The team at Strambecco rates the best road cycling events California 2025 based on various factors, including reputation, route quality, location, rider feedback, and the overall uniqueness of the event or race. California offers an array of event options spanning high alpine, old-growth forests, coastal (the famed Highway 1), desert, and everything in between. Strambecco does not cover every event, only those we deem the best. Our recommendations are bucket list events by themselves and almost always take place at a high-quality destination that offers a great opportunity for a longer getaway.
If we had to pick the best, we’d recommend Levi’s Gran Fondo in April and the Tour of CA Alps, also known as the Death Ride, in July. We also strongly correlate the best events and professional event producers. In California, premiere event producers include Monuments of Cycling, Bike Monkey, Grasshopper, and Gran Fondo National Series.
Strambecco does not list every event. We strive to identify and review events that are special and noteworthy. If you have suggestions on other events we should consider or review, please get in touch with us here or send us a note at editors@strambecco.com.
The Sea Otter Classic transforms Monterey County into cycling’s ultimate playground, hosting over 300 events across four days that span every discipline imaginable. From mountain bike enduro in Fort Ord’s rugged terrain…
Set in Sonoma County’s wine country, this event offers seven distinct route options ranging from an approachable 11-mile family ride to “The Growler,” a massive 138-mile challenge with 13,800 feet of climbing…
The Belgian Waffle Ride Gran Fondo takes the legendary BWR festival atmosphere and translates it to pure road cycling. Held alongside the famous gravel race in San Diego, this event offers three…
The Death Ride has evolved from a modest gathering of 17 friends in 1978 to a legendary cycling challenge that attracts riders worldwide seeking to test their climbing prowess against the Sierra…
The Tour de Big Bear unfolds across multiple challenging routes through the San Bernardino Mountains, reaching elevations up to 8,500 feet. The centerpiece 100-mile century starts at 7 am from Bear Mountain…
Starting at 8,074 feet in the Sierra mountains, the Mammoth Gran Fondo delivers one of cycling’s most spectacular high-altitude experiences. What sets this event apart is that 75% of the route is…
The Valley Spokesmen Bicycling Club celebrates 42 years of the Mt. Diablo Challenge, an 11.2-mile climb up one of the Bay Area’s highest peaks. The event transforms South Gate Road through Mount…
Former pro cyclist Phil Gaimon created this unique fondo that combines challenging riding through Malibu’s Santa Monica Mountains with an impressive cookie operation—10,000 gourmet cookies strategically placed at aid stations throughout the…
