The Belgian Waffle Ride "Roadie-Oh" Gran Fondo, part of the iconic Belgian Waffle Ride Series & Festival, offers road cyclists an unforgettable Gran Fondo experience in the heart of San Diego on Saturday, April 26, 2025. The Gran Fondo is held alongside the festival’s legendary gravel race, Belgian Waffle Ride - California. This road-focused event brings a unique blend of challenge, scenery, and camaraderie to participants of all levels.
Event Highlights
- Three Course Options:
- 100 miles (Century): A timed and competitive route with stunning coastal canyon views, ideal for riders looking to push their limits.
- 100 km (Metric Century): A slightly shorter yet equally picturesque challenge.
- 50 km (31 miles): A more relaxed, scenic ride perfect for those new to Gran Fondos or looking for a lighter day on the bike.
- Dubbel Header Challenge: Riders feeling extra ambitious can participate in the Roadie-Oh on Saturday and the legendary Belgian Waffle gravel event on Sunday for the ultimate two-day test of endurance.
- Signature Experience: Enjoy smooth tarmac, breathtaking landscapes, and the classic BWR camaraderie that makes every mile memorable.
A Festival Atmosphere
The Roadie-Oh is part of the larger Belgian Waffle Ride Festival, which features a mega expo, food, drinks, and the vibrant BWR Beer Garden, creating a celebratory atmosphere for riders and spectators alike.
Affiliated Events
Runners can join the Belgian Waffle Run, a fast and fun 5K race through the Del Mar Polo Fields. With costumes encouraged and a festive vibe, it’s a perfect complement to the cycling events.
Whether you’re a die-hard racer or a casual rider seeking a scenic adventure, the Belgian Waffle Ride Gran Fondo delivers a road cycling experience that captures the spirit of community and the joy of the ride.
About the Belgian Waffle Ride Series
About the Belgian Waffle Ride Series
The Belgian Waffle Ride Gran Fondo is a sister event to the famed BWR California, which is the signature event in the 2025 Belgian Waffle Ride Series, a North American series offering some of the world’s most highly respected and well-organized gravel events/races. The idea of the Series was conceived initially with the advent of “the most unique cycling event in the country,” the Belgian Waffle Ride California (Del Mar). BWR California is well known among cycling enthusiasts and pros as one of the most difficult bicycle races in the US at 146 miles and 40 off-road sectors.
BWR events are unique because they are classic, long bicycle races that feature various off-road sectors emulating the pave or cobblestones of Europe, making the varied terrain a challenge for riders’ technical skills, equipment, endurance, luck, and versatility. While none of the events intentionally feature mountains, they utilize a never-ending collection of punchy climbs that take a sinister toll on riders’ physical and mental well-being… These are not races set up for freeloading sprinters or frail climbers. They are designed to challenge riders of all stripes and sizes in demented and glorious ways. Therein lies the allure of the Monuments of Cycling: extreme challenges that require months or years of training, the right equipment, tenacity, and karma.
Each BWR venue showcases a challenging ‘unroad’ multi-surface course that takes advantage of each beautiful location’s unique topography. Each route is uniquely designed to include a multitude of technically challenging sectors. Waffle courses range from 120-144 miles, Wafer courses between roughly 68-84 miles, and Wanna Rides, typically around 40 miles. Elevation gain will range from 6,500 feet to 14,000 feet for the various Waffle courses. The current roster of BWR events in 2024 includes BWR AZ (March), BWR CA (April), BWR UT (May), BWR Montana (June), BWR BC (September), BWR NC (October), BWR Mexico (November). Monuments has also announced plans for a new event in Monterey in the Summer of 2025.
