All routes are all well marked and fully supported. Rest stops along the ride routes feature energy food and drinks, bathrooms, and mechanical and medical assistance. As part of the five-star experience, all rides are assisted by support vehicles and law enforcement officers once underway. We also have sweep vans, ride officials and course marshalls that make sure no participant is left behind.
With your incredible feedback and Highway 1 still under construction, we’re returning to the iconic Hearst Ranch for our 15th Anniversary milestone ride. Our 100, 60, and 30-mile loop courses and our 5k course will begin and end at the Ranch, with the beloved 15-mile route beginning from Ragged Point. From exploring Central Coast wine country to conquering The Wall, our routes will challenge you to push yourself to the next level. But don’t take our word for it—hear what our veteran riders loved most about the course!
“The 100-mile route combines some of the best riding the California coast has to offer—coastal Highway 1, rolling vineyards, a challenging climb—with world class rider support. This was my favorite century of 2017.” – Bob Walker
“Having participated in the ride for the past ten years, I have to say that the new route was a welcome change of pace. In addition to the usual spectacular ocean views, the new route brought a mix of beautiful panoramas with rolling golden hills and exciting twists and turns through tree-lined country roads. Another bonus of the loop—I actually got to see (and ride with!) more people during the ride.” – Jeff Jacobsen
We hope you will join us for our 15th incredible year!
In friendship,
The Best Buddies Challenge Staff
This year, our 100- and 60-Mile riders will now have two options to summit Cambria’s coastal hills. Both options offer breathtaking views, challenging climbs, and long descents that bring you back to Highway 1 as you make your way north to the Hearst Castle. When you arrive at Rest Stop 5 (the 75- and 35-mile markers, respectively), you may choose to tackle Santa Rosa Creek Road’s “The Wall”—its signature, scenic climb—and technical 7-mile descent. Alternatively, you can continue on to the challenging but less technical climbs and descents of Highway 46, complete with sweeping vistas of Central California.
Our century ride loop course keeps the thrill of the Pacific Coast Highway from the start at Hearst Ranch down to beautiful Morro Bay before climbing east to Atascadero. After the fast undulations through the Central Coast Wine Country of Pomar, riders will head back towards Cambria on Route 46 before taking on a once-in-a-lifetime challenge of Santa Rosa Creek Road featuring a short steep climb and a 7-mile descent!
Start Time: 7:00 am | Rest Stops: 6 | Total Elevation: 6,106ft | Ride with GPS Map- Santa Rosa Creek Option (route export available) | Ride with GPS Map- Route 46 Option (route export available)
The 60-Mile loop course will mimic the start of the 100-Mile from Hearst Ranch down the Pacific Coast Highway before riders turn left onto Old Creek Road in Cayucos. This road features 10 miles of beautiful but challenging climbs above Whale Rock Reservoir up to Route 46. Here they will join the century riders on Santa Rosa Creek to finish the final section heading back towards Hearst Castle.
Start Time: 8:00 am | Rest Stops: 4 | Total Elevation: 3,904 ft | Ride with GPS Map- Santa Rosa Creek Option (route export available) | Ride with GPS Map- Route 46 Option (route export available)
This route will feature the same start at the Hearst Ranch, heading down the Pacific Coast Highway past Cambria into the town of Harmony (population 18). Riders will then turn back towards Cambria, stopping on Santa Rosa Creek Road before heading to the Hearst Ranch finish line.
Start Time: 9:30 am | Rest Stops: 2 | Total Elevation: 1,279 ft | Ride with GPS Map (route export available)
Our 15-mile route starts at Ragged Point and travels down the Pacific Coast Highway to Hearst Ranch. This is a course is great for novice riders. The terrain is rolling to flat, without any long climbs. There are no rest stops along the way, but there are official support cyclists and vehicles on the road.
Start Time: 11:00 am | Rest Stops: 0 | Total Elevation: 730 ft | Ride with GPS Map (route export available)
Led by Olympic Gold Medalist, Carl Lewis, and beginning at our Hearst Ranch Finish Line in San Simeon, runners and walkers follow a mostly flat route along the Hearst Ranch beachside property on a mix of pavement and dirt trails.
Start Time: 10:30 am | Rest Stops: 0 | Total Elevation: 202 ft
