Lodging and service location information

Here is a link to a Google map that shows the location of the start and mid points. It also shows some lodging options in Red Wing.

Link to Google maps

Last half of the race is double checked! If you have not started riding yet, you might want to do that. I will not come pick up any slack-assed folk and will leave you in Deliveranceville to be feasted on by mange stricken dogs. Which leads me to... BE PREPARED!

We will probably give some last min updated so stay posted, as of right now Covill park is under water and closed. Pretty sure it will be open by the time the Rok starts but stranger things have happened, so please keep checking the blog.

-The ROK Crew

Some Gravel Road Riding Tips

As the race approaches here are a few tips for riding on gravel roads... most of you are probably experts but I'll give them anyway....

1. Pay attention! Most of the roads are lightly traveled by automobiles but they can sneak up on you.

2. When going up hills or around blind corners make sure to inch over to the right if possible. Cars will not expect to encounter cyclists, so being to the right is the safest place to be.

3. Dogs are out and about! We aren't on many different roads than the past couple of years so expect the same canine (and chicken) involvement as in years past. Be ready if a snarling dog runs out at you. On the course we haven't ran into any violent dogs, but dogs can have bad days too. So just have a plan if one starts to chase.

4. Be ready to fend for yourself. We'll give you accurate directions, but you must follow them or prepare to be lost. Also, if you have to drop out you must have your own strategy for getting back to civilization. You are responsible for you!

5. Water! Dust and wind and the sun can dehydrate. You must bring enough water to get you at least 60 or so miles. There is one town that we go directly through. Goodhue and Lake City will be passed relatively closely but are not on the route.

I'm sure there are a ton of other things I could talk about but it's time now to get out and ride!

Refresher on some rules

If you've signed up for this thing you probably pretty much know what is going on, but here are some more specific rules:

0) You are responsible for yourself!

1) Follow the rules and laws of the road. You will be traveling on public roads that will not be closed in any way. If you see a stop sign, please stop, etc. etc. etc.

2) Wear a helmet while on course.

3) There will be one official checkpoint in the race this year. At approximately mile 55 we will have a checkpoint. At this point, and at only this point you can get outside assistance/help. There also are a couple of convenience stores to pick up water/chips/etc. Unfortunately the roller dogs are in short supply, so if you want a crappy hot dog you might just want to throw one in your jersey pocket. The course will pass within a couple of miles of two other towns, but will not pass anything really useful. So, have enough water and food!

4) Carry enough water and food!

5) You are responsible for yourself!

6) Ride within yourself. Watch your speed if you need to on the downhills. There are some long and very very fast descents. It's fun to bomb them, but be prepared to deal with loose gravel, washboard, oncoming tractors etc. Also, when you are climbing up a hill, it's probably smart to not be on the left side of the road. There isn't much traffic on these roads, but be smart.

7) You must have a computer or some means of tracking your progress (in miles).

8) Have some sort of small (or large) front and rear (red) lights. It doesn't have to be so you can see, but you want to be seen.

9) You are responsible for yourself!

10) Don't litter. Respect that we're riding on public roads.

11) Watch out for dogs, chickens, and livestock!

12) Have fun!!!

We will be starting at 7:30 am in Colvill Park in Red Wing, MN. You will get the cue sheets for the first half of the race at registration. We will publish the cut-off times to get to the checkpoint in Zumbro Falls and to finish.

I think I got most of the big ones. Please feel free to ask any questions as we get closer to the race... only a little over a month away!