A new gravel bike race coming to Heber Valley in August

Introducing the first gravel bike race in the Uintah and Wasatch Mountains, the Wasatch All-Road Bicycle Race. Photo: The Wasatch All-Road

HEBER CITY, Utah. — The inaugural Wasatch All-Road Bicycle Race will debut on August 28, challenging gravel bikers to a 100-mile or 35-mile gravel race in Utah’s Heber Valley. The races will start and finish in Heber City.

The Wasatch All-Road Bicycle Race will feature two courses, the Full Yeti and the Mini Yeti. The Full Yeti consists of 100 miles and 12,000 feet of climbing gravel roads in the Wasatch Mountains (80% gravel terrain). The Mini Yeti climbs 4,500 feet over 35 miles with 60% gravel. Both courses kick off with a bang, ascending the Wasatch Wall, an 11.5-mile climb with 3,500 feet of elevation gain.

“With 12,000 feet of elevation gain and a lot of big, big climbs, it’s going to require strong, tenacious riders that love gravel,” says race director Jeff Louder, a former professional cyclist and winner of Tour of Utah. “It’s really tailored to people who are motivated by a challenge.” Born and raised in Utah, Louder says he wanted to expose more people to the high-mountain Heber Valley region and its amazing gravel roads, scenic views, and challenging elevation. “The course kind of epitomizes what Utah is when it comes to riding a bike — it has all the requirements for great gravel riding,” he says.

The Full Yeti will offer a $10,000 prize purse ($5,000 for each gender) for the top racers, along with a $1,000 prize purse split between the first female and male Utah residents across the line. The grueling routes, which are not designed for casual weekend warriors, offer big payoffs, with 360-degree views of the breathtaking surrounding mountains. Riding on high ridgeline roads and past the serene Strawberry Reservoir, racers will traverse through the peaceful woods of the Uinta National Forest en route to the finish.

The post-race festivities will celebrate the community with food, beer, and other offerings by local businesses. The race will also give back to the local community by supporting surrounding schools’ mountain bike programs as part of the Utah High School Cycling League.

Registration fees currently range between $39.99 and $179.99 (depending on age and course). To register, click here. For more information, visit thewasatchallroad.com.