The race headquarters, packet pickup, start and celebratory finish all take place at Mission Park, located in the heart of the lively Downtown Ventura, which boasts 65 restaurants and over 110 stores.
From Mission Park, you will take on a majestic loop, which will take you through the cities of Ventura, Santa Paula and Ojai, as well as through scenic and open areas of Ventura County. The first part of the loop is slightly undulating, until you reach Santa Paula. From Santa Paula, you’ll take on the day’s longest climb, Dennison Grade, which is 8-miles long with 1300ft of climbing and a 2.9% avg and 7% max incline. The descent that follows is gentle and enjoyable: 16 miles long and a -1.9% avg. Breeze through the Ojai Valley, which is bordered to the north by Los Padres National Forest and the Topatopa Mountains and enjoy the breathtaking views of canyons, mountains and nature.
At the end of the descent, medium route riders will continue on back to Ventura, while the long route riders will turn right and head to a 40-mile out-and back section to Carpinteria in Santa Barbara County. From the course split, it’s just 2 miles to go until the Timing Finish.
On the out-and-back segment, the long route riders will pass by the beautiful Lake Casitas before climbing Casitas Pass from the east side. As you descend along the winding road from the top of the pass, you will climb two counter-climbs before making the loop turn in the city of Carpinteria. From here, you’ll face the last challenge of the day: Casitas Pass from the Carpinteria side, which is 5.5 miles long and 1250ft of climbing with 3.2% avg and 11% max incline. The last 15 miles from the top of Casitas Pass are a net downhill, but include some rolling hills.
The Timing Finish for both the medium and long route takes place on Crooked Palm Road. There will be a refreshment station with water, electrolyte drink, soda, ice and basic snacks. From here, you’ll ride 3 miles on the peaceful bike trail and enjoy a comfortable -1% decline that leads you directly back to Downtown Ventura, less than half a mile from Mission Park.
Back at Mission Park, your Celebratory Finish Line awaits you, and the big photo op moment back where you started the day. You will get your finisher medal at the Celebratory Finish Line at Mission Park. The festival area welcomes athletes and supporters to enjoy the music, the post-race meal, relaxation, the awards ceremony and all post-race festivities.