear. Not having lights illuminated during legal dark hours will be grounds for immediate disqualification.
Riders MUST wear a currently approved helmet anytime you are on your bike from start to finish. Period.
Team of 2, 3 0r 4 - It's still 200 miles!
Rexy 200 - Team Relay
Details
Rexy 200 - Team Relay
Team of 2, 3 0r 4 - It's still 200 miles!Ready to share the adventure of a lifetime with 3 of your closest friends? Rexy is ready for you. Are you ready for her? $500 Click here for a map link
“Friend” takes on an entirely new meaning once you’ve survived in the desert with someone. That is why we created the Rexy Relay! Whether you are looking to break it down and hammer it out as fast as possible or, better yet, share this incredible route and adventure with your bestie gravelers. The Rexy Relay will not be forgotten.
Before we get to the course here is the low down on how the relay works.
Two team options. you may have 2, 3 or 4 riders on your team.
1 – Women only (You know how we love our “Gravel-Girls” at DG).
2- Any other group of 2,3 or 4 in the “Open” division.
In either case you compete as a team of 4. The rules are simple. You must all check-in and be I.D.d together. You will receive 1 timing chip and 4 number plates. You can only change riders (relay) at any of the 5 official aid stations. You must check into and out of each official aid station with your timing chip and, if changing riders the chip must change with them. Your strategy and who rides what and where is up to you. No rider (other than the one currently racing) or crew is allowed anywhere on the route except official aid stations.
Overall awards will be presented to the top three open teams and top three woman teams. All finishing team members will receive an “I survived Rexy” award.
Course Details
This 200-mile route has it all – Starting Outside of Moab and Moab Giants (intersection of highways 191 and 313. You’ll head west up the highway for 8 miles and then off to the desert and Dubinky Well.
After hitting the dirt it is a mostly flat spin to the well and then a great downhill for several miles to the valley floor. From there it’s big gravel roads to the I-70 Crossing at mile 38. Then into the Bookcliffs for the first time as you loop around to Crescent Junction and paved road to aid #1 in Thompson Springs at mile 54.
From aid #1 it’s a few miles of asphalt up Sego Canyon and worth a photo stop at the incredible Native American wall art (800 – 1,000 years old!) at mile 59.
You then climb and take a short, 1 mile challenging detour to the incredible Rexy Overlook! (This view is one of the primary reasons we switched course directions, so you could see this in the daylight)
Working your way through high bench of the Bookcliffs with incredible scenery and riding until you plunge down Rexys revenge (imagine if it was a year ago and you had to climb this?) and back to the valley floor. A lot of twists and turns until you hit the bottom, desolate lands of Eternal and our infamous photo op at Endless, mile 93 then off to aid #2 at Cisco.
From aid #2 It’s off on the asphalt heading east to pass under I-70 then back on dirt with big wide gravel and huge open skies for several mellow miles until the road deteriorates and the possibility of Raptor Traps becomes a reality.
Gradually climbing back into the lower levels of the Bookcliffs un and down several very short, but very steep quad busting hills through miles 118 – 122.
Water Oasis (no food or support) at mile 125 then off on an incredible view section through to mile (yes, more climbing – short and steep) to mile 134. From here it’s back on big roads mostly downhill to aid #3 at mile 144 in Colorado.
Heading off to the north and east with great views and gentler riding for a quick dip back into Utah, a great photo opp at the very small state line sign as you cross back into Colorado and back into the valley. From here it’s hilly, beautiful climbing up and down to mile 166 and then mostly downhill to your last aid station #4 at mile 175.
From aid #4 a quick hop onto a busy highway CAUTION here, then east again for a long, not real steep grinder of a climb to mile 180. If you are fortunate enough to ride this section in the light the views and colors are fantastic in the setting sun. Mostly downhill, but of course a few ass kicking climbs, right before you turn onto asphalt in the famous MTB area of 18 Road, North Fruita Desert. Bumpy, crappy asphalt Groad to mile 192, then smooth sailing all the way to Civic Park in downtown Fruita.
Finish line! Mile 200!
Aid and relay exchanges miles 54, 100, 144, and 175. You’ll find the support you need to take on this rugged monster.
Little t - Moe's baby sister - is short and sweet
Little t 50-miler Solo
Details Little t 50-miler Solo
Little t - Moe's baby sister - is short and sweetLittle t 50 miler, Solo. Amazing gravel, views and terrain from Utah – Fruita, CO Click here for a map link
The VIBE
Rexy’s baby girl little t has all the beauty of her momma and a few sharp teeth. A bite size ride from the Utah border across beautiful desert hills, coulees, and great views.
She might be small but she won’t dissapoint
The Details
Start, 1:00 p.m. In beautiful Prairie Canyon just 21 miles north west of Fruita, your day begins with the toughest climb of the day, right out of the gate. From there it’s great gravel across into Utah for a beautiful loop and then back into Colorado for the exciting journey home! Beginning at 1:00 p.m. accomplishes three primary objectives we believe riders will appreciate. 1-Allows friends/family of riders doing the fully 200 mile Rexy to attend the 6 a.m. start in Moab and still have plenty of time to get to Cisco for the Moe start for riders then, or just a leisurely drive to the little t start from either Moab or Fruita. 2-Gets little t riders on the course just ahead of the arriving fastest 100 riders. Blending the the groups together mid-race for the 100 riders provides motivation and inspiration for both groups. 3-Allows enough ride time that almost all little t riders will finish prior to dark.
Format – Point to Point. This means you begin in Prairie Canyon, and finish in Downtown Fruita, Co. This will be easiest to facilitate with the support of family/crew. Your family/crew is allowed and encouraged to support you at your aid station and to meet you at the finish line! All official finishers receive a special award and age group awards are provided for women and men. Food Trucks (included) , water, food and cold beer will be waiting for you at the finish line!
Course Details
This 50-mile route is packed with scenery, challenges, and desert gems. A big steep climb right away warms you up and puts you on the high plains. Rolling through red dirt and junipers with the incredible Bookcliffs as your back drop you’ll cross into Utah at mile 5 for a fun loop then back into Colorado on your eastward journey home. Back down to the aid station where you began then it’s off to the hills and coulees of the Bookcliffs. Plenty of up and down to keep you focused and incredible views around every corner with a nice steady elevation loss after mile 20 all the way to your aid station at mile 28. After crossing the highway its your longest climb of the day to mile 32 then fun rolling ups and downs all the way to mile 42 where you pop out into the Mountain Bike Mecca of 18 rd. From there it’s a nice steady ride (asphalt after mile 46) through the beautiful agricultural lands as you enter Fruita.
The General Rules *Full details will be provided in the “Racers Manual”
In the spirit of endurance and gravel racing, an element of adventure and self-sufficiency is required while riding/racing little t. Desert etiquette and rider safety being paramount riders helping one another and looking out for each other are critically important and encouraged.
Therefore riders helping riders is allowed. Otherwise, riders taking help or aid outside of any of the official aid stations is grounds for disqualification.
We will provide a course sweep to ensure no rider is left to the dino’s and sag support be patrolling the course.
To be an official finisher you must cross the finish line prior to Midnight.
Desert Gravel will provide 2 official aid stations at mile 12 and 28. Aid stations will be stocked with water and nutritional supplementation supplied by Skratch Labs. Electrolyte replacement drink and bars/snacks. Aid stations will be crew accessible to receive additional support for specific needs.
Riders MUST carry a modern GPS enable computer with routing capabilities. Moe will be marked but GPS is the go-to route director. Desert Gravel will provide the current race file GPS for the exact course prior to the event.
Riders MUST wear a currently approved helmet anytime you are on your bike from start to finish. Period.
Looking to preview Rexy? - We've broken her down into segments. Read on.
When it is safe to visit the desert AND you promise to follow the state, regional and local rules regarding COVID-19 and always respect social distancing we’re willing to share the entire Rexy course. Provided in aid station to aid station segments. Also, these segments reflect the race day segments and location changes for relay teams.
Before we do – two HUGE disclaimers.
1- We’ve gone to extreme lengths to design this course. It takes the best, most interesting, challenging and scenic route. While the roads are public these maps are proprietary to Desert Gravel, llc. Please respect our work and this public land when you ride it.
2- The desert is an extreme environment. There is NO SUPPORT and NO WATER out there! You are using these maps at your own risk and we take no responsibility for what may happen to you out there. If you use one of our maps you are acknowledging and accepting these risks and releasing us from any and all liability. Getting lost, getting injured, suffering dehydration are real possibilities and you are responsible for yourself. Before you go we strongly advise you to study your ride, have a bale out plan, let someone know where you are riding and when you’ll be back. Carry twice the water you think you will need and if you’re going long find someone to meet you along the way and resupply.
P.S. share your feedback and have a blast.
CLICK ON A PIC TO GET A SAMPLER MAP
54 miles. 3,000' of gain
Rexy Segment 1. Start to Aid #1
Details Rexy Segment 1. Start to Aid #1
54 miles. 3,000' of gain*** On ALL sections of Rexy, you are on public roads open to traffic. And, while it becomes more and more remote the further out you get the sudden appearance of an ATV, motorcycle or cow on the road HAPPENS. Pay attention and follow the rules of the road.
This ride begins 11 miles north of Moab just off the junctions of Highways 191 and 313.
The opening 8 miles are asphalt with a lights and sirens lead out, along 3 miles of flat road to get those legs going followed by a nice long, beautiful road climb up to the desert. You’ll pass the world famous Navajo Rocks mtb area and watch the sun rise blow up the colors of the desert.
The gravel begins with a quick descent, mixed with a bit of red sand as you enter the high mesa flats with 7-8 miles of fun, mostly flat rollers. At mile 15 you’ll pass historic Dubinky Well – a great quick photo shot stop with a windmill that’s been pumping water since the early 1900’s! From there it’s a fast flowing downhill all the way to mile 22, where you move off the red dirt and sandstone to a larger county road along the bottom of the mesa. A little bit of up and down to mile 30 and then a nice downhill to mile 37 where you’ll cross over I-70.
This next section was the linchpin in putting this route together (finding a way across I-70 and out of the Moab region). You’ll follow a deep canyon through the Bookcliffs, grunt up a steep little climb and emerge on a short, very flat asphalt 5 miles push to aid station #1 in the odd little town called Thompson Springs. In addition to the aid station we’ll have here there is a great onsite food truck with killer breakfast available for you and or your crew come race day.
By clicking this link to the map you acknowledge you are using it at your own risk and we take no responsibility for your safety.
43 Miles, 2,100' of climbing
Rexy Segment 2. Aid #1 Thompson Springs - Aid Station #2 Cisco.
Details
Rexy Segment 2. Aid #1 Thompson Springs - Aid Station #2 Cisco.
43 Miles, 2,100' of climbing*** On ALL sections of Rexy, you are on public roads open to traffic. And, while it becomes more and more remote the further out you get the sudden appearance of an ATV, motorcycle or cow on the road HAPPENS. Pay attention and follow the rules of the road.
This ride begins at race day mile 54 aid station #1. It is a fun segment with challenging terrain that makes it harder than the 2,200′ of climbing might suggest.
A quick 3 miles of asphalt as you head north out of Thompson Springs and a worthy photo op at the Sego Canyon ancient Native American rock art, just steps off the route (day mile 3.2, race day mile 57.5) – Incredible 5′-7′ tall drawings approximately 1,000 years old! Shortly after it’s a 2 mile solid climb up to the most EPIC point on your entire 200 mile Journey as you turn off to the rugged little 1 mile (each way) out and back to the infamous Rexy Overlook – Absolutely mind blowing views from atop a 500′ cliff. This view is one of the primary reasons we flipped the event direction. Going from Fruita – Moab most riders arrived here in the dark. Now everyone gets to take in in! From here is up, down and around the amazing canyons of the Bookcliffs and an serious 25%-30% downhill grade at mile 13 for the segment, race day mile 67 (you can thank us at the finish for making you go down this versus up it last year!)
Once you get to the bottom it’s fun and relatively easy going across the basin, with wide open views, flowing roads and big sky. At mile 37 for the segment and race day mile 91 it’s another photo stop for Epic Desert Gravel icon #2 Endless, the name and location pretty much says it all… From there its a quick and easy flat 6 mile ride into the quirky little town of Cisco and Jean’s supply and curio shop Buzzards Belly General Store. This will be race day aid #3 and the starting point for our 100 miler little Moe.
By clicking this link to the map you acknowledge you are using it at your own risk and we take no responsibility for your safety.
45 Miles 2,600' of gain
Rexy Segment 3 - (Moe segment 1). Aid station #2 Cisco - Aid Station #3
Details
Rexy Segment 3 - (Moe segment 1). Aid station #2 Cisco - Aid Station #3
45 Miles 2,600' of gain*** On ALL sections of Rexy, you are on public roads open to traffic. And, while it becomes more and more remote the further out you get the sudden appearance of an ATV, motorcycle, or cow on the road HAPPENS. Pay attention and follow the rules of the road.
This segment begins at race day mile 100 aid station #2 and ends 45 miles later at aid station #3 race day mile 145 (Moe mile 45) On race day we’ll have a water only stop at mile 27 moe, 127 Rexy. If you pre-ride this be aware it’s a very long stretch with nothing out there and nothing at the end.
You’ll depart Cisco headed east on highway 128 for 6 miles to get back under I-70. From here it’s big gravel road north then east across the basin. Once you get past the tar pits, heads up – generally the conditions are ripe through this section for Raptor Traps (unexpected, immediate talcum like sand pits that are generally very short but can be as much as 6″-8″ deep!)
A hard left at mile 14, race day Rexy mile 114 and its back to climbing for a stretch as you head north to the Bookcliffs. From miles 19-25, Rexy 119-125 it’s fun, punchy up and down with some of the best views of the day. Mile 26.5, Rexy 126.5 will be our water drop location on race day. Miles 30-36, Rexy 130-136 is more punch hills (one 30%’r!) and my absolute favorite riding on the route, riding right along the cliffs, with endless canyon’s, coulee’s, vista’s and views. At mile 36, Rexy 136 you’ll intersect a major gravel road and have fast cruising, mostly slightly downhill all the way to the aid station location at mile 45, Rexy 145.
By clicking this link to the map you acknowledge you are using it at your own risk and we take no responsibility for your safety.
40 miles, 1,700' of gain
Rexy Segment 4. (Moe segment 2) Aid station #3 - Aid station #4, Hwy 139
Details
Rexy Segment 4. (Moe segment 2) Aid station #3 - Aid station #4, Hwy 139
40 miles, 1,700' of gain*** On ALL sections of Rexy, you are on public roads open to traffic. And, while it becomes more and more remote the further out you get the sudden appearance of an ATV, motorcycle, or cow on the road HAPPENS. Pay attention and follow the rules of the road.
**** This Segment takes you for quick loop back into Utah and a photo op and the Utah Colorado border sign, mile 9, race day mile Moe-54, Rexy 154, followed by a quick and beautiful cruise down Prairie Canyon to a few feet of asphalt (This is where little – t our 50 miler begins).
From there it’s a 4 mile chunky grunt on big loose gravel before you hit the hills and higher plateau. From here, this late in your day the hills feel bigger than they are. Don’t get discouraged, what goes up must come down and after mile 23 (race day mile 68 Moe, mile 168 Rexy) it’s a nice steady downhill for almost 5 miles and then an easy spin into aid 4 at highway 139. This aid station at mile 27, 75 or 125 on race day, will be your last – For most of you it will be dark or getting close to it. Plan your lights, crew support and final needs well. You still have work ahead!
By clicking this link to the map you acknowledge you are using it at your own risk and we take no responsibility for your safety.
25 miles, 1,100' of gain
Rexy Segment 5. Aid station #4 - The finish!
Details
Rexy Segment 5. Aid station #4 - The finish!
25 miles, 1,100' of gain*** On ALL sections of Rexy, you are on public roads open to traffic. On this section, you’ll come into Thompson Springs on a paved, somewhat busy road. As well as pass through the small community and two gas stations so heads up and follow the traffic laws!
Can you feel it? I know you can. Both the pain in your body and the hope in your throat. Almost there.
But first – caution as you enter the highway for a short but can be busy with cars 1/3 of a mile then, back on dirt. Time to dig deep and get up this long 5 mile grinder of a hill. Nice and steady. Once you get to the top it’s fun rollers with a few great downhill sections. Then, just before you start to realize you’ve got this in the bag, it’s not one, but two short, but damn steep this late in your day, climbs. Have faith, this is it. At mile 12 for the day, race mileage 40 for t, 89 for Moe and 189 for Rexy you’ll hit the asphalt of 18 road, nice steady downhill for 2.5 miles, then some pretty shitty pot hole groad for a few miles and then finally, crossing the cattle-guard it’s a beautiful gentle 7 mile spin to the finish! Big smiles, warm hugs, hot fire and cold beer. You are a dino wrangler Woot Woot!
By clicking this link to the map you acknowledge you are using it at your own risk and we take no responsibility for your safety.
Rexy - Far More than -Just a race...
A few words from Desert Gavel and Rexy creator Morgan Murri
“I grew up in one of the most remote desert locations in the country, a couple of hundred miles from here in a tiny little spot called Bullfrog on the shores of Lake Powell. A one-room schoolhouse, kindergarten – 8th grade with about 30 kids. I was lucky enough to end up in Vail Colorado and became a diamond and gem buyer and was blessed with a job that allowed me to travel the world. Always an adventurer and eventually an ultra-endurance athlete I’ve race across the US, Europe, a little in Asia, and Africa. From the lows of Death Valley to the highest dunes in the Sahara desert to the highest of Colorado’s Rockies. However far I roamed – this Ut. Co. desert is where I call home. In my opinion, it is as unique and as beautiful as anywhere on the planet.
As my dream of sharing my love for this place begin to take the form that was to become Desert Gravel I searched for the ideal venue to do the two things I love most. Complete immersion in the incredible beauty here – while challenging ones self against an incredibly difficult environment and distance. Not only does Rexy exceed my wildest imagination. It connects two of the coolest towns I know by gravel bike!”
Rexy - She's nicer -than she looks!
2021 Solo Participant Limit
25 Woman and 25 Open Teams
FUN METER
Hours to get it done!
frequently asked questions
What are the key things I need to know about this event?
1 – This is a “Point to Point” event. Rexy will begin just north of Moab, Ut. and ride 200 miles to Fruita, Co. Little Moe will begin in Cisco, Utah, and ride 100 miles to Fruita, Co. and little t will begin just over the border and ride 52 miles to Fruita, CO.
2- Of course it is hard. It is 200 miles and gains more than 10,000′ of elevation. That said the roads are GREAT! This is a “Gravel” and not mountain bike style technical terrain. Terrain sample videos can be found here. If that sounds like too much Moe’s 100 miles could be just the ticket for you and little t is a kick ass way to spend the afternoon while you wait for your 200 miler to come in.
3- We have 4 full aid stations in Rexy, 2 for Moe (plus a water stop for both) and 1 aid for little t. They are approximately 25-45 miles apart.
4- There is a time limit and cutoffs but we want you to finish! You have 23 hours and 59 minutes to get it done. This is approximately 9 mph and until Midnight to finish Moe.
5- This is an ultra-endurance adventure event. In this spirit, you are on your own between aid stations. We will have limited, neutral, sag support on course (We will have “sweep” for the course ensuring nobody is left to the Raptors) Receiving outside aid or support, except from other participants, is not allowed and grounds for disqualification from the event.
6- There are two options for participation in Rexy and Moe. Solo. Or, a relay team of up to 4 riders. Relay teams will be either A, all female members, or B, any other combination of up to 4 riders. Only 1 relay rider rides at a time. Relay teams may exchange riders only at any one of our 5 official aid stations. little t is Solo only.
7- This is a race. Awards (very cool awards) will be given to all finishers and Solo overall male and female top 3 finishers and “age-group” top three finishers. Team awards will be given to the top 5 teams in each of the two categories.
8- This is much more than a race. This is a true desert adventure! YES, you can come out to crush it. More importantly, you can come out to this incredible part of the world and test yourself. You against you in a most beautiful place and end up in Downtown Fruita.
9- Crew support at aid stations is allowed. We encourage them to be there for you for additional support, both nutritional and moral!
10- Yes, we will have a kick-ass celebration and awards party Saturday at the finish line – Civic Pavilion Park right downtown Fruita. Food, beer, music, fire, awards included.
So many big events end up with no lodging available. What's it like there?
We know that crappy feeling… You get it, you pull the magic lottery ticket and then you scramble for a place to stay. Nothing but No-Vacancy everywhere you look.
Not here. One of the primary reasons we’ve flipped our course and finish in Fruita is all the convenient lodging. Dozens of Airbnbs with in walking distance from the finish and a bunch of hotel rooms within a mile or two. With more than 2,000 local hotel rooms, hundreds of short-term rentals and plenty of camping Our Fruita lodging partner visitfruita.com will be offering discounts to racers and we are working on a great camping option right at the start. Stay tuned.
We start in one amazing town and end in another, how does that work?
These events start and end in world-class cycling venuses. We strongly encourage you to make this a destination event/vacation, something for your entire family or ride group. We can’t even begin to list the road, mountain, and gravel cycling opportunities. Let alone the hiking, climbing, sightseeing, dining, camping, exploring opportunities.
Additionally, we’ve structured these routes to have easy access to Interstate 70. As a rider, you will feel like you are absolutely in the middle of nowhere. The reality is aid stations are not far from the roadway and allows easy access for your family/crew to follow the event and support. In doing so, they will end up in Fruita too!
We set Moe up to fit into the overall schedule. The start in Cisco will be at 11:30 a.m. This will allow riders or support to be in Moab for the full Rexy start and easily make it to Cisco to start Moe. Further, with little t starting at 2pm you can drop your rider off at Rexy or Moe and still make it to the little t start.
We are working hard to find a shuttle service to provide transportation from the Finish in Fruita to the start of Rexy and Moe so you can leave your vehicle in town and ride on in.. At this time we haven’t figured it out but we are working on it.
So aid stations are crew/spectator accessible?
Aid stations for the course easily accessible and do allow access for the crew, friends, and family for outside support. These defined locations can be found above in the course info. Within these open-access aid stations, riders are allowed and encouraged to meet with their crews and families for mechanical, nutritional, and moral support!
Beyond these defined ‘open access’ aid stations All courses are closed to outside support and riders are not allowed to accept support, crew or aid outside of ANY designated aid station.
At Desert Gravel we want riders and their support to be involved and part of the action. We also want to honor the adventure of gravel riding and the self-reliance appeal of the sport. If a rider does receive this outside assistance they become disqualified from the event.
Please take the time to review your course, develop a support and crew plan and determine at which open access aid stations you would like your crew to meet you.
Aid Stations. We want you to have the hydration and snacks you need.
Aid stations. All aid stations have water, hydration drink, and an array of snacks and energy nutrition provided by Skratch Labs. Aid stations are approximately 40 miles apart.
We want you to have your family or friends cheer you on and provide additional support. Aid stations are crew accessible. These “crew accessible” aid stations are the ONLY place riders are allowed to receive outside support. Crew on other parts of the course is not allowed and taking outside support (except from a fellow rider) is grounds for disqualification.
Will the courses be marked and how do I find my way?
Rexy will be marked. Not every turn and option but key decision points and intersections. GPS is required for all riders and will add confidence on your on course.
Rexy takes place on open, active roads. You are required to obey all traffic laws and ‘rules of the road’ – such as staying on your side of the road and paying close attention on tight turns, curvy segments and always being on the lookout for oncoming traffic. Don’ t let the remote nature of this event or your location lull you into a sense of forgetting that others may be just around the corner and coming your way!
GPS Map Files and cue-sheets (turn by turn directions) will be available electronically for download and will be emailed to racers. You should print these and carry them with you. You should also provide copies for your crew.
Downloadable GPS files will be provided to all racers and should be shared with your crew.
Other than a fantastic gravel race what do I get?
Swag and Awards.
Great swag – we love it. Bad swag, turns into rags to clean your bike with. We are all about GREAT swag.
Every rider receives – A cool t-shirt you’ll actually be proud to wear. Socks that are better than the shirt and a course-specific finishers’ award that you’ll want to show off.
Awesome awards – Solo Age group awards (each 10 year bracket). 1st, 2nd, 3rd places receive an award that will become coveted and iconic in the gravel world.
Queen and King of the Desert overall awards for solo and team categories as well as top five overall finisher in the solo and two team divisions
Beer. A lot of excellent beer for all of those riders 21+ and plenty for purchase for family and crew.
Food. Finish line food trucks (on us) , snacks and calories to get you back up and active.
Plenty of extra tees, socks, hats and jerseys for sale for you and/or your family and crew. So you can all go home and show the world that you came to the desert and conquered Rexy, Queen of the Desert!
What is the best bike to use and recommended tire size?
This is a gravel event. Our top choice is a gravel bike. Getting low, and grinding out the miles happens faster and more comfortably on a gravel-specific bike.
That said – If you want to ride your mountain bike, no problem. No big rocks, drops or ledges (that’s mostly on the other side of the highway) so lockout suspension or a hardtail would be ideal.
Tire size is a big debate in today’s gravel. These courses, on most days, are smooth enough for anything in the 30’s. We personally like 38’s -42’s for the extra absorption and float if the sand comes out. We’ll keep course conditions updated as the race date approaches.
How hard is Rexy?
200 miles on a flat road is hard. 200 miles of almost all gravel and dirt, with over 10,000′ of climbing? She’s tough!
But, that is the point after all. Right? Rexy is your chance to define your new “possible” It can be done, comfortably (as comfortably as 200 mile rides can be) within the 24 hour time limit by riders that have prepared correctly. We know, we’ve done her ourselves, many times. We have a generous cutoff time of 24 hours because we want you to finish. Yes, it’s freaking hard. Yes, there are some epic, steep climbs that most of you will have to walk portions of, but you will be rewarded with breathtaking views and an accomplishment you will NEVER forget. If that sounds like too much, or you just aren’t sure. We have the answer – relay it!
What makes Rexy hard other than the distance?
One of the unique aspects of riding here is elevation gain comes in short, abrupt climbs, generally steep and rarely over 1/2 mile long. When you think about 10,400′ feet of total gain that means there are a lot of short little punches out here. You can see a good example of a very steep climb in this video clip
Depending on the recent weather we can also have none – some sand. The challenge isn’t that the sand is for long sections. Actually, it is just the opposite – It comes without notice and in areas you might not expect. It can be deep and quickly take charge of your front wheel. You can see an example in this video.
And in between? is sweet, rolling, beautiful gravel that allows you to chew up the miles and get’r done.
``Gravel`` means different things to different riders. What is your ``Gravel`` like?
Such a great question – The national definition of the term is anything from not quite asphalt to just short of single-track.
Desert Gravel is this. We ride on 4 types of road – in order of most prevalent to least.
1- 70% ‘dirt’ to ‘actual’ gravel. Desert, hardpack dirt with gravel and very fine crush rock mixed in and, occasional segments of sand. Width ranging from single-lane to wide double lane. These roads range from regularly maintained to seasonally maintained. The texture from very smooth to moderate washboard.
2- 15-20% Hardpack – less packed dirt road. (primarily on the 3 longer courses). Narrower, ‘jeep’ style road (no double track, all are actual road) comes into play higher in the hills with more climbing, and descending, rolling terrain. Some sections of these roads can also be sandy when the weather has been dry for long periods of time. The opposite can be true with extensive rain creating challenging, sticky mud.
3 – 5% Primary county maintained true “gravel” road. Well-maintained, wide, smooth, fine gravel roads. We’ll also put old deteriorated state hwy 50 road into this category. Low or no maintained old asphalt road, plenty of gravel and potholes in sections. In the 175 and 125 mile courses these few sections will be much appreciated for a reprieve from the ever-changing terrain most of the course enjoys.
4- Paved, current, modern asphalt road and hwy. The departure from Fruita and the 8 miles after the timing finish to the overall finish is paved road. And, about 7 miles after aid 4 is too. (Trust us. a bit of pavement after 150 miles is an awesome break for a spell.)
What you won’t find here. There is NO single-track. There are no “rock gardens” (yes, rocks can be anywhere on a rural road) – but there are no segments, or sections covered/littered with medium to large rocks.
- Rexy - Queen of the Desert!
10/08/2022
Moab Ut - Fruita Co Desert Gravel - World Headquarters
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