Author: Jenny Willden

By Roy Stevenson Why should distance runners run on trails? Well it’s as close as you’ll ever get to using the term “fun” while running. Within five minutes of starting your run on a forest trail, as the hum of the city traffic gradually recedes behind you into blissful silence, your feet softly pattering beneath you, and birds singing above, you’ll know why you should run on trails. But aesthetic reasons aside, there are physiological benefits to running on soft surfaces whenever possible. Here are seven reasons why you should include some sort of trail or soft surface running in…

Early Season Rides and Tuning Tips By Sean Zimmerman-Wall The winter of 2011-2012 hits the record books as one of Utah’s lowest recorded snow years. A sad year for skiers, but it’s a great one for avid cyclists who can get an early jump on their season. As we complete the transition to spring, trails throughout the state are quickly coming into form, a stark contrast from last year. The low elevation trails are providing tacky turning conditions and, by the end of the month, we may even be riding the Crest. Ready to experience the thrill of spinning circles…

Bike-friendly Patio Eateries By Jenny Willden Think jerseys and helmet hair are too casual for Salt Lake’s best patio dining? Think again! Reward your spandex-clad self after a tough ride with a tasty meal at these cycle-friendly restaurants. All are located on or near popular road biking paths, have outdoor racks for securing your bike, and offer discounts to guests arriving on two wheels. Red Rock Brewing Company Here it’s easy for groups to ride and dine, thanks to large bike racks located outside the restaurant. Their street-front patio is ideal for people watching, and the diverse menu includes salads,…

Love relays and triathlons? Combine your passions by getting two or more friends who like to swim, bike, and/or run to join you in this relay. This single-day race takes place Saturday, August 4 beginning at Pineview Reservoir in Huntsville. It proceeds in triathlon fashion with swimming, biking, and running four times to connect Pineview Reservoir, East Canyon Reservoir, Echo Reservoir, Jordanelle Reservoir, and will conclude near Wasatch Mountain State Park for finish line activities in Midway! The race consists of four open-water swims, four bike rides on Utah’s scenic byways, and four trail runs. Teams can be 3–6 athletes,…

Dirty is the new hot! Leave the boys at home, grab your best girl friends, and get muddy at this obstacle course/mud run, coming to Utah twice this summer. Ogden’s event is Saturday, June 30 at the Golden Spike Fairgrounds (1000 N 1200 W) and the Salt Lake area’s event is Saturday, August 25 at Salt Lake Co. Equestrian & Events Center (2100 W. 11400 S., S. Jordan). Expect filthy fun on new obstacles, lots of mud, prizes for best costumes, and more. A portion of proceeds benefit gynecological cancer research. kissmedirty.com

Mess with your mind at this unique 5K on Saturday, July 21 in Salt Lake City. You’ll run on Gravity Hill (Bonneville Blvd.), which is a street that creates the optical illusion that a downhill slope is an uphill slope. A fun, fast course, and you won’t feel the hill climb at the end…because you’re actually going downhill! racingwithpassion.com

Relax and run in 200 acres of blooming lavender at Young Living Lavender Farm in Mona, Utah on Saturday, July 14. You can run or walk the 5K and, for the first time ever, a half marathon distance will be offered too. All finishers receive a live lavender plant. After the race, stick around for family-friendly activities like wagon rides, live entertainment, paddle boating, rock wall climbing, craft making, lavender picking, and more! youngliving.com/run

Come one, come all to this canoe/bike/run designed for all ages. The race is Saturday, July 14 and begins at Utah Lake State Park (4400 W. Center St., Provo, UT). Teams consist of 2 or 3 people who must stay together through each leg of the race. Various humanitarian activities on the course add extra fun, and it all benefits a good cause! adventureraceforafrica.com

Wine, dine, and ride at these cycling events during Park City’s Annual Food and Wine Classic. Each event features a chef-led ride, followed by a delicious lunch served with wine or specialty cocktails. Plus, everyone who signs up gets a bike jersey! Mud, Sweat, and Cheers is singletrack mountain biking on Friday, July 6 at the Stein Eriksen Lodge with Chef Zane Holmquist. Single Track and Sinskey is intermediate and advanced singletrack mountain biking on Saturday, July 7 at St. Regis with Chef Chip McMullin. Finally, Hair of the Dog Road Bike Ride is an intermediate ride on Sunday, July…

Get a little lost in this multi-sport endurance event, which uses mountain bikes, running/trekking, paddling, and orienteering to attain check points. The race starts in West Jordan at 10:00 p.m. on Friday, June 29 and you’ll use paved and wilderness trails to travel a course covering 40–100 miles in a 4–24 hour period. For details call 801-243-1791. graffitiracing.com