Utah red rock adventure—188km of high-desert gravel, 1,811m elevation, June heat, waffles.
4,200 miles from the Pacific to the Atlantic. The longest road ultra-race on earth. Self-supported across 10 states. Ame
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Trans Am Bike Race scores 11 points higher overall (90 vs 79), but the right choice depends on what you value most.
"Cedar City's altitude strips away your excuses while loose rock strips away your skin—Utah's answer to European suffering with American scenery."
"The longest self-supported bike race on earth—4,200+ miles from Pacific to Atlantic, crossing 10 states, no support crews, pure transcontinental adventure."
Trans Am Bike Race rates as the more demanding race based on our composite difficulty score (averaging length, technicality, elevation, climate, and altitude ratings). If you're looking for the bigger challenge, go with Trans Am Bike Race. If you want a more accessible race, BWR Utah (Belgian Waffle Ride Utah) is the better pick.
Trans Am Bike Race scores 90/100 compared to 79/100 in our 15-dimension Gravel God Rating. The overall score reflects course profile, prestige, race quality, community, and value.
Trans Am Bike Race is generally more accessible for first-time gravel racers, factoring in distance, technicality, and logistical ease. Check each race's full profile for distance options and beginner-specific advice.
Both races take place in June, which means you may need to choose between them. Check the official race websites for exact 2026 dates.
BWR Utah (Belgian Waffle Ride Utah) is held in Cedar City, Utah. Trans Am Bike Race is held in Astoria, Oregon to Yorktown, Virginia. Consider travel logistics, especially if you're flying in — check our full race profiles for airport and lodging details.
Get a personalized training plan for either race — tailored to your fitness, schedule, and goals.
$15/week, capped at $249. One-time payment.