Free Golden Spoke Ride returns May 16, celebrating 100-mile trail network

Cyclists ride the Golden Spoke Trail Network, a connected system of more than 100 miles of multi-use trails stretching from Ogden to Provo. The ninth annual Golden Spoke Ride returns Saturday, May 16, with free long- and short-route options across the Wasatch Front. Photo: Golden Spoke Ride

The annual Bike Month event features 50-mile routes from Roy and Provo, shorter ride options and a post-ride celebration along the Jordan River Trail

WASATCH FRONT, Utah — Cyclists will be able to ride portions of one of the state’s largest connected trail systems during the ninth annual Golden Spoke Ride on Saturday, May 16.

The free Bike Month event highlights the Golden Spoke Trail Network, a more than 100-mile system of connected, multi-use trails stretching from Ogden to Provo. The network links communities, transit stations, trails, and destinations across the Wasatch Front.

This year’s event includes two roughly 50-mile rides, beginning simultaneously in Roy and Provo and ending at Tracy Aviary’s Nature Center at Pia Okwai for a post-ride celebration. Ride hubs along the routes will also serve as rest stops and alternative starting points for shorter rides ranging from about 8 to 20 miles.

Participants can return to their starting point on the Utah Transit Authority’s FrontRunner after completing a ride.

The Golden Spoke network was developed through regional collaboration and reflects the Wasatch Choice Vision, a long-range planning effort focused on transportation, land use, and quality of life along the Wasatch Front. Organizers say the system also helped shape Utah’s broader statewide trail vision, including the emerging Utah Trail Network, which recently began construction in Moab.

“As a core partner since its inception, WFRC is proud to support the Golden Spoke Ride and the continued expansion of this incredible regional asset,” said Hugh Van Wagenen, a transportation planner for the Wasatch Front Regional Council. “This event highlights how collaboration across communities can create a robust transportation network that gives people safer and family-friendly choices for how they move. The Golden Spoke network has also helped demonstrate the value of connected trail systems statewide.”

Rachel Lyn of the Jordan River Commission said this year’s ride will include the newly completed West Davis Corridor Trail as part of the north route.

“The Golden Spoke Ride is more than just a ride — it’s an annual celebration of our community’s commitment to building and enjoying one of the best multi-use trail systems around,” Lyn said. “We are especially excited this year to feature the newly completed West Davis Corridor Trail as part of the North Ride, which continues to expand active transportation connectivity across the Wasatch Front.”

The post-ride celebration will include food trucks, music, giveaways, community booths, a yoga flow, yard games, bird-watching with Audubon, and a community art project.

Registration is free, but spots are limited. More information is available at jordanrivercommission.gov/golden-spoke-ride/.