The weekend of October 26th is jam-packed with two incredible and nontraditional cycling events: The Bovine Classic in Atascadero (very close to SLO!!) and Phil’s Cookie Fondo in Malibu. From beginners to seasoned riders, these events are guaranteed fun for all skill levels.
What are they? While they are two very different events, they both have a few common themes: a welcoming and fun aura, multiple courses for different skill levels, delicious food, and an atmosphere where fun times are more important than fast times.
How do they work? Described as “A seriously unserious gravel hoedown in California’s “other” wine country,” the Bovine Classic is a local mixed surface adventure ride. While there are results and prizes, this is not your typical race. The courses range from 38 to 93 miles, and only a small portion of the routes are timed and count towards the results. What does this mean? Well, even if you are the first person to cross the finish line, the results from your timed segments are what count. So enjoy the ride, make some new friends, take in the gorgeous scenery, stop at each station, and eat DELICIOUS snacks (last year there was pastries from local bakeries, fancy prosciutto, and many other outstanding goodies on top of traditional bike snacks), and hammer some short segments if you feel like it. If not, that’s ok too.
Phil’s Cookie Fondo is the “Sweetest Gran Fondo of All and the Best Day You’ll Ever Have on a Bike!” Take in the gorgeous Malibu scenery, eat cookies, meet great people (including Phil), and constantly have a smile on your face. As if cookies and Malibu aren’t incentive enough, the event is raising money for the Los Angeles Chapter of Sierra Club which is actively working to protect the Santa Monica mountains. There will also be a post-ride meal made by local celebrity chefs. If you are unfamiliar with Phil Gaimon, he’s a cookie lover, former world tour rider, and author of three incredible books that I couldn’t put down. Phil, if a miracle happens and you’re reading this for some reason, pretty please write some more books.
As a broke college student, I haven’t personally done this race, but I’m so excited to do it this year with the registration discount for college students and junior rides. Thank you to the anonymous sponsor who donated 100 free entries for riders currently enrolled in college or under 19. Young riders, there are still spots available as of today!
If you can’t decide between the two, flip a coin and know that either will be incredible. If you’re crazy like me and plan on doing both events, best of luck!!
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