Check out the 2023 Dirty Edge Gravel racer photos.
Riding The Dirty Edge will make you realize why 18 Road is famous for world-class biking. With expansive views of the beautiful Book Cliffs, you will ride through the endless gravel roads of the North Fruita Desert before attacking the back canyon section of the Edge Loop, hence the race name. This mix of smooth gravel, sporty fun, and gorgeous vistas will make The Dirty Edge a Fruita classic and an unforgettable 50K gravel event.
For 2024 the Adventure Fest at 18 Road will also host a free gravel clinic for women on Saturday May 11th. The clinic will be followed by a group ride and everyone is welcome to join for a preview of the course. These events will be led by pro biker, Reese Ruland. Signup is available now on Ultrasignup.
Check the schedule for all of the details for the weekend events!
Sunny and dry, springtime in Fruita is the perfect way to satisfy your spring fever. Join us at the Adventure Fest at 18 Road weekend for trail fun, hot food, and microbrews.
Finisher’s mementos will be given as racers cross the finish line. Placer’s awards will be awarded along with raffle prizes at approximately 11:30 am for both of the Sunday races. Both the men’s and women’s winners will receive comp entries to next year’s race.
Please join us on Saturday for a group ride and women's gravel clinic! There will be beer, hot food and games. See old friends and make new ones! Family, friends, and crew are invited, so bring everyone.
Adventure Fest is a weekend of celebrating everything we love about the outdoors and this includes our community. We hope to see you at the awards ceremonies!
Customized cowbell awards will be given to the top three male and female finishers of the Dirty Edge Gravel 50K in each of the following age groups/categories:
- Under 20
- 20-29
- 30-39
- 40-49
- 50-59
- 60+
- Single Speed
- Class 1 e-bike (non-competitive)
All gravel bike racers will receive customized dog tag finisher awards as they cross the finish line. Awards and mementos will not be mailed after the event.
Take Interstate 70 west to Fruita (exit 19). Turn north onto Cherry Street and take the first right onto Aspen Avenue. Go through the roundabout and continue on Aspen to Maple Street. Take a left on Maple Street and then travel north. The street will turn into 17.5 Road. Take a right on N.3 Road and then a left on 18 Road. Travel approximately 7 miles on 18 Road to the trailhead and look for the signs/markers for the Adventure Fest event.
Join us for a free women's gravel clinic the day before the race. Led by our expert coach Reese Ruland, the clinic will get you on your bike to hone your handling skills and she will share some tips on how to feel your best on race day. Snacks will be available while you hang out with other women gravel riders in a supportive and inspiring environment. There will be a 50 person limit so register now.
Enjoy a free group ride for all riders led by expert gravel riders Reese Ruland and George Simpson. Pre-ride a section of the gravel course, enjoy on-course support and an apres ride hangout with food and beer cheering on the Sarlacc Attack finishers. There will be pace options and the ride will take approximately an hour in length. The Pre-Ride will be available to anyone interested in shaking out their legs the day before the race and meeting other gravel riders. This is a fun and supportive environment whether you are a seasoned rider or this is your first race. There will be a 50 rider limit so register now.
The Dirty Edge Gravel 50K is entirely on non-technical gravel roads. With a fun loop leading into a beautiful out-and-back, you will have just enough rolling hills to keep things interesting and challenging. Racers will travel roughly 50K and experience 2700′ of climbing while enjoying an open desert with short steep climbs and descents, backed by stunning picturesque views of nearby buttes and mesas.
Throughout the course, racers will hit the 16 Road aid station twice at miles 5 and 13, and face a challenge up to the Sarlacc aid station at mile 20 for the out-and-back turnaround. No other gravel race gives you so much support, which makes the Dirty Edge Gravel race one of the best 50K gravel races in Colorado.
The north Fruita Desert is an epic place in the springtime and we’ll help you get the most out of your experience. Get ready for a fun weekend of riding and socializing!
Friday:
5:00 pm-7:00 pm – Packet Pick-Up and Late Registration at Fruita Community Center
Saturday:
7:15 am-8:15 am – Race Day Registration and Packet Pick-Up at start/finish
8:30 am – Sarlaac Attack 50K start
9:15 am - Yoga with The Zen Den
9:30 am - Zippity 22K start
10:00 am – Women's Gravel Clinic
11:00 am - Group Gravel Ride
12:00 pm - Cut-off for Sarlacc- Bruncher award
12:30 pm – Cut-off for Sarlacc MTB Aid Station
1:00 pm - Sarlacc Attack awards ceremony
1:30 pm – Cut-off for Sarlacc Attack- Mesa Aid Station
3:30 pm – Cut-off for Sarlacc Attack- Luncher award
4:30 pm – Cut-off for Sarlacc Attack unofficial finishes
Sunday:
7:00 am-8:15 am – Race Day Registration and Packet Pick-Up at start/finish
8:30 am – Fruita Trail Half Start
9:00 am - The Dirty Edge Gravel Start
11:15 am - Yoga with The Zen Den
11:30 am – Half Marathon & The Dirty Edge Gravel Awards/Raffle – Finish Line
Course Records
2023- TBD
Are Dogs Allowed?
We love dogs! Well-behaved dogs on leashes are welcome at the Start/Finish and aid stations. Unfortunately, we cannot allow dogs on course with any racers.
What Supplies Are Offered at the Aid Stations?
At the aid stations, racers will receive gels, sports drink, water, skittles, PB&J rolls and potato chips. Aspirin, ibuprofen, and other NSAIDS will NOT be provided. And to reduce waste, cups will not be provided at the aid stations.
Radio contact will be available at all aid stations and each one will have the necessary medical materials to nurse any bumps, cuts, bruises, and/or blisters.
Three aid stations will be provided for the Dirty Edge Gravel 50K.
Can I Go Off Trail at any Point?
Racers must stay on the designated course at all times. Shortcutting will result in disqualification. If you go off course, you must return to the same point you exited in order to continue.
How do I reserve a campsite?
Campsites are reserved for our event and are available to reserve when you register online. Each site has a fire ring, concrete picnic table, 12’ x 12’ tent pad and graveled parking spaces. Vault toilets are within walking distance of the campsites.
There is no water, electricity, or garbage collection service, so come prepared with plenty of water and trash bags. Additionally, campers will need to bring their own firewood. Each individual site is limited to ten people and two vehicles.
The Super 8 in Fruita, CO is this year’s host hotel, so you can acquire discounted rates there. However, most racers will be camping at 18 Road for an easier start to the day for this mountain bike race in Colorado.
What Weather Should I Expect?
Weather in the Fruita Desert can vary. The averages for May are a low of 48 degrees and a high of 79 degrees Fahrenheit. While the weather is never a sure thing, you can typically expect highs of between 70-80 degrees with very little chance of rain in Fruita during this time of year.
What About Unforeseeable Circumstances?
In the case of unforeseeable circumstances due to weather or other extenuating circumstances that prevents the safe continuation of the race, race officials may end the race at any given time without a refund of unused portions. This rule will be implemented in the most extreme cases for the safety of the racers or officials.
I Lost Something at the Event! Is There a Lost & Found?
Items left at aid stations and lost & found items will be available at the awards ceremony immediately following the 50K bike race.
Can I Transfer or Cancel My Registration?
There will be no entry transfers. If you regrettably need to cancel your registration, please use UltraSignup. Cancellations will result in a credit that can be applied as the initial registration payment toward any Gemini Adventures event within one year’s time, minus a 15% fee. To cancel your registration, simply login in to your account, go to “Registration History,” select “Edit” for the Dirty Edge Gravel 50K, and select “Cancel Registration.”
What’s our Refund Policy?
- 30 days or more prior to the event: 85% credit of registration fee (excluding UltraSignup fees).
- Less than 30 days prior to the event: No refunds or credit given.
Credits may be applied to any future Gemini Adventures race and will be valid for 12 months.
Registered racers may also switch between distances. No refunds or credit will be given for dropping down in distance. If you want to step up your distance, the added current pricing of the longer distance will be charged (excluding UltraSignup fees).
