Rocky Mountain Games: outdoor sports and culture festival in Campos do Jordão, SP

Mountain bike

For cyclists, the Rocky Mountain Games Campos do Jordão offers 25 km and 50 km mountain bike (MTB) routes with positive elevation gains of 1,245 m and 2,052 m, plus a gravel competition, a growing discipline in Brazil, with a route of about 40 km using hybrid bikes.

Athlete Wagner Quirino has participated in all Rocky Mountain Games stages. In Campos do Jordão, he rode the 50 km route. “I really like the course. There are lots of trails, plus very technical ascents and descents—everything mountain bikers love! We pass through beautiful valleys with views of the mountains. The place is gorgeous, and the weather helps.”

In the 2024 edition, the festival added the E-MTB competition, with a specific route and categories adapted for different types of electric bikes. The event, with a 50 km course, allows cyclists to use pedal-assist bikes.

Another highlight of the Rocky Mountain Games program is the Desafio Rocky, a combination of trail running and mountain biking, with 10 km of running and 25 km of cycling.

What makes the Rocky Mountain Games a unique experience?

With the aim of offering a complete experience for the whole family, the Rocky Mountain Games stands out for its stunning natural scenery, varied routes, and complete infrastructure for participants.

“I like all the experiences the event offers, from the arena structure to the race kit pickup and post-event services. Also, the location is very accessible and provides an amazing day with friends,” says Alexandre Gonçalves. Another positive point highlighted by the athlete is the course marking with ribbons and direction signs, plus the availability of the GPX file to download to your watch.

For Naraliza, canicross runner, the greenery of the location makes it even more beautiful. She also highlights meeting people from all backgrounds and the experiences in the arena. “I’ve never participated in such a complete event.”

Immersive nature experiences

View of the Serra da Mantiqueira: running or cycling with the Serra da Mantiqueira as your backdrop is pure inspiration for those wanting an immersive nature experience. Besides the mountain views, athletes pass through forests of araucaria trees.

Pico do Imbiri: one of the highest points of the race. At the end of a technical, rugged ascent, athletes reach a beautiful aerial view of Campos do Jordão. For those who love photos, the peak has a swing decorated with flowers!

Preserved areas: during the closed forest trails, runners pass through stretches surrounded by preserved native vegetation.

Support and sustainability during the competitions

Oasis: complete hydration point

In addition to the conventional hydration stations, athletes find two points along the course called Oasis, offering not just water and isotonic drinks, but also food like fruit, potatoes, and snacks.

Sustainability

To reduce environmental impact, the Rocky Mountain Games does not provide plastic cups, so athletes must bring their own hydration system to refill at the arena and along the course.

The festival organization also involves the Campos do Jordão community in setting up the routes, trail cleaning, and other staff activities.

RMG Arena: cultural activities for everyone

Located at Pinho Bravo Square, a listed site filled with characteristic regional trees, the RMG Arena brings together attractions for family, friends, and guests of the athletes. For two days, there are various music shows and outdoor cinema sessions showing mini-documentaries about outdoor sports and life. Food is provided by food trucks.

Every year, the arena’s experiences vary according to sponsors. Check out some highlights of the 2024 Campos do Jordão edition:

• Francis Recovery Tent: the special care brand offers massages and other services for athletes
• Porto Lounge: a perfect relaxation spot with plenty of shade and comfort
• Cerveza Patagonia: after the races, athletes get a cold beer and a choripán.
• Mombora Tent: each athlete can pick up their gel sachet, choosing from 19 different flavors. The brand stands out for its natural products made from native Brazilian fruits like cupuaçu, cajá, Cerrado vanilla, among others.

Go Outside Adventure Camp

An attraction that is a hit with parents who want to run or bike is the Go Outside Adventure Camp. While runners and cyclists compete, children aged 4 to 13 are guided by monitors in activities like trekking, map and compass reading, slackline, and lots of games.

How to Prepare Physically for the Rocky Mountain Games Campos do Jordão

You can’t talk about the Serra da Mantiqueira without mentioning ascents and descents! In addition to the elevation in Campos do Jordão, there are technical trail sections, especially for mountain bike athletes. But before focusing on big challenges, it’s crucial that you know your body and start preparing it months before the race.

Humberto Morais Graciano, athlete, founder, and sports manager of Elite Top Team, has been training athletes from various sports since 2007 and has already participated in the Rocky Mountain Games. At his training center, physical preparation goes beyond specific strength training. The first step is for trail runners and cyclists to go through a base period to get to know their body and habits. Only after this self-awareness are targeted trainings provided for the disciplines and races, considering their specific characteristics.

In his functional training method, Humberto works with the foundations of human performance, which is not about finishing first, but about gaining quality of life to work an eight-hour day, drive for hours, live longer with your children and, of course, finish competitions comfortably and safely.

“The Rocky Mountain Games is a festival I recommend to all my students. Although the Campos do Jordão races are a gateway for beginners, the courses are not that easy, as the uneven terrain and elevation bring challenges. Besides strength training, you need to have good nights of sleep, proper nutrition, know how to manage your stress, and gain experience on similar terrains,” explains Humberto.

Humberto Morais Graciano at the Rocky Mountain Games trail running race

According to the sports manager, the key factors for ideal training for both trail running and mountain biking involve:

Understanding the circadian cycle

What are your daily habits? What time do you wake up, have breakfast, and train, for example? According to Humberto, maintaining a routine, having discipline and consistency improve your body by 100% and, consequently, your performance in any competition.

“When we think about physical preparation, the first thing that comes to mind is sets and reps, without considering things like sleep quality, breathing, nutrition, habits, and routine. In sports, the actual training represents 10%. The other 90% involves your lifestyle,” explains the coach.

Know your body and control your habits

This includes evaluating sleep quality and quantity, stress management, nutrition, and hydration. “At this stage, it’s crucial to understand how and how much you’re sleeping, as well as your stress level. You can do this using watches or apps. Also, you need to know the quality and quantity of what you’re eating and understand the difference between food, nutrition, and supplementation. It’s also important to identify your inflammatory processes and how your gut works. Understanding all this is already part of the training,” says the sports manager.

Mobility, stability, movement patterns, and strength

After this initial alignment, Humberto moves on to training, which includes mobility, stability, movement patterns, and finally strength. “If I work on strength in a body that is unbalanced due to stress, sleep, or diet, it won’t be effective. Considering that Campos do Jordão terrains are varied, with ascents and descents, we start thinking about structural aspects. You need ankle mobility, strength, and reaction time,” he explains.

An important recommendation from Humberto is to pay attention to the scapular structure. “There’s a lot of talk about strengthening the core—hips, glutes, lower back, and abdomen—but there’s no point in strengthening these muscles if your shoulders are slumped, for example. So, it’s essential to do dorsal activation.”

Strength training: push, pull, squat, and lift

In the strength training he applies to his students, Humberto doesn’t use the conventional split of A, B, and C workouts but designs sessions that work the entire body.

“Our training foundation focuses on push (with bench press exercises and variations), pull (pull exercises, whether front or lateral), and squat and lift (jumps, change of direction, movement, stabilization, mobility). Within these movements, various workouts are done according to the athlete’s level.” The methodology comes from Humberto’s studies over the years.

Volume accumulation

Before moving on to training intensity, it’s necessary to accumulate volume for trail running and mountain biking competitions. “After a good period of volume, both in running and cycling, intensity workouts are added. If you don’t know how to run, for example, you’ll walk for an hour every day,” explains Humberto.

Physical Conditioning

Luiz Torres, athlete and coach at Explore Assessoria Esportiva, warns about the need for athletes to be well conditioned physically for both trail running and mountain bike races, especially for those used to road races. “You’ll probably take twice as long to complete the course at the Rocky Mountain Games Campos do Jordão due to the terrain variation and elevation gain. A rule of thumb I use with my trail students is to add 30 minutes to their road running time for every 500 m of elevation gain. So, if you already run 10 km on asphalt, it’s best to choose the 6 km race,” says Luiz, who has run the festival’s 21 km race.

Luiz Torres on the 21 km course at the Rocky Mountain Games

The coach recommends that people living in cities like São Paulo train twice a week on the road, including speed variations, uphill and downhill segments. The third weekly session can be done on trails nearby, such as Pico do Jaraguá, Pedra Grande (in Atibaia), parks in Mairiporã and Campinas, for example.

“In São Paulo, you can also train in parks like Alfredo Volpi; Burle Marx, which has a small trail; as well as the outer area of Ibirapuera Park, which allows for a single track,” suggests Luiz.

Before participating in the Rocky Mountain Games Campos do Jordão, cyclist Wagner Quirino switches his routine training on dirt roads and open fields to trails. “Since it’s a technical race, this training helps you finish strong and avoid getting, as we say, stiff arms during the descents.”
Another point highlighted by Luiz Torres is that athletes should develop the habit of hydrating and eating during activities, as the time spent moving on the trail will be longer.

Canicross: preparation for the athlete and their dog

In canicross races, strength training is essential and should be frequent to prevent injuries to the handler, since the effort of running in a duo is greater. To keep up with her dog Benê, Naraliza Restani does weight training and cross-training, with plyometric and balance exercises.

Benê, on the other hand, has a training routine. “It’s essential to give direction to the dog and teach it how to engage in the run with you. Specific training strengthens the bond and understanding between dogs and humans,” explains Naraliza.
For those wanting to start running with their best friend, besides training, Naraliza advises encouraging the dog to do initial jogs to see how it behaves, testing its limits, as well as practicing complementary activities like swimming. Another tip from the athlete is to always check if the pet’s paws are injured or cracked.

Supplementation: how and when to use it at the Rocky Mountain Games

The choice and habit of using supplements vary according to each athlete’s body and routine. While gels have become common among trail runners, carbohydrate drinks are part of cyclists’ culture because they are easy to handle during mountain bike races.

Isabela Xavier, nutritionist at Mombora, recommends that during the Rocky Mountain Games competitions, athletes consume carbohydrate supplements after 35 to 40 minutes into the race. “This is when our body depletes all the muscle glycogen available for that sport. From then on, we start to tap into reserves, which lowers our performance capacity. The recommendation is to consume 60 to 120 ml of carbohydrates per hour during sports activities.”

She also advises athletes to adopt mindful consumption: “Read product labels. The Campos do Jordão stage of the Rocky Mountain Games is an amazing experience, and healthy eating is part of it. Ideally, choose products without additives and ultra-processed ingredients. Excess preservatives and flavors usually cause gastric discomfort.”

Mombora products, for example, are natural, made from native Brazilian fruits, and highly energetic. They are recommended for pre, intra, and post-training, and can be added to recipes and smoothies.

Mental preparation for the challenges of the Rocky Mountain Games Campos do Jordão

“A strong mind, an indestructible body.” This is one of the phrases displayed on the walls of Elite Top Team and it motivates many athletes to persevere through the challenges faced in competitions. At his training center, Humberto usually immerses students in the race through videos and course studies, even asking them to close their eyes and visualize themselves in different situations.

“Mental training includes anticipating everything the athlete might encounter during the race, and teaching them to manage stress by monitoring their heart rate. When it’s high, they need to stop and breathe until they control it,” explains the coach, who also exposes runners and cyclists to uncomfortable situations to prepare the mind for challenges.

Alexandre Gonçalves, a trail running athlete, emphasizes the importance of a strong mind to finish a race calmly. “You need to have a clear mind to get through the low moments, knowing that the high moments will come soon. Having a balanced mind also helps you understand what’s happening with your body and adjust strategies during the course according to each challenge.”

Self-awareness, according to the athlete, is also essential. “If my coach gave me the plan, but I know I’m not well enough to train hard that day, we negotiate. Knowing your body and mind is key.”

Alexandre Gonçalves

For coach Luiz Torres, knowing how to manage self-pressure is crucial for athletes. “I put a lot of pressure on myself and I talk about it with my therapist. We’re human beings and we need to understand that there’s a right time for pressure and times when we just need to enjoy without demanding so much from ourselves. By understanding this, you start enjoying the races and the experiences offered by the Rocky Mountain Games much more.”

What Equipment to Bring to the Rocky Mountain Games Campos do Jordão

Transformative outdoor experiences require quality equipment that ensures comfort and safety. Check out the mandatory and recommended items for trail running and mountain bike competitions:

Trail Running Equipment

Water supply during the Rocky Mountain Games is provided through large jugs and bottles, so runners must carry containers with a minimum capacity of 250 ml for the 6 km distance; 500 ml for the 12 km route; and 1 liter for the longer courses of 21 and 42 km.

Hydration backpacks or belts: choose the appropriate model for each type of race, considering the required capacity. In addition to water, you should carry your gear.

During the 21 km race in the Campos do Jordão stage, Alexandre Gonçalves and Luiz Torres used the Colete Mochila Fast 10L. Luiz also recommends the Colete Mochila Fast 5L.

Alexandre Gonçalves

Shoes: since it’s a race with dirt roads and few technical terrain sections, Alexandre recommends shoes with low grip, which allow for a faster run. If it rains on the day of the race or in the days leading up to it, a pair with higher grip is recommended for safety reasons. So, to choose the ideal model, it’s always good to check the weather conditions.

During the Rocky Mountain Games Campos do Jordão, Alexandre used the Speedgoat5 by Hoka.

Luiz Torres, a trail runner for 12 years, advises using shoes with medium grip, considering the route and the wetter environment of the Serra da Mantiqueira. “This grip provides traction both on asphalt and on wetter terrains.”

He recommends his students the Olympikus Corre Trilha shoes, which offer great value for money, as they are made locally.

Clothing: always opt for breathable fabrics known for quick drying. Windbreakers are recommended even during warmer seasons, as well as anoraks for long-distance races.

Alexandre uses the Jaqueta Anorak Andes X-LITE and the Corta-vento AEOLUS X-LITE, both by Kailash.

Pole: this equipment reduces the strain on your legs during climbs and is recommended for some races. Alexandre used the Bastão TREKKER KTR by Kailash.

The athlete also highlights the importance of thermal blankets in long races for emergencies. Carrying a whistle is also helpful to call for help when needed.

Other recommended items:

• Sunscreen and a cap to protect your face from the sun;
• Repellent;
• First aid kit: despite the comprehensive emergency support network provided by the event, it’s important to carry essential items.

Canicross Equipment

The mandatory items required for running with dogs are:

• Chest harness or Arnês;
• Elastic leash from 1.5 m to 2.5 m: “The elastic leash is very important to avoid jerks, especially at the start when the dogs sprint. It provides comfort for both the pet and the runner,” explains Naraliza;
• Belt so the handler can run hands-free: Naraliza recommends the traction belt, which is similar to a harness. “It pulls the handler’s hips forward, preventing lower back injuries.”

In addition to the mandatory items, Naraliza advises putting a collar on the dog for better control in an emergency.

The brands recommended by the athlete are: BRcani, which according to her is the most complete for canicross gear, Nostro Pet Canisport, and the imported brand Non-stop dogwear.

Mountain Bike Equipment

In addition to the hydration system, the mandatory items are a helmet, rear light (strobe light), sunglasses, and gloves.

Wagner emphasizes the safety provided by the helmet. “Some models look nice but aren’t sturdy during a fall.” The athlete recommends the S-Works by Specialized.

In addition to the mandatory items, he highlights the importance of the dropper seatpost on the bikes, which helps a lot on descents. “With it, you can position your body further back to perform maneuvers more safely and easily.”

Also remember to bring a first aid kit.

Where to Stay During the Rocky Mountain Games Campos do Jordão

Spending a weekend enjoying the attractions of Campos do Jordão makes the Rocky Mountain Games experience even more complete. Check out the hotels and inns that offer discounts for athletes and their families:

• Pousada do Conde
• Hotel Nacional Inn Campos do Jordão
• Annecy Pousada
• Hotel Boutique Quebra-Noz
• L.A.H Hostellerie
• Pousada Primavera Campos
• Pousada La Toscana
• Hotel Le Renard
• Pousada das Hortênsias
• Hotel Leão da Montanha
• Bendito Cacao Resort & Spa

Rocky Mountain Games Stages

Besides the Campos do Jordão stage, the Rocky Mountain Games holds two more festivals each year. In Atibaia, the competitions take place at Pedra Grande, an easily accessible spot offering excellent routes and views. In Juquitiba, the races are held on private property nestled in the Atlantic Forest, with trails prepared for trail running and mountain biking, and a reservoir that introduced swimming as a new sport in 2024.

“At each stage, we add a new sport. In 2024, Atibaia got hike and fly, while Juquitiba introduced swimming. The novelty in Campos do Jordão was the assisted electric bike,” says Fernanda Franco, the festival’s marketing and communication manager.

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