PUBLISHED

Oct

21

Dispatches

Bovine Classic Takes Place

October 26, 2024

Just A Few More Days To Bovine 3.0

Soon we'll all be pedaling our haunches off in one of the most beautiful places to ride a bike. We can't thank you enough for sharing yourself and your time with us, on this ride, in this place.

Our friend Alison is fond of saying that this is an event that "brings the best out in people." When we look at all of you together on the start line, I know that feeling will MOOtivate us up once again.

See you in a few days.

Bryoncé & The Monkeys

Get In The MOOd With The 2024 Radio Free Bovine Spotify List

Our annual playlist has become a regular part of the Bovine experience. We know that most of you have a real haul to get here, so we like to put you in the right frame of mind. This one has a bit of dusty elegance to it, and we hope you enjoy it. PLAY RADIO FREE BOVINE 2024.

The Rider Guide & Bonus Rides

Hopefully, by now, you've given the Official Rider Guide a deep read, and RSVP'd for the Bonus Rides you'll be attending. No? Well, then let's giddy-that-up.

READ THE RIDER GUIDE HERE

RSVP FOR BONUS RIDES HERE

LET'S EAT! For those of you doing Friday's pre ride, a handful of us will be meeting up at Colony Sandwich and Ancient Owl Beer Garden afterwards. If you care to get your snack on, please join! You'll be able to enjoy a beverage at Ancient Owl and order lunch from Colony Sandwich via a QR code.

Please Ride Mindfully & With Care.

Let's face it. Once the heat of the Herd is in full swing, many of us just get caught up in the excitement. We can become a little less mindful and our attention can wander ... particularly when fatigue sets in. I've been there myself many times.

Your safety is our first, second, third, and last concern. Above ALL ELSE we want to see your gritty smiles at the finish line festivities.

To double down on that goal, here are some areas we want you to ride extra smart, extra careful, and extra aware. Here are some specific (and general) details.

Big Bovine

  • Any Left Turn. Please stop and look before proceeding. You'll save CHP Officer Dave Morey from getting a stress ulcer.
  • Mile 6.11. This is a fast left turn from tarmac to a dirt road. Watch for oncoming. Listen for autos behind you. Don't over-cook it.
  • Mile 9. Turning left into Justin Wines vineyard immediately after passing through 4-way stop.
  • Mile 23.9. Crossing HWY 46 Northbound
  • Mile 32.5. Making a hard descending left turn from Peachy Canyon onto Willow Creek.
  • Mile 36-42. Vineyard Rd can be narrow. Share the road. Keep it single file please.
  • Mile 57. Cross the timing mat. BE CAREFUL crossing HWY 46.
  • Mile 57.8. Be careful entering Santa Rita Ranch. Have fun in there. It's a special place.
  • Mile 66. Fast descent, narrow road, hairpin turns. Ride smart.
  • Mile 70. Be careful on this left turn. YIELD to oncoming cars.
  • Mile 76-81. Descend with caution. They may be oncoming humans, cars, animals.

Feisty Bovine

  • Any Left Turn. Please stop and look before proceeding. You'll keep Carlos in a place of Yoda-like serenity.
  • Mile 11.3. Crossing HWY 46 Northbound
  • Mile 21.8. Making a hard descending left turn from Peachy Canyon onto Willow Creek.
  • Mile 31-33. You'll be on HWY 46. There's a wide shoulder, but be cautious.
  • Mile 33. You MUST make the right turn here into the aid station.
  • Mile 33.1. Cross the timing mat. BE CAREFUL crossing HWY 46.
  • Mile 33.8. Be careful entering Santa Rita Ranch. Have fun in there. It's a special place.
  • Mile 42.5. Fast descent, narrow road, hairpin turns. Ride smart.
  • Mile 46.12. Be careful on this left turn. YIELD to oncoming cars.
  • Mile 52-58. Descend with caution. They may be oncoming humans, cars, animals.

Happy Bovine

  • Any Left Turn. Please stop and look before proceeding. You'll keep Bryoncé from tantruming.
  • Mile 6.11. This is a fast left turn from tarmac to a dirt road. Watch for oncoming. Listen for autos behind you. Don't over-cook it.
  • Mile 9. Turning left into Justin Wines vineyard immediately after passing through a 4-way stop.
  • Mile 23.9. Crossing HWY 46 Northbound
  • Mile 32.5. Making a hard descending left turn from Peachy Canyon onto Willow Creek.
  • Mile 38.8. Entering/Exiting roundabout at HWY 46
  • Mile 40. Caution when merging back onto Vineyard Rd.

Baby Bovine

  • Any Left Turn. Please stop and look before proceeding. It'll make you more appealing than you already are for that special someone.
  • Mile 11.3. Crossing HWY 46 Northbound
  • Mile 21.8. Making a hard descending left turn from Peachy Canyon onto Willow Creek.
  • Mile 27.1. Entering/Exiting roundabout at HWY 46
  • Mile 28.4. Caution when merging back onto Vineyard Rd.

Remember: This is not a closed course! We share it with winery workers, ranchers, tourists, stray cows, and other cyclists. Be cool and share the road. Keep it single file when there are passing vehicles. We want to be invited back.

New  "On The Red Dot" Podium Award by Enduro Bearings

 

The female and male rider that finish their ride (regardless of distance) closest to 2 PM (but not after) wins a new Enduro bottom bracket. (In a perfect Bovine world, Enduro will see people doing track stands at the finish in an attempt to win.)

 

Winners can select any BB Enduro makes up  $300 value, including the guaranteed for life XD15 models!

Keep MOOvin: New Water Stop Added!

Hey, Big Bovine riders, we're adding a new water station at mile 42. It's just past the entrance to Tablas Creek Winery. (No restroom access. Sorry.)

Our cow-costumed team will be doing bottle hoof-ups to the first 100 riders. They're new to that, so stay patient.

An Important Note on Santa Rita Ranch For Big & Feisty Bovine Riders!

This is a special detour onto a 120-year-old ranch that's now owned by Land Conservancy SLO. It's a rare, first-time opportunity to explore an 8-mile with NO CARS. You'll be out there in our hidden backcountry.

This is an 8-mile loop with some steep sections, and a couple of small creek crossings. Some of you will have a couple of hike-a-bike moments. I certainly have. When you get to the top of the climb, look out to the southwest. You may get an AMAZING view of the Morro Bay

The descent from that climb can be a little loose and twisty. Approach it with caution, patience, and awareness.

Here's a video introducing the ranch. Have fun in there, and know you're getting unique access to a special place.

Post-Bovine Pics

An effort like this deserves to be remembered. Immortalize your moment with a participation photo from the 2024 Bovine Classic.  Whether you need digital downloads for your post race recap or a metal print to hang as a trophy, we've got options for everyone. Taylor Chase (IG @ChaseInColor)will be capturing participant photos throughout the course. You'll be able to find your photos at https://www.chaseincolor.com/Events or scan the QR code included within your packet!

Local Discounts

We know that most of y'all are traveling far to get here. We've added a few more local businesses that are offering special discounts to Bovine riders. Just show them your event registration email.

  • 10% Johnny Boy’s Bagels
  • 10% Bramble Pie Co.
  • 10% Wild Fields Brewhouse
  • 10% Ancient Owl Beer Garden & Bottle Shoppe
  • 20% Back Porch Bakery at The Carlton Hotel
  • 10% Colony Sandwich Co
  • 10% AMSTRDM Coffee

The Bovine Classic Is Brought To You By

DISPATCH:

PUBLISHED

Oct

21