Rider Guide

Introducing the 2026 Rider Guide

On this page you will find what you need to know to show up informed at this year's Sacramento Century bike ride.

Schedule of Events

Friday

Packet Pickup

Collect your rider packet at 1565 River Park Drive, Sacramento
  • 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Check in and get your rider packet at 1565 River Park Drive, Sacramento

Saturday

Ride Day!

Sacramento Century Start Times
  • 7:00 - 7:30 AM: Century Ride (101 miles)
  • 7:30 - 8:00 AM: Metric Century (60 miles)
  • 8:00 - 8:30 AM: Half Metric Century (35 miles)
  • 9:00 AM: Fun Ride (up to 15 miles)*
  • * Fun Ride participants can short their ride by turning around before reaching the Pumpkin Patch
Festival Schedule
  • 6:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Same-day rider check-in
  • 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM: After your ride, celebrate with food, drinks, and live music at the Finish Line Festival at Capitol Mall! Its your chance to enjoy the music from The Roadies

Getting Here

Sacramento Century takes place on Saturday, October 3rd, 2026 at Capitol Mall in the heart of Sacramento.

Right here (on Google Maps)

Parking

You may park at 500 Capitol Mall building (Bank of the West Tower).

ENTER from N Street (one way).
500 stalls are available.
6′-10″ height restriction.
No vehicles with bicycles on roof racks.
No charge for registered riders; parking is included in the registration fee but a small donation is always welcome to defray our costs (collected at the garage entry).
Please click on the link below to see the ride day parking map for other parking opportunities.

The official parking garage open time is 5am and close time is 7pm but your entry ticket validation will allow you out of the garage after that time.

The Routes

Choose from one of four flat, easy route distances at the Sacramento Century.

This year we're making it even easier than ever before too because you can bring the whole family out for FREE if you choose the short Family route.

The Sacramento Century is one of the most approachable bike rides in the country! Even the longest route: our 100-mile long century ride features under 1,000 feet of climbing. Compare this against any other bike ride anywhere in the western United States and you've got yourself hands-down the easiest bike ride you can find.

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The Signage

Each route will have signs at all major turns that are color coordinated as shown below. In addition to the arrows shown below, you will also see "ALL" route arrows which feature a rainbow checkerboard pattern and are used with all of the routes are together, sharing the same roads. There is an example of this rainbow colored arrow here.

The Century

101 Miles

If you're looking for your first century ride, this is it. The Sacramento Century is a 100 mile long century route that contains hardly any elevation gain over its entire length through the Sacramento Valley. You'll visit quaint farmlands, and ride along the Sacramento River.

There are 6 opportunities to stop at aid stations.

STARTS AT 7:00 AM

The METRIC Century

60 Miles

Similar to the century, shorter in distance, and featuring 3 aid stations on the way out and back for an opportunity to stop and recover a total of 4 times during your ride.

There are 4 opportunities to stop at aid stations.

STARTS AT 7:30 AM

The half metric Century

35 Miles

The word "century" hardly belongs in a Half Metric Century. It's a very approachable 35 mile route with two aid stations along the way.

There are 2 opportunities to stop at aid stations.

STARTS AT 8:00 AM

THE FREE FAMILY RIDE

15 Miles

New this year, our family ride is completely FREE! It's a short 15 mile route that anyone can join at no cost.

There is one rest stop at the turn-around at the Pumpkin Patch at mile 7.5.

STARTS AT 9:00 AM

Wearable "Bib" Numbers

When you check in on Friday or Saturday, you'll be given a "bib" to wear. It is a number that you pin on your jersey that helps us identify that you are part of the ride. It also color-corresponds with the route that you are assigned to ride, and features two tear-off tabs for your rider meal and post-ride beverage.*

*If you sign up for the free family ride, you will not have a meal or beverage tear-tab, but you may purchase a meal and beverage separately from one of our on-site food vendors.

Helmets are Required

In order to participate in the Sacramento Century, you are required to wear a helmet during the ride.

Bike Parking

After you are done riding the Sacramento Century, you can park your bike at our free Bike Valet area that is securely managed by SABA. Or you can of course place your bike back in, or on your vehicle. Bicycles are not permitted in the festival area.

Frequently Asked Questions

For answers to other questions, please visit our FAQ page.