Experiencing the Utah-Colorado landscape by bike

By Malena Larsen

Fruita, Colorado, and Moab, Utah, are hotspots for outdoor enthusiasts. With stunning red rocks, rugged terrain, and endless singletrack options, this expansive desert is a cyclist’s paradise. Rexy, Queen of the Desert, is a point-to-point gravel bike race that stretches between these two mountain bike meccas.

Rexy, which returns on Saturday, Nov. 2, was founded by Morgan Murri, an ultra-endurance athlete. He has worldwide racing experience from the United States to Africa and beyond.

“However far I roamed, this Utah-Colorado desert is where I call home,” Murri says. “In my opinion, it is as unique and as beautiful as anywhere on the planet.”

This love for the desert fueled Murri’s creation of Rexy — the race was a way to share the area’s beauty and uniqueness with others.

The Moab-to-Fruita bike race is 190 miles long. However, if that’s not something a cyclist wants to take on, there are also 100-mile, 72-mile, and 50-mile options. Each distance offers challenging ascents and breathtaking views of the surrounding topography.

The main attraction: the 190-mile race

This race starts at the Moab Giants Museum, finishes in the Fruita desert, and has a whopping 10,500 feet of “vert” (vertical elevation gain). There are aid stations available for racers at miles 56, 98, 135 and 160. After a day in the desert, racers will be met at the finish line with food, music, and a well-deserved ice cold beer.

The 100-mile race

This race is a looped course that starts and finishes at the race basecamp in Fruita, which is 12 miles north of downtown Fruita. This race has approximately 5,800 feet of elevation gain.

The 100-mile race provides amazing views and photo opportunities of two Colorado-Utah border crossings. Murri describes the terrain as “chardonnay gravel.” Meaning, it’s wide and smooth but not quite champagne—or world class—gravel.

The 72-mile race

This option is also a looped course that starts and finishes at the race basecamp. It has 4,400 feet of elevation gain and allows racers to experience the beauty of the desert without the same undertaking as a 100-mile race.

According to the race website, “Our 72-mile is worth the stretch. You’ll get to ride into Utah, cross the border, and enjoy the incredible terrain of both Colorado and Utah!”

The 50-mile race

The 50-mile race is perfect for riders seeking a challenge with stunning views without a full-day commitment. This looped course offers 3,300 feet of elevation gain.

Along with the goal of providing an epic challenge, Rexy also strives to have a high percentage of female participants, with the goal of having an equal split between men and women racers. To make this happen, the race offers a “Gravel-Girl Discount.” The Rexy website states: “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.”

No matter the distance at hand, Rexy allows cyclists to test their mettle against rugged terrain and unpredictable weather. From seasoned racers to those experiencing their first gravel adventure, this race offers cyclists the chance to push their limits and discover the camaraderie of the cycling community.

“We’ve learned that by taking on audacious goals, pushing yourself into the very deep end of the sandbox, and packing your entire life into one huge day, amazing personal growth happens,” shares Murri.

Gear up, gravel enthusiasts, the Rexy awaits.