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What’s up, folks? We took a deep dive—err, ride—into the 2025 Belgian Waffle Ride California course with none other than Lance Haidet. This year’s route starts in Del Mar, shaking things up with a fresh first and final quarter. Translation: new terrain, new challenges, and a whole lot of dirt. Here’s what we found out while pre-riding the course.
San Diego delivered its usual stunning backdrop, with rolling green hills and ocean views. But beauty can be deceptive. Some of the early double-track sections were pure speed, with enough ruts and muddy patches to keep things interesting. And then there was the creek crossing—a glassy sheet of moss that nearly claimed our cameraman. Pro tip: keep your weight centered, stay off the brakes, and go full send.
This course is leaning heavily into its gravel roots. Compared to past editions, there’s significantly more dirt—enough that your road tires might start feeling inadequate. Fast, flowy segments are broken up by punchy climbs and a few techy surprises. The baby-head rocks lurking in the soil? Just enough to make your tires dance under you. And those steep kickers? Let’s just say they add up fast.
Enter the infamous Cosby Trail switchbacks—tight, punchy, and relentless. With good traction (for now), they demand some serious bike handling. If you’re feeling nostalgic, channel your inner cyclocrosser and embrace the old-school dismount. And if you’re running Almsthre gloves? Bonus grip for whipping your bike around those wooden posts. Product plug? Maybe. Good advice? Absolutely.
The last major climb could be the defining moment of the race. It’s steep, it’s cruel, and just when you think you’ve reached the top—oh no, one more kicker. Make it through without cracking, and you’ll be rewarded with a fast, flat, headwind-heavy run to the finish. Burn too many matches too soon? You might find yourself crawling to the line.
With its new coastal start and finish, more dirt, and enough punchy climbs to keep things spicy, the 2025 BWR CA course is shaping up to be a battle of positioning, patience, and sheer willpower. Get your gear dialed, bring your A-game, and get ready to embrace the art of doing.
Thanks to Lance Haidet for the recon ride, and to Almsthre for making sure we didn’t completely lose our minds out there. Now go ride some gravel, and we’ll see you on race day.
Cadence Cyclery Encinitas recently had the privilege of hosting PAS Normal Studios for their Mid Summer 200K ride. Regardless of your opinion of the PAS brand, there is no denying one thing. Between their US-based youth cycling program and now this group ride, they are here to impact the cycling community for the better. And they have some deeply passionate people working hard to make it happen. We are looking forward to more of this and hope to aid in their efforts however we can.
I’ve always believed that having a plan is good, but being flexible is even better. Our recent trip to Montana proved that point in the best way possible.
The inaugural Belgian Waffle Ride Montana didn’t just arrive in Bozeman—it kicked the door down, left tire tracks through the living room, and poured a cold recovery beer on the way out. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Montana’s vast gravel playgrounds, the first-ever BWR MT delivered a day that tested the sadists of the saddle and gave us the “Hell of the Bozone” in all its glory.
