2026 Santa Cruz Sunrise Rotary Ride - 29th Annual!

The Santa Cruz Sunrise Rotary Ride is a 3-day, 200-mile fully supported cycling adventure from the heart of Sonoma wine country, across the Golden Gate Bridge, and down the California coast to Santa Cruz. For 29 years, 100 riders have come together to raise money for kids and families who need it most — over $2,100,000 and counting. This is not a race. It's a community. Limited to 100 riders. Sells out every year.

The Beneficiaries

Primary Beneficiary Second Harvest of Santa Cruz County This year's Rotary Ride is proud to support the first-ever Second Harvest of Santa Cruz County elementary school-based food pantry — a groundbreaking program that brings healthy food directly into schools, so kids have access to nutritious meals not just at school, but to take home to their families. Food insecurity affects 1 in 4 children in Santa Cruz County. This pantry model meets families where they are — at their child's school — removing the barriers of transportation, stigma, and time that keep so many from accessing the support they need. Your support through the Rotary Ride is a direct investment in healthier, more food-secure futures for children and families right here in our community.

Ride proceeds also support youth in our community through the Santa Cruz Sunrise Rotary club's Charities & Grants and High School Scholarship programs.

The Route

Visit our Route Maps page for downloadable maps and turn-by-turn directions.

The Cost

The History

In 1997, Jon Sisk and Ken Whiting had a simple idea: get on bikes, ride through some beautiful California countryside, and raise a little money for kids who needed it. No grand vision, no corporate sponsor, no marketing team. Just two guys, two bikes, and a community that showed up.

Twenty-nine years later, that simple idea has grown into one of Santa Cruz's most beloved annual traditions — still capped at 100 riders, still run entirely by volunteers, and still selling out every single year.

The ride winds from the heart of Sonoma wine country in Healdsburg, through the Russian River, Tomales Bay, across the Golden Gate Bridge, and down the California coast back home to Santa Cruz. It's 200 miles of rolling hills, remote seaside roads, and some of the most spectacular scenery our state has to offer.

The ride is exceptionally well supported — all food, premier lodging, medical and sag included. Seasoned riders find great challenges every day. First-timers build their experience and hit personal bests. Everyone crosses the finish line smiling.

Why You Will Be Amazed

If you're not yet registered and looking for general information on the ride, please skip ahead to the DESCRIPTION section below.

Here is important information for registered riders.

IMPORTANT: You must read and sign the Liability Waiver and COVID-19 Compliance Plan and Health Screen Questionnaire the night before you ride!

Covid-19 safe FUN is planned for the ride day, as well as the week before. Visit our ride's Facebook page for information about all things FUN, including clues for a prize incentivized scavenger hunt, a costume contest, and more!   FUN photos found here #SCSunriseRotaryRide2020.

The One Day Wonder commences at 7:00 am at your front door or Twin Lakes Church, if more convenient.  Three minimally supported route alternatives with varying degrees of difficulty have been carefully planned for you to choose from.   However, if you prefer, you may choose your own route to be completed before or on October 3rd (the virtual ride option).

• Social Loop: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/33204772  (PDF version)  
  34 miles, 1,600 feet of climbing
  Features: hits all the south county rest stops, generally flat
  
  
• Mountain Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/33204657  (PDF Version)
  43 miles, 3,300 feet of climbing
  Features: Very little traffic, mountain roads with lots of trees, high speed descent down Soquel-San Jose road
  
  
• 100K: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/33204722  (PDF Version)   << Updated!
  61 miles, 4,000 feet of climbing
  Features: Incorporates the best features from both rides 

Restroom and water stops are noted on the maps with social distanced and COVID-safe limited support provided during the following times:
     Twin Lakes Church:  6:30am - 9:00am         Jacob's Heart:          7:30am - 10:30am
     Truman's Home:      10:00am - 2:00pm        Nethercutt's Home: 12:00p - 5:00p

Plan on finishing your ride by 5pm so you have time to get home and showered in time for the epic Zoom Virtual Post-Ride Party.  Details here on Facebook or directly register for the party at http://Party.SunriseRotaryRide.org.  

To protect all riders and crew, a COVID-19 Ride Compliance Plan based on the best medical advice has been developed.  All riders are required to adhere to the guidelines set forth in the plan.    The waiver, compliance plan and health questionnaire must be signed the night before your ride.

The story behind this year's Rotary Ride beneficiaries...

In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic our youth are facing significant risks and challenges that are prohibiting them from living well-balanced, healthy, and thriving lives. This year, the Rotary Club of Santa Cruz Sunrise is partnering with three experienced community organizations to help our kids respond to and overcome these challenges with information and resources focused on their unique needs. They are Monarch Services, Rising Worldwide, and Digital NEST.

Monarch Services.  Over the past eighteen months Monarch’s youth clients have reported an increase in the need for mental health services due to depression and anxiety, increased suicidal ideation, increased drug, and alcohol use, sexual and/or physical abuse both by peers and family members and an unreliable support system. For youth to be able to have systems and support available to them that are impactful, it is critical that their voices are at the forefront of the solutions being offered. To this end, Monarch Services will assist the Santa Cruz County Office of Education in the development of a Youth Council focused on youth mental health and personal safety. Monarch will provide counseling services and provide subject matter experts to school council meetings in the areas of:

• Online safety
• Mental health awareness / support / resources
• Suicide Prevention
• Sexual assault / harassment prevention and reporting
• Drug / Alcohol use awareness
• Human trafficking prevention (Rising)
• How to build systems and support within the school environment.

The core tenant of Monarch's program is the empowering youth to use their voices, understand their power and elicit change not only changes their lives but also the lives of the youth that their work will directly impact.

Rising Worldwide.  Rising’s programs empower youth to recognize and stay safe from exploitation through connections with lived-experienced experts.  To date, over 4000 youth have learned from survivor leaders about trafficking and potential exploitation.  Rising will help educate our youth with survivor-led Safe and Sound Workshops in Santa Cruz County schools to Identify and avoid predatory tactics used in isolation and trauma bonding, how to Identify healthy boundaries and ways to safely seek assistance for peers and themselves.

Digital NEST.  Digital NEST provides underserved Latinx youth in California with the skills, resources, and network to build confidence and launch successful careers in the areas of:

• Web & Information Technology
• Digital Arts & Technology
• People, Projects & Leadership.

Their training programs directly impact the financial health of their members and their families by preparing them for high-quality, high-demand careers. By nurturing the full potential of their students, they will thrive in the 21st Century workforce and contribute to the economic strength of our community. Nest students will help create youth engaging digital content including graphic design and film production in support of their school-based peers. Proceeds from the Ride will help purchase state-of-the-art audio and video equipment that will allow their members and interns to take their work to the next level and prepare them for careers in media and tech-involved fields.

Boys and Girls Clubs of Santa Cruz County

This year, the Rotary Ride is making a SPLASH! by helping to kick off a significant renovation of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Cruz County’s Downtown Clubhouse indoor pool. “The Club” has been serving youth in Santa Cruz since opening its doors in 1969, and it’s where generations of local kids have learned to swim. With downtown Santa Cruz in the midst of several major development projects, the Club is excited to revitalize its aging indoor swimming pool, with the intention of creating a vibrant community resource that will benefit youth for years to come. 

The mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Cruz County is to inspire and enable all children, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens. We do this by providing safe spaces filled with opportunity, enriching programs, and caring adult mentors who actively cultivate relationships to ensure that our youth feel connected, supported and valued.

The Club serves more than 1,600 Santa Cruz County youth each year via after school programs, summer camps, aquatics programs, a basketball league, surf club, Scouting, and more. In addition to providing more than 55,000 hours of homework help and over 70,000 free healthy meals each year, the Club’s programs deliver meaningful impacts for local youth:

• 88% of local Club kids receive mostly A's and B's in school.
• 87% of local Club teens plan to pursue post-secondary education. 
• 90% of local Club youth say they can stand up for what's right, even if their friends disagree.

By partnering with the Boys & Girls Clubs to refresh its pool, Rotary will help the next generation of local youth not just learn how to swim, but to develop a love of being in the water. By offering a robust ongoing schedule of affordable swim lessons, rec swimming for local youth, and lap swimming for community members, the Club will help young people learn to safely enjoy the water while building confidence, practicing healthy habits, setting and achieving goals, having fun, and creating lasting memories with friends.

Our primary beneficiary for this year's Rotary Ride is Treasure Cove at Jade Street Park.  We are helping to raise funds for a universally designed playground in Capitola, CA. And, here's why we're excited to support the creation of Treasure Cove.

Play for all

Every child, regardless of their ability, deserves a place to play with others. One out of every ten children has a disability. Two out of every ten individuals in the general population have disabilities.  This includes parents and grandparents with disabilities who love playing with their children and grandchildren at playgrounds. ​

Why a universally accessible playground

Children learn by interacting with their peers, but those with disabilities are denied entrance to most traditional, ADA-compliant playgrounds. Surrounded by sand or wood chips, they are impossible to navigate for wheelchairs and walkers. When children with disabilities can reach the structure, there are only one or two pieces of equipment available to them, leaving them out of most play activities. Children with disabilities need access to their social circle and the vital benefits of play for their social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development. Treasure Cove will provide a play environment for children with disabilities and an avenue for all to learn compassion and acceptance.  

Design

The plans for the new playground were created by Verde Designs based on input from the community to ensure the playground will be designed for all. The plans include a marine and shoreline theme with a Climb and Slide Zone, Swing and Sway Zone, Tot Zone, Sensory Zone, and Game Zone.  Throughout the play space, universally accessible equipment such as swings, a wheelchair-accessible merry-go-round, spinners, slides, and a cozy dome are planned. The elements will be placed over colorful rubberized surfacing throughout to provide an inclusive, easy to access environment for individuals with physical disabilities. 

Location

The mid-county location of Jade Street Park will allow easy access for families from all parts of the county; it is close to medical centers, pediatric therapy offices, affordable housing and schools for children with autism. Separately and concurrently, the City of Capitola is also in the process of renovating the highly utilized co-located community center, and enhancing access to the playground by improving sidewalks connecting the playground area to the existing ADA parking area.

A Public Private Partnership

The City of Capitola and County Park Friends are working together in a public-private partnership to find the 1.82 million in funding needed to create Treasure Cove. County Park Friends has the goal of raising $1 Million in private funding from the community with the city funding the remaining balance.  

Thank You

Thank you for supporting the Rotary Ride as we work with County Park Friends to create Treasure Cove, a place where every child can feel like they belong.

Our primary beneficiary for this year's Rotary Ride is Aztecas Youth Soccer Academy.

Founded in 2008 by Santa Cruz County Probation Officer Gina Castañeda, the Aztecas Youth Soccer Academy is a transformative mentorship program dedicated to reclaiming the lives of at-risk youth in Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties. Drawing from her own challenging upbringing, Gina established the academy to provide an alternative to gang involvement and violence, using soccer as a unifying and empowering tool.

Primarily serving young males aged 13-20 referred due to gang affiliations or high-risk behaviors, Aztecas offers more than just athletic training. Participants benefit from personalized mentorship, academic support, life skills training, and the opportunity to engage in organized soccer. This comprehensive approach fosters both personal and athletic growth, steering youth away from negative influences and towards positive community engagement.

Beyond the core program, Aztecas hosts annual summer camps for younger children aged 6-14, teaching soccer skills, promoting healthy lifestyles, and instilling values of sportsmanship and teamwork. These camps not only provide constructive activities during the summer but also allow older participants to give back as mentors and coaches, reinforcing a cycle of positive role modeling within the community.

By investing in the Aztecas Youth Soccer Academy, supporters provide hope, opportunity, and a pathway to a brighter future for those who need it most, fostering a safer and more vibrant community for all.

Every dollar raised through the Santa Cruz Sunrise Rotary Ride goes directly to organizations making a real difference in our community. Here are the organizations your support will benefit in 2026.

2026 Primary Beneficiary Second Harvest of Santa Cruz County First-Ever Elementary School-Based Food Pantry We are proud to announce that the 2026 Rotary Ride will focus its primary giving on supporting the first-ever Second Harvest of Santa Cruz County elementary school-based food pantry — a groundbreaking initiative that brings healthy food directly into schools, so children and families can access the nutrition they need close to home. Food insecurity affects 1 in 4 children in Santa Cruz County. Traditional food bank models require families to travel, find transportation, and navigate systems that can feel intimidating. The school-based pantry removes those barriers entirely — meeting families exactly where they already are, in a place their children know and trust. Your generous support through the Rotary Ride is a direct investment in healthier, more food-secure futures for the children and families who need it most — right here in our own backyard. 1 in 4 children in Santa Cruz County face food insecurity   First school-based food pantry of its kind in the county   100% of your Rotary Ride donation goes directly to our beneficiaries Learn More About Second Harvest →

Keep this custom page / menu item hidden through Ride -> Race Website -> Menu Order

The 2025 Sunrise Rotary Ride Apparel (kit) Store is OPEN!

https://store.champ-sys.com/collections/santa-cruz-sunrise-rotary-2025

DEADLINE FOR ORDERING IS MONDAY AUGUST 18th

ALL ORDERS PLACED ARE PRE-ORDERS. Every item is made to order for you. We do not carry stock of the items in this store.

ORDERS MUST BE PLACED BY MONDAY, AUGUST 18th to ensure delivery before the event.
Items purchased from this store will be shipped directly to you.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

IMPORTANT ORDERING INSTRUCTIONS - PLEASE READ!

Our supplier has agreed to waive their tariff surcharge and to provide free shipping for our group order.

1.  Accept the "Tariff War Surcharge" when you see this prompt:

But the surcharge will automatically be removed at checkout.

2.  To receive free shipping, enter coupon code FREESHIP at checkout.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Now, have a look at this year's awesome design,
then head over to The Store to place your order!

The 2026 Sunrise Rotary Ride Apparel (kit) Store is COMING SOON!

The 2026 Ride route once again includes the day 1 route improvements introduced in 2024 & 2025.   As always, we begin our journey in Healdsburg on Thursday morning and complete the ride on Saturday in Santa Cruz.  

Day 1 this year's route is largely unchanged from last year and will include signage for the after-lunch section.  We'll journey through the gorgeous vineyards and wide-open rolling hills of Sonoma county finishing at the beautiful Hotel Centro Sonoma Wine Country, Tapestry by Hilton in Rohnert Park.

Day 2 we'll head west back to the coast at Tamales Bay and resume our traditional route to the Trailhead rest stop, then through Marin, San Francisco and ending in Pacifica.    The lunch stop will again be at Dunphy Park in Sausalito, prior to crossing the GG Bridge.  After lunch we climb up and over the bridge (much better on a full tummy!) and make our way through SF to Pacifica. 

Day 3 remains unchanged.

The Finish Line Party will again be hosted by our Lead Sponsor, West Coast Community Bank (formerly Santa Cruz County Bank) at the corner of Water and River Streets in Santa Cruz.

The 2026 turn-by-turn directions are available online now.  A printed copy will be provided to all riders and crew on the day we depart.

View the route on an animated interactive map:
    PlotARoute        Day 1    Day 2    Day 3

Here are eMaps that you might find useful:
     RideWithGPS*  Day 1    Day 2    Day 3  (all 3 maps in one Collection)
     Strava                Day 1    Day 2    Day 3

* - The RideWithGPS maps should be considered primary with the Strava maps provided for convenience, but not guaranteed as accurate.

Notes: Remember this is an adventure and there are many options to get from "a to b".   For new riders we highly recommend you follow the official route and stick with a group. If you do elect to deviate from the official route, be certain of your navigational skills, and carry the crew phone numbers to contact in case of problems.  The weather is usually pretty nice but mornings can be quite cold and foggy, Thursday afternoon can be quite hot! Friday is a long day – so be prepared for anything!  Our dedicated crew will be there to carry your jackets and warmers when you need to shed a layer, and of course, to SAG you when and wherever you need! (on the route).

The 2026 Sunrise Rotary Ride training schedule is available as a Google Calendar.

You can subscribe to this calendar so the training ride events show up on your own personal calendar.  

• If you use Apple calendar (iCal):  

  • On your computer, open your Apple calendar

  • Pull down the "File" menu then select "New Calendar Subscription"

  • Copy and paste this URL into the "Calendar URL" field, then click "Subscribe":
    
    https://calendar.google.com/calendar/ical/3fffae0e0eed51ac3d861e44130a6387d3625e7df3afe0d16996d0134a673515%40group.calendar.google.com/public/basic.ics

  • In the "... Calendar Info" pop-up, select a unique color for this calendar and change the "Auto-Refresh" value to "Every hour".

  • Click "OK".

   

• If you use Google Calendar:

  • On your computer, open your personal Google calendar

  • Click on the "+" next to "Other Calendars" on the left of the page and select "From URL"

  • Copy and paste this URL into the "URL of Calendar" field:
    
    https://calendar.google.com/calendar/ical/3fffae0e0eed51ac3d861e44130a6387d3625e7df3afe0d16996d0134a673515%40group.calendar.google.com/public/basic.ics

  • Click "Add Calendar"

   

If you have any questions and would like help contact Jon Winston at 831-588-3452

Check back often. Dates, times and locations subject to change.   Also see the note below on how to import the ride schedule to your personal calendar.

In addition to the riding and training everyone should be riding on their own to be prepared to do 200 miles this Fall, these volunteer led Training Social Rides are intended to be fun, social rides, with the intent of keeping your training going. That said, we are open to adding a faster group and leader towards the end if we have enough interest.

Please note that these rides are unsupported. You are responsible for you. Bring all your own food, drinks, tubes and pumps, patch kit, etc.

More details, starting locations, and routes are below. If you need instructions on how to load the GPX file into your bike’s computer, click here.

If you will be attending a ride, please text me, Chris (831.227.1749) and/or the ride leader to let us know.   And, of course, feel free to ask questions.

Let's Ride!

Chris Benkert
2025 Training Ride Coordinator
(831) 227-1749
ChrisBenkert@gmail.com

2026 Rides Schedule Overview:

Click to view a Google Calendar containing the always up-to-date schedule of training rides.

And, here are instructions on how to subscribe to this calendar so you can see the training ride events right on your own personal calendar.  

Upcoming Ride Details:

Ride #1. Saturday June 6 @ 8:30am, Ride Leader: Chris Benkert (831-227-1749). We’ll meet on the bike path (@820 Swift Street, westside of Santa Cruz) by Humble Sea Brewery and ride to Panther Beach along the north end of the Monterey Bay Reserve Scenic Trail. This trail is freshly paved and ends at the Panther Beach parking lot. We will meet at 8:30 for an 8:45 rollout. Oh and I’ll be highly suggesting we hit Ivéta on the way back : )
Ride with GPS: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/55099863
Strava: https://www.strava.com/routes/3489469062040766698
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/FHpQCvhppvousuZH9
GPX File: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1boGimCPHJ68AyhN6Sei5XQlUc8bbqnfQ/view?usp=drive_link

Ride #2. Sunday June 14 @ 8:30am, Ride Leader: Chris Benkert (831-227-1749). Meet at Scotts Valley Post Office (241 Kings Village Rd, Scotts Valley, CA 95066) for a 8:45 rollout to ride to Scotts Valley Highschool, up to Bean Creek, down to the Rudy & King’s Lakes, over to Sky Park and back to the Post Office. The ride is 12.2mi with 1007ftof climbing and a 9.9% average grade.
Ride with GPS: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/54998249
Strava: https://www.strava.com/routes/3489469062039276778
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/q4Jqi98ogr58Vqek6
GPX File: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yHlcce8W7o64aAP8CtVXFMZ2sd21Dk2K/view?usp=drive_link

Ride #3. Saturday June 20 @ 9:45am, Ride Leader: Chris Benkert (831-227-1749).  For this ride we will meet at Bicycle Trip on Soquel at 9: 45 because Aaron of Bicycle Trip has generously offered to host the start & stop point of this Saturday ride because he and hit team will be offering free safety checks on bikes before our ride. We’ll leave at 10:30 for a 13.0mi ride to Scotts Valley by riding up Branciforte & Granite Creek where we will meet up with Green Hills road to take that back to Bicycle Trip via Glan Canyon Rd. This 13 mile ride has 954ft of climbing at an average grade of 9.8%.

Since this is meant to be a little kick-off get together for this year’s Rotary Ride, so it would be fun to have as many riders as we can.  Aaron would appreciate an RSVP if you are coming so please email Chris Benkert if you will be attending ASAP: chrisbenkert@gmail.com
Ride with GPS: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/54984372
Strava: https://www.strava.com/routes/3489473928966662370
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Dcai4GhgRMLLSJcDA
GPX File: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1aHhpycjIwvLtTNSubxi6jslHMF7aAdOe/view?usp=drive_link

Ride #4. Sunday June 27 @ 8:30am, Ride Leader: Tom McCullough (831-707-4348). Aptos-Manresa Uplands Campground/Beach, 18mi, 1147ft. Meet at 8:15 for an 8:30 start at Mar Vista/Soquel Dr (please park on Mar Vista). Length may be extended to 24mi to Sunset Beach dependent on experience of who shows up. This is a a pretty simple ride along frontage road and then San Andreas.
Ride with GPS: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/54984309
Strava: https://www.strava.com/routes/3489487160151468258
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/XuwEnrVT4yVXAGWA9
GPX File:  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FJyMIP_E_iaqHU40oDsNTNhhzyce_EuJ/view?usp=drive_link

Ride #5. Thursday July 8 @ 9: 30am. The Pedal The Pacific Meet-up ride.  El Vaquero winery > Wilder > Cycle Sport > El Vaquero winery, 40mi, 1846ft. You are all cordially invited to a truly FUN and AMAZING training ride which involves riding with a group of young ladies who call themselves “Pedal The Pacific.” They are doing a fundraising ride which involves a ride of the entire coast of the western United States, They have already entered California and will be HERE in Santa Cruz on Thursday, July 10. They are riding to raise funds to wipe out sex trafficking and this is their 13th year! Feel free to text Tom McCullough so we know who is coming!!

    Ride Leaders: 
       Jim Cumming 831 331 3999
       Brent Dunton 831-247-4936
       John Martinelli 831 332 5629
       Rob Morse 831 801 8871

The Plan:

1. 9: 00 am: Meet at El Vaquero winery in Corralitos. El Vaquero winery is at the junction of Freedom Boulevard and Corralitos Road. 9: 30am: Leave for 1.5 hours (approx.) to Wilder Ranch in North County and meet the girls at that location about 11am
   
   
2. 11: 30am: Ride back to 41st Avenue, meet at Cycle Sports (formerly Family cycling)
   
   
3. Your FREE lunch is provided by Togos, Greg Wimp, owner! HUGE SHOUTOUT TO GREG!! Also: Jim Cumming has organized the Cycle Sport techs to tune up the girls bikes during lunch, so they will be ready to ride to San Diego!! Thank you JIM!!
   
   
4. 1: 30pm: We will then all ride together back to El Vaquero, and the girls themselves will continue on to the Martinelli home, where they will spend the next two nights.

Ride with GPS: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/52011872
Strava: https://www.strava.com/routes/3489479464591289000
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/BeenjPQjES8fagiC9
GPX File: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UsKKQor9pVBmN-C5ooUVnXW2fKQgt2as/view?usp=drive_link

Ride #6. Saturday July 11 @ 8:30am. Ride Leader: Chris Benkert (831-227-1749).  We will meet at 112/104 Katherine Lane in Live Oak by Dominican to ultimately ride to Branciforte. We’ll then turn right on Mountain View Road and then right again to go up and over Rodeo Gulch and then back up to Katherine Ln via a few side streets to stay off of  Soquel. This 17.4mi with 1526ft and an average 15.2%grade will take us through some amazing trees and past awesome vistas of north county.
Ride with GPS: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/54989228
Strava: https://www.strava.com/routes/3489468343807887210
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/EiYQvCXi82VZEwLz8
GPX File: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1N2F-Ft39a43VmccmS8qn83xinOWNyNxC/view?usp=drive_link

Ride #7. Sunday July 19 @ 8:15am. Ride Leader: Chris Benkert (831-227-1749).  It’s Swanton Loop time! This  21mi, 1506ft climb over  an average grade of 12.6% grade is a fan favorite. We will meet on the bike path by Humble Sea and leave at 8:30. Park on Swift Street or nearby. We will take the bike path from there Panther Beach and then up Hwy 1 to Swanton Road, up to the top and then down to Hwy 1 and back, unless you want to turn around and go back the same way. Humble Sea opens at 11a, so we can consider and after ride beverage & snack at the nearby food truck!
Ride with GPS: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/54984329
Strava: https://www.strava.com/routes/3489468343806742378
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/PZ5zNnuRs3QWt19c8
GPX File: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lyuvlKz3xM5YUa_dd0-wLCp9KQxM6C8l/view?usp=drive_link

Ride #8. Saturday July 25 @ 8:15am. Ride Leader: Tom McCullough (831-707-4348).  We’ll meet again at the Scotts Valley Post Office to ride past the Highschool all the way to the top of Glenwood Drive and back for a total of 25.6mi and 2301ft, which calculates out to a 13.7% grade ;)
Ride with GPS: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/54987289
Strava: https://www.strava.com/routes/3489468343805629290
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/t8E2ciiFBshks2Kb7
GPX File: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NMn2aYzTeFNWsn8Z7B-BoonjyV7bj35g/view?usp=drive_link

Ride #9. Sunday August 2 @ 8:15am. Leader: Chris Benkert (831-227-1749).  The Big 8. We’ll meet at Coralitos Market (569 Corralitos Rd, Watsonville, CA 95076) where we will ride to Aptos, swing around to Day Valley to Freedom and then up & over Hames Rd, past the Market to conquer Browns Valley & Hazel Dell. We’ll then take Casserly back to the Market. While it seems like a lot, it a 31.5mi ride with 2359ft of climbing for an average grade of 10.2%. We’ll roll from Corralitos Market at 8:30.
Ride with GPS: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/54987301
Strava: https://www.strava.com/routes/3489468343808443242
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/JxcSi2fPdNfeY8kC6
GPX File: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YzsKEAIjVoN0-n9FC9RehZulVljqUw8M/view?usp=drive_link

Ride #10. Saturday August 8 @ 8:00am. Leader: Chris Benkert (831-227-1749).  We’re back one last time at the Scotts Valley Post Office where we will ride to the high school continue along Glenwood Drive to Summit where we will connect with Zyante Road for a fun downhill and then back to the Post Office via Mt Herman Road and Sky Park. This is a 25.9mi ride with 2570ft of climbing and our steepest average grade of the season of 15.7%. Fortunately, Cruise Coffee Café in the Metro Center is open until 3 PM so we’ll roll at 8:15.
Ride with GPS: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/54998534
Strava: https://www.strava.com/routes/3489479464587818664
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/sw59YBdkhLGAzS7R6
GPX File: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nk_LQ5v6Rts8fvS3VqVPfd3qhz4k1Y-E/view?usp=drive_link

Ride #11. Sunday August 16 @ 8:00am. Leader: Chris Benkert (831-227-1749).  It’s time for The Pie Ride! We will meet at Corralitos Market and head out to La Selva Beach via White Road and San Andreas Road. We’ll then continue along San Andreas to Trafton where we will ultimately take Vega to Riverside and then to Carlton where we will enjoy a slice of Pie at Gizdich Ranch before heading back to the Market by way of Hazel Dell and Brows Valley Roads. This ride is 40mi with 2098ft over a 14.4% (avg) grade so bring your Pie Game!
Ride with GPS: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/54987457
Strava: https://www.strava.com/routes/3489473928962352354
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZNigRSMpZtjLz5k58
GPX File: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ykk5ZNv-6J65kdpv4mGH7F5azZxNiXpu/view?usp=drive_link

Ride #12. Saturday August 22 @ 8:30a. Ride Leader Deb Dutra (408-483-9505).  The Social Ride of the (almost half) Century!! We will meet in Marina at the corner of Palm Ave and Del Monte Blvd at 8:30 where we will ride the Monterey Bay Coastal Trail to the Pebble Beach Market via Lovers Point. Because this 46 mile ride is almost flat at an average grade of 6% and very little climbing, the ride should take us about 3.5-4 hours total., including grabbing a bite at the Pebble Beach Market. Riders are also welcome to stay longer and enjoy the view, or turn back whenever they like. This means the ride could potentially extend beyond the estimated 4 hours.
Note: Due to heavy foot traffic in Monterey, we need to leave at 8:45.
Ride with GPS: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/54987462
Strava: https://www.strava.com/routes/3489473928964958434
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/RpEHTt9ejDBW39KX6
GPX File: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sG2inmj6zVGnXI1Z1ArdvF0w3r91h0yA/view?usp=drive_link

Ride #13. Sunday August 30 @ 8:00am. Ride Leader: Chris Benkert (831-227-1749).  A fan favorite, the San Juan Bautista from Corralitos Market ride is a 48.4m ride with 2470ft over an average grade of 11.6%. For this ride we will meet in Corralitos by the market at 8am ands then ride through Aromas to San Juan Bautista and Vertigo coffee and back. This has been a highlight of our training rides for a few years now as it is a fun ride and a great spot to get some good food. While it has one climb that is a little challenging, it is only a mile long and as our goal is to have a fun ride we will regroup throughout to keep al of us together.
Ride with GPS: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/54987475
Strava: https://www.strava.com/routes/3489473928964958434
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Jkz3e2MpKcGEyQzQ6
GPX File: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TUykxfqFWVFxP6FXdwIeef7AeWoxgGYf/view?usp=drive_link

Ride #14. Saturday September 5 @ 8:00a. Ride Leaders Chris Benkert (831-227-1749) & Tom McCullough (831-707-4348).  Pidgeon Point by way of Swanton Loop. This is a variation on a fan favorite: We will meet yet again on the bike path by Humble Sea Brewery and head up Highway one to Swanton Loop and then carry on to Pidgeon point and then straight back to Humble Sea Brewery for lunch. This is a 54.7mi ride with 3067ft for an average grade of 7.8% and there could be a nasty headwind so we will roll at 8:15. Oh and the Rotary Ride is less than a month away! So get your miles in!
Ride with GPS: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/54984560
Strava: https://www.strava.com/routes/3489498813565458658
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/XCzu4ewm6wVdE5kn8
GPX File: https://drive.google.com/file/d/10rJCUoPY8QzMA_mbXz0isWdsivQ9TLEy/view?usp=drive_link

Ride #15. Sunday September 13 8:00am. Ride Leader: Tom McCullough (831-707-4348).  We’ll meet on the Bike Path near Humble Sea at 7:45 for our last training ride of the year! We will roll at 8 AM for ride up to Pescadero to the store with the great loaves of fresh baked hot sourdough amongst other things and then back to Humble Sea for post ride refreshments. This ride is 64.9mi with 3308ft of climbing over an average grade of 9.3%.
Ride with GPS: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/54987570
Strava: https://www.strava.com/routes/3489498813567861986
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/3BwrVUNREp83oDn27
GPX File: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bM79OLQEWcJWD04N6RGtovUPu4JO0liS/view?usp=drive_link

Ride #16. Sunday September 19 @ 8:30a. Ride Leader Deb Dutra (408-483-9505).  It’s the Social Ride of the (almost half) Century, Pt 2!! We will meet again in Marina at the corner of Palm Ave and Del Monte Blvd at 8:30 for a repeat tide along the Monterey Bay Coastal Trail to the Pebble Beach Market via Lovers Point. As before, because this is a pretty flat Because this 46 mile ride and we will be grabbing a bite at the Pebble Beach Market, plan on a 3.5-4 hour ride.
Note: Due to heavy foot traffic in Monterey, we need to leave at 8:45.
Ride with GPS: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/54998991
Strava: https://www.strava.com/routes/3489468343806866282
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZWxKtcopBSdbx63b7
GPX File: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lsJ-0XFJjKZ-5VDTiQNaqV0sbn3OPPQk/view?usp=drive_link

Bonus Ride: Saturday September 26 @ 8:30am. Ride Leader: Chris Benkert (831-227-1749).  We will meet at the corner of Searight & Clinton and head up the hill to the junction of Granite Creek and Bean Creek roads by way of Branciforte and then back down by way of Glen Canyon road. Before ending we will hit Lulu Carpenters on Soquel next to Bicycle Trip! This ride is but 19.8mi over 1658ft or an average grade of 13.0%. Remember when that felt intimidating ;)
Ride with GPS: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/52011884
Strava: https://www.strava.com/routes/3489468343805823850
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/QDXCZkzsjhc1WWYw6
GPX File: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bag_EUgw5s2lMh9EyXHnQELMJQlLbmoz/view?usp=drive_link

2026 Past Rides: