Ghost towns, gravel and and escape from winter: TransRockies previews new Rough Rider stage race

In anticipation of its new three-day gravel stage race, the Rough Rider, TransRockies brought a group of eager riders down to Arizona for a Recon Camp of the 2026 route. The group rolled through ghost towns and sought out backwater saloons in an effort to rustle up the elusive spirit of gravel.

And, if there’s anywhere that could serve up a three-day supply of those spirits, it’s the high desert oasais around Prescott, Arizona. But what is the so-called spirit of gravel?

“The solace of exploring quiet dirt roads. Grinding up challenging climbs and ripping thrilling descents. Feeling alive from pushing through the pedals with a group of fellow masochists. Community and connection,” says Jackson Long, who joined TransRockies in Prescott for the Rough Rider recon.

Recon rustlin’: TransRockies Rough Rider

Cycling has deep roots in Prescott, with a vast mountain bike network and the long-running Whiskey 50 cross country marathon and festival. Tunrs out those hills hide some stellar gravel riding, too.

But what is the Rough Rider? Like other TransRockies events it is a timed event, but with a focus on challenging every rider not just the pro ranks. In contrast to the increasingly professionalized gravel racing scene, Rough Rider celebrates the community forged through taking on those challenges together.

With three days of racing through gravel roads, double track, desert canyons and deep forests, Rough Rider has plenty of challenge on tap. But, with its official debut scheduled for late October, 2026, it also offers and end-of-season romp mixed with, for Canadians think of heading south to exend their riding, an escape from the onset of winter.

Stage 1: “The Wickedest Town in the West.”

Before bicycle tires traced the dirt outside Prescott, the wagons wheels of mining rolled through those hills. Stage 1 of the Rough Rider heads through what was left behind after mining, including the ghost town of Jerome, once called “The Wickedest Town in the West.”

“Speaking to many of the participants it’s clear that while the structure and competitive push of a race format is a great motivator, what many of us are searching for through gravel riding and racing is this shared experience of connecting over the awe of the sweeping vista at the top of a big climb, or the euphoria of a swooping descent through a canyon most people don’t ride. I’m sure it’s a similar feeling many of…