Note: You must register in advance for this ride, there is no day-of-event registration.  Registration closes at noon on the Thursday before the ride.

This 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 we 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 we 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 the right. At Belmont pier we 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.  Food will be provided at the finish.

Total distance is 188 miles with 4000ft of climbing. Because it is so flat, has few stop lights or stop signs, and only has five 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.

If you are a 5 Rivers 300 veteran, note that we have moved the start/finish motel because the reviews of the Hotel del Sol have declined recently.  The new start motel is the Desert Inn Motel.  

Full lights and reflective gear are required.  Please see Article 10 of the RUSA Rules for Riders.