July 20, 2019 โ€ข Santa Cruz, CA
santacruzmountainschallenge.com

The 21st annual Santa Cruz Mountains Challenge is a road cycling event presented by the Santa Cruz County Cycling Club (SCCCC). Start and finish is the Baskin School of Engineering courtyard at University of California Santa Cruz (UCSC).

Routes

Four routes include a 45-miler with 2,900โ€™ of climbing, a 75-miler with 6,700โ€™ of climbing, a century with 10,300โ€™ of climbing and a double century featuring 12,550โ€™ of climbing. Each ride features challenging climbs, coastal views and gorgeous scenery, with the three longer routes passing through Big Basin State Park.

Double Metric Route

The Double Metric ride is the crown jewel of the SCMC. Route includes a loop through Big Basin Park with magnificent redwoods, twisty rollers and the best road surfaces in the county. With 127 miles (204 kilometers)ย  and 12,550โ€ฒ of climbing, this route comes close to the Death Ride in elevation. More climbing bang for your buck at 98 Feet Per Mile (FPM)! Riders shouldย start by 7:00 am and clear the Lunch Stop by 1:00 pm, or return via the 100M route, as there will not be sufficient time to complete the 127M route. Due to the amount of mileage and elevation gain,ย READ MORE โ†’

Century Route

Not quite tuned up for the Double Metric? ย The Century route is the ticket. At 10,300โ€ฒ of climbing, it offers excellent bragging rights at 100 FPM.ย Riders should startย by 7:30 am and clear the Lunch Stop by 1:30 pm or take the 75M route back as there mayย not be sufficient time to complete the 102M route. This route is suitable for experienced cyclists.ย READ MORE โ†’

75-Mile Route

This route offers many of the scenic roads from the Double Metric and Century rides. This 75 mile route is no slouch of a ride, with 6,700โ€ฒ of climbing or 90 FPM. Riders must start by 8:00 am. This route is suitable for experienced cyclists. READ MORE โ†’

45-Mile Route

This route offers some of the best ocean views Santa Cruz has to offer. At 45 miles with 2,900โ€ฒ of climbing, it works out to a leisurely 46 FPM. Riders should start between 9:00 โ€“ 10:00 am. This route is suitable for most levels of cyclists who enjoy hills.ย READ MORE โ†’

Fully Supported

Delicious food and hydration will be set up throughout all of the routes. All rest stops will have snacks and water and electrolyte replacement drinks to carry you through the day. Lunch is also provided. Plus there will be support vehicles and SAG wagons to assist the riders. After ride meal at the end consists of burritos, salad and ice cream.

This is the Santa Cruz Cycling Club’s 20th annual fundraising bike ride. Proceeds from the event go towards the SCCCC grants program which supports local cycling initiatives. SCCCC is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. The ride is limited to 650 riders.

Learn more and register atย santacruzmountainschallenge.com.