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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.
Meet Amelia Durst, a cyclist with an inspiring journey that began not on two wheels but with running shoes pounding the pavement. Amelia’s story is a testament to discovery, persistence, and embracing the unexpected—qualities that have defined her path to becoming a privateer racer with an ambitious 2025 schedule.
Otherwise known as "The Hell of the North Desert," if the creative vernacular hasn't impressed you, the course certainly will. We strapped a GoPro on Lance Haidet to give you a little rider POV of the first dirt section of the 2025 Belgian Waffle Ride Arizona.
We finally did it. Our first official-ish ALMSTHRE group ride out of the new HQ in Carlsbad, California. We’d been talking about this forever, but something always seemed to get in the way—until now. One ride down, many more to go.
