Sonoma County Backroad Challenge

The Rotary Club of Petaluma Sunrise invites you to join us for our annual Sonoma County Backroad Challenge. Cycle the beautifu backroads of Sonoma and west Marin Counties

Well-stocked rest stations, SAG support, clearly marked courses

Great Festival after the ride including chicken BBQ, cold beer from local artisan craft brewers, live music and friends Your participation helps us fund worthy causes including the work of local non-profits and humanitarian projects.

Century -- Far and away, this is our most challenging ride.  It is designed for very serious riders who are in great physical condition and experienced with significant elevation changes.  If you are up for the Challenge, then this one is for you. It’ll be a long day in the saddle but you’ll be rewarded with some of the best scenic country that we have to offer in Sonoma County.  Rolling hills, pasture lands, vineyards, coast line, redwood groves, and challenging climbs await you. We’ve changed to Century this year to include a long haul down Highway 1 to Pt. Reyes Station and Olema. You won’t climb the Marshall Wall, but after Burnside Road, Franklin School Road, The Olema Hill on Sir Francis Drake Blvd, and Wilson Hill you make thank us for taking THE WALL out of this very challenging century. 

Metric Century -- This course heads to the 1st Rest Stop along with the other 2 rides. From there Metric Century riders proceed to the Hwy 1 turn onto the Shoreline Highway to pick up the full Century Ride in Tomales. At the request of many Metric Century Riders, we’ve eliminated the Franklin School Road Climb from this ride. You will, however, get the same coastal views, the challenge of the Marshall Wall and the pleasant rolling hill country riding – but you’ll miss out on additional serious hill climbing. This is an intermediate ride that will be perfect for experienced riders without the extreme endurance challenges of the Century Ride. New riders in good physical condition can certainly consider the Metric Century – just be prepared for a great workout.

Half Metric -- This course is mostly flat and we’ve tried to provide the nicest roads possible.  You won’t get too far out of town on this course but you’ll enjoy scenic views of the pasture lands and rolling hills that surround Petaluma.  This ride is short, quick, and fun – we’ve designed it for beginning riders or for more experienced riders that for whatever reason want to have a less grueling ride.