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 plenty of fun to be had. You can choose from one of our daily 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 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 newer drivers. 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, along with your personal skill level and experience. 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. If you choose to do a self-guided run, your suitability is up to your discretion.
Basic requirements:
- Four Wheel Drive Capable with Low Gear Option
- Front and Rear tow points
- Tire size limited to 40″
- NO trailered rigs or custom buggies (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?
- Three full days of guided trail rides on nearby 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 five minutes 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 other events, participation is open only by invite, referral, or friends of friends. Everyone must register online. No exceptions. |
| 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. It’s important to be realistic regarding your dog. If they are constant barkers, or not people friendly, or if they aren’t well socialized and 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 are NOT provided. Lots of people have special diets, or allergies, so it’s difficult to cater to everyone. Besides, one of the best things 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. 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 (cannabis based items) is allowed. However, impaired driving (by drugs or alcohol) 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. |
| Are there Self-Guided Options? | Yes, you are welcome to go off on your own and do your own thing without our Trail Guides leading the way. Make sure you fully prepared for any eventuality, but If you need help, we will do our best to send in whatever assistance you may require. |
| What if I breakdown on the trail? | Our trail guides will make every effort to perform trail repairs if possible. Don’t expect a warranty though. Trail repairs are done on an emergency basis and are the bare bones, band-aid solutions to get you off the trail. Not for on-road use. 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, nor our Trail Guides, or other participants, will be held responsible for any damages that result from trail repairs, or recoveries. These are extreme situations and everyone has to accept that. 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, and you don’t disturb anyone else. 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, plenty of water, etc. First-aid kits should already be in your vehicle. Don’t forget any prescription medications, and your EpiPens (if needed). 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). Please contact us directly, and early, so that arrangements can be made. |
| I have a seasonal campsite at MORP already, do I still have pay full price? | No. We’ll work something out. Contact us directly. |
| Are there Sponsorship options? | Yes of course! And we won’t charge you through the nose either. Send us an email regarding sponsorship opportunities. |
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
- Noise restrictions in place at 11pm
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 Afternoon/Evening
- Registration open at the event tent from 5pm to 9pm
- Guided Trail Runs return (we recommend refueling prior to returning to basecamp)
- 7pm to 7:30pm – Trail registration opens for following day
- Campfire (if weather allows)
- Noise restrictions in place at 11pm
Saturday Morning
- 9am – Participants joining guided trail runs to meet at Muster Stations
- 9:30am – Guided Trail Runs depart
Saturday Afternoon/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)
- Noise restrictions in place at 11pm
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!
