2023 ROCK COBBLER RESULTS & GALLERY

The gravel community descended on Bakersfield, California, for the 10th annual Rock Cobbler. Organizer Sam Ames is quick to remind everyone that officially the Rock Cobbler is just a ride, not a race. But, judging by the turnout on the start line, many top riders were eager to test their early season fitness.

As is befitting of race promoter Sam Ames, he made sure to remind everyone of the loss many still feel with a memorial to xx xx and Moriah Wilson, both whom the gravel community lost last year.

 

The entry rolls swelled this year from around 400 last year to just over 1000 this year. In addition to the 80 mile Cobbler race, there was also a 54 mile “Pebbler” course as well. Racers were sent off in waves at ten minute intervals.

 

 

In the road sprint back to the finish, last year’s 2nd place finisher (on a mountain bike) Chris Blevins brought a proper gravel bike to the Cobbler this year and was alone of most of the race until Peter Stetina chased him down at the finish where Blevins prevailed.

Former WorldTour pro Peter Stetina,  MTB star Christopher Blevins and gravel pro John Borstelmann were in attendance as well as Big Sugar Gravel winner Paige Onweller and Specialized Off-road rider Anna Yamauchi. 81 miles and 8400 ft of elevation were crafted up by Ames. A mix of farm roads, single track, cow trails, open fields, someone’s backyard and a few planned hike-a-bikes made up the course.

Chris Blevins and Peter Stetina raced to the finish and had nothing left to give. It was a great race and immediately after the two were soon comparing their upcoming race schedules.

 

The Cobbler is known for it’s “special gifts” for finishers and both Blevins and Pro Women winner Ann Yamauchi took home a military grade shovel and axe combo.

 

The Cobbler is not your average gravel race. A degree of technical ridings skills gained only by experiencing the winding trails in the surrounding foothills are beneficial for completing the unique challenges throughout the day. It was no surprise that former short track MTB world champ Christopher Blevins outsprinted Peter Stetina to the line after four and a half hours. Similarly, Specialized’s MTB pro Anna Yamauchi won the women’s race four minutes ahead of her next competitor.

Once outside the city limits the outback sections of Bakersfield surprised many with how serene and scenic it was. Once again, there were multiple run-ins with the cow herds this year.

 

Every Rock Cobbler is known for having a multitude of tricky and challenging sections….like this third hike-a-bike section that came at mile 40.

 

The agony and ecstasy of the Rock Cobbler could be defined in this one scenic climb.

 

Alas,  reminding everyone of the old adage “If yer gonna play, yer gonna  pay!” this young lad paid the price  when who sought to make some downhill passes off the marked trail and through the tall grass, hit a big rock and ended his race..

 

 

 

 

MEN’S RESULTS

Pos Name Time
1 christopher BLEVINS (#3) 04:32:37.210
2 peter STETINA (#1) 04:32:41.897
3 lance HAIDET (#111) 04:44:01.783
4 alex HOEHN (#122) 04:48:03.190
5 ian LOPEZ DE SAN ROMAN (#106) 04:48:04.193
6 sam COYLE (#116) 05:03:20.067
7 dylan POLLARD (#298) 05:03:24.070
8 harrison BIEHL (#296) 05:03:24.707
9 julien BOURDEVAIRE (#126) 05:03:25.317
10 brent FRANZE (#103) 05:04:25.070

WOMEN’S RESULTS

Pos Name Time
1 anna YAMAUCHI (#301) 05:18:34.397
2 anna HICKS (#359) 05:22:34.807
3 paige ONWELLER (#352) 05:39:59.523
4 sarah FLAMM (#357) 05:47:27.727
5 clare WALTON (#351) 05:52:48.923
6 leeann FOLSE (#328) 06:01:23.490
7 kathy PRUITT (#307) 06:06:24.700
8 paige HANDY (#345) 06:17:55.160
9 claire REINERT (#310) 06:36:51.177
10 isabella HEINEMANN (#354) 06:45:59.897

 

Team RBA was represented by test riders John Perry and Andrew Jefferson.

 

John’s Alchemy Lycos AU test bike got it’s start at the Big Sugar gravel race in Arkansas. Of all the bike’s notable features, John was most appreciative of the bikes (original( 15-pound weight when it came to the long, long climbs where everyone had to carry their bikes.

 

READ THE ALCHEMY TEST 

Shimano sponsored Peter Stetina still relies on a GRX/Dura-Ace 2x drivetrain combo with  GRX wheels, IRC tires and Orange Seal sealant.

 

Taking a different route, Blevins is a SRAM rider and is all about the 1x set-up.

 

The post-ride feast is as sumptuous as they come.

 

MORE RESULTS

In a word…Yes!

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