Rexy Recon

Desert views, roadrunner-fast gravel, and a real sense of isolation: The upcoming Rexy, Queen of the Desert event promises an experience you won’t find at other gravel rides. Neil Beltchenko previewed the 200-mile course on a two-day bikepacking trip and shared his impressions with us. Read on to see what he thought and learn more about the event from organizer Morgan Murri, then consider signing up for this one-of-a-kind gravel event.

SALSA – Can you describe your Rexy shakedown ride?

NB - My ride was beautiful, but it came with plenty of challenges. I bikepacked it as an overnighter just to take it a bit more casual than race pace. It was very warm when I pedaled it this spring. I anticipated heat but not as much heat as I was handed. Because of that, I had to conserve water and even filter and treat water from a cattle tank, which is less than ideal, but it really helped! I found myself finding juniper trees to hide under for 10 minutes at a time to escape the heat. The other challenging factor was the wind—it started as a tailwind but quickly shifted to a strong headwind, and that was tough, considering the whole route is wide open without much wind protection.

The hardships made this a pretty rewarding trip, and once I hit camp on day one, I was crushed. But those hard days are the most rewarding, and as I laid down in my tent that night it was hard not to smile. Over the two-day trip, I hardly saw a soul, and even though you are never that far from I-70, it has a very remote feeling.

SALSA – How would you describe the Rexy course?

NB - The course is on well-maintained BLM gravel roads that travel from the North Fruita Desert to Moab. It parallels the Book Cliffs and occasionally climbs into them. The route as a whole is very remote, with no water or services, but it’s beautiful and really fast. As you make your way closer to Moab, you start to get views of the San Juan Mountains, which are a landmark for much of the second half of the route.

You will also pass and notice lots of oil and gas wells, which is one reason the roads are in such great shape. These landmarks will help you focus and as you pass one you will look ahead for the next. There are two big climbs towards the end of the route that come with incredible views.

SALSA – Any particular parts of it that you found beautiful?

NB - The whole route is beautiful. It has some truly stunning views and unique topography. Some of the highlights are the climbs into the Book Cliffs, the high point, and the rock art outside of Thompson Springs, the section north of Crescent Junction, and that moment where you get a close-up view of where the mountains rise out of the canyons.

SALSA – What bike were you riding and/or what Salsa bike models would you say are particularly well suited for riding the Rexy course?

NB - I pedaled a Cutthroat just because it’s such a comfortable bike, especially when loaded down with gear. But the course is quite smooth aside from a few stretches. It’s nearly all gravel, but that gravel is hero status. It’s also very dry, so a slightly larger-volume tire is nice to have when there is not much traction. If I were to race the route, it would be on a Warbird and 42 mm tires, and even some aero bars if the forecast calls for a stiff headwind.

SALSA – As someone with plenty of gravel experience, anything you’d want folks that will be coming for the inaugural event to know or expect?

NB - I think the biggest thing is to be prepared for sun, wind, heat, and a bit of sand. It’s a fast course, but it can be quickly slowed down by the elements. Embrace it. This course and race are unlike anything you’ll have done. And it’s pretty incredible to envision dinosaurs roaming this landscape 65 million years ago.

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MORE ON THE REXY from race director Morgan Murri

We also spoke with Morgan about what Rexy riders can expect:

SALSA: What is the terrain like on the Rexy route?

Morgan: Rexy's 200-mile route covers an incredible variety of dynamic gravel terrain. Our buffed, flowing roads have not been ridden by many cyclists, offering riders this year the rare opportunity to experience them for the first time.

SALSA: Are there course options for riders who don’t feel ready for a 200-mile ride?

Morgan: Understanding that 200 miles isn't for everybody, Rexy also includes her baby boy T-Rex "Moe" at an exciting and more-manageable 90 miles. The 90-mile route begins at Rexy's mid-point in the quirky desert town of Cisco, UT; the Buzzards Belly General store starting line is an adventure unto itself. The 200-mile route can also be ridden as a relay team of 2,3 or 4 riders.

Both courses share ever-changing terrain, flowing across the lowland desert to the endless views from high on the Book Cliffs, with a final transition into the red rock sandstone via a seldom-used "back-door" route into the Moab region.

SALSA: Is this a self-supported ride or can riders expect aid stations?

Morgan: The courses feature full aid stations, are crew-accessible for additional support, and are fully marked.

SALSA: Aside from the ride itself, is there anything else the attendees should look forward to?

Morgan: We will have a welcome ceremony and finish party with New Belgium Beer. We’ll also have an awards ceremony with age group and finisher awards for all.

SALSA: Anything else you’d like to add?

Morgan: However you choose to join us it's going to be one exciting Halloween in Moab this year! You can find full event details at www.desertgravel.com/rexy and follow us on Instagram @desertgravel.

Register for Rexy here https://www.bikereg.com/rexy-queen-of-the-desert-2021