29TH Annual
2026 Santa Cruz Sunrise Rotary Ride - 29th Annual!
2026 Santa Cruz Sunrise Rotary Ride - 29th Annual! is a road cycling race on October 1–3, 2026 in Santa Cruz, CA, with an entry fee of $600.
- Date
- October 1–3, 2026 (70 days to go)
- Price
- $600
- Sport
- Road Cycling
From the Organizer
The Santa Cruz Sunrise Rotary Ride is a 3-day, 200-mile fully supported cycling adventure from the heart of Sonoma wine country, across the Golden Gate Bridge, and down the California coast to Santa Cruz. For 29 years, 100 riders have come together to raise money for kids and families who need it most — over $2,100,000 and counting. This is not a race. It's a community. Limited to 100 riders. Sells out every year.
|
The Beneficiaries
|
Primary Beneficiary
This year's Rotary Ride is proud to support the first-ever Second Harvest of Santa Cruz County elementary school-based food pantry — a groundbreaking program that brings healthy food directly into schools, so kids have access to nutritious meals not just at school, but to take home to their families. Food insecurity affects 1 in 4 children in Santa Cruz County. This pantry model meets families where they are — at their child's school — removing the barriers of transportation, stigma, and time that keep so many from accessing the support they need. Your support through the Rotary Ride is a direct investment in healthier, more food-secure futures for children and families right here in our community. |
|
Santa Cruz Children's Museum of Discovery (MOD) MOD is a hands-on learning playground inside Capitola Mall where kids explore, create, and discover through 5,000+ square feet of interactive exhibits. Your support helps ensure every child in Santa Cruz County — regardless of income — has access to the wonder and joy of early learning. |
An urban farm right in the heart of Santa Cruz where people with disabilities grow food, flowers, and lasting friendships alongside their community. Through farm skills training, internships, and education, Common Roots Farm creates meaningful opportunities and genuine belonging for all. |
Ride proceeds also support youth in our community through the Santa Cruz Sunrise Rotary club's Charities & Grants and High School Scholarship programs.
The Route
|
Day 1 Healdsburg to Rohnert Park ~51 miles Bus from Santa Cruz to Healdsburg · Fabulous lunch at Rick Hofstetter's riverside chalet on the Russian River · Hotel Centro Sonoma Wine Country, Tapestry by Hilton · Handcrafted hors d'oeuvres & cocktail hour poolside · Catered dinner & festivities |
|
Day 2 Rohnert Park to Pacifica ~88 miles Early start · Lunch in Sausalito · Cross the majestic Golden Gate Bridge · Ride through San Francisco · Pacifica Lighthouse Hotel at Rockaway Beach · Dinner & celebration at Nick's Restaurant |
|
Day 3 Pacifica to Santa Cruz ~64 miles Finish Line Party at West Coast Community Bank, 75 River St. · Family & friends all welcome · Guests arrive by 12:30 pm · Riders gather on the Riverwalk at 12:45 pm · Triumphant arrival together at 1:00 pm · Food, music, raffles & auctions |
Visit our Route Maps page for downloadable maps and turn-by-turn directions.
The Cost
|
$600 Registration Fee — Everything Included 2 nights premier lodging · All meals & snack stops · Bus transportation to Healdsburg · Sag & first aid support · Happy hours · 2026 commemorative ride T-shirt · Finish Line Party admission |
$1,000 min Fundraising Commitment 100% goes directly to our charities. Most riders far exceed the minimum! We make it easy — Fundraising is as Easy as 1, 2, 3 → |
The History
|
Jon & Ken's Most Excellent Adventure In 1997, two guys with bikes started something that would change Santa Cruz forever. 29 years, $2.1 million raised, and thousands of smiles later — here we are. |
In 1997, Jon Sisk and Ken Whiting had a simple idea: get on bikes, ride through some beautiful California countryside, and raise a little money for kids who needed it. No grand vision, no corporate sponsor, no marketing team. Just two guys, two bikes, and a community that showed up.
Twenty-nine years later, that simple idea has grown into one of Santa Cruz's most beloved annual traditions — still capped at 100 riders, still run entirely by volunteers, and still selling out every single year.
|
"No large riding experience is needed — only a love for our beautiful state and a desire to have some fun while supporting youth in our community." — The Sunrise Rotary Ride spirit, since 1997 |
The ride winds from the heart of Sonoma wine country in Healdsburg, through the Russian River, Tomales Bay, across the Golden Gate Bridge, and down the California coast back home to Santa Cruz. It's 200 miles of rolling hills, remote seaside roads, and some of the most spectacular scenery our state has to offer.
The ride is exceptionally well supported — all food, premier lodging, medical and sag included. Seasoned riders find great challenges every day. First-timers build their experience and hit personal bests. Everyone crosses the finish line smiling.
Why You Will Be Amazed
|
What makes this ride different
|
|
Ready to Ride? Limited to 100 riders. Sells out every year. Sign up today. Sign Up Now → |
Can't Ride? Donate! 100% of every donation goes directly to our 2026 beneficiaries. Donate Now → |
Events
Weather
Typical Conditions
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
87°
Typical Low
47°
Chance of Rain
7%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Ben Lomond #4, 4 mi from the venue.
Host City
About Santa Cruz, CA
City Elevation
36 ft
Nearest Airport
SJC
Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport · 26 mi
Time Zone
Pacific Time
From Endurance Grid
Line up lodging and travel early to lock in your race weekend.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
What Are You
Waiting For?
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at 2026 Santa Cruz Sunrise Rotary Ride - 29th Annual!, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
70
Days to train
- Race
- 2026 Santa Cruz Sunrise Rotary Ride - 29th Annual!
- Date
- October 1–3, 2026
Want more races like this?
Enter your email and we'll send more your way.
From Endurance Grid
About This Sport
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it’s the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer’s event page.
Road cycling rewards pacing judgment and consistent time on your bike more than raw power. If you already ride regularly and can comfortably ride a few miles, you have a good starting base for most beginner-friendly events.
Road Cycling
Built around sustained effort on a bike, exploring cities on the open road. Beginner distances create a great entry point into endurance sports.
Coming Up
More Road Cycling races near Santa Cruz, CA
HART PARK AFTER HOURS SERIES
5K · From $25 · 4100 Alfred Harrell Hwy
211 miles away
Bikes & Beers Ventura
From $51.69 · Topa Topa Brewing - 4880 Colt St
252 miles away
Grizzly Gravel & Century Charity Ride
From $68 · North Fork Town Hall
144 miles away
Bike to Hope 2026
Metric Century · Lagunitas Brewery
89 miles away
Plan your trip
Make it a Racecation
Coming from out of town? There's more to Santa Cruz than race day. We'll help you line up nearby lodging, flights, a rental car, and things to do so you can make the most of your racecation.
Plan your trip to Santa CruzFrequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the 2026 Santa Cruz Sunrise Rotary Ride - 29th Annual!?+
When and where is the 2026 Santa Cruz Sunrise Rotary Ride - 29th Annual!?+
How do I register for the 2026 Santa Cruz Sunrise Rotary Ride - 29th Annual!?+
2026 Santa Cruz Sunrise Rotary Ride - 29th Annual!
Oct 1, 2026