Santa Barbara Century

The Santa Barbara 100 takes place in one of the most beautiful and challenging locations in the United States. We offer four distinct courses to suit every cyclist’s ability - each course offering a world class Santa Barbara cycling experience. New this year is a metric century including the famous Gibralter Climb - you asked for it.

All courses start at the Leadbetter beach park and follow the beautiful Santa Barbara beachfront before tuning inland to experience all Santa Barbara has to offer.  Cyclists will wind through some of the most exclusive neighborhoods in the country; experience the rolling foothills lined with citrus and avocado orchards of the front range; and climb some of the most famous mountains in the country, all while experiencing one of the most beautiful views in southern California. 

Each course offers a distinct cycling experience.  Riders of the 100 mile course will experience all Santa Barbara has to offer, including the “Gibraltar Challenge” a 7 mile time trial up Gibraltar road, before descending back toward the ocean for a beach-front finish.  

The all new 100k + Gibraltar includes the famous Gibraltar time trial and 7,000 feet of climbing but is less than 100 miles. This course is not for the beginner cyclist

Our original 100 kilometer course offers the same quality of experience without the high country climbs.  The 34 mile course offers the novice cyclist an amazing introduction to the Santa Barbara experience.   No matter which course you choose, you will understand why many of the nations top pro cyclists make Santa Barbara their winter training playground.

The Gibraltar Challenge

Noted on the 100 mile and 00k + Gibraltar courses elevation profiles as "HC" (which means a climb beyond categorization), the infamous Gibraltar road is known by locals as the "Santa Barbara Alpe d'Huez" as it is very similar to the famous Tour de France climb.

Riders will cross a timing mat at the bottom of Gibraltar Road and climb approximately 3000 feet in only 7 miles where they’ll cross a second mat to record their time.  Gibraltar Challenge awards will be presented for the fastest climbs across several categories.