530 miles of high-altitude suffering across the spine of the Rockies - 75% of starters don't finish, and that's the poin
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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Both races score 90 — it comes down to what you value most.
"The Colorado Trail doesn't care about your FTP when you're pushing your bike through talus fields at 13,000 feet."
"The longest self-supported bike race on earth—4,200+ miles from Pacific to Atlantic, crossing 10 states, no support crews, pure transcontinental adventure."
Colorado Trail 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 Colorado Trail Race. If you want a more accessible race, Trans Am Bike Race is the better pick.
Both races score 90/100 in our Gravel God Rating — a dead heat. They excel in different dimensions, so the best pick depends on your priorities.
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.
Colorado Trail Race takes place in August and Trans Am Bike Race in June. If your calendar allows, you could race both in the same season.
Colorado Trail Race is held in Durango to Denver, Colorado. 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.