Event Overview
The Moab Century Tour, scheduled for September or October 2026, is a bucket-list event for any serious cyclist. Set against the backdrop of Utah’s iconic red rock formations, Arches National Park, and the towering La Sal Mountains, this sportive offers some of the most breathtaking scenery in the American West. The vibe is a mix of rugged adventure and a celebration of cycling culture. While there are multiple distance options, the full Century (100 miles) is the crown jewel, challenging riders with significant elevation and varying desert conditions.
Course Details & Terrain
This is not a flat desert cruise. The 100-mile route is famous for its diversity. You’ll experience the “Big Bend” of the Colorado River, where the road is relatively flat but framed by 1,000-foot sandstone cliffs. However, the defining feature of the Moab Century is the climb into the La Sal Mountains.
Cyclists will face the “La Sal Mountain Loop Road,” which takes you from the desert floor at roughly 4,000 feet up to nearly 9,000 feet. The terrain shifts rapidly from red rock canyons to alpine forests of aspen and pine. The gradients are steady but long, requiring disciplined pacing. The descent is technical and fast, with switchbacks that demand respect and good braking technique. Expect a total elevation gain of over 5,500 feet for the full course.
Who Should Enter? (Beginners vs. Experienced)
Experienced Athletes: If you love climbing and technical descents, this is your playground. The high altitude (peaking near 9,000 feet) adds an extra layer of difficulty that will test your aerobic threshold. It’s a perfect end-of-season challenge for those who have spent the summer building a massive climbing base.
Beginners: The shorter distances (such as the 40 or 60-mile options) are very manageable and still offer incredible views. However, the full 100-miler is a serious undertaking. Beginners should ensure they have practiced long climbs and are comfortable with high-speed descents before tackling the full loop.
Coach Raye's Race-Day Pro Tips
- Hydrate Early and Often: The Utah desert is incredibly dry. You will lose more fluid through respiration than you realize. Don't wait until you're thirsty; aim for one bottle of electrolyte-rich fluid every hour from the moment you roll out.
- Layer Up for the Descent: The temperature difference between the desert floor and the La Sal peaks can be 20 degrees Fahrenheit or more. Even if it’s hot at the start, carry a lightweight wind vest or arm warmers for the long descent. Shivering makes for poor bike handling.
- Pace the Loop: The climb into the La Sals is long. Use your gears and keep your cadence around 80-90 RPM. Burning your matches early on the lower slopes will make the final high-altitude miles feel like a crawl.
How to Train for This Event
Preparing for the Moab Century Tour requires a blend of sustained climbing power and altitude adaptation. Raye’s adaptive cycling plans via WhatsApp focus on “sweet spot” intervals and long, steady-distance (LSD) rides that mimic the duration of the La Sal climb. By tracking your power-to-weight ratio and recovery metrics, Raye ensures you have the strength to summit and the focus to descend safely. Whether you're aiming for a personal best time or just want to enjoy the views, Raye builds the plan that gets you there. Start your Moab journey with Raye today.