The beloved Co2uT finds a home (and a new name) with TransRockies Race Series
FRUITA, Colorado (November 25, 2025) — One of the Western gravel calendar’s most distinctive events is changing hands—but not changing character. Desert Gravel, the Fruita-based operation behind the Co2uT Gravel event, has been acquired by the TransRockies Race Series, marking a new chapter for a race that’s earned a devoted following among riders drawn to the rugged beauty of the Colorado-Utah borderlands.
Long known as Co2uT (Colorado-to-Utah), the event now carries the Desert Gravel name, but riders familiar with the original will find the same iconic routes and community atmosphere intact. The 2026 edition is set for April 25, with registration opening December 8. Five distances will accommodate everyone from gravel newcomers to riders seeking a proper sufferfest across the high desert.
For founder Morgan Murri, the decision to hand over the reins came down to finding the right stewards. “Desert Gravel has always been about more than just the miles,” Murri said. “It’s about the people, the energy, and the connection riders feel to this incredible landscape. Handing the event to the TransRockies team feels like passing it into the care of people who truly get it—and who will take it even further.”
The acquisition slots Desert Gravel into a growing TransRockies gravel portfolio that includes Gravel Fondo Moab, The Range in Claresholm, Alberta, and the forthcoming Rough Rider stage race in Prescott, Arizona. For TransRockies president Aaron McConnell, the fit felt natural.
“Desert Gravel represents everything we love about gravel racing—authentic adventure, stunning terrain, and a strong community,” McConnell said. “Morgan has built something special, and our goal is to honor that while enhancing the experience with the resources, reach, and event expertise of the TransRockies Race Series.”
The event’s Fruita roots will remain firmly planted. Local race director Kevin Kane stays on in a collaborative role alongside TransRockies veteran Kevin “Houda” McDonald, preserving institutional knowledge while integrating TransRockies’ operational infrastructure. The signature in-town start and finish, nearby camping, and relaxed weekend atmosphere that have defined the Co2uT experience aren’t going anywhere.
Fruita mayor Matthew Breman welcomed the news. “We’re thrilled that Desert Gravel will remain a Fruita-based event,” Breman said. “This race has become an iconic piece of Fruita’s cycling scene, not just for the riders, but for the visitors and families who come out to experience it. We love the energy it brings to our city every spring. We’re excited to welcome the TransRockies team and see this tradition continue to grow.”
Riders can expect TransRockies’ Chillville festival experience—the post-ride celebration that’s become a hallmark of the series—layered onto what’s already one of the most scenic and demanding courses on the gravel circuit.
Registration opens December 8 at 9 AM MST at desertgravel.com, with limited-time launch pricing available.
