SEPTEMBER 30, 2023 – MESQUITE, NV
General Information and Ride Rules – Please Read!
2022 Entry Fees *:
Gran Fondo – Until September 17th: $60. Sept 18-23 at noon, make an online reservation using the SignUp link below and pay cash or Venmo Saturday morning.
Ultimo Fondo– Until September 17th: $75. Sept 18-23 at noon, make an online reservation using the SignUp link below and pay cash or Venmo Saturday morning.
Please read our registration and cancellation policies before signing up.
Entry includes a unique tour-style fun day on your bicycle with leap frog support; paper route sheet and links to RideWithGPS downloadable map and turn-by-turn notification; on course water/drinks and a great selection of food and snacks; slice of pie or other treat from Utah’s famous Veyo Pies; per rider donation to Life Sports Foundation.
* If you’re able to recruit an event volunteer, please email us before signing up and we’ll give you a coupon code to use during registration for an instant 50% off. If you recruit the volunteer AFTER you signed up, we’ll give that volunteer a coupon for 50% discount off a future ride (which you can use if they don’t).
REGISTRATION OPENS APRIL 1.
Click the SignUp button to pay by credit card (includes a small service fee). You may also use that button to view the registered rider list. Please read the rules and our cancellation policy before registering.
Event jerseys may be ordered with registration. Based on small event field, jerseys will be special ordered after the ride and mailed when available. We will have a sizing kit at the event.
Check In:
LOCATION AND TIMES TBD.
Start Times:
Open start window from 6:30-6:45am. All riders must start during this 15 minute period; unless you’re really FAST, in which case you may start as late as 7am.
Time Limit:
Everyone must be off course by dusk. Along the way, if you wind up super far off the back, we may ask you to take a ride in the SAG wagon!
Ride Description:
Note – Route sheets are available in excel format to registered riders if requested via email between 2 weeks and 5 days before the event. However, we can’t guarantee that the route sheet will be 100% accurate. Though not anticipated, last-minute routing changes may be required. Links to the RideWithGPS.com maps and download files are below.
Ultimo Fondo Route: 112 miles with about 8000′ climbing.
Heading north from Mesquite, in just over a mile you cross the border into Arizona, and after a bit of rolling terrain, up you’ll climb – straight into Utah and to your first summit at mile 27. You’re rewarded with an incredible 7 miles of scenic descent, where you’ll get your first glimpse of the beautiful red rocks which make Southern Utah famous. Hang a left at the bottom of the hill and enjoy the rolling terrain out to Gunlock State Park. Past Gunlock you’ll continue a gradual climb to Eagle Mountain- a short, but quad busting 10-12% grade. From here it’s mostly up – finally climbing “the Wall” to the quaint town of Veyo, your next summit at mile 50. After another short climb out of Veyo, it’s mostly downhill, with a few easy rollers, for the next 20 miles. Be sure and take in the awesome scenery overlooking Snow Canyon State Park! Next you’ll ride through the quaint town of Ivins and enjoy the red rocks of Kayenta. Save something for the end! At mile 80 you’ll hit the last big climb – 7 miles on the return trip over Utah Hill. From here, it’s mostly downhill, across the border into Arizona, and finally back to Mesquite, Nevada, where you can relax, revel in your success and enjoy the celebration of a fantastic day in the saddle!x
Click here to view the full distance route map and download-able GPS files.
Gran Fondo Route: 54 miles with about 2,500′ climbing.
The Gran Fondo is an out and back up to the summit of Utah Hill. You’ll ride the same first 27 miles as the Ultimo Fondo, then turn around, and coast nearly all the way back to Mesquite!
Routing and Navigation: Planet Ultra route sheets include lots of information to help riders navigate. For example, we’ll let you know if a turn is at a stop sign (SS), traffic light (TL) or T-intersection (T-int). We know riders like to have the course marked; and we do our best to make that happen (unless it’s forbidden by our permits, otherwise illegal, somewhere that locals would be really upset about it, or the turn is at a place that’s very obvious, like a big green highway sign). Many of the towns/cities/counties specifically request that no markings are placed in the road. Some of our permits are contingent on NOT marking turns.
Over the past few years we’ve sadly experienced locals or random drivers removing the arrows or pointing them in the wrong direction after we’ve placed them. So please don’t rely on arrows. You won’t get lost if you’re mindful of where you are on the route sheet. Please understand and take responsibility for navigation. Make it part of your experience. If you’re navigationally challenged, please use a GPS.
Personal SAG Vehicles:
Not allowed without permission requested in advance! If you bring one, you’ll be disqualified from the event without warning. The definition of a personal SAG is any vehicle (motor or otherwise), anywhere on the route, operated by someone other than Planet Ultra staff, that is providing any type of aid, assistance, or motivation, or taking photographs, or simply out cheering. Please understand that our permits simply don’t allow dozens of extra vehicles on the roads or at the checkpoint locations. Imagine the traffic from all those cars! If you’re bringing someone with you who wants to be out on the course, please have them contact us and join our volunteer staff.
Volunteers:
We always need volunteers! Click here for information about positions available.