This was a challenging ride for me last year. I wasn’t able to finish the 60 miles for the metric century, It has some serious climbing, as well as a gorgeous ride along the San Diego waterfront. Check out the Gran Fondo San Diego website for more info.

I’ve never done this ride, but when I read about it I was intrigued. They call it the “civilized century” because as their website states, there are “no hills, hills and more hills" and “no ugly start times.” So, I figured I’d give it a try this year. Find out more about the Civilized Century here.

This was one of my favorite rides last year. It’s a short 25 miler (look at me saying 25 miles is short now) but the highlight is that you get to ride over the Coronado bridge and take in some fabulous view of San Diego and the South Bay. Molly and I did this last year and had a blast. Looking forward to doing it again. Check the Bike the Bay website for more info.

Last year this was part of my big prep ride for El Tour de Tucson, It’s a beautiful ride down the Coast Highway starting in Oceanside, looping around in Del Mar and back up the Coast. I’m looking forward to doing it again in 2026. Check out the Bike the Coast website.

This is one of the best run events I’ve ever participated in. They make even slow guys like me feel like pros. All intersections have police officers to keep riders safe, Lots of dedicated rider lanes. I attempted the full 102 miles in 2025 and had to pull the plug at mile 98. Currently my plan is to do the Metric century (62 miles) and work on getting done in 4 hours or less. But, I reserve the right to change strategies and go for the 102 miler again. Stay tuned. Find out more about El Tour de Tucson here.