Updated April 1, 2024
Crusher in the Tushar is a popular gravel event celebrated and rated by Strambecco as one of the best gravel events in the Southwest. It is produced by premier operator Life Time Events and will be one of six national events that make up the Life Time Grand Prix Series.
The Tushars are among Utah’s tallest mountain ranges, housing several peaks over 12,000 feet in elevation and featuring Utah’s highest road at 11,500 feet. The mountain range possesses stunning vistas, palpable solitude, and unlimited unconfined recreation opportunities.
The course is 69.9 miles with 10,000 feet of elevation gain and a 40/60 mix of tarmac/gravel. It starts in downtown Beaver, Utah, then explores the Tushar Mountains and Fishlake National Forest, finishing at Eagle Point, one of Utah’s newest ski and summer resorts. There is a mix of slow and extreme climbs and descents, with five fully stocked aid stations. The first 10 miles are a slow climb along the Beaver Canyon Road that parallels Beaver River. The challenging climb begins at mile 11, the first dirt sector, and is 21 miles long. The “Big Drop” is the next part of the course, with the descent of switch-backs and washboard-filled terrain that loses 4,000 feet in 10 miles. The end of the descent is at the junction within Piute Valley, where the course continues on pavement for another 5 miles along farm fields and the Sevier River to Circleville. Next, the riders return to the gravel surface and start the difficult climb toward the finish. Before the final climb, there is a final aid station at the Benenson Flat Trailhead. At Puffer Lake, the dirt returns to the pavement and climbs another 1,000 feet to reach 10,500 feet. The post-race celebration begins when the riders cross the finish line at the Eagle Point Resort’s upper lodge, where lunch is served.
Registration for this ride includes an event bag with gifts from multiple sponsors, a DNA Cycling Crusher t-shirt and Incrediwear socks, electronic chip-timing, a commemorative Crusher number plate, result photos, product prices, and cash awards for course categories. To keep all riders safe and well-fed, there is cruise control and safety provided by Beaver and Piute Country Search and Rescue, five aid stations along the 69.9 miles, post-race lunch at Eagle Point, and post-event awards on Saturday evening at Beaver City Park with gravel expo, beer garden, food vendors, and live music and entertainment.
The event’s site includes area lodging, camping, restaurants, and information about Utah National Parks in the area. Crusher in the Tushar offers much to all gravel riders and supporters.
Life Time Grand Prix Series, which includes Crusher, features six iconic cycling events and the best cyclists in off-road cycling. The challenge combines mountain biking and gravel riding disciplines. The events are nationwide, including the Sea Otter Classic, UNBOUND Gravel, Crusher in the Tushar, Leadville Trail 100 MTB, Big Sugar Gravel, and Chequamegon MTB. At Strambecco, we consider these events to be the Best Mountain Bike Events in the Rockies, the Best Gravel Cycling Events in the Southwest, the Best Gravel Cycling Events in the Midwest, and the Best Gravel Cycling Events in the Southeast. The biggest prize purse in U.S. cycling, $250,000, will be split evenly between men and women. Each series event will be streamed live and on-demand on FloBikes, part of the FloSports network.
