Century Rides in California
The comprehensive 2026 directory of 100-mile centuries, metric centuries (62 miles), and endurance cycling tours across California.
Cycling in California: Terrain & Route Overview
California is universally recognized as the crown jewel of American century riding, boasting more organized 100-mile events, gran fondos, and classic tours than any other state. The Golden State provides an unmatched variety of riding ecosystems: pedal alongside crashing Pacific surf on Highway 1, conquer leg-burning alpine ascents like Monitor and Tioga passes in the High Sierra, glide through sunlit vineyards in Napa and Sonoma, or cruise through Southern California's coastal beach communities. With legendary events like the Death Ride, Solvang Century, and Marin Century, California attracts cyclists from across the globe. Year-round Mediterranean weather along the coastline enables continuous training, while early summer through early autumn opens high-altitude mountain challenges surpassing 10,000 feet of elevation gain. Backed by exceptional road maintenance, thriving cycling clubs, and unparalleled farm-to-table finish festivals, California delivers the ultimate century cycling experience.
Terrain Characteristics: Pacific coastal highways, redwood rainforests, rolling wine valleys, and high Sierra alpine passes.
Riding Season & Weather: Year-round along coastal corridors; May through October for Sierra alpine routes.
π California Century Rides Map
40 Plotted Events2026 Central Coast Ride, Walk & Roll to Cure ALS
SeptemberThe 2026 Central Coast Ride, Walk & Roll to Cure ALS is an annual endurance event for the ALS community, featuring three cycling routes and a walk & roll route, with support from start to finish and finish line festivities.
3F Century
OctoberA Flat, Fast, and Fun bike ride through the pastoral scenery of Colusa and Sutter Counties with no hills, perfect for riders of all levels.
Bike City Century
MayAnnual spring century hosted in Bike City USA touring the flat, scenic farm roads and orchards of Yolo and Solano counties.
Bike MS: Waves to Wine
SeptemberPremier fundraising tour following the Pacific Coastline and winding inland into Sonoma County wine country.
Bike the Coast
OctoberA 100-mile ride along historic Highway 101 with breathtaking oceanfront views, celebrating the best of Southern California beaches and surf towns.
California Coast Classic
SeptemberEpic 8-day, 525-mile coastal tour down Highway 1 along dramatic cliffs, ocean vistas, and Big Sur.
California Coast Classic Bike Tour
SeptemberA 525-mile, self-paced cycling adventure from San Francisco to Los Angeles, pedaling along California's iconic Highway 1, through stunning scenery and coastal towns.
Cherry Lake Challenge
OctoberDemanding wilderness climbing challenge deep in Stanislaus National Forest leading toward Cherry Lake.
Civilized Century
AugustA 'Century' is 100 miles with shorter routes available. The course offers scenic views of the Peninsula Bay Area, a jaunt across Dumbarton Bridge, loop around Facebook/Meta campus, and a few hidden trails.
Davis Double Century
MayHistoric double century covering 200 miles across northern California valleys, lakes, and mountain passes.
Dead of Winter Double Century
DecemberThis popular double was resurrected in 2013 after 20 years of hibernation. This low-cost ride is intended as a last-chance double for California Triple Crown candidates and fans of the Grand Tour.
Death Ride β Tour of the Alps
JulyA challenging 103-mile ride with 15,000+ feet of climbing and five Hors CatΓ©gorie alpine passes through the Sierra Nevada.
Death Valley Century
NovemberStunning, surreal ride across otherworldly salt flats and desert expanses below sea level.
Fall River Century Gravel Grinder
SeptemberA 65-mile gravel adventure across BLM land and Lassen National Forest, with volcanic terrain, ancient lava flows, quiet forested draws, and hardy plant life clinging to rock.
Foxy's Fall Century
OctoberDavis Bike Club's beloved autumn classic looping through the rolling Capay Valley and orchard country.
Foxyβs Fall Century Ride
OctoberJoin us for the 2026 Foxyβs Fall Century Ride on Saturday October 17th, 2026, the Davis Bike Clubβs popular late-season cycling event. It is often described as the ideal first century ride, it offers challenges, distances, and scenery for riders of all levels.
GranFondo San Diego
AprilA GranFondo catering to all levels of cyclists, offering 100, 60, or 35 miles routes, with King / Queen of the mountain challenge and bayfront after party.
Grizzly Century
OctoberAll profit from this event go to fund the Sierra Vista Scenic Byway Association, and features routes spotlighting the Scenic Byway, with options for the Century & Metric Road rides.
Grizzly Peak Century
MayThe Grizzly Peak Century is a cycling event with four paved routes and two gravel routes, including a 100-mile road route and a 100-kilometer gravel route. The event features electronic navigation, rest stops, SAG vehicle support, and a post-ride barbecue.
Indian Valley Century Ride
MayExperience the thrill of long-distance cycling through the picturesque landscapes of Indian Valley, North Arm, Genesee Valley, and Antelope Lake.
Lighthouse Century
SeptemberThe Lighthouse Century offers routes for both new and experienced riders, with options for 40, 65, 75, and 100 miles. The event features scenic ocean views, rest stops, and a post-ride meal, and is limited to 1000 riders.
Mammoth Gran Fondo
SeptemberThe Mammoth Gran Fondo is a 102-mile ride that takes place in Mammoth Lakes, CA, with proceeds going to support the educational and athletic programming of the Mammoth Mountain Community Foundation (MMCF).
March Bicycle Madness
MarchCelebrate the return of longer days and spring weather by riding as many miles as you can within the month, with proceeds going to local bike charities.
Marin Century
AugustA day out on the roads of Marin with tired legs, a full stomach, and a story or two worth retelling.
Mile High 100
JuneRide around beautiful Lake Almanor and the surrounding mountains and forests with enhanced rider support, including additional rest stops and live music at the finish line.
Mount Diablo Challenge
OctoberA century cycling event presented by Valley Spokesmen Bicycle Club, benefiting Save Mt Diablo.
Phil's Cookie Fondo
OctoberPhil's Cookie Fondo is a cycling event in Malibu, CA that features great climbs, ocean air, and perfect weather, with 10,000 gourmet cookies on course.
Primavera
AprilThe 2026 Primavera was held on April 19, 2026, and the 2027 Primavera will be held on April 18, 2027.
Ramble Ride
JuneJoin us for our 100-mile metric century ride in the San Francisco Bay Area, a fun day of riding with friends and great scenery.
Ride 4A Reason
AprilA benefit bike ride from Oakland to Sacramento to raise money for public schools in Oakland and Alameda with 3 different routes and a virtual option.
Ride the Point
NovemberCycle through scenic areas of San Diego on November 7th to support pancreatic cancer research in the 13th Annual Jim Krause Memorial Charity Cycling Ride the Point.
Sacramento Century Challenge
OctoberA benefit to Sacramento Children's Home, supporting local children and families, with flat, scenic routes for every rider.
Spoketoberfest
OctoberEnjoy a 14, 37, or 61-mile scenic ride or criterium while raising money for local charities.
The Sequoia
JuneA thrilling cycling experience set amidst the captivating coastal mountains and redwood forests of the San Francisco Bay Area, with a variety of course options ranging from a gently rolling 43 mile Fun ride to a hilly Century ride.
Tour de Fox Wine Country
SeptemberEnjoy the beauty of Sonoma County's sprawling wine region, rolling hills and views of nearby mountain ranges. There are three route options: 14 miles, 44 miles, and 72 miles, each featuring aid stations along the way.
Tour de Fuzz
SeptemberThe Tour de Fuzz has been described as a one-of-a-kind event and the βFUNNEST RIDEβ in Northern California. The ride includes three scenic wine country ride options; 50k Enthusiast, 100k Roadie, and 100 Mile Commando Century.
Tour de Lincoln
OctoberThe Tour de Lincoln is a fundraiser bike ride that offers four courses: 10k, Metric Quarter Century, Metric Half Century, and Metric Century. The Metric Century ride takes you through beautiful oak-covered hills, horse ranches, and vineyards, with challenging climbs and well-stocked rest stops.
Tour de Palm Springs
FebruaryOne of the largest and most festive cycling charity events in America, entertaining up to 8,000 cyclists from 46 states and 4 countries.
Tour of the California Alps Death Ride
JulyA challenging 103-mile ride with 14,000 feet of climbing and five alpine passes in the High Sierra.
Wine Country Century
MayThe 100-mile ride is part of a family-friendly event that offers routes for all skill levels, including a 28-miler and a 100km option, passing through vineyards, redwoods, and orchards, with full support and a finish-line feast.