The Rooster Ride in Central Utah Showcases Beauty and Little Traffic

By Dave Iltis –
The Sevier Valley Rooster Ride will be held in Richfield, Utah on August 25, 2018. The new ride travels through the backroads of Sevier County, and features beautiful scenery and few cars.
We asked organizer Chad McWilliams of Sevier County a few questions about the ride.

Cycling West: Tell us about the ride. What are the courses like, and what are the highlights?
Rooster Ride: We have teamed up with Jorgensen’s in Richfield for our first annual what we are calling the “Rooster Ride”. This ride will be tough to beat with our clean air and beautiful scenery with almost zero traffic. The ride will take you around the Sevier Valley from little town to little town. Where the locals will be there to take care of you in one of the six aid stations. Test yourself with a Century ride that offers over 4,000 feet of climbing in one of the most scenic canyons in all of Utah. While out riding you can stop at the aid station at the Fremont Indian State Park and take a quick photo of some the Fremont Indian rock art. This event will become one of the premier cycling events in south central Utah.
CW: What support will you have on the ride?
RR: The guys at Jorgensen’s along with Clif with keep you nourished and hydrated with 6 fully stocked aid stations. They will also help make any last-minute adjustments the night before at packet pick up.
CW: When people visit Richfield for the event, where can they stay or camp?
RR: We have tons lodging options in the Sevier Valley. Richfield is the host city and the start and finish line of the Rooster Ride. With over 20 hotels to choose from, you can find the place that is right for you. For those that want a chance to be outdoors we offer tons of camp sites and RV camping at places like the famous Big Rock Candy Mountain and Fremont Indian State Park and KOA right in Richfield. You can find all this by going to trailcountry.com.
CW: Tell us a little about the history of the area.
RR: Located in scenic Sevier Valley, Richfield is one Utah’s best-kept secrets. Why are we calling it the “Rooster Ride”: Way back in the day Sevier Valley was one of the premier pheasant hunting areas of Utah. You too can hunt for your own epic riding experience by “Riding the Rooster”. Sevier County is also known as “Utah’s Trail County” with over 2,000 miles of the best off-road adventures and located here is the word famous Paiute ATV/UTV trail system.
The first recorded inhabitants of Trail Country were the Fremont Indians and the century ride will take your right past an area where you can see from your bike their way of life. So after you come Ride the Rooster you will want to come back and find your new favorite trail.
CW: Is there anything else that you would like to add?
RR: The 1st 200 riders to register will get a pair of custom Rooster Ride socks along with a medal and tee shirt. For more information and to register go to traildaysutah.com also follow us on Facebook for updates: Sevier Valley Rooster Ride. So while you are off riding the family can enjoy “Trail Days” that will be going on at the same time. They will be able to enjoy golf and car and air shows, a relay run, and equestrian ride. There will food and live entertainment durning the day while you are off riding so they are not stuck waiting in the hotel.
Ride Details: August 25 — Sevier Valley Rooster Ride, Richfield, UT. Sevier County in conjunction with Sevier County Trail Days and Jorgensen’s is presenting a 33, 55, or 100 mile bike ride thru scenic Central Utah. Event will be chipped, with fully stocked rest stops, great swag and lunch. Metal and Tee shirt will be provided. 33 mile option has a 800 ft gain, 1,163 ft gain for the 55 mile option, and 4,061 ft for the 100 mile option., Chad McWilliams, 435-421-2743, cmcwilliams@sevier.utah.gov, traildaysutah.com/sv-rooster-ride/