FAQs
When is Ride Santa Barbara 100?
Packet pickup takes place on Friday October 18 and all categories of rides take place on Saturday October 19.
Is Ride Santa Barbara 100 a race?
RideSB100 is not a race, but each rider is professionally timed on course. Additionally, there is a timed challenge climb 100-mile and 100k+Climb riders. Prizes are awarded to men and women for the overall fastest time, as well as the fastest time in the following age groups: 29 and under, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59 and 60 years of age and older.
Is this ride for all levels?
Yes, there are four different courses to choose from. All involve climbing the beautiful hills in and around Santa Barbara. The 100 mile and 100k+Gibraltar are designed for advanced riders. The 100k and 34 mile are suited to beginner and intermediate riders. We even have an e-Bike class for riders who want to ride further with more confidence. Please choose the ride that best suits your ability level.
Is there a minimum age for participating?
No, however minors under the age of 18 must have a parent or legal guardian accompany them to sign the waiver in person at packet pick up.
Do you offer a student discount?
Yes, we offer a $10 discount for students. Email a copy of your student ID to info@ridesb100.com and we will reply with your discount code.
Will there be an official RideSB100 jersey?
Yes. Official jersey designs will be announced soon and will be available for pick up at the Expo and the day of the ride.
How do I get a team discount?
Are you a cycling club, racing team, employees from the same company, or just a group of friends? Email us at info@ridesb100.com for a preferred rate for 6 or more riders. All team sizes are welcome!
Can I have my own personal or team SAG wagon?
Personal or Team SAG wagons will be allowed on most of the course. We will provide specific details about those areas closer to the event. The Santa Barbara 100 will provide SAG support for all riders throughout the entire course.
Can I use time trial bars?
No, for your safety and the safety of other riders around you, time trial bars or aero bars are not permitted on any of the Santa Barbara 100 courses.
What will you have at the Aid Stations?
Each aid station will have a robust combination of hot food, grab-n-go snacks, gel shots, blocks and bars, water and electrolyte drink. If you are a local business that is interested in hosting an aid station, please email us at info@ridesb100.com. A hot lunch will also be served at the finish.
Can my friends and family come see me out on the course?
Yes, we will provide a list of access points suitable for your friends and family to see you. However, many areas are not suitable for spectators due to narrow, windy roads.
Can I ride a tandem, pull a bike trailer or use a trail-a-bike?
Yes, you can ride a tandem. Register the 2nd rider under the tandem category.
No, you may not use a bike trailer for safety reasons.
Yes, you may use a trail-a-bike but only on the 34 mile route. Register the 2nd rider under the tandem category.
Can I ride an e-Bike?
Yes, you can ride a Class 1 e-Bike. Results will be separate from non-ebike riders and there are no awards for the e-Bike division. Please check off that you are an e-Bike rider at checkout.
A Class 1 e-Bike, or low-speed pedal-assisted electric bicycle, is equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and that stops providing assistance when the bicycle reaches 20 mph. These e-bikes are legal on any paved surface that a regular bike is allowed to operate.
Can I ride a recumbent bike?
Yes, you can ride a recumbent bike. Results will be separate from all other divisions and excluded from awards. Please check off that you are a recumbent rider at checkout.
Are helmets required?
Yes, all participants are required to wear a helmet throughout the duration of the ride.
Can I start whenever I want?
No, each course has a specific start time:
- 7:00am 100 mile
- 7:30am 100k, 100k + Gibraltar
- 8:30am 34 mile
What if it rains?
It has been known to rain the day of our ride. Check the weather and prepare accordingly. The ride takes place rain or shine.
Is the course closed to traffic?
No, riders must obey all rules of the road and posted road signs. Please be aware of traffic at all times.
Are there course marshals?
In certain locations there may be course or safety personnel posted at key locations along the route. Please follow their instructions when required. It is still the rider’s responsibility to know the route by following course arrows, the route card and/or the Strava app tool.
What is the time cutoff?
6pm, for all courses.
Is the ride timed?
Yes, your registration includes start to finish timing.
Can I ride a different course than the one I registered for?
Yes, if that course is still open for registration. You may modify your registration by contacting us at info@ridesb100.com
I don’t arrive in Santa Barbara until Friday night. Can my friend pick up my registration packet?
No, you must pick up your registration packet in person with your ID. We highly recommend picking it up Friday, October 20th. If you can’t make it Friday, you can pick it up on Saturday morning before the ride.
I’m coming from out of town. Is there a host hotel? Where can I stay during the event?
Home base for Ride Santa Barbara 100 is Chase Palm Park, but we’ve partnered with Hotel Santa Barbara for discounted rooms during the event weekend. To save $20, call the hotel at (800) 549-9869 and mention Ride Santa Barbara 100 when making your reservation. Santa Barbara is a popular destination and many hotels require a 2-night minimum in October. If you want to explore your options, check out the list on Visit Santa Barbara’s website.
Can I buy a 2023 RideSB100 souvenir jersey? How about shorts and bibs?
Yes, we’ve partnered with Squadra to produce a custom commemorative kit that will be distributed to riders at packet pickup. The jersey has a cool coastal theme that celebrates Santa Barbara and matching bib or waist shorts are also available for purchase. Groups of six or more can order RideSB100 jerseys that are customized with their own name and logos. To buy apparel, visit our “Register” page, and scroll down for “Add Ons”. To initiate a custom team jersey order, please email Dave.Thile (at) squadra.com. The deadline for all apparel orders is July 31, 2023, but if you miss out, a limited number of jerseys and shorts will be available for walk-up purchase during the event.
I signed up, but I can’t ride. Can I get a refund or ride next year instead?
All entry fees are NON-REFUNDABLE, no exceptions. Once we receive and accept your entry, you will not receive a refund if you cannot participate. You may not give or sell your number to anyone else. You may transfer your entry to another person for $25. Contact us at info@ridesb100.com for instructions on how to transfer your registration to another rider.
Will Gibraltar Road be open for the 2023 ride? Is there a back-up plan?
Gibraltar Road is currently closed due to damage sustained during the recent intense rainstorms in the Santa Barbara region. Rider safety is our utmost priority, and after careful consideration and consultation with local authorities, we have made the decision to utilize alternative routes for this year’s ride.
The ride will utilize alternate routes in 2023 that will still provide a spectacular 100 Mile or 100K tour through Santa Barbara with a timed hill segment. Updated routes are available on the route specific pages.
What is the ride cancellation policy?
Weather, emergencies, or other issues of public safety may cause cancellation, postponement, or route adjustments of the Event(s), outside of the control of event management. In the instance of an unforeseen event cancellation, a majority of event expenses have already incurred. Should such event cancellation or postponement occur, registered participants can defer to the next year free of charge.
Specific protocol for allocating participant registration fees would be communicated to participants in the case of an event cancellation. Communication would specify participant response time within a limited time window following the cancellation to allow for adequate management action.
