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    Rebecca’s Private Idaho 2026 landscape
    Stage Race · Fueling GuideUpdated Jul 2026

    Rebecca’s Private Idaho 2026

    Sun Valley’s flagship gravel + MTB race week — Harriman singletrack, Dollarhide TT and the new Baked Potato and Fully Loaded routes.

    Build Your Personalized Race Fueling Plan — $19

    Overview

    Rebecca’s Private Idaho 2026 runs September 9–12 in the Sun Valley and Ketchum area of Idaho, with the main event on Saturday, September 13. Race week combines Wednesday’s Harriman Trail stage (35.6 mi / 3,132 ft of singletrack and doubletrack in the Boulder Mountains), Thursday’s Dollarhide stage (a 50-mile ride containing a 4.5-mile timed hill-climb TT with 30-second start intervals from mile 20, finishing at Frenchman’s Hot Springs), Friday’s expo, Potato Olympics and Be Good shakeout ride, and Saturday’s main event at Champion Meadows: Tater Tot (18.9 mi / 1,325 ft), French Fry (57.4 mi / 3,974 ft), Baked Potato (104 mi / 6,902 ft) and Fully Loaded (118.3 mi / 7,779 ft via the Copper Basin extension). For 2026 the Queen Stage Race is a mix-and-match format — riders can enter one, two or three stages in any combination, generating 19 route/stage options. Start times, cutoffs and support logistics remain subject to the final 2026 Rider Guide.

    Distance

    Baked Potato 104 mi · Fully Loaded 118.3 mi · French Fry 57.4 mi · Tater Tot 18.9 mi · Harriman 35.6 mi · Dollarhide 50 mi with 4.5 mi TT

    Elevation

    Baked Potato 6,902 ft · Fully Loaded 7,779 ft · French Fry 3,974 ft · Tater Tot 1,325 ft · Harriman 3,132 ft

    Typical duration

    6 – 12 hours for most amateur Baked Potato finishers on Saturday

    Location

    Sun Valley / Ketchum, Idaho, USA — hubs at Limelight Hotel (Ketchum), Baker Creek, Rotary Park, Champion Meadows and Forest Service Park

    Time of year

    Race week September 9–12, 2026 — main event Saturday, September 13

    Terrain

    Singletrack and doubletrack in the Boulder Mountains (Harriman), high-altitude backcountry gravel and mountain roads (Dollarhide / Saturday routes)

    Course Map Stage-by-Stage

    Interactive route for each RPI 2026 stage. Use it to plan pacing, aid-station touchpoints, and fueling windows.

    Leaflet © OpenStreetMap contributors, © OpenTopoMap (CC-BY-SA)

    Distance

    35.5 mi · 57.1 km

    Elevation gain

    3,299 ft · 1,006 m

    High point

    8,188 ft

    Low point

    6,444 ft

    2 km4 km6.2 km9.7 km15.1 km20.4 km24.5 km29.6 km34.6 km38 km40.9 km44 km48.1 km51.9 km57.1 km1944m2094 m2244m2513m
    Rolling singletrack shakeout near Ketchum. Great to test tire pressure and fueling cadence before the big days.

    Interactive stage map · aid stations & QSR variations

    Switch between Harriman, Dollarhide, each Saturday route, and the QSR mix-and-match combinations to see the anchor locations, aid hubs and approximate route corridor. Coordinates are approximate — always confirm against the official 2026 GPX in race week.

    Flagship 104 mi (167 km) route — sustained ~2,500 ft (762 m) climb over Corral Creek Summit.

    S
    A
    ▲
    A
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    Legend:StartFinishRace-week hubAid / rest stopSummit / high pointFully Loaded extension

    Route corridor lines are visual approximations connecting known anchor points — they are not the official GPX.

    Download the Printable Rebecca’s Private Idaho 2026 Race Guide

    Get a practical planning document with the course breakdown, aid-station strategy, fueling and hydration worksheets, race-morning timeline, equipment checklist, crew notes, and space for your own plan.

    Why Rebecca’s Private Idaho is challenging

    • Sustained climbing over Corral Creek Summit

      The redesigned 2026 Baked Potato features an approximately 2,500 ft sustained climb over Corral Creek Summit. Long, steady climbing changes pacing, fueling and hydration windows relative to a rolling gravel race.

    • High elevation

      Sun Valley sits at meaningful base elevation, and the routes climb well above it. Perceived effort is higher for visitors from lower elevations — pacing, sleep, hydration and appetite are all affected.

    • Accumulated climbing

      6,860 ft on Baked Potato and 7,757 ft on Fully Loaded is delivered across multiple sustained pushes. Cumulative fatigue matters, especially for QSR riders arriving into Saturday off two prior stages.

    • Remote roads and limited cell coverage

      Long backcountry sectors have little to no cell service. Riders must download GPX offline and carry the tools, calories and fluid needed to be self-sufficient between stops.

    • Wind exposure

      Exposed mountain roads at altitude bring the risk of sustained wind. Solo effort into a headwind materially raises energy cost across long sectors.

    • Large temperature swings

      September in the Sun Valley area regularly features cool mornings, warmer afternoons, colder high points and rapid drops in shaded canyons — layering and thermal planning are real variables.

    • High UV

      High-altitude UV is stronger than a lowland forecast suggests. Sunscreen, lip protection and cap or sleeves matter as much as fueling.

    • Wildfire smoke / AQI risk

      Late-season western wildfire smoke can affect the region. Air-quality status is race-specific and must be re-checked from official sources in race week — it cannot be assumed from prior years.

    • Washboards and puncture risk

      Washboards on descents and rocky sectors put load on tires, casings and pressure choices. Puncture protection and redundancy matter more than optimizing pure rolling resistance.

    • Long self-supported gaps

      Rest stops are expected but final 2026 support details are still to be confirmed. Plan for extended sectors without water, food or mechanical help.

    • Eating and drinking while climbing

      Long sustained climbs make it harder to safely open, chew and swallow. Riders who do not rehearse eating uphill in training tend to under-fuel exactly when demand is highest.

    • Cumulative fatigue across race week

      Race week now supports a mix-and-match format — riders can combine Harriman (Wed: 35.6 mi / 3,132 ft of Boulder Mountains singletrack and doubletrack), Dollarhide (Thu: 50-mile ride containing a 4.5 mi hill-climb TT from mile 20) and one Saturday route in any combination. Fueling, recovery and equipment inspection between stages become race-defining decisions.

    Course profile — segment by segment

    A tactical breakdown of the Rebecca’s Private Idaho course. Use this to plan pacing, fueling touchpoints and where to conserve versus commit.

    SegmentMileElevationNote
    Phase 1 — Rollout from Ketchum0 – 10RollingPacing objective: cap effort at endurance / high Zone 2. Fueling objective: start eating in the first 15 minutes and lock in a 15-minute alarm. Common mistake: chasing early moves and burning matches you will need on Corral Creek.Surface: Pavement to gravel transition
    Phase 2 — Approach to major climbing10 – 30Steady climbingObjective: settle into a repeatable climbing effort well under threshold. Fueling: bank calories before the sustained climb. Common mistake: matching stronger riders on the approach and arriving at Corral Creek already cooked.Surface: Backcountry gravel
    Phase 3 — Corral Creek sustained climb30 – 50≈ 2,500 ft sustained pushObjective: fixed HR / RPE ceiling, steady cadence, force calories and sips even at reduced appetite. Common mistake: surging over false summits and blowing fueling windows because you cannot chew comfortably.Surface: Backcountry gravel
    Phase 4 — High point and extended descent50 – 70High point, then descentObjective: keep drinking, take one gel before the descent, layer up if cold. Common mistake: stopping fueling because the descent feels like recovery.Surface: Backcountry gravel
    Phase 5 — Late-course return70 – 95Rolling with wind exposureObjective: pace by HR or power, not by feel. Fueling: reset every 15 minutes and confirm you still have emergency calories. Common mistake: assuming the finish is close.Surface: Backcountry gravel
    Phase 6 — Final push to Champion Meadows95 – 104Rolling to finishObjective: save one gel and one bottle for the final 45 minutes. Common mistake: letting fueling lapse in the last hour and finishing far worse than the fitness deserves.Surface: Gravel to finish
    Fully Loaded — Copper Basin extension104 – 118 (Fully Loaded only)Additional sustained climbingAdds duration, cumulative fatigue, late-day weather exposure and higher self-sufficiency demand. Reassess fuel, fluids, layers and lights before leaving the last reliable stop.Surface: Backcountry gravel

    Aid stations & crew strategy

    Every aid station along the Rebecca’s Private Idaho course, with crew access, drop-bag rules and the fueling action to execute at each stop.

    • Baker Creek — Wed Harriman start / kit pickup

      Mile Wed 0

      Kit pickup 7:45–8:45 AM, Harriman stage rollout 9:00 AM. Pre-load bottles and layers for a singletrack/doubletrack morning in the Boulder Mountains.

    • Rotary Park — Ketchum (Wed evening)

      Mile Wed PM

      Wednesday awards + Brats & Bevies, 5:00–6:00 PM. Refuel, hydrate and rehearse Thursday morning logistics.

    • Limelight Hotel — Thu Dollarhide start / kit pickup

      Mile Thu 0

      Kit pickup 7:30–8:30 AM, Dollarhide rollout 9:00 AM from Washington Street. 50 mi ride containing a 4.5 mi hill-climb TT starting at mile 20 (30-second start intervals).

    • Frenchman’s Hot Springs — Thu optional finish

      Mile Thu ~50

      Optional extended finish for Thursday’s Dollarhide stage. Confirm shuttle / logistics in the final Rider Guide.

    • Forest Service Park — Thu Be Good Foundation Party

      Mile Thu PM

      6:00–8:30 PM, next to the Limelight (new 2026 location). Rehydrate and eat a real recovery meal.

    • Champion Meadows — Fri expo / Sat start-finish

      Mile Fri–Sat

      Fri: Be Good shakeout 8:30–10:00 AM, Vendor Expo 11:00 AM–4:00 PM, Potato Olympics 11:30 AM–1:00 PM, Rider Meeting 3:15 PM. Sat check-in 6:30–8:00 AM; Fully Loaded 7:00 / Baked Potato 7:30 / French Fry 8:00 / Tater Tot 8:30 AM; festival 10 AM–5 PM; awards 3:30 PM.

    • On-course rest stops (provisional)

      Mile TBC

      Final 2026 on-course rest-stop locations, services, drop-bag rules and cutoffs are published in the final Rider Guide. Do not reuse 2025 logistics.

    Fueling challenges & strategy

    General, evidence-based guidance. Numbers should always be personalized to sweat rate, body mass, fitness and weather.

    Carbohydrate strategy — by route

    Starting ranges: Tater Tot 30–60 g/hr, French Fry 60–90 g/hr, Baked Potato and Fully Loaded 70–100+ g/hr for trained athletes. QSR riders add immediate post-stage carbohydrate restoration on top of race fueling. Higher intakes require gut training and should be tested in representative training sessions — do not introduce an aggressive target for the first time on race day.

    Hydration

    Dry mountain air, altitude, sun and long climbs elevate fluid losses relative to a low-altitude ride at the same air temperature. Build a fluid range around expected conditions, sweat rate, support access and what you can carry — there is no single universal target.

    Sodium

    Personalize based on measured or estimated sweat sodium, heat, products used and drinking rate. Long, dry exposure with wide support gaps makes cumulative sodium easy to under-plan.

    Caffeine

    Use only if practiced. Common approach for a 7–12 hour Baked Potato day: 100–200 mg pre-start, a mid-race dose, and a smaller dose in the last two hours. Total dose and timing should be based on body mass and prior tolerance.

    Support strategy

    Plan every expected stop on paper before race day: bottles in, bottles out, calories to grab, layers, sunscreen refresh, caffeine. Confirm what is actually provided in the final 2026 Rider Guide — do not assume 2025 logistics.

    Pre-race breakfast

    1–4 g/kg carbohydrate 2–4 hours before the start from familiar low-fiber, low-fat foods. Add 30–50 g CHO 15–30 minutes before the gun via a gel and sports drink. Rehearse the menu on long training rides.

    During-race execution

    Fuel by the clock. Set a 15-minute alarm on your head unit from the rollout. Front-load calories before Corral Creek Summit and every sustained climb; sip on descents where the surface allows.

    Emergency reserve

    Carry 30–50% more calories than you plan to use. Weather, wind, altitude or a mechanical can add 60+ minutes to your day — running out of fuel late is one of the top predictors of a bad finish or DNF.

    Between-stage recovery

    If you enter more than one stage (Harriman Wed, Dollarhide Thu, Saturday route): fluids, sodium, carbohydrate and protein within 60 minutes of finishing, then a full meal 1–3 hours later. Protect sleep and equipment inspection between stages — cumulative underfueling shows up on Saturday, not Wednesday.

    Fueling timeline by phase

    Grams and millilitres per hour for each phase of the race. Personalize to your sweat rate, body mass and conditions.

    Baked Potato (104 mi / 6,902 ft) — targets for a 7–11 hour finish

    Phase 1 — Rollout from Ketchum

    0–10 mi·0:00–0:45

    Carbs
    60–70 g/hr
    Fluids
    17–24 fl oz/hr
    Sodium
    500–700 mg/hr

    Caffeine: 100–200 mg 20 min pre-start

    Focus: Start eating within 15 minutes. Lock in a 15-minute intake alarm. Do NOT chase early moves — you will need the matches on Corral Creek.

    Phase 2 — Approach to Corral Creek

    10–30 mi·0:45–2:15

    Carbs
    80–90 g/hr
    Fluids
    17–27 fl oz/hr
    Sodium
    600–800 mg/hr

    Focus: Bank calories before the sustained climb. Test how the gut is tolerating altitude and dry air — pull back 10 g/hr if bloated.

    Phase 3 — Corral Creek sustained climb

    30–50 mi·2:15–4:15

    Carbs
    70–90 g/hr (liquid + gel biased)
    Fluids
    17–24 fl oz/hr (sip, don't chug — climbing limits swallowing)
    Sodium
    700–900 mg/hr (dry heat + altitude compound sodium loss)

    Focus: Fixed HR / RPE ceiling. Force calories even at reduced appetite. Do not skip a scheduled feed just because chewing feels hard.

    Phase 4 — High point and extended descent

    50–70 mi·4:15–5:30

    Carbs
    60–80 g/hr
    Fluids
    14–20 fl oz/hr
    Sodium
    500–700 mg/hr

    Caffeine: 100 mg at the high point (mid-race dose)

    Focus: Layer up if cold. Take one gel BEFORE dropping in. Keep sipping — descents feel like recovery but glycogen is still burning.

    Phase 5 — Late-course return

    70–95 mi·5:30–7:45

    Carbs
    70–90 g/hr
    Fluids
    17–27 fl oz/hr
    Sodium
    600–800 mg/hr

    Focus: Reset every 15 minutes. Confirm your 30–50% emergency reserve is still intact. This is where under-fueled riders quietly break.

    Phase 6 — Final push to Champion Meadows

    95–104 mi·7:45–end

    Carbs
    60–80 g/hr
    Fluids
    14–20 fl oz/hr
    Sodium
    400–600 mg/hr

    Caffeine: 50–100 mg only if under total daily cap (≤6 mg/kg)

    Focus: Save one gel for the final 30 minutes. Ride to power / HR, not to feel. Finish, don't fade.

    Fully Loaded (118.3 mi / 7,779 ft) adds the Copper Basin extension after Phase 6. Continue Phase 5 targets — 70–90 g/hr carbs, 17–27 fl oz/hr fluids, sodium tuned to conditions — and take one final caffeine dose only if under the total daily cap (≤6 mg/kg body mass). Recompute hourly targets against the personalized plan in the FuelQ Pro app if you use it.

    Carbohydrate loading for Rebecca’s Private Idaho

    A structured 48–72 hour carbohydrate-loading protocol tuned for a long day at altitude. Rehearse it before a training block, not for the first time on race week.

    48–72 hours out

    Target 8–10 g/kg body mass per day of carbohydrate from familiar low-fiber sources: rice, pasta, potato, bread, sports drinks, honey. Reduce fat and fiber to protect the gut on race morning.

    Protein and fat

    Keep protein moderate (1.2–1.6 g/kg/day). Reduce fat to ~0.5–0.8 g/kg/day. This is not the week for heavy sauces or fried foods.

    Hydration and sodium

    Drink to pale-yellow urine. Add 500–1,000 mg sodium per liter of fluid on the two days before the race — especially important at altitude with dry air.

    Race morning

    1–4 g/kg CHO 2–4 hours before the gun from familiar tested foods. Oatmeal + banana + honey, bagel + jam or a rice bowl are proven. No experiments.

    Sub-9 & sub-12 split targets

    Aid-station splits for the two headline finish goals at Rebecca’s Private Idaho: the Big Buckle (sub-9) and the Silver Buckle (sub-12). Use as planning anchors, not as commitments — weather, altitude adaptation and pack dynamics all shift real splits.

    CheckpointSub-9 (Big Buckle)Sub-12 (Silver Buckle)
    Baked Potato — 6-hour targetElapsed avg ≈17.3 mph · stopped ≤20 min · moving ≈18.3 mphExample only — fast finishers
    Baked Potato — 7-hour targetElapsed avg ≈14.9 mph · stopped ≤25 min · moving ≈15.9 mphExample only
    Baked Potato — 8-hour targetElapsed avg ≈13.0 mph · stopped ≤30 min · moving ≈14.0 mphExample only
    Baked Potato — 9-hour targetElapsed avg ≈11.6 mph · stopped ≤35 min · moving ≈12.5 mphExample only
    Baked Potato — 10-hour targetElapsed avg ≈10.4 mph · stopped ≤40 min · moving ≈11.2 mphExample only
    Baked Potato — 11-hour targetElapsed avg ≈9.5 mph · stopped ≤45 min · moving ≈10.3 mphExample only
    Fully Loaded — 7-hour targetElapsed avg ≈16.9 mph · stopped ≤25 min · moving ≈17.9 mphExample only — elite
    Fully Loaded — 9-hour targetElapsed avg ≈13.1 mph · stopped ≤35 min · moving ≈14.1 mphExample only
    Fully Loaded — 11-hour targetElapsed avg ≈10.7 mph · stopped ≤45 min · moving ≈11.6 mphExample only
    Fully Loaded — 12-hour targetElapsed avg ≈9.8 mph · stopped ≤50 min · moving ≈10.7 mphExample only

    Pacing strategy

    • Why controlled climbing matters

      The Baked Potato is defined by long sustained climbs at altitude. Riding a step below threshold on Corral Creek protects glycogen and legs for the second half.

    • Avoid threshold surges

      Surges into and over false summits drive lactate high and shut down fueling. Cap effort with HR or power, not with the wheel in front of you.

    • Variable surface speed

      Washboards, loose sectors and technical descents change moving speed unpredictably. Plan by moving-speed range, not by a single average.

    • Altitude effects

      Perceived effort at altitude is higher than sea level for the same HR / power. Cap early intensity and expect a slower opening hour.

    • Descending is not free time

      Extended descents feel restful but do not replace calories and do not offset a bad climb. Keep sipping and take one gel before the next climb.

    • Stop-time budgeting

      Every minute at a rest stop is a minute of daylight and margin lost. Write a target stop time for each expected stop before race day.

    Altitude sickness (AMS) — prevention & red flags

    Evidence-based prevention and safety guidance for Rebecca’s Private Idaho. Not medical advice — discuss altitude medications and pre-existing conditions with a qualified physician.

    • Base and route elevation

      Sun Valley sits at meaningful base elevation, and the routes climb well above it. Confirm the elevation of your lodging and the high points on your selected route before race week.

    • Perceived effort for visitors

      Riders from lower elevations feel meaningfully higher perceived effort at the same HR or power. Cap early intensity and expect a slower opening hour.

    • Sleep, hydration and appetite

      Altitude disrupts sleep, elevates fluid loss and can suppress appetite. Protect sleep, drink to pale-yellow urine and eat rehearsed low-fiber meals in race week.

    • No universal acclimatization promise

      Arriving a few days early may help perceived effort but does not guarantee acclimatization. Pace conservatively regardless.

    • Conservative early pacing

      The single highest-leverage altitude decision is not going too hard in the first hour — on Baked Potato specifically, before Corral Creek Summit.

    • Personal health

      Riders with cardiovascular, respiratory or medication concerns should discuss altitude exposure with their clinician before travel.

    Equipment & bike setup

    • Gravel bike suitability

      A dedicated gravel bike with clearance for 45 mm+ tires is the standard choice for RPI. Rehearse your full setup on rides that mimic the expected duration, altitude and surface.

    • Tire width and casing

      Most riders run 40–45 mm tubeless gravel tires with reinforced casings to trade rolling resistance against puncture protection on washboard and rocky sectors.

    • Tire pressure

      Pressure depends on combined rider + bike mass, tire measured width, rim width, casing, inserts, surface, expected mud and rider handling. Test on similar terrain — do not debut a new pressure on race day.

    • Puncture kit and redundancy

      Tubeless plugs, at least one spare tube, CO₂ + inflator, mini pump backup, tire lever, chain quick link, multi-tool with chain breaker, spare derailleur hanger, valve core tool.

    • Chain lubrication and brakes

      Fresh chain lube for dry mountain gravel. Inspect brake pads and rotors — sustained descents off Corral Creek and Copper Basin punish worn brakes.

    • Food and bottle access

      Two large bottle cages minimum. Many Baked Potato and Fully Loaded riders add a top-tube feed bag, and some add a hydration pack for long remote sectors.

    • Offline navigation and backup battery

      Download the official GPX offline. Cell coverage cannot be assumed. Carry a backup battery for your head unit or phone on Fully Loaded and QSR days.

    • Sun and altitude protection

      SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm with SPF, cap under the helmet, sunglasses with tinted lenses. High-altitude UV is stronger than lowland forecasts suggest.

    • Wind / thermal / rain layers

      Cool mornings, exposed high points and possible storms make a packable rain shell, gilet or arm warmers a real safety item on Fully Loaded and QSR days.

    • Identification, phone and emergency calories

      Photo ID, emergency contact taped inside a jersey pocket, phone with backup battery, and 30–50% more calories than you plan to use.

    Training for Rebecca’s Private Idaho

    • Volume ramp

      Successful Baked Potato finishers typically build to 10–14 hours per week for 10–14 weeks pre-race, with the final long ride 3 weeks out and a 2-week taper.

    • Long rides

      Progress long rides toward 5–8 hours on gravel with 5,000–8,000+ ft of climbing. At least two rides should closely mimic expected race duration and sustained climbing.

    • Threshold and tempo

      Weekly threshold work (2× 20 min or 3× 15 min at 90–100% FTP) plus one long tempo block (60–90 min at 85%) for 8–10 weeks. Long climbs reward steady sustainable power.

    • Sustained climbing simulation

      One weekly session with a 30–60 minute sustained climb (indoor or outdoor) trains the exact energy system Corral Creek demands.

    • Gravel handling

      One weekly ride on similar surface trains cornering, line choice on loose gravel and safe descending under fatigue.

    • Nutrition rehearsal

      Every long ride is a fueling rehearsal. Target 70–100 g/hr of carbohydrate on 4+ hour rides to train the gut for race intake.

    • Altitude preparation

      If possible, arrive early to expose the body to altitude. Heat and altitude training tools exist but require guidance — do not experiment for the first time in race week.

    Race-day morning timeline

    T-4 hWake, coffee, first breakfast (1–2 g/kg CHO) from familiar low-fiber foods. Hydrate 17 fl oz with sodium.
    T-2 hSecond small feed (~50 g CHO). Chamois cream, sunscreen, kit on with expected morning layer.
    T-90 minBike check — pressure, brakes, computer, bottles loaded, top-tube bag stocked. Confirm route sync and offline GPX.
    T-45 minRide or drive to the start. Sip 7–10 fl oz sports drink. Restroom.
    T-20 minFirst caffeine dose (if used). Final layering call. Confirm HR / power start plan with yourself.
    T-5 minHalf a gel. Breathe. Commit to a conservative first hour.
    GunStart times per the final Rider Guide (current guidance: Fully Loaded 7:00 AM, Baked Potato 7:30 AM, French Fry 8:00 AM, Tater Tot 8:30 AM — subject to change). Cap effort in the first hour — do not chase early moves.

    Packing list

    Bike

    • Race bike (fully serviced 2 weeks out)
    • Two large bottle cages
    • Top-tube feed bag
    • Computer + fresh mount
    • Route synced and offline GPX downloaded

    Nutrition

    • Gels / chews / drink mix for expected time on course + 30% buffer
    • 2–3 caffeine doses (if used)
    • Two solid items (rice cakes, bars)
    • Pre-race breakfast supplies
    • Post-race recovery drink + real meal

    Hydration

    • Two large bottles
    • Concentrated drink mix rehearsed in training
    • Electrolyte tabs for backup
    • Hydration pack for long remote sectors on BP / FL

    Clothing

    • Short-sleeve jersey + bibs
    • Arm warmers or light gilet for cool starts and high points
    • Full-finger or ¾ gloves
    • Cap under helmet
    • Sunglasses (clear + tinted lenses)

    Weather gear

    • SPF 50+ sunscreen
    • Lip balm with SPF
    • Packable rain shell for storm risk on FL / QSR days

    Tools & spares

    • 2× CO₂ + inflator
    • Mini pump
    • Tire plug kit
    • Spare tube
    • Tire lever
    • Multi-tool with chain breaker
    • Chain quick link
    • Spare derailleur hanger
    • Chain lube

    Lights & visibility

    • Front light with backup power
    • Rear light
    • Reflective ankle bands or vest for late finishers or QSR mornings

    Documents & logistics

    • Final 2026 Rider Guide printout
    • Race number + timing chip
    • Photo ID
    • Emergency contact taped inside jersey pocket
    • Written stop plan taped to top tube

    Registration & lottery

    Every entry route into the Rebecca’s Private Idaho, from the annual lottery to qualifier races, coaching-program slots and charity entries.

    • Official registration

      Register through the official Rebecca’s Private Idaho website. The 2026 format is mix-and-match: pick one, two or three stages in any combination across the Wednesday Harriman stage, the Thursday Dollarhide stage and one of the four Saturday routes (Tater Tot, French Fry, Baked Potato or Fully Loaded). Confirm current-year process, pricing and deadlines on the official RPI site.

    • Choose the right route

      Tater Tot (18.9 mi / 1,325 ft) is the entry point. French Fry (57.4 mi / 3,974 ft) is a serious mountain gravel day. Baked Potato (104 mi / 6,902 ft) is the flagship route. Fully Loaded (118.3 mi / 7,779 ft) extends BP with the Copper Basin extension for experienced ultra-distance riders. Harriman (35.6 mi singletrack/doubletrack) and Dollarhide (50 mi ride with a 4.5 mi TT) can be added in any combination for a multi-day race week.

    Getting there, lodging & logistics

    Airports, lodging, packet pickup, parking and crew access for the Rebecca’s Private Idaho.

    • Getting there

      Fly into Sun Valley (SUN) for closest access or into Boise (BOI) with a longer drive. Rent a car — you will need it for lodging, packet pickup and getting to the daily start lines (Baker Creek, Limelight, Champion Meadows).

    • Lodging

      Options in Ketchum, Sun Valley and Hailey. The Limelight Hotel in Ketchum is the official host hotel and Thursday start venue — booking there simplifies race-week logistics. Confirm the elevation of your lodging — it matters for altitude planning.

    • Packet pickup and rider meetings

      QSR check-in: Tue 4:00–6:30 PM at the Limelight. Wed Harriman kit: 7:45–8:45 AM at Baker Creek. Thu Dollarhide kit: 7:30–8:30 AM at the Limelight. Fri: same-day rider check-in at Champion Meadows (Vendor Expo 11:00 AM–4:00 PM) and Rider Meeting at 3:15 PM. Sat main event: same-day check-in and bag drop 6:30–8:00 AM at Champion Meadows.

    • Full 2026 race-week schedule

      Tue 9/9: QSR mandatory meeting 4:00–4:30 PM + check-in 4:30–6:30 PM at the Limelight. Wed 9/10: Harriman kit pickup 7:45–8:45 AM at Baker Creek, stage rollout 9:00 AM, Brats & Bevies awards 5:00–6:00 PM at Rotary Park (Ketchum). Thu 9/11: Dollarhide kit 7:30–8:30 AM at Limelight, rollout 9:00 AM (Washington Street), Be Good Foundation Party 6:00–8:30 PM at Forest Service Park (new 2026 location, next to Limelight). Fri 9/12: Be Good shakeout ride 8:30–10:00 AM at Champion Meadows (no-drop, free), Vendor Expo 11:00 AM–4:00 PM, Potato Olympics skills competition 11:30 AM–1:00 PM, Rider Meeting 3:15 PM. Sat 9/13: check-in and bag drop 6:30–8:00 AM at Champion Meadows, starts Fully Loaded 7:00 / Baked Potato 7:30 / French Fry 8:00 / Tater Tot 8:30 AM, public festival 10 AM–5 PM, awards 3:30 PM. All times subject to the final Rider Guide.

    • Crew and outside assistance

      Verify current-year crew, drop-bag and outside-assistance rules in the final 2026 Rider Guide before planning support. Do not reuse 2025 logistics.

    What most riders get wrong

    • 01

      Surging in the first hour

      The rollout out of Ketchum feels controllable and everyone accelerates hard. Repeated over-threshold efforts in the first hour burn glycogen you cannot replace and set up a rough Corral Creek climb.

    • 02

      Under-carrying fluid between stops

      Long remote sectors leave hours between reliable water. A single bottle empties in 60 minutes — plan for what you carry, not what you hope to find.

    • 03

      Treating altitude casually

      Riders from low elevations often under-plan the first two hours, sleep and hydration. Cap early intensity and monitor perceived effort against HR, not average speed.

    • 04

      Ignoring the temperature swing

      Cool mornings and warm afternoons trap riders into leaving layers behind or overheating on climbs. A packable gilet or arm warmers is a small weight penalty and a large safety benefit.

    • 05

      New products or new setup on race day

      Long time-on-course and altitude amplify GI risk. Race only what you have trained with — nutrition, tires, pressure, saddle, shorts.

    • 06

      Skipping late-race calories on the descent

      The extended descent off Corral Creek feels like recovery. Riders who stop fueling here bonk in the late return — keep sipping and take one gel before the last climb.

    • 07

      No stop-time budget

      The day is longer than moving time. Riders who spend 15–20 minutes at each rest stop leak an hour of daylight and margin — write a target for each stop before race day.

    • 08

      Reusing 2025 logistics as 2026 fact

      The current 2026 Rider Guide explicitly warns that much of the content below its opening section is outdated 2025 information. Do not plan support, cutoffs or start times off last year — confirm from the final 2026 Rider Guide.

    Race history & culture

    • Rebecca’s home race

      Founded by pro cyclist Rebecca Rusch, Rebecca’s Private Idaho has become one of the flagship gravel events on the calendar, based out of Sun Valley, Idaho and organized by Bike Monkey.

    • Redesigned for 2026

      The Baked Potato and Fully Loaded routes are new for 2026, adding sustained climbing over Corral Creek Summit and the Copper Basin extension.

    • Not just one race

      RPI is a full race week with 19 route/stage combinations, from the introductory Tater Tot to the multi-day Queen Stage Race.

    Why generic fueling plans don't work for Rebecca’s Private Idaho

    Two riders on the same start line can need very different fueling. FTP, target finish time, body mass, sweat rate, temperature, altitude adaptation, nutrition products and race goals all change the answer. A generic 60 g/hr recommendation is a starting point, not a plan.

    • FTP
    • Finish time
    • Body weight
    • Sweat rate
    • Weather
    • Products
    • Goals
    • Course

    Related FuelQ resources

    Free calculators, checklists and articles to help you personalize your Rebecca’s Private Idaho plan.

    Related content

    Frequently asked questions

    Download the Printable Rebecca’s Private Idaho 2026 Race Guide

    Get a practical planning document with the course breakdown, aid-station strategy, fueling and hydration worksheets, race-morning timeline, equipment checklist, crew notes, and space for your own plan.

    Generic fueling plans don't work for Rebecca’s Private Idaho.

    Every athlete is different. FTP, finish time, body weight, sweat rate, weather, nutrition preferences and race goals all change what you should eat and drink.

    FuelQ Pro builds a personalized race fueling strategy tuned to your ride — carbohydrate, hydration, sodium, caffeine and recovery, mapped to the course.

    Start with the free checklist

    A Race Fueling Plan gives you a personalized strategy for this event. The free checklist helps you prepare the basics first: race-week setup, 48-hour prep, race morning, hydration, sodium, caffeine, aid stations, and backup calories.