Note: You must register in advance.  Registration closes at noon on Thursday before the ride - there is no day-of-event registration.  You must be a member of RUSA and PCH Randonneurs to register.

This is a very popular, fast 300k brevet. We start by heading through Corona to the Santa Ana River Trail and following it all the way to Huntington Beach and the first control. There we head north either on the beach path or PCH (your choice) and then inland on the San Gabriel trail to Las Lomas. This is a 45 mile stretch so stock up on calories. The climb over the Santa Fe dam is scenic if you look to the mountains. At Las Lomas you will forage at the 7-11 control.

Now we back-track for a while until we hop over to the Rio Hondo bike path. There’s a quarter mile stretch of dirt that’s normally rideable, but you can walk it without losing much time. Next we’re on the Los Angeles River trail dealing with headwind for ten miles or so. As we enter the Long Beach marina there are many routes through the area – the important thing is the keep the water somewhere on your right. At Belmont pier you will head inland for a block and choose between many controls such as Chronic Tacos, Jack-in-the-box, Arco, Vons, 7-11, and others.

Then we return to the beach path and follow it a little longer and some quiet(ish) roads until PCH which we follow to Newport Beach. Now we ride more bike paths to one of my favorite controls at Crossroads shopping center in Lake Forest. It’s hard to beat sitting by the illuminated fountain as the light fades while eating Pad Thai. The last section is a mixture of bike paths and quiet roads but contains some climbs – noticeably Pioneer Way and Green River Road. Some riders may find the gate from Lakeview Ave onto the Santa Ana trail locked when they get there. In this case, continue on Lakeview and make the first right onto La Palma. You will rejoin the route 4.5 miles later. This is explained on the cue sheet.

Total distance is 188 miles with 4000ft of climbing. Because it is so flat, has few stop lights or stop signs, and only has four intermediate controls, many riders have completed this route in under 12 hours. Most riders set a personal best on this route. It is ideal for randonneurs attempting their first 300k and for experienced riders looking for a personal best 300k time.

You can print the cue sheet from the rwgps page.

Ride flyer is here 

Pre-ride report is here