On this page you will find what you need to know to show up informed at this year's Sacramento Century bike ride.
Sacramento Century takes place on Saturday, October 3rd, 2026 at Capitol Mall in the heart of Sacramento.
Right here (on Google Maps)
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.
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.
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.
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
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 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
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
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.
Century riders who have not reached the intersection of Courtland Road and South River Road by 10:45 AM will be redirected to the Metric Century (60 mile) route. Course markings will be changed and you will be directed to turn LEFT onto South River Road.
This timing works out to roughly a 10 mph average pace and is designed to help riders stay within our rest-stop hours and make it back to the festival while food, drinks, and live music are still available. While this is not a mandatory cutoff, it is a strong recommendation. If you choose to continue on the full Century route, you will need to pay close attention to the rest-stop hours below and be prepared to ride without event support.
OPEN: 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM
DRINKS: Water and Electrolyte Mix
FOOD: Trail mix, salty, and sweet snacks.
OPEN: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
DRINKS: Water and Electrolyte Mix
FOOD: Pickles, potatoes, bananas, watermelon, assorted salty and sweet snacks.
IMPORTANT: The Metric Century, and Century routes pass the Clarksburg aid station two times. But it's important to be aware that upon your first pass at mile 18, this aid station is situated in such a way that after you visit it, you must pay attention to signage in order to get back onto the Metric Century and Century routes.
You can review this detail here, on our official course map.
OPEN: 8:30 AM - 1:00 PM
DRINKS: Water and Gatorade
FOOD: Protein bars, pretzels, candy
OPEN: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
DRINKS: Water, Electrolyte Mix, Coca Cola, Diet Coke
FOOD: PB&J sandwiches, turkey sandwiches, bananas, watermelon, potatoes, pickles, assorted
salty and sweet snacks.
OPEN: 10:30 AM - 5:30 PM
In order to participate in the Sacramento Century, you are required to wear a helmet during the ride.
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.
For answers to other questions, please visit our FAQ page.
