New cycling festival comes to Cambria in April
New festival steps in after Eroica California ends
– A new cycling festival is coming to Cambria this spring, replacing the longtime annual event Eroica California with a non-competitive, three-day format open to both vintage and modern bike riders.
The Central Coast Classico is scheduled for April 24–26 at the Pinedorado Grounds, 950 Main St., Cambria. The event includes supported rides, food stops, live music, and a central hub at the grounds, which are adjacent to the Cambria Veterans Memorial Hall.
The festival offers two route options. The Jade Route is a 38-mile coastal ride along Highway 1, past the Piedras Blancas Lighthouse. The Limestone Route is a 75-mile option that includes gravel segments and climbs through the coastal range and back-country vineyards. All routes include food and hydration stops, mechanical support, portable restrooms, and a sweeper vehicle to assist riders. Neither route is timed.
Riders may participate in one of two categories. The vintage category encourages steel bikes from before 1988. The modern category is open to contemporary road and gravel bikes.
On Friday, April 24, registration and packet pickup opens at 2 p.m. at the Pinedorado Grounds. Riders are encouraged to arrive by bicycle, as parking is limited. A sunset ride departs at 6 p.m. from the grounds to Hearst Pier and back. Bike tune-ups will be available at a service tent from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
On Saturday, April 25, on-site registration opens at 6 a.m. Vintage cyclists depart on the Limestone Route at 7:30 a.m., followed by modern road and gravel riders at 8:30 a.m. All cyclists depart on the Jade Route at 9 a.m. A post-ride gathering at the Pinedorado Grounds runs from noon to 5 p.m. and includes live music, vendor booths, food, and local wine and beer. A VIP dinner event takes place from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Fog’s End, featuring live music by the Jill Knight Duo, food by Linn’s Restaurant, and a wine bar by Campion Wines.
On Sunday, April 26, a bike brunch runs from 9 to 11 a.m. A raffle and vintage bicycle show and concourse take place from 10 to 11:30 a.m., followed by curated rides led by cycling guests at 11 a.m.
The event was founded by Aaron Linn, a Cambria resident and owner and general manager of Linn’s Restaurants. Adam Laurent, an Olympian and public relations director for the festival, is based in Pismo Beach. Ronnie Wannagat, the event and programs manager, is responsible for course logistics, food, music, and is an operations manager for Linn’s Restaurant and Bakery. Wannagat is based in Paso Robles.
More information is available at the event’s website.
