Rocktober Marathon: Course

Detailed map Here
The course is 100km in length and includes some absolutely stellar trails. The addition of a new loop at the start of the race will offer an early climb to separate the field a bit as opposed to diving into the singletrack ala 2007.  This new initial loop includes two very technical descents from the “Fallen Timber” ridge top trail, first to the south and then later to the north before a short section of pavement brings you back into the park and into checkpoint #1.

View Larger Map
NOTE ON CHECKPOINTS/DROPS – there is one checkpoint at the end of each of the first two “leaves” of the course at the start/finish location in RB Winter State Park.  You will be able to leave whatever you want at this checkpoint and it will also be stocked with a selection of food and fluids.  We will have an area roped off for you to place your supplies.  We will have some EMERGENCY water available on the course, but do not count on these supplies as part of your personal supplies for the race.  As its proximity to the start/finish and parking allows you to bring whatever you need for the event, you are expected to and should plan to rely on the checkpoint area as your resupply point for the race.  If you feel you need a team tent in this area then you must be prepared to share it with others as there is not enough room for you to be a piggy with the space – think “cooler” not “RV.”

“Leaf #2” takes us to the east from the park and gives you a taste of some of the rockiest trails in the region.  You’ll start this loop with a stint on “Old Tram” that those of you who did this last year will remember well (as in, how can a trail this wide not have a clear line??!?!).  After taking on a bit of new to the race trails before hitting Cowbell Hollow - in the opposite direction from 2007 - you’ll come face-to-rock (well, hopefully not exactly face to rock) with Top Mountain Trail – a trail those of us who ride here love to hate, but keeps us coming back.  Top Mountain always has us asking ourselves, “What the hell?  I thought I was already at the top of this thing,” and “Who put all these rocks here?”  And, “Why am I doing this?”  And, “Who am I?”  And, “What was that scary noise?”  And, “If the answer is 42, what is the question anyway?” And, “When’s lunch?”
A series of short descents and climbs leads you back into the park by way of a traverse of Bake Oven trail and a long steady descent of Sand Mtn Road and a chance to fuel up at the checkpoint before making your way out for “Leaf #3.”

The start of Leaf #3 will look familiar as you head out in the opposite direction of the finish of Leaf #1 along Rt 192.  (For those of you who took part in ’07, this Leaf is almost identical to the entire first loop from last year.)  You’ll duck into a road side trail before a leg breaking climb up Schade Path and then a long fast descent of Hall Tr.  KEEP YOUR HEAD UP ON HALL TRAIL FOR WASHOUTS ON THE DESCENT!  You’ll take on Black Gap and White Deer Creek Trails – two favorites of the locals – before a climb up the power line lets you know you’re oh so very close to being done with this thing.  You get a short, but fun new-to-you descent this year before swinging back through Boiling Spring Trail and dropping into RB Winter for the finish and some very well deserved grub.

Disclaimer:  The map you’ll find here now is a first pass at the course and may be changed/rerouted before race day.  And, as I like to remind you: I’m in charge, what I say goes (unless Kris tells me I have to do something differently) so deal with it and don’t get bent if the course changes a bit – this thing will kick your scrawny ass no matter what.