Frequently Asked Questions
Rough Rider 2026 FAQ
General Questions
Q: What is the date of the event?
Package pick up starts on Thursday October 29, race days are October 30 - November 1.
Q: Do you offer a single day option?
Yes, we are offering a single day called “The Outrider”. This will be stage 2 held on Saturday October 31. For details on the route head “The Courses” tab and check out Stage 2: Grind.
Q: What is the exact location of the event?
The Race Outpost will be found in downtown Prescott, AZ
Q: What distances are available? Each stage has a “Long Course” and a “Short Course” option.
Q: I don’t own a gravel‑specific bike. Can I still ride?
Absolutely. A gravel bike is ideal. A hardtail mountain bike will also work (no big rock gardens, no single‑track). For top comfort and float in the sand, we recommend tires around 45‑55 mm.
Q: Are e‑bikes permitted?
Yep, E‑bikes are permitted. Please note that there will be no evacuations available for ebikes with dead batteries – riders will have to pedal out under their own power & should manage their range accordingly.
Q: Where can I find the schedule for the weekend? You can find a full/detailed Schedule of Events on our website here
Q: Where should I park for the event? Parking will be available on a first come, first serve basis in and around the town. Please be respectful of the neighborhood that we are in and do not park in front of people’s driveways. Obey all parking signs at all times
Q: What about smoke or poor air quality due to wildfire?
In the event of significant smoke or wildfire conditions, we will monitor the U.S. EPA Air Quality Index (AQI). If AQI rises above safe thresholds at the time of the start, we reserve the right to modify or cancel the stage. Safety always comes first.
Registration & Entry Questions
Q: Where can I register for the event?
You can sign up here
Q: What’s the cancellation/refund policy?
No refunds will be issued by TransRockies Inc under any circumstances.
Transfers to another participant are permitted until midnight on October 25, 2026, with a $25 admin fee.
Deferrals:
Made On or before August 30/26 = 75% of your race fee will be deferred to the 2027 season
Made On August 31/26 up to & including September 30/26 = 50% of your race fee will be deferred to the 2027 seaon
NO deferrals/roll overs/credits will be issued for registrations cancelled after September 30, 2026
A race entry can only be deferred one time and only to the following year’s event.
Q: I bought the optional cancellation insurance, how do I make a claim? You can find detailed information on how to make a claim here: https://docs.movemint.cc/athletes/your-registration/registration-protection
Q: How do I defer my registration? If you fall within the allowed deferral window as indicated by the cancellation policy, you can complete the deferral yourself online by following the instructions found here: https://docs.movemint.cc/athletes/your-registration/defer-registration
Q: How do I transfer my registration to another rider? How this will work is that the new rider (who you need to find on your own) will pay you privately (via Paypal, Venmo, Zelle, e-transfer, etc) for the amount that you have paid (or whatever you agree to). Please note that the new rider will also be charged a $25 fee during the transfer process. All transfersmust be completed online by Oct 29. You can complete the transfer online yourself by following the instructions found here: https://docs.movemint.cc/athletes/your-registration/transfer-registration
Q: Can I change the distance I’m registered for?
Yep! You can change from the Long Course to the Short Course (or vice versa) at any time. Just email the Race Office at registration@transrockies.com
Q: I have general questions about my registration, who do I contact? Please email the Race Office at registration@transrockies.com
Q: Can a friend pick up my event package? Yes, just please make sure you have communicated with each other so that everyone knows who’s picking up what.
Q: My t-shirt doesn’t fit, can I exchange it? Yep! We just ask that you wait until after 8am on the morning of Saturday October 31, once all the riders have checked in. We want to ensure that every registered rider gets they shirt they ordered. Come see us at the Race Office for available stock & sizes.
Q: Can I volunteer?
Yes, we couldn’t do this without amazing volunteers. Perks will include being part of the amazing crew and earning credit towards another TransRockies event. If interested or have a friend or family member interested please email ryan.blondia@transrockies.com
Course & Ride Questions
Q: Where can I find the route descriptions, profiles & GPX files? You can find full/detailed descriptions of each distance along with downloadable GPX files on our website under “The Courses” tab (on the left side of the menu bar). Each stage can be found there.
Q: How hard is the event?
The honest answer: it’s as hard as you make it. We’ve built two distances so you can pick your level of adventure. The terrain features short, sharp climbs, unexpected sand, changing surfaces, and wide‑open desert vistas—so choose wisely and train properly to meet the demands of the race.
Q: What kind of road surface and terrain should I expect?
There will be a combination of hard packed dirt, sandy sections with some more technical forest service road. Expect variations throughout the route each day and be mindful of the changes as you ride.
Q: Are the roads closed for the event?
No. All roads remain open to traffic. You must ride on the right‑hand side where applicable, follow traffic laws, and stay alert. This includes when coming to any location with a stop sign or a marshal that is informing you to yield to traffic.
Q: Will the course be marked and how do I navigate?
Yes – Major turns and departure points will be signed. Downloadable GPX files can be found under the “Courses” tab on the website. GPS units are strongly recommended. Signage with arrows will direct you at major intersections and flagging tape hanging on branches or bushes to reinforce that you are still on route.
Q: What’s available at the aid stations? Our aid stations are fully stocked with nutrition chews, F2C electrolytes, water, chips, fruit, M&M’s, candy, cookies, and much more!
Q: Will there be toilets at the aid stations?
Q: Can we have a support crew or feed station on course or at the aid stations? NO. Outside support crew or feed stations are not allowed anywhere on course due to limited access & space on course. We have fully stocked aid stations as mentioned above so you’ll be well taken care of.
Q: What are the cutoff times?
There will be cutoff times, currently being worked out with the aid station locations and the update will be posted on the site when finalized.
Q: What if I’m having a tough day and want to drop down a distance mid‑race?
Yes - for certain routes we allow downgrades at designated points. If possible, Riders should let the nearest Aid Station crew know so that they can let the Race Organizers know. If you decide to change your distance mid-ride, riders must check in with timing tent (end of the start/finish chute) immediately after finishing to update distance.
Technical / Equipment Questions
Q: What bike should I ride?
Gravel bikes are ideal. Mountain bikes (preferably hardtails) are fine for the shorter distances. For long courses and potential sand: wide tires (45‑55 mm) provide better comfort and float.
