Event Details
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Sunday May 3rd is the fifteenth running of the Belgian Waffle Ride California. The original unroad race that started it all returns with a brand-new coastal course mixing smooth tarmac, gnarly gravel, sandy sectors, and steep climbs.
Whether you take on the Waffle, Wafer, or Wanna, you’ll be part of one of the most storied and spirited cycling events in the world—where world-class pros and weekend warriors line up side by side to suffer gloriously under the Southern California sun.
At the finish, cold beer, hot waffles, and cheering fans await—all part of the grand BWR tradition of celebration and shared endurance.
New Course: This year we will remove the pinch places that caught some riders off guard and make sure the flow of the course doesn’t get impeded!
Additional Information
Race Categories & Distances
Riders face a "monstrous" selection of routes, with the Waffle distance featuring 25 unroad sectors with Flemish names:
| Category | Approx. Distance | Elevation Gain | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waffle | 106.5 miles (172 km) | ~7,500 ft | The original challenge; 40% unroad with 7 feed zones. |
| Wafer | 60 miles (97 km) | ~3,750 ft | A punchy mid-distance; 59% unroad with 5 feed zones. |
| Wanna | 32.7 miles (53 km) | ~2,500 ft | The "fun" distance; 32% unroad with 2 feed zones. |
Specialized options include Waffle OG (Rim brakes/28c tires max), Single Speed Masochists, Tandem, and the MTB "Lentz is More" category (minimum 2.1" tires)
What’s Included
Individual event registration typically starts at $195 for the Waffle/Wafer distances and $50 for Juniors. Entry includes:
- BWR Musette Swag Bag: Provided by Neversecond, containing essential race-day items, sponsor gear, and "BWR Bucks" for use at the expo.
- Signature Fuel: Pre-race waffles and coffee, fully supported feed zones, and a post-race Belgian waffle feast with cold beer.
- The Reward: A custom Finisher's Trophy Beer, podium recognition, and heavily weighted points toward the Quad-Tripel Crown of Gravel.
For the ultimate challenge, riders can enter the Dubbel Header, competing in the road fondo on Saturday and the BWR on Sunday.
Check Out the Action From Belgian Waffle Ride California
A Helpful Analysis of the Beglian Waffle Ride California Men's Race
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