On Saturday, Oct. 20 the San Benito County Chamber of Commerce is hosting the first Discovery Classic, a family-friendly, all-day “Tour de San Benito County” bike event that showcases the county’s natural beauty and also the fun of bike riding.
Starting at 6am in front of the Veteran’s Memorial Building on San Benito Street, the non-competitive ride will show off the county’s wine country, orchards, ranches and neighborhoods.
While riders will not race the clock,; they should expect plenty of exercise. The Gravel Grinder, a 50-mile ride, starts from San Benito Street, then heads south on Union Road into the Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area for the first pause at the Mudstone Rest Stop.
Riders then turn right onto Cienega Road to the next rest stop at Paicines Ranch. The final leg of the tour heads northwest onto Santa Anita Road, Santa Ana Valley Road, and finally back into Hollister.
The Family Ride is a 20-mile excursion starting from San Benito Street, then onto Union Road heading south down Southside Road, following the path of the San Benito River, with a tour down Thomas Road, then finally back to Southside Road and back to Hollister.
Riders on the Gravel Grinder Ride will climb to over 1,800 feet in the hills, while the Family Ride will rise to a gradual 500 feet at the maximum.
The Gravel Grinder Ride costs $80, and the Family Fun Ride is $60. Kids 12 and under ride for free. Riders can register via a link on sanbenitocountychamber.com.
Excellent. Hope this event takes hold, and I’ll be there one year.