Moab Century Tour Play By Play
Moab Century Tour Play-By-Play
It’s hard to believe, but before you know it September will be here and with it, the Moab Century Tour! We have many repeat cyclists who attend year after year and know our schedule for day 1 and day 2 almost as well as we do!
But for those of you who may be new to the Moab Century Tour, or have questions about how the event is run, we wanted to provide a play-by-play so you can better understand what it’s like to attend the Moab Century Tour.
A thorough timed-out itinerary will be emailed to all registered cyclists within 7 days of the event.
This communication is more like the menu of what’s to come. :)
Pre Event
Our forever gracious host hotel - The Aarchway Inn - is where we will once again stage our event rider check-in, ride starts, emergency personnel, and all things Moab Century Tour. The Aarchway Inn also offers all registered cyclists a sweet discount rate (almost 50%!) You have to call to request the rate and book. (435-259-2599)
The Friday before the event we will have a table set up at the Aarchway Inn. Here you can check-in for the event, receive the necessary cycle items (like helmet tags!), get route map information, and maybe even a small token of appreciation from us (wink wink.) This is also an opportunity for you to meet the organizers, learn more about our cause, mingle with other cyclists, and get those last-minute questions answered.
This is also the time to pick up purchased jerseys (design coming soon!) and t-shirts you ordered. Limited quantities may be available at the event but are not guaranteed. Pre-purchase to guarantee yours.
Enjoy a pool, hot tub, and large grassy backyard at the host hotel. Photo by Angie Dello
Day 1-Cycling
Choices Choices Choices! Cyclists will have three total routes to choose from on day 1, all with varying degrees of incline and length. Our full route descriptions, elevation maps, and GPS links can be found here, but here is the abbreviated version:
Option 1: THE RIVER PORTAL ROUTE
38 total miles, 500’ elevation change
What Will I See?
Colorado River, Petroglyphs, Towering Canyon Walls, Rock Climbers.
Great For: Beginners or cyclists who want a light ride before day 2. The elevation change is very gradual.
Option 2: DEAD HORSE POINT STATE PARK
60 total miles, 3,800’ elevation change
What Will I See?
Towering Canyon walls, Arches entrance, dinosaur museum, mesas, and grand canyon worthy views in the state park.
Heavy snacks will be available at DHPSP.
Great For: Cyclists who want a challenge on day 1, to be rewarded with epic views from the top, and who like to coast on newer pavement and a smooth bike path on the return.
Option 3: Combo of 1 & 2
100 total miles, 4,900’ elevation change
What Will I See?
Everything listed above!
Great For: Cyclists who are wanting that “Century” Experience so you can tell your friends, “I cranked a 100 in Moab!”
We’re Here For You!
Along all routes we will have aid stations fully stocked with food, water, repair kits, radio communication team and smiling faces to help you meet your goals! We also have support vehicles on route to aid cyclists too far from a station.
Day 1 - Post-Cycling*
After your ride, join your fellow participants back at the Aarchway Inn and enjoy a plentiful lunch while enjoying live music from one of Moab’s finest local bands. There will be plenty of hydration options, food options, places to enjoy your meal in the shade, and stories of 100 miles that were (or weren’t, it’s cool) conquered! Sit back and reminisce on the ride with some great food, great music, and great company. (And don’t forget, if you stay at the Aarchway - pool time!)
* post-ride schedule subject to change based on factors outside our control, like wind and rain.
Day 2 - The Cycling Route
64 miles, view map
5,500' Elevation Change:
A route that is worthy of your cycling resume! Traveling from the scenic valley of Moab into the aspen-lined foliage of the La Sal Mountains, through red rock spires of Castle Valley and towering sandstone cliffs along the Colorado River, this route with it's beautiful vistas, will feed your soul.
Worth noting, this route includes the infamous “Big Nasty", a steep climb to ascend from the valley floor straight up into the mountains with a 3,000 ft gain within a short 7-mile stretch.
This route truly offers everything Moab has to offer. Golden fall foliage, that mountain fresh air, towering canyon walls, and again amazing views (different than day 1) of the Colorado River.
Our founder, Mark, at one of our favorite photo spots near the top of the La Sal Loop rode with a participant.
“We try to make this route accessible to all skills levels. SAG vehicles will be available if a section feels too grueling. And AID stations and support staff will be strategically positioned. You got this! ”
Day 2 - Lunch at Red Cliffs Lodge
If you have never experienced a meal at the world-renowned Red Cliffs Lodge, you are in for a treat! Located on Hwy 128 - and conveniently along the route after you have descended from the mountains - the wonderful staff at Red Cliffs provides a cowboy-style barbecue spread guaranteed to satisfy after those elevation gains. Hamburgers, grilled chicken, salads and of course, an awesome setting with beautiful Colorado River views.
If you aren’t in a rush to cycle back to town after lunch, hang out and find your way to their Moab Museum of Film and Western Heritage (free to enter!) to see how many movies you recognize, and have your photo taken with John Wayne. Seriously! Well, sort of. You can also say hi to the horses if they aren’t out on a tour, get your photo taken down by the river, or walk the property a bit.
Stopping at Red Cliffs Lodge is often the highlight of our cyclist’s event and a well-earned highlight at that.
From Red Cliffs Lodge it’s a 15-mile ride back into town through one of the most beautiful stretches of canyon walls you will ever see. The last 4 are on a paved bike path.
More energy than you know what to do with? Check out discovermoab.com for hiking trails, scenic drives through Arches National Park, and more.
Participants about to head back out on the road after lunch at Red Cliffs. Photo by Stephen Rooks.
The Moab Century Tour
We hope this play-by-play of what you can expect when attending the Moab Century Tour is helpful and gets you pumped for the rides! We are working hard to plan a safe, exciting, and memorable experience for you. Still have questions? No problem! You can call us at (435) 260-8889 or send us an email to info@skinnytirevents.com.
