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Few mountain bike races in Southern California have the legacy of the Sagebrush Safari. Since 1987, this event has drawn riders eager to tackle its rugged terrain, fast descents, and punchy climbs. As we gear up for this year's race in March, let's take a deep dive into what makes the course so special and why you should be lining up at the start.
The Sagebrush Safari is a big-lap race, offering two course options: a 20-mile lap for those looking for a quicky and the full 27-mile course—the true Sagebrush Safari—boasting nearly 4,000 feet of climbing. Expect classic, old-school mountain biking, where strategy, fitness, and technical skills all come into play.
The course is a mix of flowing singletrack, rocky technical sections, and fire roads that demand both endurance and skill. While the climbing is relentless, it's not made up of long grinds—it’s a series of short, punchy ascents that will put you in the hurt locker if you don’t pace yourself.
From the gun, the race kicks off with a paved climb leading up to Four Corners, a well-known checkpoint in the local MTB community. The first five miles are crucial—this is where the pros start making their moves. According to MTB legend Tinker Juarez, the real race begins just past the gate, where the gradient kicks up and the pace accelerates. If you want to be in a good position for the first singletrack section, this is where you need to push.
As you climb higher, you’ll hit Ranger Trail, a twisty, relentless section filled with short but steep climbs. This is where smart pacing is key—burn too many matches early on, and you'll pay for it later. A good rule of thumb? Start conservatively, then ramp up your effort as the trail mellows out.
From there, you’ll roll onto Wrangler Trail, a mix of fast doubletrack and tricky singletrack that rewards flow and momentum. This leads you into Sky Valley, a scenic and undulating section that provides a bit of relief before tackling the next big challenge.
No Sage Brush Safari experience is complete without conquering the Sage Brush Slab—a famous rock section that has been part of the course since the race’s inception. If you don’t ride this, you haven’t truly done the Sage Brush Safari!
After all the climbing and technical sections, you’ll be rewarded with Spur Meadows, a fast, flowy downhill that brings out your inner speed demon. Then comes Kernan Cycle Trail, a legendary descent filled with jumps, berms, and chunky rock gardens. While mostly downhill, it throws in just enough short climbs to keep you on your toes. Stay light on your pedals, pick your lines carefully, and enjoy one of the best descents in San Diego.
From here, it’s a short ride to the finish line—time to empty the tank and sprint it out!
The Sagebrush Safari isn’t just about race day—it’s about the experience. Camping at the venue is a major part of the tradition. Set in a beautiful campground with views of Las Piños Mountain, it’s the perfect spot to soak in the MTB community vibes.
Saturday kicks off with a Sprint Race, a short-format event to get your legs primed. The best part, Your entry includes a free spaghetti dinner at the Sagebrush Saloon—or you can grab a plate for just $10. Afterward, expect plenty of post-ride storytelling over beers before the big race on Sunday.
Thanks to the generous support of Cadence Cyclery and Team Baghouse, this year’s race will feature a $3,000 prize purse for the expert division. It’s the first time Sagebrush Safari has offered a payout, so expect the competition to be fierce!
If you love challenging climbs, thrilling descents, and the camaraderie of the MTB community, Sagebrush Safari is a must-ride event. Whether you're gunning for the podium or just want to test yourself on an iconic course, this race offers something for everyone.
So pack your camping gear, prep your race setup, and get ready to ride one of San Diego’s most legendary MTB events. We’ll see you at the start line!
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