What is Rocks & Ruts?
The Rocks & Ruts Rally is a fun filled, and laid back weekend of like minded individuals who enjoy camping and off-roading. Come hang out with old friends, and make some new ones, while exploring trails on some of the worlds oldest rock…the Canadian Shield.
Trails range from beginner level to expert, so regardless of your skill level, there is a plenty of fun to be had. You can choose from one of our guided runs lead by our hand-picked and vetted Trail Guides, or if you want a bit more freedom, you can choose your own self guided adventure.
Trails are categorized by combining the local standard set by OF4WD and current local trail knowledge. All the trails used for the guided runs are pre-run and inspected by our team just prior to the event to ensure familiarity with current conditions.
If you are new to off-roading, we provide an Intro Run lead by our professional instructors, that are more suited to the newer driver. They will show you the essentials to get you through the trails. Our instructors are very knowledgeable, approachable, and willing to answer any questions that you may have.
Vehicle Requirements:
For our guided trail runs, we strongly recommend certain levels of vehicle build depending on the difficulty of the trail. When signing up for a trail, be sure to ask one of our experienced trail guides for recommendations based the capabilities of your vehicle and your skill level. Knowing your abilities is key and it’s important to not over-estimate them. We reserve the right to refuse vehicles which are unsuitable to the trail.
Vehicle requirements:
- Four Wheel Drive Capable with Low Gear Option
- Front and Rear tow points
- Tire size limited to 33″ to 40″
- NO trailered rigs (we don’t have the space for excess vehicle/trailer storage)
- Must be street legal, plated, and insured
What Do You Get with Your Registration Fees?
Activities:
- Three full days of guided trail rides on well maintained private trails
- Optional Off-Road 101 program for newer drivers, lead by our professional instructors
- Experienced trail guides to lead and assist along the guided runs
(all trail guides are hand-picked & vetted by us to ensure they possess the skills, knowledge, and the right personality for the job) - Saturday night campfire (weather permitting)
- A chance to win some great prizes donated by our sponsors
Registration will be shown here when ticket sales open
FAQs:
| Where is Rocks & Ruts? | The event will be at the Minden Off-Road Park located 5min away from the town of Minden, Ontario. |
| When is Rocks & Ruts? | Rocks & Ruts is on the second weekend of August. |
| Is this event open to the public? | Unfortunately no. Unlike at other events, participation is by invite, or referral only. |
| How hard are the guided trails? | Difficulty is subjective but we rank trails based on a combination of OF4WD rankings and first-hand trail knowledge, which may differ from the OF4WD rankings. With this in mind, trail difficulty ranges from level 2+ for the newer drivers, to level 4 for the more experienced drivers with built up rigs. |
| Are dogs allowed? | Yes of course, but they must be kept on a leash at all times and well socialized. It’s important to be realistic regarding your dog. If they are constant barkers, or not people friendly, or if they don’t get along well with other dogs, it would be best to not bring them. It’s not fair to them, or the other participants. You MUST clean up after your pet! Failure to do so could result in fines from the property owner. |
| Are children allowed? | Yes of course, but they must be kept on a leash at all times. 😉 We’re kidding! Yes of course they are welcome, but kids should be kept an eye on so that they don’t get injured. Your kids are your responsibility. |
| How are the bugs? | They bugs aren’t horrible this time of year but every year is different, so it’s best to be well prepared and pack plenty of your preferred bug repellent. |
| What’s the weather usually like? | This time of year can be very unpredictable. It’s generally quite warm but the nights can get chilly. If it’s a really hot summer, heavy summer storms can occur. |
| Are meals provided? | Meals aren’t provided. Lots of people have special diets, or allergies, so it’s difficult to cater to everyone. Besides, one of the best thing about camping are the cookouts. So bring your own food and your preferred way of cooking. Whether you like to roast wieners over a campfire, or throw some steaks on the BBQ, it’s all good, so bring whatever you want. Minden is only 5min away and there are lots of options in town for breakfast and dinner, and we can arrange for a discount should you choose to dine at the Dominion Hotel. |
| Is alcohol or drugs allowed? | Responsible consumption of alcohol or legal recreational drugs is allowed. However, drinking and driving is NOT allowed, and will not be tolerated…even on private property. If you are impaired by drugs or alcohol, and operate a vehicle, or behave in a disruptive manner, the event organizers along with the property owner reserves the right to call the police and evict you from the property. If consumption of alcohol or drugs is observed on the trails, you will be asked to leave immediately, and the police will be notified. |
| I have a seasonal campsite at MORP already, do I still have pay full price? | No. We’ll work something out. |
| Are there Sponsorship options? | Yes of course! And we won’t charge you through the nose either. Send us an email regarding sponsorship opportunities. |
| What if I breakdown on the trail? | Our trail guides will make every effort to perform trail repairs if possible. If repairs can’t be done in the field, every effort will be made to tow your vehicle to the trail head where you can make arrangements for a tow truck to collect it. We strongly recommend having a CAA+ membership in general because let’s face it…life happens. Especially if you drive a Jeep! 😉 |
| What should I bring to the event? | That’s a loaded question for sure. You can bring as much or as little as you want to make your time at the event enjoyable. So long as no laws are broken. Beyond your camping gear and food, we recommend being prepared for a wide range of weather and temperatures. Bring rain gear, flashlights, spare shoes in case they get wet, lots of bug repellant & sunscreen. First-aid kits should already be in your vehicle. Leave the drum kits at home. |
| Can I bring my RV (motorhome, travel trailer, pop-up camper, etc)? | Yes but depending on the size, special arrangements may be required (dedicated campsite). You will need to contact us directly and early so that arrangements can be made. |
Event Schedule:
Thursday Afternoon/Evening
- Arrival after 12pm to setup your campsites (first come, first served)
- Registration at the event tent from 12pm to 9pm
- Trail sign ups at the event tent for following day
- Mandatory meeting for Trail Guides at 7pm
Friday Morning
- Registration and sign up open till 8am
- Drivers meeting 8am at the event tent
- 9am – Participants joining guided trail runs to meet at Muster Stations
- 9:30am – Guided Trail Runs depart
Friday Evening
- Registration open at the event tent from 12pm to 9pm
- Guided Trail Runs return (we recommend refueling prior to returning to basecamp)
- 7pm – Trail registration opens for following day
- Campfire (if weather allows)
Saturday Morning
- 9am – Participants joining guided trail runs to meet at Muster Stations
- 9:30am – Guided Trail Runs depart
Saturday Evening
- Guided Trail Runs return (we recommend refueling prior to returning to basecamp)
- 7pm – Trail registration opens for following day
- 8pm – Prize draws
- Campfire (if weather allows)
Sunday Morning
- 9am – Participants joining guided trail runs to meet at Muster Stations
- 9:30am – Guided Trail Runs depart
Sunday Afternoon/Evening
- Guided Trail Runs return
- Pack-up & haul-out. Collect ALL your garbage and Leave No Trace
(you brought it in…you take it out) - Ensure you put this event in your calendar for next year!
