There’s still time to spend a weekend on the dirt and in the sun before the snow files this fall. In its inaugural year, The ‘Rad Dirt Fest in Trinidad, Colorado, kicks off Friday, October 1 and rolls through Sunday, October 3.

The ‘Rad marks the newest event conceptualized by the Life Time Events team, which owns and produces UNBOUND Gravel, the Leadville Race Series and the new to-the-lineup Bentonville-based Big Sugar NWA Gravel. For ‘Rad, racers and spectators can look forward to impressive views of the Spanish Peaks, small town charm and miles of smooth gravel and trails. The even offers three gravel cycling distances and two trail run distances.

“While searching for a new host site, we were looking for a community that was equipped for a large-scale trail running and gravel cycling event, but also had a cool vibe. We found that in Trinidad, whose local officials have welcomed us with open arms and an invitation to join them on their journey toward becoming the next big outdoor recreation location in Colorado,” shares Kimo Seymour, president of events and media at Life Time. “The gravel and trail running community is rooted in successful partnerships, and we are excited and confident about the potential of growing alongside Trinidad.”

Nate Buyon, a recreational cyclist based in Golden, CO, signed up to race The ‘Rad after looking for a course that suited his riding ability. Buyon says he is newer to the gravel scene and that the smooth and rolling terrain presented at The ‘Rad is appealing. He signed up for the 95.4-mile Anteloop gravel race.

“It’s a little less intimidating with one degree of terrain versus singletrack, different types of gravel roads and road as well,” he adds. “My choice was a little bit easier because ‘Rad kind of seemed to check all the boxes.”

The off-road cycle race will offer three distance options for athletes on fast, fun and clean gravel: a 38.5-mile loop with 2,720 feet of elevation gain, a 95.4-mile course with 5,000 feet of climbing and a 162-mile grind with 10,800 feet of elevation gain. The trail run will take athletes on two scenic routes on the outskirts of Trinidad: an approachable half marathon option with 1,000 feet of elevation gain and a 50k route with 3,200 feet of climbing.

Located along I-25 in southern Colorado, Trinidad is quickly becoming a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts who are immediately immersed in the town’s rich history, emerging eclectic arts scene and breathtaking landscape. Once vying to become the state capital and known to continually reinvent itself, Trinidad offers stunning views of surrounding peaks, endless dirt and a reputation of never giving up. Town leaders — led by the newly established Office of Outdoor Recreation — have begun working to transform Trinidad into a new mecca for outdoor exploration, quickly developing a number of new trails in the community.

To learn more and register for The ‘Rad, visit theraddirt.com.

Ride + Run At The ‘Rad Dirt Fest Weekend In Trinidad, October 1-3, 2021