Rock Cobbler: Big Climbs, Cows, and Cracklewing Confidence

I flew across the country to take on an off-road adventure ride called  Rock Cobbler. It was easily one of the most challenging rides I’ve done since I started off-road cycling in late 2024.

I had been stalking the weather forecast all week and knew exactly which Terry pieces were coming with me: the Soleil Flow Long Sleeve Bike Top in the gorgeous Cracklewing colorway, paired with my favorite Hi Rise Holster Bike Capri. I’ve noticed a pattern. Every big event or race I do, I instinctively reach for my Terry kit. It’s what makes me feel the most confident and comfortable, and that matters on a day like this.

Rock Cobbler started with high expectations. There was endless talk online about the brutal course, and the start line did not disappoint. There was a man dressed as a taco, kids in costume, and pure chaotic energy. I went into the ride with one goal: finish, have fun, and most importantly… stay upright.

Very quickly, the course got serious.

I found myself grinding up 19% gradients, feeling accomplished with every pedal stroke. When the climbs tipped past 25%, I walked and I had absolutely no shame about it. There’s strength in knowing when to push and when to preserve your legs. Fueled by CarboRocket and the constant encouragement of smiling volunteers, I kept moving forward. Even when quitting would have been easier, it was never part of the plan.

Within the first 10 miles, I rode straight through a bar. Yes, through a bar. Getting high-fived by what looked like a 10-year-old boy inside a bar during a gravel race was not on my 2026 bingo card, but here we are.

The terrain that followed was rowdy, loose, and wildly fun.

For this ride, I modified my Otso Waheela C gravel bike by adding a Fox 32 SC suspension fork and swapping my usual 44T chainring for a 38T. Those changes were game-changers. When I was clearing punchy climbs and descending with confidence, I knew I’d made the right call. There were still two descents that were simply too fast and steep, so I dismounted and jogged down those sections. Sometimes the gravel bike felt perfect. Other times, I wished for an XC mountain bike. But we ride what we have and we smile while doing it!

Approaching Aid Station 2, I ran into a mechanical issue that was thankfully handled by Phil, one of the incredible course volunteers. While fixing my bike, his wife told me that every time she saw me on the course, I was smiling and she loved my vibe. I heard that about five more times throughout the day. I guess when the weather is great, you feel strong, and you love what you’re wearing… smiling just happens.

The Soleil Flow top performed beautifully. We started in the low 50s and climbed into the high 70s, and I was comfortable the entire time. One thing I love about the Soleil is that even though it’s long sleeve, it’s perfect in warm temps. The UPF protection keeps the sun off without overheating, which is essential for long days in exposed terrain.

Now let’s talk about the cows.

As an East Coaster, riding through open cattle land is not something I’ve ever experienced. Near Aid Station 3, I was alone and officially in last place. I approached a section of trail filled with cows. I’d seen a video from a previous year where a rider was attacked by a bull, so I’ll admit… I was nervous. Riding through solo, across the country from home, didn’t feel like the moment to test my cow-herding skills.

So I called the emergency number for an escort.

They told me I could have screamed at the cows and they would move. As a city girl from the East Coast, that was not information I was willing to experiment with alone. The volunteer arrived in a 4x4, loaded my bike onto the hitch rack, and drove me through. A few cows were stubborn and didn’t want to budge, even with honking and yelling, but eventually, they cleared the way.

Adventure level: unlocked.

This ride will go down as one of the biggest adventures of my life. I logged my highest elevation gain ever. I faced gradients I didn’t know I could climb. I stayed positive. I kept smiling.

And then at the finish line I crashed.

Right as I entered the finisher’s tape, I cramped in both thighs during the final little kicker climb and tipped over, scratching my carbon frame on a concrete post. A kind bystander rushed to help me up, and another handed me pickle juice. Despite the crash and the scratched bike, the day felt perfect.

My gear performed flawlessly.
My legs showed up.
My bike handled the chaos.
My nutrition kept me energized.
The weather was ideal.

And as I always say “when you look good, you ride good.”

I’m proud to be part of the Terry family, and I’m grateful to have kit that lets me focus on the adventure instead of my clothing. Rock Cobbler tested me in every way, but it also reminded me exactly why I love this sport.

Big climbs. Big smiles. Big memories.

- Nicole