A: Need to change your distance?Want to go for a longer route? Need a different shirt size? Simply email your need to rpi@rebeccarusch.com
Changes and transfers must be completed by August 15.
Changes may include: Moving to a different race distance (i.e., from French Fry to Baked Potato)Transfer your registration to a lucky friendUpdating contact information
A: Unfortunately we cannot offer refunds for RPI. You are more than welcome to transfer your registration to another rider by emailing rpi@rebeccarusch.com .
A: Registration will remain open until it sells out. So don’t wait until then, because this race sells out fast!
A: RPI Sun Valley is a largely self-supported event. Riders should plan to bring the hydration, nutrition, and tools they will need to succeed along their chosen routes. Rest stops will be available on the final day of the Queen’s Stage Race, including for all riders in the French Fry, Baked Potato, and Tater Tot categories.
Rest Stops will offer shade, bicycle racks, portable restrooms, trash receptacles, water, and limited food items to support riders. All food and water distribution will be done in accordance to best practices for food and health safety standards. Volunteers and staff will be on-site at all rest stops.
Tater Tot Rest Stop will be located at the turnaround point at mile 8.5.
Rest Stop 1 (Trail Creek) will be located at the top of the Trail Creek climb. For French Fry you will pass this at mile 12 and 44.5. Baked Potato will pass at miles 12 and 90.
Rest Stop 2 (Wild Horse) will be located on the west side of the Wild Horse Creek and 135 split. French Fry will hit this stop at miles 24 and 32. Baked Potato will hit this stop at miles 24 and 76.
Rest Stop 3 (Copper Basin) will be located at the split of 135 and 138 in Copper Basin at miles 43 and 65mi. Baked Potato riders are the only ones that will visit this rest stop. They will pass this stop two times.
A: Please refer to our policies page for more information regarding cancellations, refunds, and transfers.
A: No, you do not need to have a one-day or yearly USA Cycling license to participate in our event.
A: The RPI Sun Valley course is OPEN, meaning that it is your responsibility to be aware of traffic, fellow riders, and wildlife. You must obey the rules of the road and follow the Gravel SHARK ethics listed above in this FAQ. Failure to comply will disqualify you from the event.
A: While the course is open to traffic, we do not encourage family and friends to be out on it. For the safety of all riders involved, we want to do our best to minimize the amount of traffic on the course. We also want to assure we maintain the integrity of this beautiful National Forest Land and reduce our footprint as much as possible.
RPI Sun Valley very gratefully takes place on primarily National Forest Land, including the Lost River Ranger District of the Salmon-Challis National Forest, Sawtooth National Recreation Area, and the Ketchum Ranger Districts of the Sawtooth National Forest, all of which are historic native land of the Shoshone-Bannock Tribe. This land is also open range land, meaning grazing livestock may be on the course.
Below are some general rules and parameters from our Forest Service permit related to land use:
- Be respectful of other NFS users, including other recreationalists and permit holders.
- Recreation events are non-exclusive, and public lands are for everyone’s enjoyment.
- Please be mindful that the Forest is still open for other visitors to recreate and that public lands are shared spaces. --- Other permit holders include grazing, mining, and logging permittees, who also operate on NFS lands.
- Please be mindful of these activities.
- For events that occur within or near grazing allotments, do not harass or stress livestock, and leave gates as you found them (i.e., keep closed gates closed).
- Respect wildlife. Do not harass and stress wildlife. Observe wildlife from a distance and do not approach or feed.
- Ensure participants practice Leave No Trace ethics and prevent resource damage.
- Take responsibility for any resource damage that occurs as a result of the event and contact the Forest Service to repair, restore, or replace any damages on NFS lands.
- Stay on designated routes and trails. Motorized vehicles must comply with Motor Vehicle Use Maps.Prevent the spread of noxious weeds by cleaning motorized vehicles and equipment prior to accessing NFS lands. Events promoting motorized use must provide participants access to weed wash stations.
- Follow all federal, state, and county laws.
- Leave NFS lands better than you found them.
A: The Duo category was created so that two riders can work together on the French Fry or Baked Potato courses to share the load and help each other along.
Duo Team rules:
- Duo riders must sign up for the Duo category when registering.
- Duo riders must stay within sight of each other throughout the entire course.
- Duo riders must cross ALL of the timing mats AND finish line together.
- You will be scored and recognized as a team; we have Duo category prizing!
A: The Tandem category is designed for tandem bicycle riders who want to work together to complete the French Fry or Baked Potato courses. Grab your partner and tandem bike and enjoy the race from whichever bike seat you choose!
A: Yes! Cutoffs are designed to keep riders motivated, moving, and safe.
For the Baked Potato category, you MUST reach the Copper Basin rest stop (at approximately mile 43) by 11:45 a.m. in order to continue onto the lollipop loop. Riders who do not make the cutoff will be turned around at the rest stop.
For the French Fry category, there is no cutoff time, but you MUST finish the ride before the last Baked Potato rider, who typically crosses the finish line by 5:30 p.m. This allows French Fry riders approximately 9.5 hours to complete their 56-mile ride.
There is no cutoff time for the Tater Tot category.
A: Go as big as will fit! Just be sure to dial your tire pressure and choose a tire with decent sidewall protection. Maxxis Rambler EXOs are Rebecca's go to.
A: Yes! About 25% of riders at RPI Sun Valley ride on their mountain bikes. We know that not everyone can own a variety of different bike types, so if you choose to ride a mountain bike during RPI Sun Valley, we recommend using thinner (1.8”-ish) tires without a lot of tread on it to make a noticeable decrease in resistance and therefore increase in speed.
As far as fat bikes go, a small percentage of RPI Sun Valley riders choose this option each year, though it is definitely slower.
You can also always rent a gravel bike from Sturtevants of Sun Valley if you’re interested in seeing if this bike type is right for you! For more information, visit their website or give them a call at 208-726-4501. Please note they tend to book quickly for dates during RPI Sun Valley, so make your reservations well in advance!
A: Yes! We are always looking for more volunteers to help our already incredible and dedicated team on the ground in the Sun Valley area. Check out the volunteer page here, volunteer signup coming soon.
A: Capacities for all our Sun Valley events are determined by permits granted by the U.S. Forest Service. While we would love to let as many people as possible experience the Queen’s Stage Race, we are grateful for all that our permits do to protect the places we love by keeping them safe and clean so that we can continue to enjoy them in pristine shape for years to come.
To that end, the Queen’s Stage Race is limited to 300 riders and sells out quickly each year. You may register for the QSR waitlist, but we also strongly recommend registering for the Sunday Baked Potato ride to ensure you have a guaranteed way to saddle up in case a QSR spot does not open up.
A: As with anything, practice is important. Try to ride your drop-bar gravel bike like a mountain bike. Our suggestion is that you start dipping onto some singletrack on your gravel bike while training for RPI. For more tips and tricks directly from Rebecca sign up for the Rusch Academy "Mastering RPI" course for detailed insights to execute your best RPI ever!
A: We have worked closely with Dr. Meg Fisher to develop clear guidelines for the RPI para cycling category, and you can review those guidelines here. To be eligible for the para cycling category, the para cyclist must have a medically diagnosed condition that is permanent and meets one of the eligible impairments for sport adapted from the International Paralympic Committee and listed in the guidelines document linked above. Cyclists with acute injuries or temporary conditions are ineligible. Neither a national nor an international para-cycling classification is required.
A: Not all events are open to all para cyclists due to terrain, course dynamics, and safety considerations. The Queen’s Stage Race has narrow single track inaccessible to three-wheeled cycles and is only open to the upright (single human-powered bike) category. The Baked Potato route will have a re-route for hand cycles and recumbents.
A: Para cyclists may ride with an assistant or shadow rider. The shadow rider’s role is to assist at aid stations with nutrition, toileting, etc. At no point shall the shadow rider be in front of the para cyclist providing a draft, nor pushing the rider from behind while on course. The shadow rider will have a guaranteed free entry with the para cyclist; please email us at rpi@rebeccarusch.com to coordinate.
A: There are two competitive para cycling categories for podium placement: upright and hand cycle. We strive to create a competitive para cycling race program across gravel racing, but at this time can only accommodate the following categories:
- UPRIGHT (human-powered single bike): male/female/non-binary
- HAND CYCLE (hand-powered kneeling and recumbent): male/female/non-binary
As we grow, we aim to add more para cycling competitive categories.
A: Bikes that do not meet the competitive categories are still able to participate in RPI. These cyclists will be recognized, but they will not be able to compete for podium placement. Bikes in this category include foot-powered recumbents, VI Tandem, and other tricycle bikes. Please feel free to contact us at rpi@rebeccarusch.com for questions. We hope to open more competitive groups, allowing more bike styles, as our outreach and participation increases.
A: We adhere to the framework maintained by the International Olympic Committee. You may read the entire framework here: IOC Framework on fairness, inclusion, and non-discrimination on the basis of gender identity and sex variations.
A: Great question! RPI lets the rider set their own goal. If your goal is to be at the top of the podium, race away! If your aspirations are to finish your first 20, 56, or 102 miles of gravel, we'll support you the entire way and high five you at the end. If you sign up for the experience of RPI—hometown hospitality, connecting with fellow riders, celebrating beautiful places—we will make sure the views are epic and the smiles genuine.
So in short, RPI is a ride, a race, an experience—whatever you want it to be!
If you do plan to race it, why not optimize your training with Rebecca and her experts? Join RPI BaseCamp for a custom eight-week training program that will prepare you for any version of RPI. Each participant will have intimate access to robust and unique content from Rebecca and her network of performance experts.
A: While RPI is not a fundraiser there is a fundraising component. We encourage you to pedal with purpose in support of the Be Good™ Foundation, which is dedicated to using the bicycle as a catalyst for healing, empowerment, and evolution. To learn more about the Be Good™ Foundation and to increase your impact by donating directly, head to the Foundation webpage.
A: We're so glad you asked! Click here to read all about what it means to be a gravel SHARK.
There are a variety of lodging options in the Ketchum area, but please note that Labor Day weekend can be busy; we suggest making reservations well in advance.
Limelight Hotel is offering up to 25% off for RPI riders. Book your rooms early to get the best rates and discounts (you can cancel within 14 days for full refund).
The Sunday race start is at Festival Meadows on Sun Valley Road between Spruce and Dollar.
Packet pickup takes place on Saturday at Atkinson Park on 3rd Avenue in Ketchum. Downtown Ketchum is only about three miles wide, making most lodging options very walkable from both Atkinson Park and Festival Meadows. The exception would be Elkhorn Village in Sun Valley, which is a bit further afield, though still very rideable by bike!
A: Sunday RPI Sun Valley race start is at Festival Meadows on Sun Valley Road between Spruce and Dollar. Packet pickup takes place on Saturday at Atkinson Park on 3rd Avenue in Ketchum.
There are a few camping and RV parking options on public lands in the Ketchum area. Head to the recreation.gov website for more information and to check availability. Please note that sites tend to fill very quickly, so make your reservations early.
There is an RV park just south of town, about five miles from race start. Contact the Meadows RV Park directly to inquire about a spot.
No RV parking is allowed within Ketchum city limits. Please be respectful of the City of Ketchum and City of Sun Valley's parking rules.
A: Yes! Camping is a popular option in the Sun Valley area. Designated campgrounds will likely be full due to Labor Day weekend holiday crowds, but there is dispersed camping off almost every dirt road in the valley. Almost all sites will be out of cell phone range and will require some driving to find a spot, so be sure to allow yourself plenty of time to find your home for the weekend.
A:
Preferably no. We strongly recommend riding to the race start if you are staying in Ketchum or Sun Valley. All Sunday categories begin on the border of Ketchum and Sun Valley in Festival Meadows just off Sun Valley Road and are easily accessed via a paved bike path.
If you are staying out of town or need to drive for some other reason, please park in one of the public parking lots around town and then ride or walk to Festival Meadows from there. Do not park in an on-street, two-hour parking spot, as you will be ticketed. You can find more information about and locations of public parking options on the City of Ketchum’s website.
We suggest that you plan to be parked and rolling to the start line no later than 7:15 a.m.
A: RPI takes advantage of a wealth of world-class gravel roads in the greater Sun Valley area. Many of these roads head into remote regions where cell service is either limited or unavailable. Plan ahead and do not rely on cell coverage during the event. Download QSR GPX files and all other route files here for navigation purposes ahead of time.
A: Yes! We'll have a bag drop station on Sunday morning for all riders in the Baked Potato, French Fry, and Tater Tot categories. Your bag must have your rider number on it in order to be put in the bag drop. Feel free to pack a change of clothes, recovery drinks, car keys, and any other items you might need to relax and enjoy the finish line party at Festival Meadows without having to go back to your car or lodging. Changing tents and bike valet will also be available post-ride.
A: The Be Good™ Foundation Party is open to anyone, and all proceeds go toward the Foundation’s mission to use the bicycle as a catalyst for healing, empowerment and evolution. Click here to buy your tickets!
A: Not at all!! RPI BaseCamp is an education, stoke, and training program and community, all here to support YOU in your goals.
Our custom eight-week training program will prepare you for any version of RPI. Each participant will have intimate access to robust and unique content from Rebecca and her network of performance experts. For more information about RPI BaseCamp, click here.
A: Yes! The workouts are written for power, but each one includes a heart rate conversion chart so you can do the workout even if you don't train with power.
A: Yes! If your Garmin Connect and TrainingPeaks accounts are linked and Autosync is enabled, your planned structured workouts will load automatically to your Garmin Connect calendar, and your completed workouts will load automatically to your TrainingPeaks calendar. Click here for a tutorial and more details.
One important note: There are a few workouts in your training plan that are not structured, such as FTP tests. These will not load to your Garmin Connect calendar.
A: Tim Cusick (Rebecca’s coach and the founder of BaseCamp) has created a unique community-based coaching and event performance system, in which you’ll get customized training plans, membership in an active Facebook group, four to five group rides, and support unlike any other training program out there. The workouts are built in TrainingPeaks' structured format, which means that when you do them indoors, they can be loaded directly to Zwift, TrainerRoad, other online programs, or your trainer....but they can be done outdoors as well! Read more about how RPI BaseCamp works here.
A: Yes! If you have a premium TrainingPeaks account, simply drag your workout to whichever day you want it. If you don't have a Premium account, copy the workout, paste it to the day you want it, and then delete the original workout.
A: To cancel your RPI BaseCamp membership, please email us at info@joinbasecamp.com. Please note we do not offer refunds for canceled RPI BaseCamp memberships.
