184 miles with 13,400 feet of climbing
Figueroa Mountain and Jalama Beach (124 miles with 9,600 feet of climbing)
Foxen, Alisal, Drum, and Ballard Canyon (60 miles with 3,800 feet of climbing)
The Life Ride is a new two-day cycling event which raises funds to support cancer research. The event was inspired by the Pan-Mass Challenge on the East Coast, which has raised $1/2 billion for cancer research since its inception in 1980.
The inaugural edition of the Life Ride saw 24 riders raise $80,000 (excluding $50,000 in underwriting sponsorships from the Los Angeles Dodgers and McCourt Global).
Route Profile • Figueroa Mountain and Jalama Beach
Cat. 2: Mile 16 and 20
Cat. 3: Mile 76 and 92
The long course of day one combines Figueroa Mountain with Jalama Beach.
Initially Alamo Pintado Road and Baseline Avenue lead northeast through Santa Ynez Valley towards the San Rafael Mountains. Then Happy Canyon gradually ascends, climbs for three miles (one of them on dirt), briefly descends, and continues to climb for another two and a half miles. Next the ride turns west onto Figueroa Mountain Road, which climbs for three and a half miles to 4,400 feet.
After a long descent on the west side of the mountain, Figueroa Mountain Road leads south into Los Olivos, passing Neverland Ranch. Highway 246 returns to Solvang and continues on to Buellton, where the route turns onto Santa Rosa Road. The course then leads south on Highway 1 and west on Jalama Road, which ends at secluded Jalama Beach. From here the ride returns to Solvang.
The medium course of day one leads out-and-back to Jalama Beach or in a loop over Figueroa Mountain. The short course of day one includes Santa Rosa Road.
Route Profile • Foxen, Alisal, Drum, and Ballard Canyon
Cat. 3: Mile 13 and 28
The long course of day two leads through Foxen, Alisal, Drum, and Ballard Canyon. Due to a missed turn in Los Olivos, this ride partially leads up Figueroa Mountain, then returns to Foxen and Alisal Canyon, before visiting Los Alamos. To make it back in time, the route follows Highway 101 to Buellton and Highway 246 to Solvang and Kalyra Winery.
The short course of day two leads into Foxen Canyon and returns on Zaca Station Road.
Life Ride • Interactive Map
Life Ride • Pictures
Life Riders
Happy Canyon
Figueroa Mountain Road
Jalama Road
Foxen Canyon
Solvang
Photo 1 credit: Mike K.
By: B. Straehle