HEBER, Utah (September 19, 2023) — Dirt De Utah is thrilled to announce its first annual gravel grinder race with some single-track, set to take place amidst the stunning backdrop of the 2002 Winter Olympics grounds on Saturday, September 30. This exciting event promises to be a thrilling and picturesque ride, showcasing the unique beauty of the area.
The race begins with an awe-inspiring journey through the biathlon range, leading participants onto the challenging single-track route, mirroring the renowned Solider Hollow Bike Fest course. Once the single-track section is conquered, riders will follow the gravel rail trail, meandering alongside the scenic banks of Deer Creek reservoir, before reaching a checkpoint at the dam.
The return leg of the race will guide riders through the private grazing ranch of Decker Canyon, offering breathtaking vistas of Mount Timpanogos and the Heber Valley from the summit. Participants will then descend through a stunning canopy of fall leaves to cross the finish line.
For the adventurous 50-mile riders, the journey doesn’t end there, as they will embark on another lap, accumulating a total elevation gain of 4,800 feet. Meanwhile, those tackling the 25-mile course will have completed their ride having conquered 2,400 feet of elevation gain.
Beyond the personal achievement of completing this challenging race, participants will also take pride in giving back to the community. Proceeds from the event will be generously donated to support the SoHo Endurance Team and the Wasatch Mountain Bike Team, both initiatives aimed at getting more kids on bikes.
The event is organized by a dedicated team of local high school students, Kadence Preston, Bryan Moore, and Parker Caldwell, all hailing from Wasatch High School. Their deep commitment to community enrichment and the growth of cycling in the Wasatch Valley drives their efforts.
Looking ahead, Dirt De Utah has ambitious plans to expand and elevate the event in the coming years. In 2024, they aim to feature an exciting fat tire crit in downtown Heber, which will draw professional cyclists with an attractive cash purse. Additionally, they plan to introduce an 80–100-mile MTB race that provides a taste of all the exceptional trails in the Wasatch Front, as well as an Epic Gravel race designed to rival the esteemed SBT GRVL race, in Steamboat Springs, Colorado.
Dirt De Utah invites all cycling enthusiasts to join them on September 30 for an unforgettable race experience that combines the thrill of competition with the beauty of nature, all while contributing to a worthy cause.
Riders should note that there is more double track, but the single-track is not for the average rider. A great bike choice would be a hard tail or a bike with lockout suspension, or a gravel bike with wider tires.
For more information and registration details, please visit https://dirtdeutah.com/.
