2019 Rock Cobbler - Photo Gallery and Race Recap

From its humble beginnings in 2014 with 50 riders, to the 6.0 installment on February 9, 2019, the Rock Cobbler has become one of the must-do gravel events of the year. Originally inspired by some of the first great ‘gravel grinders’ like Dirty Kanza and the Crusher, the Cobbler is certainly a great one with its own unique style.

For 2019 two courses would set the stage, an 85 mile Cobbler with 6000 feet of climbing and the Pebbler, a 60 mile course with 3000 feet of elevation gain. The ride started and finished at Lengthwise Brewing Company in Bakersfield, CA. The course was well marked and SAG stops fully loaded with Bonk Breaker nutrition and Fluid Hydration.

With Southern California undergoing an unusually formidable wet spell, conditions became a key factor in the ride even as a light rain started just as morning began. Fortunately, the first several miles would include mostly road and bike path, with clear skies approaching just in time for the dirt. However with little time to dry out, equipment choice became incredibly important as the day wore on.

The Rock Cobbler may be know best for its single family home sectors, tire obstacle courses and storied hike-a-bike sections. And while this year was no different with plenty of shenanigans, we were most impressed by the overall experience of the Cobbler. The ride itself was a memorable gravel adventure that included fun singletrack, rolling dirt roads, remote paved sections and plenty of beautiful sweeping views. The riders we met that day loved all of it, and we did too. Thanks Sam, we’ll see you again next year!

Sam Ames with Eric Bostrom of event sponsor Backmate at packet pickup

Riders showed up early for coffee and pastries at the start

Light rain persisted for the first few miles of road, then cleared in time for the first dirt section

A string of participants take on the first dirt climb of the day

Lots of rolling hills were encountered in the first few miles

As the day rolled on, warmer temps had riders peeling layers

The mud cleaning started early, just 20 miles in

A hillside east of Bakersfield as the clouds moved on

Snow covered peaks could be seen in the distance

The course was well marked, a must given the many intersecting trails encountered

Dave Callender taking it all in as he approaches the first aid station

For some reason this family wasn't upset when we rode through their backyard

One of the few road sections on course

The dreaded orchard section would bring many riders to a full stop

Even mountain bikes would struggle in the conditions that day

Smooth gravel as riders approached the mountains east of Bakersfield

A beautiful section of singletrack on the Cobbler and Pebbler course

The route included a bit of everything, even the occasional tunnel

A rider who fell off this exposed trail quickly recovered

The Cobbler route had some of the best views that day

Alison Tetrick and friends were full of energy after a mid-ride toast

Who knew Bakersfield could be so beautiful

One of several hike-a-bike sections encountered

An Absolute Black chainring gave much needed traction in the toughest conditions

Riders from CNCPT Team took to their feet

Let the cramping begin

Several cows spotted the landscape and enjoyed the company of riders passing through

Riders were warned of cattle, they were everywhere!

The final push before a long road descent on the Cobbler course

Coureur rider Casey Cohenmeyer making it look easy

A fun descent welcomed riders after a long grind

Remote roads and sweeping views were enjoyed by Cobblers

A long canyon section was steep and technical as we approached the final aid station

3 flags welcomed riders to an unwelcome slope

Rawley Macias emerges from mother of all hike-a-bikes

The final SAG stop was equipped with soup, pickles and coke

A final push to the finish led to more singletrack with 17 miles to go

Riders were impressed by terrain that day, a true gravel adventure

Rock Cobbler participants made their way back to the finish at Lengthwise Brewing

Ryan Steers was all smiles after a long day in the saddle

Race winners Echo Rowe and Phil Tinstman had perhaps the most fun that day

Members of the Gravelstoke Development Team stoked after another successful event

Big thanks for The Beaten Path, who shuttled our crew to and from Bakersfield

Be sure to consider the Rock Cobber on your 2020 gravel calendar, a great event with a bit of everything

Links:

Sam Barn Promotions

Backmate

The Beaten Path

Thanks for reading and be sure to subscribe for more event news and gear updates. Watch for our next post on the gravel bikes of the Rock Cobbler, and how our equipment performed that day.