Rock Cobbler

The Rock Cobbler returns for its 14th edition on Saturday, February 6, 2027, starting and finishing at the Pyles Boys Camp Group Picnic Area outside Bakersfield, California. Riders choose between three routes that change every year: the Pebbler (roughly 40-50 miles with 3,000-5,000 ft of climbing), the original Cobbler (roughly 70-85 miles with up to about 8,700 ft) and the Boulder (up to about 115 miles and as much as 12,000 ft). Final routes are announced the week of the event. First run in February 2013 with 40 riders, the Cobbler mixes county pavement, ranch trails, singletrack, steep hike-a-bike pitches, a river and creek crossing and a stop at a cowboy bar, much of it on private land. It is billed as an adventure ride rather than a race: there are no categories or prize money, though the first man and woman on each route get a special prize and every finisher receives a secret gift. Entry includes 4-5 aid stations, a swag bag and raffle, a breakfast burrito and coffee, a post-ride lunch and live music; Friday brings packet pickup, a BMC shakeout ride, a pasta dinner and bicycle barrel racing, and on-site camping is $50 per vehicle per night.