ROCK HOUND 
Rock Hound Rally
AUG 16-18. 2024
THIS IS ONTARIO'S PREMIER OFF-ROAD RALLY/TRAIL RIDE!
SPONSORED BY: GP BIKES & KTM CANADA
ROCK HOUND RALLY
This is a one-day GPS-guided event in the Kawartha and Madawaska highlands. Designed for the avid trail rider or a competitive enthusiast for both Enduro/Dualsport or Adventure bike riders. The Rock Hound Rally consists of multiple off-road challenges to choose from within a prescribed loop. Challenges range from easy to very hard terrain to conquer. Sound fun? It is! Read below to learn more about the event.
Gold, Silver, Bronze & Iron routes are designed for riders who enjoy off-road trails with challenging aspects throughout. These routes are best suited for, but not limited to, Enduro-style blue or green-plated Dirt Bikes, Dual Sport Motorcycles and Adventure Motorcycles with a minimum fuel range of 75km. The classification levels are as follows; Iron (Easy), Bronze (Easy to Med), Silver (Med to Hard) & Gold (Hard to Expert). All four routes will have challenging options within them to choose from. Read below and watch videos to understand more about the classifications.
All class participants will navigate their way using GPS Routes based on their level of classification. Route sheets will be provided with maps to help you pick and choose what challenges to attempt throughout the ride. They will also help you navigate efficiently throughout the day.
We highly recommend that entrants arrive and stay Friday night in order to register on time and ask any questions about the event. The Rider's Meeting will be in video format available to view on YouTube one week prior to the event. The Rider's Meeting video will be available for viewing at the starting location of The Rockhound starting Friday from 4pm to 9pm and Saturday Morning from 7am to 8:30am. GPS routes will be emailed out to riders before the event or can be loaded on GPS at the event if you don't have the means of loading them at home. Cell phone navigation is permitted at the event but Rally Connex strongly discourages it. We recommend using one of the GPS units in our approved list or renting one from us (while supplies last).
The ride begins early Saturday morning at 8:30am at the Nowell Quarry and lasts all day and returns to the Finish Line where door prizes will be awarded. Thanks to our amazing sponsors for some amazing door prizes! Later that night The Loon's Call Camp Ground will be hosting The Rally Connex Rock Hound After Party featuring live entertainment & fireworks.
If you require training on basic GPS skills please visit our GPS training videos on YouTube coming soon! GPS Rentals from Rally Connex are available while quantities last (on the registration page when you sign up).
LARGE ADV BIKES WELCOME!
The Iron & Bronze classes are designed for adventure bike riders who enjoy twisty, paved / gravel roads with scenic lookouts and fun stops along the way. This route is best suited for, but not limited to, larger Adventure Bikes or entry-level to intermediate dual sport riders. To fully understand the level of difficulty of these classes please see the detailed descriptions below.
All class participants will navigate their way using GPS Routes provided by email from Rally Connex one week prior to the event or at the event if you can't manage to load your own GPS at home. Cell phone navigation is permitted at the event but Rally Connex strongly discourages it. We recommend using one of the GPS units in our approval list or renting one from us while supplies last.
The Rider's Meeting will be available in video format on YouTube prior to the event, and shown during registration at the start of the event, starting Friday from 4pm to 9pm and Saturday morning from 7am to 8:30am. The YouTube video link will be emailed to you one week before the event date.
The ride begins early Saturday morning at 8:30am at the Nowell Quarry and lasts all day. Later that night The Loon's Call Camp Ground will be hosting a VIP After Party with Rally Connex featuring live entertainment & Fireworks. Sunday morning will be the awards presentation at the Nowell Quarry 10am.
If you require training on basic GPS skills please visit our GPS training videos on YouTube coming soon! GPS Rentals from Rally Connex are available while quantities last (on the registration page when you sign up).
RIDE CLASSES
Riders choose from 4 different routes to complete a large loop throughout the day starting from Cloyne and stretching to Gunter. There will be GPS navigation challenges that will involve using your GPS to overcome challenges that will be strategically positioned at technical riding areas along the way.
Come with your smartphones and headcams fully charged! Make Facebook and Instagram posts for your chance to win best social media guru award. There is no speed or time-related challenges in this event. Green-plated bikes are welcome in Gold, Silver & Bronze Classes.
GOLD CLASS
(Hard to Expert Terrain. Open only to Enduro and modified MX bikes.)
The Gold class varies between a standard trail ride experience to a Hard Enduro. Hard Enduro-type terrain will be mandatory to ride in this class, which will include: Rocky rivers with fast-flowing water, steep hill climbs and descents, deep muddy passes, large water holes, technical single-track trail systems, dropoffs & step-ups, multiple downed trees on the trail & bushwhacking.
Transit sections will be forest access roads, flowing two-track trails, hydro corridor multi-use trails & laneways. This class is not for the faint of heart. Many riders, or their bikes, do not complete this class.... If you like hard enduro and are looking for that next high-level challenge, then this is the class for you.
This class is ideal for, but not limited to, 200cc through 501cc aggressive enduro style or MX modified bikes with a minimum fuel range of 75km and aggressive knobby tires.
SILVER CLASS
(Medium to Hard Terrain. Open to aggressive dual sport and Enduro type motorcycles with off-road tires.)
The Silver Class is perfect for the type of rider who has a great skill set for off-road technical riding but doesn't want it constantly throughout the day... Some difficult terrain will be mandatory to ride in this class like rocky boulder rivers with fast-flowing water, deep muddy passes, large water holes, technical single-track trails, steep hill climbs and descents, multiple downed trees on trail & bushwhacking. Almost all Gold-level challenges will be available to ride optionally.
Transit sections will be forest access roads, flowing two-track trails, hydro corridor multi-use trails & laneways. For larger Dual Sport bikes this class will be a difficult experience but rewarding. It is recommended to team up or ride with a buddy.
This Class is ideal for, but not limited to, 200cc through 650cc aggressive Dual Sport bikes and enduro style bikes with a minimum fuel range of 75km and aggressive knobby tires.
BRONZE CLASS
(Easy to Medium Terrain. Open to all types of dual sport and Adventure type motorcycles with aggressive off road tires.)
The Bronze Class is the best selection for almost all levels of Off-road, Dual sport and aggressive Adventure Bike riders who enjoy a fun but less challenging day on the trails. Some technical terrain will be mandatory to ride in this class like muddy passes, water holes, small hill climbs and descents, and smaller obstacles on the trail.
Transit sections will be forest access roads, flowing two-track trails, hydro corridor multi-use trails & laneways. For larger Adventure Bikes this will be a challenging day but very rewarding. It is highly recommended to ride in a team or with a buddy.
This Class is ideal for, but not limited to, 200cc through 1290cc aggressively setup Adventure bikes. Standard Dual sport bikes and enduro style bikes with a minimum fuel range of 75km and aggressive knobby tires.
IRON CLASS
(Easy terrain open to all types of motorcycles with minimum of 50/50 on-road, off-road tire.)
The Iron Class is the most popular class for large Adventure Bike riders and beginner Dualsport riders. Lots of enjoyable on and off-road sections filled with twisty turns and vast lookouts to enjoy. This class requires a road-legal motorcycle. Some very small stretches of technical terrain will be mandatory to ride in this class including small obstacles on the trail, erosion ditches in the pathway, and shallow mud puddles and slippery rocks will be encountered if heavy rain is in the forecast that week.
Transit sections will be paved roads, gravel roads, forest access roads, flowing two-track trails, hydro corridor multi-use trails & laneways.
This Class is ideal for but not limited to 200cc through 1290cc motorcycles with 50/50 tires, and all makes of Adventure & Dual sport bikes with a minimum fuel range of 150km.
NOTE! THIS CLASS IS ONLY OPEN TO BLUE PLATED STREET-LEGAL MOTORCYCLES.
THE CHALLENGES
(Enduro Challenges are open to all classes except Iron Class Riders.)
The "Rider Challenges" are what the Rock Hound Rally is best known for. There's an exciting array of challenges for all classes of riders to partake in, depending on your skill level. Gold, Silver, Bronze and Iron classes all have their own unique challenges. Hard Enduro Challenges consist of the 'Water Under The Bridge' challenge, 'Taste of Sibiu', 'Up Up and Away', 'Zachary's Problem', 'Black Mumba' and much more! Some of the hardest challenges in the event can be spectated by all classes. Every year Rally Connex introduces new challenges for riders to overcome. A great time for all!
Event Schedule Times:
*NO RIDERS MEETING* - VIDEO LINK WILL BE EMAILED 1 WEEK PRIOR TO EVENT.
FRIDAY
-Sign in at the starting line Fri 6pm to 8pm
-Fuel transport drop off 6pm to 10pm at the starting line
SATURDAY
-Late sign-in arrivals and fuel transport drop off Sat, 7am to 8am
-Ride departure: Sat, 9:00am
-Expected return time between 5pm and 6pm
-Rally Connex Finish Line After Party at The Loon's Call Campground and Resort Sat, 7:30pm to 10pm
-Fireworks display Sat, 10pm
SUNDAY
-Campers at the Quarry must depart no later than 12pm Sunday
STARTING LOCATION & PARKING
Ron Nowell Construction (Quarry Pit)
14551 HWY 41 Cloyne, Ontario
Camping is now available at the starting location. Book your camping spot during registration.
CAMPING AT THE STARTING LINE
Camping at the starting line is available. The starting line is located in a quarry gravel pit. It is suitable for Buses RV's, Trailers, Overland vehicles and Camper vans. Tents are permitted but you will only have a hard gravel area to set up camp. There is no hydro or water services avaible. All generators must be quiet. Portapotties will be available. Camping prices for Friday and Saturday of the event $20 per person. Camping payment can be made online at time of registration or in cash at the gates.
CAMPGROUNDS AND HOTELS
There are plenty of locations in the Cloyne area to book accommodations. Our Finish Line After Party is located at The Loon's Call Campground & Cottage Resort. Special accommodation pricing has been arranged, ranging from cottages big and small or trailer and camping sites. Rally Connex recommends booking your accommodations at this location for your convenience! DON'T WAIT! BOOK ACCOMMODATIONS TODAY! One of the ongoing issues we have with this event is people wait until the last minute to book and then can't find a place to stay! The area books up fast with not only this event but with also hundreds of tourists. Rally Connex has spent plenty of time researching the location of this event in order to make it fun for the whole family, even if you don't ride a bike! Cloyne, and the surrounding area, have plenty of beaches, playgrounds, attractions etc.... So riders! bring your family and friends out for a weekend of pleasure and fun.
The Loon's Call Campground & Cottage Resort
1-866-765-4756 Office
Info@loonscall.ca
If the Loon's Call Campground is fully booked here is a list below of other accommodations available close to the event.
RESORTS
(None of these resorts are affiliated or supported by Rally Connex)
Myers Cave Resort
613-336-9900 Office
reservations@myerscaveresort.com
Lakeside Inn Restaurant & Bar
613-336-9900 Office
lakeside.inn.booking@gmail.com
Lancaster Resort
(613) 336-2423 Office
http://www.lancastersresort.ca/
Frontenac Shores
(613) 336-8686 Office
https://www.frontenacshores.com
CAMPING & COTTAGES
(None of these Campgrounds or Cottages are affiliated or supported by Rally Connex)
Bon Echo Family Campground
1 888-850-4761 Office
https://bonechofamilycampground.com
Marble Lake Lodge
613-336-0117 office
905-435-7305 mobile
Info@marblelakelodge.com
Twin Cedars Park
(613) 336-2451 Office
https://www.twincedarspark.ca
Sherwood Park Campground
(613) 336-8844 Office
Woodcrest Resort Park
(613) 336-2966 Office
http://www.woodcrestresort.com
Cedar Lodge
(905) 592-0150 Office
Bishop Lake Tent & Trailer Park
(613) 336-2311 Office
MEALS
Lunch on the trail is included in your entry fee. Hosted by Hidden Valley Catering. A Mexican Taco Lunch will be served with chips and water. Vegan options are available.
RATES
Sign up for The Rock Hound Rally is $130.00 + tax or on-site day of the event $160.00 + tax. Rates for a camping site at the start of the event will be $20.00 per person. This rate includes 2 nights of camping on a non-serviced site at the Nowell Quarry. See camping details above.
GPS & RENTALS
GPS rentals are available while quantities last. Cost per day rental starts at $25.00 to $55.00 plus a $100 cash damage/loss deposit upon time of pick up. The deposit will be refunded once the GPS has been returned and without damage. One set of batteries will be included. Deposit must be made in CASH. To see the list of GPS's Rally Connex approves please visit the GPS Regulations Page.
FREE EVENT-SHIRT
Sign up for The Rock Hound Rally before Aug 1st and receive a free event T-shirt. Registrations after Aug 1st will not receive a free t-shirt. Some extra event T-shirts will be made and available at our on-site registration, while supplies last. This will be on a first come first serve basis. The earliest time to claim a non-pre registered t-shirt will be on the Friday of the event at 4pm onwards. There, you have been warned. No more whining allowed! (Note* Shown T-Shirt is from 2023)
EVENT DATE AUG 16, 17, 18 2024
QUICK INFO
- Pre Registration is $130
- Book Camping spot asap. Space is limited
(DON'T WAIT.... Register TODAY ONLINE!)
-The event will be hosted at in Cloyne, ON
-Great Door Prizes and killer deals from our sponsors!
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