Find Your Next Bike Race in California

Find local USA Cycling sanctioned events, learn how to get started, and get ready for race day.

Racing in California brings together riders of all ages and experience levels across road, mountain bike, cyclocross, gravel, track, junior, and collegiate events. Use this page to explore upcoming races, learn what to expect on race day, and stay connected to the local racing scene.

How to Get Started

Getting started does not have to be complicated. Find an event, understand what you need, and get ready to race.

Find an event that fits how you like to ride. California offers opportunities across road, mountain bike, cyclocross, gravel, track, clinics, and other rides throughout the year.

A USA Cycling race license is required for sanctioned competitive events. Your license connects you to thousands of events, results and rankings, category upgrades, and year-round racing opportunities. You can purchase your race license here.

Race categories help group riders by experience, age, ability, or discipline. New riders will start in an entry level category, then move up through race experience and upgrade points. Events will list the categories offered for that race. Learn more about category upgrades

Once you find an event, review the event details, course, categories, and schedule, and make sure you know what to bring on race day. A coach can also help you prepare and be ready for race day.

Before you head to the event, make sure you have your bike, helmet, race clothing, cycling shoes, water bottles, nutrition and fluids, tools or spare tubes, towel, a change of clothes, and any other important items.  Bring your USA Cycling license information, registration confirmation, and a photo ID if needed for check in.

It is also a good idea to arrive early, check the schedule, pick up your number, and give yourself time to warm up before your race.

After your event, check results, learn from the experience, and find your next race. Racing gets easier to understand once you have been through the process.

State, Regional, and National Championships in California

DATE

EVENT

LOCATION

DISCIPLINE

REGISTRATION

April 18

San Luis Rey Road Race

Bonsall, CA

Road

 

May 31

SCNCA "Race for the Bear" JR's & Masters Criterium Championships p/b Methods to Winning

Long Beach, CA

Criterium

Register

June 6

Christian Cycling Dash for Cash & NCNCA Junior Criterium Championships

Pleasanton, CA

Criterium

 

June 13

NCNCA Junior District Track Championship

San Jose, CA

Track

 

June 21

2026 NorCal Crusher Cup #1 - Lake Sonoma 

Cloverdale, CA

Cross-Country MTB

Register

July 11

Pescadero Coastal Classic

Pescadero, CA

Road

Register

July 12

Manhattan Beach Grand Prix --California State Championship

Manhattan Beach, CA

Criterium

Register

August 1

Costa Mesa Grand Prix Elite District Championships

Costa Mesa, CA

Criterium

Register

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Racing Disciplines

Cycling offers many ways to race, including road, mountain bike, cyclocross, gravel, track, and para-cycling events. Learn more about each discipline.

Racing Resources in California

Northern California Local Association

Northern California Nevada Cycling Association (NCNCA)

The Northern California Nevada Cycling Association (NCNCA) serves and supports the cycling community across the northern parts of California and Nevada.

NCNCA Website

Southern California Local Association

Southern California Nevada Cycling Association (SCNCA)

The Southern California Nevada Cycling Association (SCNCA) serves and supports the cycling community across the southern parts of California and Nevada.

SCNCA Website

Collegiate Racing

Western Collegiate Cycling Conference (WCCC)

Collegiate riders in California compete through the Western Collegiate Cycling Conference (WCCC) with other schools located in Hawaii, and the western half of Nevada.

About the WCCC

Category Upgrades

Advancing Through the Ranks

Category upgrades are the foundation of USA Cycling’s competitive pathway, providing athletes of all ages and skill-levels a nationwide structure for continual advancement. 

Category Upgrades