Laid Out: the 2023 Rock Cobbler
The Rock Cobbler started the same way so many famous events begin: hard-core athletes, proud of their local surroundings and under the influence of alcohol decide to invite others to join them in their athletic challenge. Race Director Sam Ames grew up in Bakersfield, California and, while he was a serious baseball player in his youth, it was a bicycle that stitched his life together. As a senior in high school, he caught a glimpse of Paris-Roubaix and that flipped a switch. He left his ball sport and worked the ag fields to save up the $240 needed for his first road bike. He raced in the States and did well, won a bit of money and raced in Europe. Upon returning home, he rode all surfaces, explored, and wanted to share his discoveries and his style with others.
His first event had 50 riders. This year’s Rock Cobbler celebrated its 10th anniversary with 1,000 gravel fanatics toeing the line.
Bakersfield sits about 100 miles north of Los Angeles and is big in both oil production and agriculture. The Rock Cobbler course changes from year to year but pump jacks, citrus groves, and the Kern River are staples in the backdrop of every route.
This year’s Cobbler was 80 miles with over 7,000 feet of gain, and the Pebbler was 50 miles with over 5,000ft of gain. The elevation comes in short, punchy hills – many beyond 13% grade – and one or two longer, sustained climbs. At mile 25 of this year’s course, athletes started up a 4 mile climb that averaged 5% with the last 500m at 10% and so muddy that it was unrideable.
There are pros here – and no pro purse. There are first-time gravel racers here too. The motivation that seems to pop up in every conversation, no matter the level of rider, is Fun.
In years past, the course has seamlessly flowed from a paved bike path to roads, onto a go-kart track, and through the woops, berms, table-top, and pump sections of a BMX course.
But the vast majority of the miles are dirt roads and single track, often bathed in the green from winter rain.
Then there are the “shenanigans.”
They can include a tire toss, pushups, ball pit – some resulting in on the spot cash give-aways on the to those who succeed.
And it’s certain that every participant will forever remember riding across a homeowner’s backyard pool deck…
…through their living room…
…and out their front door, and down their driveway. It's all just part of the Cobbler.
First time Cobblers this year included Dorian Reyes, who has done three Ironman events previously.
Andrew Jefferson, a former motocross racer who now works for KTM/Husqvarna (parent of Felt Bicycles), also got his first taste of the Cobbler.
Race director Ames uses his relationships to knit together the route. He says the event “wouldn’t be possible without private access”. Pre-race emails ask participants not to post their files to keep the public off private farm and ranch land. All riders sign a waiver that can be seen from space.
The 2022 event had a now infamous bull incident where a couple of riders experienced what it must take to fail out of rodeo clown school. This year, bulls were present- but so were fences.
There have been a slew of recognizable names at the Rock Cobbler from the past, present, and future of cycling. Athletes such as Peter Stetina, Chris Blevins, Mo Wilson, Ashton Lambie, Tinker Juarez, Alison Tetrick, Tyler Williams, Lance & Sean Haidet, and more. Again, when asked why they come – it can be boiled down to Fun. Stetina, who won last year and was second this year, said after the race that he participates because “Cobbler is the coolest course in all of gravel.” Anna Hicks, a former 1500m runner from CalPoly, who also finished second this year, said the Rock Cobbler is “..wild, you had to be gritty, think on your feet and have a good attitude. It was fun and low key.” Hicks, who is relatively new to bike racing and didn’t have access to multiple equipment options, rode a cyclocross bike with the 38mm tires that were on it. She says of the Cobbler “you don’t have to have all the gear or worry about having all the options – you can still perform really well. In a race that long with so much wacky stuff it’s more mental.”
Rock Cobbler 2023 Winners Christopher Blevins (L) and Anna Yamaughi (R) with Race Director Sam Ames (C)
Photo Credits
1, 6, 7: Pure Gravel
2: Melissa Roselyn
3-5, 8-12, 14: Ian Murray
13: Kris Hull
15: Taylor Chase
