The Rough Rider 2026

Distances and entry

• First to Saddle Up (Oct 22 - Nov 30, 2025) — $426.41
• Ride with the Regiment (Dec 1/25 - Jul 31/26) — $533.03
• The Outrider (Saturday only) (Apr 15 - Jul 31/26) — $170.53
• Last Call to the Line (Aug 1 - Sell out or Oct 23/26) — $639.65
• The Outrider (Saturday only) (August 1 - October 23 or until sold out) — $202.51

About The Rough Rider 2026

The Rough Rider is a bold new gravel stage race launching in 2026, bringing three days of wild riding, western grit, and Arizona charm to the high desert.

Based in Historic Downtown Prescott, this event blends world-class riding with a uniquely local spirit—drawing on the legacy of frontier hero Bucky O’Neil and the rough-and-ready cavalrymen of the Spanish-American War.

Featuring epic routes through the Prescott National Forest and beyond, the race delivers challenging terrain, scenic backcountry, and legendary vibes in one of Arizona’s most iconic adventure destinations.

The Rundown

Dates: October 30 – November 1, 2026
Location: Prescott, AZ
Home Base: Historic Downtown Prescott 
Registration Opens: October 22, 2025 @ 9am mountain time
Capacity: Capped at 300 riders

What Your Entry Includes

You’re not just signing up for a race. You’re stepping into a story.

• Cowboy miles, mountain views, and desert dust

• 3 unforgettable days of gravel racing in and around the legendary terrain of Prescott, Arizona

• Afternoon socials in historic Downtown Prescott

• Daily awards and podium celebrations

• Daily rider briefings and safety updates

• Professionally mapped, marked, and supported routes

• Long course and short course distance options

• 2 fully stocked aid stations per stage

• Course ambassadors and medical support

• Rough Rider T-Shirt and exclusive souvenir

• Swag and sponsor giveaways

• Chip timing and full stage results

• Bragging rights that don’t fade with dust or time

Categories & Awards

Distance Categories

• The Cavalry (long course) – for those chasing the full story

• The Scout (short course) – a little less mileage, same grit

Age/Gender Categories:

Young Guns (Age 16-49)

• Women’s Regiment

• Men’s Regiment

• Non-Binary

Old Guard (Age 50+)

• Women’s Regiment

• Men’s Regiment

• Non-Binary

Stage awards will be presented each day.

2026 Rough Rider Cancellation Policy

There are no refunds issued by TransRockies US LP under ANY circumstances.

Transfers of entry to another participant may be permitted at the discretion of TransRockies US LP. All transfers must be completed no later than midnight on October 25, 2026.

Deferrals are permitted under the following guidelines:

* Deferral requests made On or before August 30/26 = 75% of your race fee will be deferred to the 2027 season

*Deferral requests made On August 31/26 up to & including September 30/26 = 50% of your race fee will be deferred to the 2027 seaon

* NO deferrals/roll overs/credits will be issued for registrations cancelled after September 30, 2026.

* A full deferral is permitted for reasons due to pregnancy &/or active military deployment – medical notes will be required.

* An entry can only be deferred one time and only to the following year’s event.

Additional registration protection can be purchased through Protecht, which is a refund protection insurance for attendees. For a small premium, if you are unable to attend due to any of Protecht’s covered reasons, you have the option to file a refund request through them. You can find the full terms and conditions of Protecht Standard Attendee Coverage Policy here: https://static.protecht.com/policy/efb46b52-8a12-44f8-bf3a-a3e3845fcf30/coverage/2342268c728f442f8bb06aee1fce91be.pdf

We strongly encourage you to read & understand the full terms of Protecht’s insurance policy prior to registration.

TransRockies US LP reserves the right to cancel any TransRockies Race Series event, cancel race stages or change the route on short notice due to fire bans/fire closures, air quality, weather conditions, wildlife or safety concerns, pandemic, unforeseen construction, Acts of God or other such reasons with no reimbursement to the participant.

In the case of event cancellation by Transrockies US LP, no refunds will be available. All entries will be transferred to the next available date that the event is able to operate.