The Lighthouse Century is a group cycling event held in the last week of September. It brings cyclists together to sweat it out on miles of routes, paired with brilliant oceanside views and lush, rolling inland hills on the Central Coast.
The ride, which travels through Cambria and San Simeon, offers five routes traveling along the Central Coast between Morro Bay, the Piedras Blancas Light Station, and the Donati Winery on Highway 46. Scenic vistas of the Central Coast and cool ocean breezes make the miles of pedaling on this ride worth it—and a classic that sells out every year. Only 1,000 spots are available, so be sure to register your place early.
The Lighthouse Century is loaded up with a variety of routes to test your skills, no matter your experience level. All rides include:
- Ticket prices covering all costs and transaction fees
- Outstanding views of the ocean and coastal hill scenery
- Digital maps and cue sheets
- Rest stops stocked with delicious, refreshing food
- Robust SAG support
- Bike mechanics on-hand at Start and Rest stops
- Enthusiastic and friendly volunteers
- Post-ride meal for all registered riders, including a choice of omnivore or vegetarian entrée and sides, plus dessert and drinks
- Tickets available at the meal for non-riders
- E-bikes without throttles are welcome—refer to the E-bike Specifications
- Custom-ordered short-sleeve or long-sleeve jerseys and wind vests in your size, available during early registration
- Your registration fee supports donations to Bike SLO County, and other local cycling organizations and programs, as well as the communities and groups that support our rides.
How to Register for the SLOBC Lighthouse Century
Participation in the Lighthouse Century is pre-registration only. Registration opens Sunday, June 8, 2025, at 12 p.m., and closes on Sunday, September 6, 2025, at 11:30 p.m., or when the 1,000-rider limit for the event is reached.
Check out the Lighthouse Century registration page for directions and availability. You can also email any registration questions to century-registration@slobc.org.
SLOBC Lighthouse Century Routes
Century Route
The capstone Century Route is a 95-mile hike on the bike that climbs 6,000 feet. It’s the only route that travels a regionally famous road for cyclists, Old Creek Road, and also includes a stop at Donati Winery.
75 Mile Route
The 75 Mile Route opts to head straight on Highway 1 from Morro Bay to the Piedras Blancas Light Station lighthouse. While relatively flat, the 2,700-foot elevation climb through a few steep ascents and descents will test you on this ride. However, the route travels through several cyclist-friendly towns, including Cambria.
65 Mile Route
This route, which cuts the 75 Mile Route at Cypress Tree, just shortly after passing San Simeon, is 100 kilometers long. The shorter route will give you more time to enjoy the vista points off Highway 1.
65 Mile Gravel Route
This route features over 3,000 feet of climbing up Old Creek in the first 30 miles, before turning east on Santa Rita Road—a narrow, winding, regularly single-lane section that includes 10 miles of gravel climbing up and over the ridge.
40 Mile Route
The 40 Mile Route follows the same path up Highway 1 as the other routes, with a turnaround in the charming community of Cambria. This route is perfect for those looking to enjoy the central coast beach routes, but in a shorter timeframe.
Lodging for Lighthouse Century
The Central Coast is home to a host of recommendable lodging properties in Cambria that are happy to accomodate you and your ride—many with specials going right now.
Book your stay in beautiful Cambria today!
Who to Contact for More Info on SLOBC Lighthouse Century
Check out the event website FAQ for the latest information.