Belgian Waffle Ride
The original mixed-surface gran fondo — paved roads, dirt sectors, and relentless climbing through Utah red rock country. Nothing else feels quite like it.
The vibe
Paved, dirt, suffer, repeat
The Belgian Waffle Ride takes its name from its format: chunks of rough road, dirt sectors, and punchy climbs interspersed with smoother pavement — a structure inspired by the Belgian spring classics. The Utah edition in Cedar City sends riders through the red rock terrain surrounding the Colorado Plateau, a landscape so visually striking it makes the suffering feel almost worth it in real time.
The 145-mile “Waffle” is a serious undertaking — mixed surface, 11,000+ feet of climbing, and a time limit that separates those who prepared from those who didn’t. Shorter options (the “Wafer” and “Cookie”) provide accessible entry points at 85 and 32 miles. The multi-surface format requires a gravel-capable bike; riders on road bikes quickly discover the Utah dirt sectors are not forgiving.
The Belgian Waffle Ride also runs in North Carolina (October) and California, creating a multi-event series for dedicated fans of the format. The Cedar City edition benefits from the high desert environment — cooler than the southern Utah valley floor, with dramatic red and orange geology as the primary backdrop for a day that will test whatever you trained for.