2025 2026
Inaugural Year

The Long Ride Home

Newport Beach → Chula Vista

"Started as a bad idea. Somehow got worse."

Andre

"There is no quitting unless a car hits you. And even then, walk it off and get back on the bike."

— Andre

Created by Andre D Paredes, PhD

Overview

105
Miles
7:30a
Start
8:00p
Finish
12
Stops

In 2008, a college kid looked at a map and thought: "I bet I could bike home from school." Seventeen years later, that same kid (now with questionable decision-making skills) decided to make it everyone else's problem too.

I am making it official. 105 miles of coastal California, questionable life choices, and the kind of bonding that only happens when you're collectively questioning every decision that led to this moment while your butt goes numb and you realize you still have 60 miles left. It's like a really long episode of Jackass, but with better scenery and more crying.

1
5:45 AM — Leave Bonita, drive to Newport Beach
2
7:30 AM — Start biking from Back Bay Road
3
All Day — Support vehicle meets bikers at stops
4
~8:00 PM — Finish at 3rd Ave & E St, Chula Vista

Route

Start
Water
Meal
Caution
Finish

All Stops

START: Back Bay Road, Newport Beach
Mile 0 7:30 AM

Meet at Back Bay Road near PCH. Final bike check, fill water bottles. Skip breakfast - we'll eat on the road.

Crystal Cove State Park
Mile 8 ~8:15 AM

Quick water break. Beautiful coastal views. Team B can park at Crystal Cove lot.

Water Team B Wait
Laguna Beach - Main Beach
Mile 15 ~9:00 AM

First major stop. Restrooms available. Quick stretch. Grab a coffee if needed.

Water
Dana Point Harbor
Mile 28 ~10:30 AM

BRUNCH STOP. Harbor has multiple restaurants. Coffee Importers, Turk's, or Harbor House Cafe. Sit-down meal - 45 min break.

Brunch Team B Wait
San Clemente Pier
Mile 38 ~12:15 PM

Last stop before Camp Pendleton. Fill up all water. Use restrooms. Mentally prepare for I-5 section.

Water Pre-Pendleton
Camp Pendleton
Mile 38-56 ~12:30 PM - 2:00 PM

~18 MILES THROUGH BASE OR I-5. See special instructions below. Stay focused, single file. No stopping on I-5 shoulder.

Caution Zone
Oceanside Harbor
Mile 60 ~2:30 PM

AFTERNOON SNACK. Made it through Pendleton! Celebrate with fish tacos at Rockin' Baja or Harbor Fish & Chips. 30 min break.

Snack Team B Wait
Carlsbad Village
Mile 68 ~3:30 PM

Quick water break. Cute village if you need anything. State Street has cafes.

Water
Encinitas / Moonlight Beach
Mile 78 ~4:30 PM

Water and stretch. Swami's area is beautiful. Keep pushing - almost there!

Water Team B Wait
La Jolla Shores
Mile 90 ~6:00 PM

EARLY DINNER. Last real meal stop. Piatti, The Shores Restaurant, or grab something quick. 45 min break. 15 miles to go!

Early Dinner Team B Wait
Mission Bay / Pacific Beach
Mile 95 ~7:00 PM

Quick water. Take the bayfront path. Almost home stretch!

Water
FINISH: 3rd Ave & E Street, Chula Vista
Mile 105 ~8:00 PM

Century complete. Celebrate!

Gear

Each rider carries these essentials. Everything else goes in the support vehicle.

Flat Kit

  • 2-3 CO2 cartridges
  • CO2 inflator
  • 2 spare tubes
  • Tire levers

On the Bike

  • Water bottle + cage
  • Phone mount (optional)
  • Bike computer (optional)

Wear

  • Helmet (required)
  • Padded shorts
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen

Pro Tips

  • Chamois cream - trust us
  • Electrolyte tablets
  • Cash for emergencies

Support Crew

The support vehicle follows I-5, meeting riders at key stops with water, snacks, and encouragement.

8:15a
Crystal Cove Park lot ($15) · 20 min wait
10:30a
Dana Point Harbor Free parking · Brunch together
2:30p
Oceanside Harbor Metered lots · Post-Pendleton snack
4:30p
Moonlight Beach Street parking · 15 min wait
6:00p
La Jolla Shores Kellogg Park · Dinner together
8:00p
Finish Line Arrive by 7:45p to greet finishers

FAQ

How do we get through Camp Pendleton?

Two options:

Through Base (preferred)
  • Get a free cycling pass from Main Gate Visitor Center
  • Bring Real ID (driver's license or passport)
  • Scenic 11-mile bike-only road through San Onofre
  • Check for military closures before ride day
I-5 Shoulder (backup)
  • Legal only when base is closed to cyclists
  • 8 miles on freeway shoulder
  • Single file, high visibility, no stopping
What about bikes?

Stay Classy Bikes — (619) 297-5500
They deliver to Newport Beach and pick up in Chula Vista. Expect ~$100-150 per bike including delivery both ways.

What pace should we expect?

~15 mph average including stops. We start early to beat the heat and finish before dark. Southbound usually means tailwind.

What if someone can't finish?

Support vehicle can pick up anyone who bonks. No shame — it's 105 miles. Make sure support crew has everyone's phone numbers.

What should I check before ride day?
  • Weather forecast (wind direction matters)
  • Camp Pendleton base access status
  • Bike rental confirmation
  • Everyone has each other's phone numbers