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 desert.
Do you have what it takes to tame her?
Here are you options:
200 mile solo
200 miles as a relay team
100 mile solo
100 mile as a relay team
50 mile solo
(Rider and bike shuttle to the start of the 200 and 100 provided)
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. Moab - Fruita, Cisco - Fruita and the Border to Fruita, 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 mile courses.
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 up to 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
An adventure you won’t soon forget! Click the pic for details, map & elevation profile. (We provide rider and bike shuttle race morning from Fruita to the starting line if needed)
Rexy's little Moe 100-miles. Amazing, just fewer miles!
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. (We provide rider and bike shuttle race morning from Fruita to the starting line if needed)
Rexy's little t - 50-miles. Amazing, route from the border to Fruita
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 (Shuttles NOT provided for the 50 Miler – an easy drive/carpool of 30 minutes from Fruita)
Rexy 200 Mile Relay - 2, 3 or 4 person All woman or Open. - 100 Mile Relay - 2,3 or 4 person All woman or Open
Same incredible courses and support as the Solos.(We provide rider and bike shuttle race morning from Fruita to the starting line if needed)
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 Click here for a map link
The VIBE
Technically speaking, Rexy is a race. As with all ultra-endurance challenges 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 hand you that finishers award 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 200-mile route has it all – Starting at Moab Giants Museum, northwest 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 8 miles climb on asphalt, then it’s long and flat and down, and then rolling hills and flat(er) sections, giving you plenty of time to find your groove to aid 1 at mile 56 in Thompson Springs.
After rolling out of aid #1 you’ll climb hard to the course highpoint at mile 61, and visit the mind-blowing views of Rexy’s Overlook. Taking a page from a book to mark your visit. Riding on for several up and down miles before you plunge down a serious 30% decline to enter the canyon of Rexy’s Lair. Once out on the desert floor it is wide open views all the way to ENDLESS at mile 92, on your way to 1/2 way aid station #2 in Cisco at mile 98. A great spot for crew support and the start line of our 100 miler.
From aid #2 it is 5 miles of asphalt then 10 miles of big wide gravel as you climb very gradually back into the Book Cliffs. From mile 116 – 130 it is incredible, up and down riding with great views and endless variety. Rolling into aid #3 at mile 135.
From aid #3 at mile 135 it is steady work up and down through mile 145, then a long wide cruise to the Utah border, turning left you will ride right on top of the UT/CO border for 4 miles before heading east and dropping down to a much-appreciated stretch of asphalt, You will find a crew accessible water only oasis here, mile 160. Use these 6 miles of relief to regroup and loosen up as you’ll head north again back to gravel and antelope. A Bit of climbing to mile to mile 172, then a nice downhill cruise to the final aid station at mile 177. A great spot for the crew to fuel up for the final push!
A long grinder climb up to mile 180 and you can finally begin to think about that finish line – It’s 3 miles of tricky double track then 4 miles of wide open gravel then asphalt into Fruita – Holy Hell, you made it!!!
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 56, 98, 135, 177. 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 4 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 finish line in less than 24 hours. Corresponding aid station cutoff times will be established to make this schedule for aid stations #2, #3, #4. Course marshall’s determination on these matters shall be final.
Desert Gravel will provide 4 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 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 100 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 Fruita. 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. Rider and bike shuttle service available fr0m Fruita t0 the start on race morning.
The Details
Start, at 11:00 a.m. in the quirky little community of Cisco, Utah at the Buzzards Belly general store. Beginning at 11:00 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 7 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 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!
You have until 11 pm to be an official finisher. 12 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 100-mile route is packed with scenery, challenges, and desert gems.
Departing Cisco, it’s a fast 5 miles of asphalt to warm you up, then on to wide premium gravel roads as you gradually climb towards the Book Cliffs. At mile 18 the work starts as you climb up onto the lower benches of these incredible cliffs. You’ll enjoy incredible views, vistas, and a wide variety of amazing terrain through mile 35. From there it’s back to primary gravel (and a wee bit of asphalt) to your first aid station at mile 38. Fully stocked and easily accessible for the crew. From here it is 9 more miles of great terrain along the base of the Book Cliffs. At mile 38 it’s back on wide open fast rolling (mostly downhill) gravel right to the Colorado/Utah border. Turning left you’ll ride right on top of the state line for 4 miles before turning east and heading down to the valley floor. Here at mile 63 you will find a water oasis (crew accessible) and 5 miles on asphalt for a nice regroup and recovery. At mile 68 it’s back to gravel and a bit of climbing before a nice, high pace gradual downhill to mile 78 where you will climb a shorty then flat to your final aid station at mile 79 (easy crew access) and the last chance to fuel up, eat up and prepare for that final push! A big climb to mile 85 then a few rollers before you get to a 2-mile technical section. Then it’s 5 miles of big wide gravel followed by 8 miles of blissful asphalt to the finish line! We’ll be there with bells on, dogs and burgers on, and ice-cold beer to go with your coveted finishers award! Hell ya – you tamed your monster!
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 and a water oasis. 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 6 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 they are on their 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? 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 4 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 at 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 at Moab Giants Museum, northwest 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 8 miles climb on asphalt, then it’s long and flat and down, and then rolling hills and flat(er) sections, giving you plenty of time to find your groove to aid 1 at mile 56 in Thompson Springs.
After rolling out of aid #1 you’ll climb hard to the course highpoint at mile 61, and visit the mind-blowing views of Rexy’s Overlook. Taking a page from a book to mark your visit. Riding on for several up and down miles before you plunge down a serious 30% decline to enter the canyon of Rexy’s Lair. Once out on the desert floor it is wide open views all the way to ENDLESS at mile 92, on your way to 1/2 way aid station #2 in Cisco at mile 98. A great spot for crew support and the start line of our 100 miler.
From aid #2 it is 5 miles of asphalt then 10 miles of big wide gravel as you climb very gradually back into the Book Cliffs. From mile 116 – 130 it is incredible, up and down riding with great views and endless variety. Rolling into aid #3 at mile 135.
From aid #3 at mile 135 it is steady work up and down through mile 145, then a long wide cruise to the Utah border, turning left you will ride right on top of the UT/CO border for 4 miles before heading east and dropping down to a much-appreciated stretch of asphalt. Use these 6 miles of relief to regroup and loosen up as you’ll head north again back to gravel and antelope. A Bit of climbing to mile to mile 172, then a nice downhill cruise to the final aid station at mile 177. A great spot for the crew to fuel up for the final push!
A long grinder climb up to mile 180 and you can finally begin to think about that finish line – It’s 3 miles of tricky double track then 4 miles of wide open gravel then asphalt into Fruita – Holy Hell, you made it!!!
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 56, 98, 135, 177. 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 disappoint
The Details
Start, 1:00 p.m. In beautiful Prairie Canyon just 21 miles northwest 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 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 it’s your longest climb of the day to mile 32 then fun rolling ups and downs to mile 35, a little technical riding for 1.5 miles then onto wide open cruising gravel for 5 miles before a beautiful asphalt spin to the finish!
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 (For 100 milers this is your start to your aid station #1)
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, 2,000' 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
43 miles, 2,000' 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.
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.
21 miles 900' of gain
Rexy Segment 5. Aid station #4 - The finish!
Details
Rexy Segment 5. Aid station #4 - The finish!
21 miles 900' 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, the last big climb. Then a bit of up and down, a 1.5 mile technical section before wide open gravel for 4 miles, and then 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!
2024 Solo Participant Limit
10 Woman and 10 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.
We start in one amazing town and end in another, how does that work?
We will provide a shuttle service from the finish line in Fruita to the starting lines in Moab and Cisco on race morning. (We do not provide a shuttle for the 50 miler as it’s an easy 30-minute drive to the start – Carpool and rideshare the community board on our Facebook page.) For those that want to be in Moab on their own 7 mile RV park is excellent camping less than 1 mile from the start. And, if anyone would like to camp in Cisco for the 100 start we can make arrangements for you.
These events start and end in world-class cycling venues. 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, and 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 11:00 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.
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 – Socks that are better than a shirt and a perfect coffee mug, reminding you each morning what a bad-ass you are!
Awesome awards – Solo Age group awards (each 10 year bracket). 1st, 2nd, 3rd places
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 made to order, burgers, dogs, snacks, and calories to get you back up and active.
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, are more remote roads than many gravel events and can be a bit rougher. We personally like 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!
10/07/2023
Moab Ut - Fruita Co Desert Gravel - World Headquarters
#1 Gravel Road
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