Amanda Nauman Shares 9 Training Tips for Rock Cobbler (and gravel bike events like it)

Niner loves taking the road less traveled, and gravel bike events like the Rock Cobbler offer an opportunity to ride roads on private property that never see bike tires outside of event weekend. Hosted in Bakersfield, California with its roots in agriculture alongside a prolific oil-producing industry, the Rock Cobbler course offers an exclusive experience to ride your bike on a never-ending rollercoaster of hills and through private ranch lands only ever explored by cattle and their cowboys.

Amanda Nauman, Niner athlete since 2016, won the first five editions of Rock Cobbler. Following the tenth year of its existence, she has compiled her best training secrets to prepare for untraditional events like it.

Amanda Nauman – photo by Dakota Snider @dakotasnider

How to Prepare for Rock Cobbler Success (and other gravel events like it):

1. Train on similar terrain. Simulate the event's conditions with off-road rides to build endurance and bike handling skills.
2. Choose gravel bike tires that can do-it-all. It's important to be prepared for challenging terrain and changing weather conditions. If the conditions will be muddy, you will want a tire with more aggressive knobs and spacing for clearing mud. If it’s dry and fast, you may want a tire that is faster rolling. The longer bumpier course might call for a wider, cushier tire for comfort. Always choose a tread pattern that fits your bike handling capabilities.
3. Pack a saddlebag strategically. Prepare for self-sufficiency with tools, spare tubes, tire levers, and other gear for the distance. Know how to use a CO2 inflator or carry a pump. Bring a chain breaker if you need to ditch your derailleur and go single speed. Know what the event is offering in terms of support and pack enough to take care of yourself around that.
4. Practice shouldering or carrying your bike because you’re bound to be forced off your bike for some sort of obstacle. In the case of Rock Cobbler, it’s the infamous hike-a-bikes incorporated towards the end of each course. Knowing that you’ll have to walk, choose your shoes wisely. A carbon road shoe probably isn’t the best choice.


Hike-a-bike at The Rock Cobbler - Photo by Kris Hull @kr15

5. Research aid station offerings and locations on the route. Understanding this will help you plan your hydration and nutrition accordingly. Practice, practice, practice your on the bike fueling plan. Timing, calories, electrolytes, and water intake are vital to you finishing and having a great time out there.
6. Pre-ride the first and last dirt sections if you are able. By pre-riding, you can identify tricky turns, loose gravel patches, hidden obstacles, or cattle guards, allowing you to plan your approach and navigate them safely during the race. This is especially important in the beginning when groups of people are more crowded, and at the end when you’re tired and looking forward to finishing with confidence.
7. Participate in the shenanigans. Rock Cobbler is known for silly side challenges like the Barrell Race and push-up contests, so don’t skip out on the fun.
8. Be prepared to lend a helping hand or offer up extra supplies. These events are often rooted in community and asking a simple "are you okay?" to folks who may be pulled over on the side of the road fosters a positive atmosphere. And the next time it happens to you, hopefully that comes back around, and you’re offered the help you might need.
9. Have fun! Enjoy the scenery, challenge yourself, and celebrate the accomplishment.

Simple homework will help you train for a gravel event weekend and be as successful as possible. Amanda and her partner Dave host their own event, Mammoth TUFF, and operate TUFF Camps where they teach and prepare riders on how to prevail at events like this.

Niner RLT 9 RDO at The Rock Cobbler - Photo by Kris Hull @kr15

Next year’s Rock Cobbler will be Saturday, February 8, 2025.

Amanda’s bike recommendation? Niner Bike’s RLT 9 RDO.