Belgian Waffle Ride (California)

The only Euro-style Spring Classic on American soil, the BWR is once again being supported by the Lost Abbey Brewery, the coolest Belgian-inspired brewery anywhere west of Flanders. With the race venue hosted at the nearby North City in San Marcos, where the BWR Expo will have Draft Republic at the center of the festivities! Not to worry, not only will the race offer up the same type of insanity, challenge and unparalleled experience that has made it notorious and noteworthy, the BWR at North City also offers a special final Kermesse Kross circuit that all riders will get to enjoy, tackle, or otherwise survive in order to get to the actual finish line. This final cross-style finish will give fans and riders an extra bit of fun in celebrating the survival of all three of the BWR course options.

The California edition has drawn way more world-class cyclists from around the globe than ever before… many coming to take on this Monument of Gravel foe the first time, and many more just to partake in the unique challenge of the day they have come to relish. Riders coming to win have their work cut out for them, as the pro field is DEEP. This year everyone will get to share the same start line with one massive, mixed field taking off at once.

The race has a growing cult following of fervent racers from cyclocross, road, unroad, and mountain biking that could be related to the BWR’s stature in the now crowded event space of Gravel Racing, which wasn’t a thing when the BWR took riders into the dirt on their road bikes all those years ago. It’s important to note, the BWR was never set up to be a grinder event; it’s a road race punctuated by severe terrain and 87-kilometers of unroad riding, much of which some riders wish would be gravel. No matter, the BWR has become known as much for its difficulty — all the glorious trappings of the Belgian Spring Classics — as it has for the celebratory atmosphere that pervades its every funky facet.

Finishing the Waffle redefines a rider’s previous personal limitations. For those unprepared, who show up to play checkers instead of chess, the race can be brutal. For everyone who rides, the experience carves a deep memory of magical moments of humanity between strangers and friends along the way, as overcoming the challenges of the event connects people in meaningful and untold ways.

As mentioned earlier, this year’s BWR will have the deepest field of professional riders in the event’s history and an expansive list of hungry amateur riders drawn to the unique opportunity to race alongside their heroes, like World Tour and top pro riders.

The Belgian theme will be in full force with a host of unique entertainment features. A variety of craft beers reflecting the monastic brewing traditions of Belgium, especially a few from the Lost Abbey, will be a featured attraction for this unique occasion at Draft Republic. Of course, there will be warm Belgian waffles being cooked up by Gear Grinder Grill all weekend.