Cycling Events in California | Bike Races & Tours
Cycling events in California offer riders a chance to explore some of the most scenic landscapes in the country while staying active. From competitive races like the Amgen Tour of California to relaxed community rides and charity tours, there are options for all skill levels.
Cyclists can ride along coastal highways, through mountain passes, or across vibrant city routes, each offering unique views and challenges. Many events include well-supported routes, rest stops, and festive finish areas that enhance the experience.
Whether you’re a serious cyclist or a casual rider, California’s cycling events provide a fun and rewarding way to enjoy the outdoors and connect with a passionate biking community.
Featured Events
The Diversity of California Cycling
California’s cycling scene reflects the state’s incredible geographic and cultural diversity. You can experience:
- Road races: Mass-start competitions on paved roads
- Criteriums: Short, fast races on closed circuits
- Time trials: Individual races against the clock
- Stage races: Multi-day events combining multiple disciplines
- Gran fondos: Mass-participation endurance rides
- Century rides: 100-mile recreational challenges
- Mountain bike races: Cross-country, downhill, and enduro
- Cyclocross: Mixed terrain races with obstacles
- Gravel races: Long-distance events on unpaved roads
- Track racing: Velodrome competition
This guide covers major cycling races throughout California, from professional to amateur, road to dirt.
Major Professional Stage Races
California’s multi-day stage races attract top professional teams from around the world.
Tour of California (Historical)
The largest professional cycling race in the United States, the Tour of California attracted WorldTour teams and top international stars from 2006 to 2019. While discontinued, its legacy remains important in California cycling history.
- Location: Various cities throughout California
- Series: UCI WorldTour
- Dates: May
- Format: 8-day stage race
- Highlights: Eight days of racing, California scenery, international field.
Tour of California Women’s Race: A women’s edition ran alongside the men’s race in later years.
Amgen Tour of California Challenge Rides: When the race existed, these gran fondo events allowed amateurs to ride portions of the professional race route.
Redlands Bicycle Classic (Redlands)
This prestigious stage race in Redlands has been running since 1985. It attracts top domestic and international teams and is one of the most important races on the American calendar.
- Location: Redlands
- Series: USA Cycling Pro Road Tour
- Typical Date: March/April
- Format: Multi-day stage race with criterium, road race, time trial
- Highlights: Historic race, competitive field, Southern California scenery.
Race Categories: Men’s and women’s professional fields, plus amateur categories.
Stage 1: Time Trial: A challenging individual time trial.
Stage 2: Criterium: A fast, technical circuit through downtown Redlands.
Stage 3: Road Race: The queen stage with challenging climbs.
Redlands Classic History: The race has launched the careers of many top American cyclists.
San Dimas Stage Race (San Dimas)
This three-day stage race in the San Gabriel Valley includes a time trial, road race, and criterium. It is a popular early-season event.
- Location: San Dimas
- Series: USA Cycling
- Typical Date: February
- Format: Three-day stage race
- Highlights: Early season competition, diverse stages, SoCal weather.
San Dimas Stages: Time trial, road race, and criterium.
San Dimas History: The race has been running for decades.
Major Criteriums
Criteriums are short, fast races on closed circuits, often in city centers.
Manhattan Beach Grand Prix (Manhattan Beach)
This prestigious criterium runs through the streets of Manhattan Beach. It attracts top professional teams and is one of the most popular events in Southern California.
- Location: Manhattan Beach
- Series: USA Cycling Pro Road Tour
- Typical Date: August
- Format: Criterium
- Highlights: Beach setting, high speeds, pro field, community atmosphere.
Manhattan Beach Course: A fast, technical circuit with tight corners.
Professional and Amateur Categories: Multiple races throughout the day.
Manhattan Beach History: The race has been running for decades.
San Rafael Sunset Criterium (San Rafael)
This popular NorCal criterium takes place in July.
- Location: San Rafael
- Series: USA Cycling
- Typical Date: July
- Format: Criterium
- Highlights: Marin County, fast racing, evening atmosphere.
Claremont Criterium (Claremont)
This SoCal criterium is a popular early-season event.
- Location: Claremont
- Series: USA Cycling
- Typical Date: January
- Format: Criterium
- Highlights: Early season racing, college town setting.
Torrance Criterium (Torrance)
A fast, flat criterium in the South Bay.
- Location: Torrance
- Series: USA Cycling
- Typical Date: April
- Format: Criterium
- Highlights: Fast course, beach cities.
Ontario Criterium (Ontario)
This criterium at Ontario Mills attracts a strong field.
- Location: Ontario
- Series: USA Cycling
- Typical Date: February
- Format: Criterium
- Highlights: Fast course, SoCal racing.
Sacramento Criterium (Sacramento)
A popular NorCal criterium.
- Location: Sacramento
- Series: USA Cycling
- Typical Date: Various
- Format: Criterium
- Highlights: Capital city, fast racing.
Berkeley Criterium (Berkeley)
A challenging criterium with a hill.
- Location: Berkeley
- Series: USA Cycling
- Typical Date: Various
- Format: Criterium
- Highlights: College town, challenging course.
San Jose Criterium (San Jose)
A fast criterium in Silicon Valley.
- Location: San Jose
- Series: USA Cycling
- Typical Date: Various
- Format: Criterium
- Highlights: Tech hub, fast racing.
Santa Barbara Criterium (Santa Barbara)
A scenic criterium along the coast.
- Location: Santa Barbara
- Series: USA Cycling
- Typical Date: Various
- Format: Criterium
- Highlights: Coastal views, beautiful setting.
Major Road Races
Traditional road races on open roads.
Bariani Road Race (Sacramento)
This popular Northern California road race attracts a strong field.
- Location: Sacramento area
- Series: USA Cycling
- Typical Date: March
- Format: Road race
- Highlights: NorCal cycling, competitive racing.
Snelling Road Race (Merced)
Another classic NorCal road race with a long history.
- Location: Merced area
- Series: USA Cycling
- Typical Date: February
- Format: Road race
- Highlights: Flat, fast course, early season racing.
Berkeley Hills Road Race (Berkeley)
This challenging NorCal classic features the infamous “Three Bears” climbs.
- Location: Berkeley
- Series: USA Cycling
- Typical Date: April
- Format: Road race
- Highlights: Hills, challenging course, East Bay scenery.
Three Bears: Three challenging climbs that often decide the race.
Wente Vineyards Road Race (Livermore)
A popular road race in wine country.
- Location: Livermore
- Series: USA Cycling
- Typical Date: Various
- Format: Road race
- Highlights: Wine country, rolling hills.
Pescadero Road Race (Pescadero)
A challenging race on the Northern California coast.
- Location: Pescadero
- Series: USA Cycling
- Typical Date: Various
- Format: Road race
- Highlights: Coastal scenery, challenging terrain.
Copperopolis Road Race (Copperopolis)
A notoriously difficult race in the Sierra foothills.
- Location: Copperopolis
- Series: USA Cycling
- Typical Date: Various
- Format: Road race
- Highlights: Hills, challenging course, Sierra foothills.
Major Time Trials
Races against the clock.
Folsom Cyclebration Time Trial (Folsom)
This Northern California time trial is part of a larger cycling festival.
- Location: Folsom
- Series: USA Cycling
- Typical Date: September
- Format: Individual time trial
- Highlights: Against the clock, Folsom Lake scenery.
Calaveras Time Trial (Calaveras County)
A challenging time trial in the Sierra foothills.
- Location: Calaveras County
- Series: USA Cycling
- Typical Date: April
- Format: Individual time trial
- Highlights: Hilly course, beautiful scenery.
Nevada City Time Trial (Nevada City)
A challenging time trial in the Gold Country.
- Location: Nevada City
- Series: USA Cycling
- Typical Date: Various
- Format: Individual time trial
- Highlights: Historic town, challenging course.
Major Gran Fondos and Century Rides
Mass-participation events for amateur cyclists.
Levi’s GranFondo (Santa Rosa)
Founded by professional cyclist Levi Leipheimer, this event draws thousands of riders to Sonoma County. It features multiple route options through stunning scenery.
- Location: Santa Rosa
- Distances: Various routes (up to 100+ miles)
- Typical Date: October
- Highlights: Sonoma County, redwoods, coastal views, professional rider attendance.
GranFondo Course: The long route includes challenging climbs like King Ridge and the Pacific Coast.
Medio Fondo: A medium-distance option.
Piccolo Fondo: A shorter, family-friendly option.
Levi Leipheimer’s Presence: The former pro often rides and mingles with participants.
King Ridge GranFondo (Santa Rosa)
This challenging ride through Sonoma County’s most beautiful roads is a bucket-list event for many cyclists. It is now part of Levi’s GranFondo.
- Location: Santa Rosa
- Distances: Various
- Typical Date: October
- Highlights: King Ridge climb, coastal views, redwoods.
Gran Fondo Giro d’Italia (San Diego)
This Italian-themed gran fondo in San Diego attracts thousands of riders.
- Location: San Diego
- Distances: Various routes
- Typical Date: April/May
- Highlights: Italian theme, San Diego scenery, supported ride.
Gran Fondo Course: Challenging routes through San Diego County.
Medio Fondo: Medium distance.
Piccolo Fondo: Short, family-friendly ride.
Wave of Hope Gran Fondo (Ojai)
This gran fondo in beautiful Ojai supports charity.
- Location: Ojai
- Distances: Various routes
- Typical Date: October
- Highlights: Ojai Valley, wine country, charity ride.
Solvang Century (Solvang)
This popular century ride through the Santa Ynez Valley features wine country scenery and rolling hills.
- Location: Solvang
- Distances: Century (100 miles) and metric century (100 km)
- Typical Date: March
- Highlights: Danish town, wine country, rolling hills.
Solvang Double Century: A 200-mile option for ultra-distance enthusiasts (though less common now).
Death Valley Century (Death Valley National Park)
This extreme century ride takes place in Death Valley National Park in March, avoiding summer heat. It is challenging due to the remote location and desert environment.
- Location: Death Valley National Park
- Distances: Century and metric century
- Typical Date: March
- Highlights: Desert scenery, extreme environment, Furnace Creek.
- Death Valley Double Century: A 200-mile option.
Tour de Big Bear (Big Bear Lake)
This challenging century ride in the San Bernardino Mountains features significant climbing.
- Location: Big Bear Lake
- Distances: Century and metric century
- Typical Date: September
- Highlights: Mountain scenery, altitude, climbing.
Davis Bike Club Double Century (Davis)
For ultra-distance enthusiasts, this 200-mile ride near Davis is a major challenge.
- Location: Davis area
- Distance: 200 miles
- Typical Date: April
- Highlights: Ultra-distance, flat terrain, Sacramento Valley.
Terrible Two (Sonoma County)
This legendary double century (200 miles) with 18,000 feet of climbing is one of the most challenging rides in California. It is not a race but a personal challenge.
- Location: Sonoma County
- Distance: 200 miles
- Typical Date: June
- Highlights: Extreme climbing, coastal views, personal challenge.
Central Coast Double Century: A challenging double century on the Central Coast.
Eastern Sierra Double Century: A high-altitude double century in the Eastern Sierra.
Major Mountain Bike Races
California’s mountains offer world-class mountain bike racing.
Sea Otter Classic (Monterey)
The Sea Otter Classic is the world’s largest cycling festival. It features professional and amateur mountain bike racing, road racing, and a massive expo. It takes place at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca in April.
- Location: WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, Monterey
- Distances: Various mountain bike and road races
- Typical Date: April
- Highlights: Massive expo, all disciplines, professional and amateur racing, festival atmosphere.
Mountain Bike Cross-Country: Professional and amateur XC racing.
Mountain Bike Downhill: High-speed descending on the famous track.
Short Track: Intense, short-duration racing.
Dual Slalom: Side-by-side racing.
Road Racing: Criteriums and road races.
Gravel Racing: Mixed-terrain events.
Expo: Hundreds of vendors showcasing the latest gear.
Downieville Classic (Downieville)
This legendary mountain bike event in the Sierra Nevada features a downhill race and cross-country race. It is one of the most famous mountain bike races in the world.
- Location: Downieville
- Distances: Downhill, cross-country
- Typical Date: August
- Highlights: Sierra scenery, legendary course, mountain bike culture.
Downieville All-Mountain World Championship: The combined time from both races determines the overall winner.
Downhill Course: 17 miles of descending from the Sierra Buttes to Downieville.
Cross-Country Course: Challenging climbing and singletrack.
Mammoth Mountain Kamikaze Bike Games (Mammoth Lakes)
This legendary event at Mammoth Mountain features downhill, cross-country, and enduro racing. It has been running for decades.
- Location: Mammoth Mountain
- Distances: Various
Typical - Date: August/September
- Highlights: Downhill racing, mountain scenery, historic event.
Kamikaze Downhill: The famous downhill race down the mountain.
Cross-Country: High-altitude XC racing.
Enduro: Multi-stage timed descending.
Tahoe Trail 100 (Lake Tahoe)
This 100-mile mountain bike race around Lake Tahoe is a major endurance challenge.
- Location: Lake Tahoe
- Distance: 100 miles
- Typical Date: August
- Highlights: Lake Tahoe scenery, high altitude, endurance challenge.
Big Bear Mountain Bike Races (Big Bear Lake)
Big Bear hosts various mountain bike events throughout the year, including cross-country and downhill races.
- Location: Big Bear Lake
- Distances: Various
- Typical Date: Throughout year
- Highlights: Mountain scenery, SoCal mountain biking.
NorCal High School Mountain Bike League Races
This league hosts races throughout Northern California for high school teams. It is a great way to see future stars.
- Locations: Various Northern California venues
- Series: NorCal High School Cycling League
- Typical Date: Spring and Fall
- Highlights: Youth racing, team competition, future stars.
SoCal High School Mountain Bike League Races
Similar to NorCal, this league hosts races throughout Southern California.
- Locations: Various Southern California venues
- Series: SoCal High School Cycling League
- Typical Date: Spring and Fall
- Highlights: Youth racing, team competition, future stars.
Major Cyclocross Races
Cyclocross season runs from fall through winter.
CXLA (Los Angeles)
This cyclocross series hosts races in the Los Angeles area during fall.
- Location: Various Los Angeles area venues
- Series: CXLA
- Typical Date: September-December
- Format: Cyclocross
- Highlights: SoCal cyclocross, technical courses.
Sacramento Cyclocross Series
Several cyclocross events in the Sacramento area during fall.
- Location: Various Sacramento area venues
- Series: Sacramento Cyclocross
- Typical Date: September-December
- Format: Cyclocross
- Highlights: NorCal cyclocross.
Bay Area Super Prestige Cyclocross Series
This long-running series hosts races throughout the Bay Area in fall.
- Location: Various Bay Area venues
- Series: Bay Area Super Prestige
- Typical Date: September-December
- Format: Cyclocross
- Highlights: NorCal cyclocross, competitive fields.
SoCalCross Prestige Series
This series hosts cyclocross races throughout Southern California from September through December.
- Location: Various Southern California venues
- Series: SoCalCross
- Typical Date: September-December
- Format: Cyclocross
- Highlights: SoCal cyclocross, series competition.
Major Gravel Races
Gravel racing is growing rapidly in California.
Grasshopper Adventure Series (Northern California)
This series of gravel and mixed-terrain rides in Northern California is legendary among gravel enthusiasts. Events include the “Grasshopper,” “Pine Flat,” and others.
- Location: Various Northern California locations
- Distances: Various
- Typical Date: Throughout year
- Highlights: Gravel riding, beautiful scenery, challenging routes.
Grasshopper (Ojai): The original Grasshopper event, now in Ojai.
Pine Flat: A challenging gravel race in Sonoma County.
Bohemian Highway: A mixed-terrain event.
Lost and Found (Nevada City)
This popular gravel race in the Sierra Nevada foothills features significant climbing and beautiful scenery.
- Location: Nevada City
- Distance: 100 miles, 65 miles
- Typical Date: June
- Highlights: Sierra foothills, gravel roads, climbing.
RADL GRVL (Sacramento)
While primarily a gravel race, this event attracts gravel enthusiasts.
- Location: Sacramento area
- Distances: Various
- Typical Date: Various
- Format: Gravel
- Highlights: Gravel racing, Sacramento region.
Belgian Waffle Ride (San Diego County)
This unique event combines gravel, dirt, and paved roads in a challenging format inspired by European spring classics.
- Location: San Diego County
- Distance: Various
- Typical Date: April/May
- Highlights: Unique format, challenging course, San Diego scenery.
Major Track Cycling Events
Track racing on velodromes.
VELO Sports Center (Carson)
The VELO Sports Center at the StubHub Center is a world-class indoor velodrome. It hosts local, national, and international track cycling events.
- Location: Carson
- Facility: 250-meter indoor velodrome
- Typical Events: Local racing, national championships, international competitions.
ADT Event Center Track Racing: Regular local track racing.
USA Cycling Track National Championships: Often held at Carson.
Hellyer Park Velodrome (San Jose)
This outdoor velodrome in San Jose hosts local track racing.
- Location: San Jose
- Facility: Outdoor velodrome
- Typical Events: Local racing, weekly events.
Encino Velodrome (Encino)
This outdoor velodrome in the San Fernando Valley hosts local track racing.
- Location: Encino
- Facility: Outdoor velodrome
- Typical Events: Local racing.
California’s Cycling Paradise
California offers cyclists and cycling fans an unparalleled variety of events. From the world-class professional competitions of the Redlands Classic to the mass-participation joy of Levi’s GranFondo, from the legendary mountain bike trails of Downieville to the velodromes of Carson, there is something for every two-wheeled enthusiast.
The state’s diverse geography provides everything from flat coastal routes to grueling mountain climbs, from technical criteriums to long-distance gravel adventures. Its perfect climate allows for year-round cycling in many regions.
Planning Your Cycling Race Experience
Make the most of your cycling race experience with these tips.
For Participants
- Register Early: Popular events like Levi’s GranFondo and Sea Otter sell out months in advance.
- Train Appropriately: Choose an event that matches your fitness level.
- Check Course Difficulty: Some events are flat and fast; others are extremely hilly.
- Prepare Your Bike: Ensure your bike is in good working order before race day.
- Pack Properly: Bring nutrition, hydration, tools, and spare tubes.
- Arrive Early: Give yourself time for parking, check-in, and warm-up.
- Follow Etiquette: Ride predictably, communicate with others, and respect traffic laws.
- Have Fun: Enjoy the experience and the scenery.
For Spectators
- Check Schedules: Know when and where to see the action.
- Arrive Early: Get a good spot, especially at criteriums and finishes.
- Bring Sun Protection: California sun is intense. Hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses are vital.
- Bring Water: Stay hydrated.
- Cheer Loudly: Riders appreciate spectator support.
- Learn the Race: Understanding the format and strategies enhances the experience.
Two Wheels, Golden State | Cycling Races Across California
Whether you are a competitive racer, a gran fondo rider, a mountain biker, or a spectator, California’s cycling scene welcomes you. The whir of wheels, the camaraderie of the peloton, the thrill of competition. It’s all here.
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