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Welcome to the inaugural Red River Roubaix. We'd love for you to join us in this beautiful region of the Bluegrass State for our event. See Q&A below for more info.
What kind of event is this?
This is a road race although the long course does include one short sector of smooth gravel. You should be fine to ride this on your road bikes with standard road tires. See the Red River Roubaix Instagram for more details of what the gravel looks like.
What kind of bike should I use?
A road or gravel bike with climbing gears. You definitely want to have enough gears for some of the steep climbs out on course. I ride my Lauf Uthald with a 2x setup to give me sufficient gears for climbing and descending. No aero bars.
What's the course like?
Amazing. Beautiful. Challenging. The roads are narrow and winding and have very little traffic. The course will be open to traffic and we may have a lead car to improve safety for the front group (TBD). The course will be challenging with several very steep climbs. Bring your climbing gears! Official courses below:
68 Mile Long Course - https://www.strava.com/routes/3490379193734083320
37 Mile Short Course - https://www.strava.com/routes/3489582974199215800
Where is it?
The Red River Gorge is known for it's amazing hiking and climbing. I'd highly recommend everyone making a weekend out of this and enjoying the great outdoors the Gorge has to offer. The Natural Bridge trail is a must see and is an easy 1 mile hike. The start and finish of the race will take place at Callie's Campground in Bowen, KY.
What are the categories?
There will be a long course that's about 70 miles in distance and a short course that's about 40 miles. Both will have separate men's, women's & masters categories and podiums. All categories will have custom awards. Mass start. All categories and distances will start together at 8AM. The turn-off for the short course is at mile 23.
What are the rules?
Your safety is our #1 priority. We are racing on open roads. The roads are narrow and there are a lot of blind turns so please stay aware and stay safe. Most of the roads do not have a yellow line, but stay on the right side of the road when possible to avoid any potential accidents with vehicles on course. If the group is big enough I'd like to have a lead moto or lead car to improve safety for the front group. TBD.
You can only take feeds at the designated feed zone.
No littering.
Be kind to your fellow racers.
The race director has the discretion to relegate or disqualify riders if thinks that is appropriate.
Will there be food?
Each registered rider will receive a post-race meal. It will be a sub sandwiches with sides, desserts & drinks. All riders will receive a Red River Roubaix pint glass as well!
What about Aid Stations?
No feed zones on the short course. There will be one feed zone on the long course. The feed zone will be around mile 30. Exact location will be shared with the release of the final course. You can take bottle feeds at this feed zone. Feed zone will have water, carbs mix, soda & snacks.
If you have any more questions don't hesitate to reach out. Thanks!