Information provided by Visit San Benito County. Lea este artículo en español aquí.
Visit San Benito County will host the inaugural Condor Gravel Challenge on Sunday, June 7, 2026, bringing cyclists from across California to experience a one-of-a-kind gravel riding adventure through the scenic landscapes of San Benito County.
Gravel cycling has become the fastest-growing category in cycling, offering riders unmatched versatility by blending the speed of road biking with the durability of mountain biking across varied terrain. The Condor Gravel Challenge was created to celebrate that spirit of adventure while showcasing the breathtaking backroads, vineyards, ranchlands, and rolling hills of San Benito County.
The event will feature three route options:
- Epic – 100 km
- Primal – 75 km
- Day Tripper – 55 km (34 miles, e-bike friendly)
All rides will begin and end at Paicines Ranch. Rider check-in opens at 6:00 a.m., with the first ride beginning at 7:00 a.m. Participants are encouraged to visit the event website for the full schedule of events.
The event will conclude with a finish-line festival from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. featuring food, drinks, live music, games, and local vendors. Riders and spectators may also purchase a prepaid lunch at the Overlook Restaurant at Paicines Ranch for $25. Families are encouraged to attend and enjoy the relaxed ranch atmosphere — including Paicines Ranch’s beloved hospitality sheep, which are always a hit with kids.
Visitors traveling to the event will find a variety of overnight accommodations throughout the region, including limited on-site lodging at Paicines Ranch, nearby camping options at Bolado Park Event Center, Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area, and Thousand Trails, as well as numerous hotel options in downtown Hollister.
Riders on the Epic and Primal routes will experience a challenging timed segment known as “Double Trouble,” a six-mile competitive section featuring two steep climbs, with prizes awarded to top finishers. The routes include rare access through private ranchlands and scenic destinations including Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area, Hudner Ranch, and Eden Rift Vineyards, where cyclists will ride through the property’s signature white gravel vineyard roads.
The Day Tripper route offers a more approachable experience for recreational riders and e-bike participants, traveling along scenic Cienega Road to Eden Rift Vineyards and back to Paicines Ranch.
“There is nothing else quite like this in our region,” said Irene Davis. “We created the Condor Gravel Challenge to showcase the incredible beauty, hospitality, and outdoor adventure opportunities that make San Benito County so special. Our vision is to grow this into a premier annual cycling event that benefits local businesses and becomes a destination ride for cyclists throughout California.”
Course designer Drew Rodgers added, “Don’t be fooled by the movie set surroundings you find yourself in during the Condor Gravel Challenge: this is a cycling event not to be taken lightly.”
Visit San Benito County hopes to attract approximately 500 riders during the inaugural year and establish the event as a signature annual tourism experience for the region.
The ride will feature two fully supported aid stations along the route to help keep riders fueled and hydrated throughout the adventure.
A portion of proceeds from the event will support condor conservation efforts through the Pinnacles National Park Foundation.
Community members are encouraged to participate by registering to ride, becoming sponsors, volunteering during the event, or bringing the family out to enjoy the festival and cheer on participants.
To avoid late registration fees, participants are encouraged to register by May 23, 2026.
Registration and additional information are available at:
Condor Gravel Challenge