Last updated September 19, 2024 --
Rebecca’s Private Idaho (RPI) is a multi-day gravel grinder that takes place annually on Labor Day weekend. It is arguably one of America's most beautiful gravel events, with its base of operations in the amazing towns of Sun Valley and Ketchum, Idaho. The team here at Strambecco consistently rates it as one of the Best Gravel Cycling Events in the Rockies. Riding and racing occur in the pristine backcountry of the adjacent Salmon-Challis National Forest, and the landscape is one of pure beauty and one that will drop your jaw to the floor the first time you lay your eyes on it. Rebecca Rusch, the event namesake, is an American ultra-endurance pro athlete, world champion, author, entrepreneur, Emmy Award winner, and motivational speaker whose career has spanned numerous adventure sports, including rock climbing, expedition racing, whitewater rafting, cross-country skiing, and mountain biking. Her company, Rusch Ventures, in partnership with Bike Monkey, has built Rebecca’s Private Idaho (RPI) to be commonly recognized as one of the best gravel events in the world.
Since Rebecca Rusch inaugurated Rebecca’s Private Idaho (RPI) 12 years ago, it has emerged as not just a race but an experience, a blend of Idaho’s picturesque landscapes with the vigor of gravel racing. Both professional cyclists and amateur enthusiasts earmark their calendars for this event, ensuring that they don't miss out. What sets RPI apart is its commitment to a greater cause. Each participant rides with a mission, supporting the Be Good™ Foundation, an initiative that sees the bicycle as a vehicle for community enrichment, empowerment, and evolution. Moreover, whether you’re setting out for the 19-mile Tater Tot for the first time or you’re gearing up for the 197-mile, four-day Queen’s Stage Race at RPI, everyone’s royalty.
Event & Course Info
Rebecca’s Private Idaho (RPI) takes place over four days and allows participants to select individual events or participate in the full roster.
Day 1: Thursday (Aug 28) - The Harriman Trail - 35 Miles and 3500 feet of elevation gain. A mix of technical single and double track trails in the valley floor beneath the towering Boulder Mountains. The day finishes with a fun outdoor podium presentation back in Ketchum.
Day 2: Friday (Aug 29) - Dollarhide Summit Time Trial - 50 Miles and 3,000 feet of elevation gain. The ride features a short, 4.5-mile hill climb timed segment within a bigger 50-mile ride from Ketchum and back. Dollarhide features a stunning ride through the Warm Springs Creek River basin on the approach to Dollarhide Summit. It's a casual roll at your own pace until you reach mile 20, where riders line up and start the time trial in 30-second intervals. There is an optional gathering at Frenchman's Hot Springs for a dip in the water following the event.
Day 3: Saturday (Aug 30) Expo + Rest Day + Social Ride - This is a rest day before the biggest day of them all. A vendor expo takes place at Atkinson Park in Ketchum, Idaho. Expect some new shenanigans this year in the form of Idaho's first-ever Potato Olympics and Skills Competition with LIV and Giant!
Day 4 Sunday (August 31): It's the main event of Rebecca's Private Idaho. In the days leading up to Sunday, a couple of hundred participants may compete in our multi-day QSR. But on Sunday, expect 1,000+ people on gravel bikes in Sun Valley, Idaho. Sunday features three different route distances to choose from:
Baked Potato (102 miles)
This is the longest and most grueling of the course options, designed for experienced riders looking for a serious challenge. Riders will traverse approximately 102 miles of rugged terrain, including gravel roads and steep climbs, with spectacular mountain views. You’ll need to keep steady, as there are timed cutoffs for certain segments.
French Fry (56 miles)
A mid-distance option for riders seeking a tough but manageable course. At 56 miles, it offers the same beautiful views and challenging gravel terrain but without the length and difficulty of the Baked Potato. It’s a solid choice for those with some gravel experience or those who want a more moderate challenge.
Tater Tot (20 miles)
This route is perfect for beginners or those wanting a more casual, fun ride. The 20-mile Tater Tot course still offers a great taste of Idaho’s scenic beauty but is designed to be more accessible for new gravel riders or those who prefer a shorter adventure.
Area Accommodations & Things to Do
A plethora of housing options exist, from luxury estates to rustic campsites, concierge service to DIY self-reliance. Labor Day weekend is popular and packed in Sun Valley, so as soon as you’ve registered to ride Rebecca’s Private Idaho (RPI), booking travel and lodging should be your next priority. The host hotel, The Limelight, offers rooms & suites in the heart of downtown Ketchum, while other great options are Alpine Lodging Sun Valley, Hotel Ketchum, and Tamarack Lodge. If you have a group and you’re looking for a spacious condo or private home to stretch out, reserving a property through Natural Retreats may suit your needs. If camping is your thing, check out the Wood River Valley's camping options, which have abundant designated campgrounds and dispersed camping that can be found in the Sawtooth National Forest outside of town.
The culinary scene in Sun Valley, Idaho, seamlessly blends rustic mountain charm with sophisticated dining. It offers a diverse array of gourmet restaurants, local eateries, and specialty food shops that showcase regional ingredients and flavors. With influences ranging from traditional American to international cuisine, the region promises a rich gastronomic experience set against a stunning mountain backdrop. Local favorites to try while you are in town for Rebecca’s Private Idaho (RPI) include Rickshaw, GLOW for fresh juice and vegan grub, and Konditorei for coffee and treats.
Sun Valley, Idaho, in the summer, offers a plethora of activities for athletes, family, and friends to enjoy. The area is renowned for its world-class singletrack trails. The Bald Mountain trails, in particular, offer a combination of technical descents, flowing paths, and challenging climbs, making it a top destination for mountain biking enthusiasts. The Pioneer Mountains offer a range of hiking trails with breathtaking views. The Hyndman Peak Trail, for example, provides a challenging trek to one of Idaho's highest peaks, with an elevation gain of over 5,000 feet and panoramic vistas at the summit. Finally, for the anglers of the group, the clear and cool waters of the Big Wood River are teeming with trout, making it a fisherman's dream. With various spots along the river, both novices and experienced fly fishers can enjoy casting a line amidst the serene and scenic backdrop of Sun Valley.
Related Events
Bike Monkey, one of the producing partners of Rebecca’s Private Idaho (RPI), is a well-known professional events management and services company specialising in cycling events, primarily in Northern California and Nevada. Their gravel cycling events consistently make our list of the Best Gravel Cycling Events in California, the Southwest, and the Northwest and include events like Heart of Gold Gravel, The Hammer Road Rally, The Bovine Classic, Fish Rock, Stetina’s Paydirt, Truckee Tahoe Gravel. They also produce Boggs MTB, one of the best MTB events in the Northwest, and Levi’s Gran Fondo, one of the Best Road Cycling Events in California and the Northwest.
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