Best Buddies Challenge DIY Routes
We’ve put together some amazing routes for your DIY Challenge ride! Please follow all local and state guidelines, practice social distancing, wear a helmet, observe the rules of the road, and have fun! There’s a lot of great information below, so read on and get ready to celebrate Best Buddies and your commitment to inclusion!
Five Star DIY Route Scale
★ (Novice) – For riders new to cycling – welcome! We think you’ll like it here.
★★ (Beginner) – For riders that have been on a bike in the last few years and are comfortable pedaling for around an hour.
★★★ (Intermediate) – For riders that cycle regularly and are looking for something a bit more challenging than your everyday cruise.
★★★★ (Advanced) – For riders that cycle regularly and understand how to approach different terrains, changing grades, and other cycling challenges.
★★★★★ (Expert) – For the most seasoned of cyclists. Epic climbs and leg-shredding distances await. Don’t forget to smile!
SAN FRANCISCO
Route: San Francisco Loop
Distance: 21 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,876 ft
Difficulty: *-** (Novice – Beginner)
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/31834184
This route is the classic San Francisco loop that everyone should do when they come to visit. It starts and finishes at the Rapha Café in the Marina and features all the pivotal views of the city. Crossing the Golden Gate Bridge should never get old!
Route: Alpine Dam -> Tam
Distance: 65.4 miles
Elevation Gain: 7,112 ft
Difficulty: *** (Advanced)
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/34224158
Another classic route, but slightly more advanced, the Alpine Dam to Tam ride is one you can’t miss. Roll through the quaint streets of Marin County on your way to Alpine then hit the Seven Sisters as you climb up to Tam. With some staggering views of the ocean and one of the most fun descents in the Bay Area, this ride is sure to be a crowd pleaser.
Route: Paradise to Hawk
Distance: 45.7 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,894 ft
Difficulty: **-*** (Beginner – Advanced)
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/34214711
This relatively “flat” loop is an essential training tool. While going around Paradise Drive you’ll have to keep the pressure on the pedals, but you’ll feel great doing it as you can usually keep good speed going through. Take a few friends and trade off in the wind to ensure a PR on your way. Finish off with a backside Hawk Hill climb and a view of the city.
Route: Marin Loop
Distance: 87.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 5,758ft
Difficulty: **** (Advanced)
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/34214759
This is a big kid ride. Be sure to pack lots of snacks and prepare for some long stretches along the coast. The beginning of the ride gives a little bit of respite as your cruise through the small Marin towns, but the climbs are tough and the wind is brutal. Worth every pedal stroke.
Route: Diablo Summit Loop
Distance: 43.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 4,556 ft
Difficulty: **-*** (Beginner – Advanced)
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/34224110
The Mt. Diablo hillside has some of the most sought-after views in the Bay. Get to the top and you’ll know why. Take your time on the way up as some parts can be steep, then enjoy the descent with big sweeping faces that are easy to navigate.
Route: East Bay Loop
Distance: 30.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,851 ft
Difficulty: ** (Beginner)
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/31834171
This loop starts and finishes at CaliCraft brewery, which is a must visit brewery in the East Bay. Bring a few friends and the ride along the ridge road will be a speedy one. Be sure to make a pitstop at Grizzly Peak for a group photo!
Route: The Popsicle Ride
Distance: 72.7 miles
Elevation Gain: 4,427 ft
Difficulty: ***-****(Advanced – Expert)
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/34214790
Aptly named, this ride features a rest stop suggestion at the Sunol Corner Little Market Popsicle Stand. Be sure to get a delicious treat on the way out and back. If you’re out there riding, you deserve it! Take in the beautiful views of Sunol Regional Wilderness and the Calaveras Watershed.
Route: Calistoga Leg Burner
Distance: 51.7 miles
Elevation Gain: 3,087 ft
Difficulty: *** (Advanced)
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/31834202
This route starts and finishes at one of our favorite bed and breakfasts, the Cottage Grove Inn. With one big climb and some rolling hills, this ride will be a leg burner no doubt. Make a weekend of it and book a room with some wine tasting after your ride!
CENTRAL
Route: SLOw Out and Back
Distance: 27.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,357 ft
Difficulty: *-** (Novice – Beginner)
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/32050656
Just as this ride suggests, it should be taken slow in both directions! Enjoy the views of San Luis Obispo as you get some quality miles in that should be easy and fun. Swing by the Firestone Brewery when you’re done and get yourself a well-deserved cold one.
Route: Fresno Refresher
Distance: 37.8 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,333 ft
Difficulty: ** (Beginner)
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/32058791
A Team Central Valley Favorite, this out and back starts and finished at The Bike Shop in Fresno. The ride takes you up to Millerton Lake while giving you views of the San Joaquin River. Get an early start to beat the heat and if you’re feeling a little hot you can always jump in the lake for a refresher!
Route: Pasadena PedalFest
Distance: 41.1 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,481 ft
Difficulty: ** (Beginner)
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/32011323
This ride starts off rolling then turns into a twelve-mile climb. Pave yourself up so you’ve got the extra matches to burn on the way down. This loop is all about fun in the last third with a steady downhill all the way to Velo Pasadena. Be sure to stop in at the infamous Bike Museum and catch a glimpse cycling’s past winners and champions.
