A New Kind of Gravel Race Rides into the West: The Routh Rider- A 3-day Gravel Stage Race through the Grit and Glory of Prescott, Arizona.

The legacy of the Rough Rider returns – this time, on two wheels.

The inaugural Rough Rider, a bold new 3-day gravel stage race, has been announced for October 31 – November 2, 2026, blending high-desert terrain with a powerful narrative rooted in the history of the Rough Riders and the grit of Prescott- legend, Buckey O’Neill.

Presented by the team behind the renowned Transrockies Race Series, the Rough Rider isn’t just another gravel race. It’s a tribute to perseverance. A ride forged in dust, driven by purpose, and set against one of the most storied backdrops in the American West.

“This event is more than just a route, it’s a return to something raw and real,” says Aaron McConnell, President of Transrockies. “We’re not hosting just another bike race. We’re building something meaningful to echo the legacy of this place and create a culture that riders want to be a part of.”

Set over three days of racing, the Rough Rider will challenge riders with rugged climbs, wild scenery, and a camaraderie-driven atmosphere that feels more like a frontier camp than a corporate start line. Riders can expect signature Transrockies support, authentic small-town hospitality, and the kind of stories that linger long after the finish line.

The event draws its name from the legendary Rough Riders cavalry unit and its famed leader Buckey O’Neill, a former mayor of Prescott and a symbol of true frontier grit. His spirit lives on in the mountain roads, gravel passes, and pine-lined ridges of the region – and now, through a gravel race designed to honor his legacy.

“Prescott is a perfect setting for a race like this,” says John Heiney, Community Outreach Director with Experience Prescott. “Prescott is rugged, beautiful, and packed with history. This event will show off everything that makes Prescott special.”

Registration for the Rough Rider opens October 22, 2025.