Life Time quadruples down on its commitment to host big-name events in small-town America with its latest bike/run offering: the ‘Rad Dirt Fest. Organizers see a particularly bright future on the dusty gravel roads of Trinidad, Colo.
Come October, the sleepy desert town of Trinidad will experience a sudden population boom. Almost 2,000 suffer-hungry racers — some runners, some cyclists — will take to the undulating network of yellow gravel roads that spider out from the town’s center.
Past ruins of old mining structures and the odd oil derrick, racers will experience the quiet, scenic expanse of Trinidad. And it’s an experience that the Life Time organizers believe will soon put the town of about 8,000 full-time residents on gravel enthusiasts’ collective radar in a big way.
“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,” Kimo Seymour, Life Time’s president of events and media, said in a statement.
“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.”
The inaugural event will take place October 2-3. Registration officially opens April 13, but Life Time has unlocked early-bird, discount registration exclusively to riders who identify as female, nonbinary, and BIPOC — from now until April 12.
We took a preview ride to get a feel for the terrain, route, and town vibe. Here’s what you need to know about the ‘Rad Dirt Fest.
‘Rad Dirt Fest: Gravel Ride or Run
The inaugural ‘Rad Dirt Fest will host 1,300 cyclists and 600 runners. Bike events include three ride distances:
- The Frijole: 38-mile short course with 2,720 feet of gain ($65)
- The Anteloop: 90-mile course with 5,000 feet of climb ($100)
- The Stubborn Delores: 162-mile long course with 10,800 feet of gain ($160)

The ‘Rad Gravel Bike Ride


