Event for 2026 not confirmed yet…A favorite among gravel aficionados, Rock Cobbler is a quirky and challenging adventure race in/around the surrounding hills of Bakersfield, California.
Rock Cobbler has established itself as a unique blend of challenge and fun, growing from 40 riders in its inaugural year to attracting participants from across the globe over a decade later. As it stands, it’s more of a wild escapade than a mere gravel event. The terrain ranges from asphalt roads to single tracks, steep climbs, and even a museum visit peppered with quirky shenanigans.
And as the pro gravel cyclist Peter Stetina aptly puts it: “The Rock Cobbler is the kookiest bike race I’ve ever done. It’s unclassifiable. One minute, you’re on a nice surface, and the next, you’re sliding down a scree field or just plain old riding through a field of dodging cattle. There are 30% run-ups, white claw hand-ups, ball pits, and it’s brutally difficult.“ But in the end, the reward, the unique memento, and the sense of accomplishment are unparalleled. When (and if) you finish, you truly understand why it’s named the Rock Cobbler.
Conceived by audacious minds over bike rides and late-night barstool chats, Rock Cobbler is the epitome of cycling madness and euphoria combined. In essence, it’s a “stupidly hard” ride that skirts the edge of a race. Each twist and turn promises dirt trails, MTB levels, gravel fun, and more. As one journeying into its heart, expect the unexpected, and shenanigans are guaranteed. As the world gears up for its 11th-anniversary event, riders brace themselves for yet another dose of exhilarating surprises.
