Condor Gravel Challenge
Condor Gravel Challenge
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Condor Gravel Challenge

Condor Gravel ChallengeCondor Gravel ChallengeCondor Gravel Challenge

Gravel Cycling Event in San Benito County, California

June 7, 2026

Condor Gravel Challenge

Condor Gravel ChallengeCondor Gravel ChallengeCondor Gravel Challenge

Gravel Cycling Event in San Benito County, California

June 7, 2026

Choose Your Adventure

Condor Epic Challenge

~100 km

A full-distance gravel adventure with over 6,000 ft of elevation gain.


$125


GRAVEL BIKE, CYCLOCROSS OR MOUNTAIN BIKES ONLY

Condor Primal Challenge

~75 km

A rugged mid-distance route with over 5,300 ft of elevation gain.


$125


GRAVEL BIKE, CYCLOCROSS OR MOUNTAIN BIKE ONLY

Cienega Valley Day Tripper

~55 km

A shorter, scenic ride for the gravel-curious.


$75


E-BIKE FRIENDLY

Early Bird (10% off) through April 15 • Late pricing (+10%) begins May 24

Register Here

Race Info

Event Overview

The inaugural Condor Gravel Challenge, hosted by Visit San Benito, is a gravel cycling event in San Benito County, California. It is a celebration of wide open landscapes, scenic ranch roads, and the spirit of adventure that defines gravel riding. 


Inspired by the legendary Condor Classic in 2008, which attracted over 1,000 riders from across the country, this new cycling event continues that tradition while showcasing one of California's most under-discovered riding destinations.


Located near Hollister and Pinnacles National Park, San Benito County offers quiet gravel roads, vineyard routes, and breathtaking Central Coast scenery. Our goal is simple: invite riders from near and far to experience this remarkable place while supporting the growing tourism and outdoor recreation economy in San Benito County.

Event Highlights

Riders will travel across privately owned ranch land, quiet vineyard roads near Eden Rift Vineyards, and the rugged terrain surrounding Hollister hills. Participants can expect fully supported aid stations, mechanical assistance, and a welcoming finish line festival at Paicines Ranch. After the ride, relax and refuel with food and drinks, including the optional farm-to-table lunch at The Overlook Restaurant for $25.

Riding for a Cause

The Condor Gravel Challenge proudly supports the Pinnacles National Park Foundation, with event proceeds helping fund important condor conservation and habitat restoration efforts.


By participating in this gravel cycling event in San Benito County, riders not only enjoy a memorable cycling adventure but also contribute to protecting landscapes and wildlife that make this region so special.

Learn more about our charity partner

Where the Ride Takes You

Paicines Ranch

A rare opportunity to experience private ranch roads in San Benito County. All routes begin and end at this historic Central Coast ranch, where riders will travel through rolling oak hills, grasslands, and wildlife habitat. Access to these roads is typically restricted, making this event a truly unique once-a-year experience in California.

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Hollister Hills SVRA

The Hudner Ranch area of Hollister Hills SVRA offers sweeping views of the Gabilan Range and the surrounding San Benito County backcountry. Riders will pass through rugged hills, oak woodlands, and winding gravel terrain that captures the region’s raw natural beauty.

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Vineyard gravel roads near Eden Rift Vineyards in San Benito County, part of the Condor Gravel Challenge cycling course.

Eden Rift Vineyards

Eden Rift is one of California’s oldest vineyard sites, with roots dating back to 1849. Located along the San Andreas Fault in the scenic Cienega Valley, this historic vineyard is surrounded by limestone soils, rolling hills and beautiful gravel roads that make it a highlight of the route.

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Rider Testimonials

Eric M.

Eric M.

Eric M.

The Condor Gravel Challenge offers riders an incredibly diverse parcours of punchy, rolling terrain and wine-countryside backroads that follow and overlook the San Benito County Wine Trail. This cycling event features hard-pack gravel and dirt fire roads, exploring the sprawling and private roads of Paicines Ranch, steep dirt climbs to various agricultural lookout vistas, and tree-laden Jeep tracks through Hollister Hills State Recreation Area's Hudner Park. Participants up for the challenge will also enjoy a short but well-earned detour through Eden Rift Vineyard, showcasing its Strade Bianche roads, Vitis vinifera, and hillside terraces. While the Condor Gravel Challenge encourages a 'run what you brung' mentality, we do recommend a gravel, cyclocross, or XC MTB setup for optimal performance in this gravel cycling adventure. We suggest avoiding a 100psi 25mm road rig, though it would certainly add to the challenge!

Drew R.

Eric M.

Eric M.

Don’t be fooled by the movie set surroundings you find yourself in during the Condor Gravel Challenge: this is a cycling event not to be taken lightly. Luckily, between the climbs and long descents, your whole body is distracted by river crossings, wildflowers, and the occasional curious ground squirrels scampering away. Since most of the trails are open with expansive views of rolling hills and distant peaks and valleys, it’s hard not to want to reconsider your choices, and instead, spread out a picnic blanket and soak it all in under a low-hanging oak tree on the bluff that looks as if it has been secretly waiting for you. But the bad-ass in you wants to conquer the pain and misery of inflamed lungs and treasonous legs that have turned to stone at the wrong time. From there on, you’re bought into the trifecta of beauty, the necessary suffering, and the camaraderie of the cycling clan, all feeding our heads and bodies with glee that we get to experience this unforgettable gravel cycling ride!

Brian L.

Catherine W.

Catherine W.

To me, this area is one of the best hidden views in San Benito County. Be sure to look around at the top of the climbs—the scenery is worth it. Pinnacles National Park isn’t far from this ranch, and several well-respected wineries are tucked away along Cienega Road, definitely worth checking out when you have time. If you're planning to participate in the Condor Gravel Challenge, this ride is going to be challenging. I highly recommend bringing the lowest gearing you can put on your bike, you’ll need it. If you’re looking for a tough cycling event with incredible views, you just found one that perfectly embodies gravel cycling.

Catherine W.

Catherine W.

Catherine W.

The route for the Condor Gravel Challenge is really fun! It features rolling hills with no cars seen for miles, making it perfect for a gravel cycling experience. I loved the scenery, and it is a beautiful place to have the chance to participate in such a fantastic cycling event.

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Questions?

The Condor Gravel Challenge, hosted by Visit San Benito County, is an exciting cycling event for gravel cycling enthusiasts. If you have questions about this event, the routes, or visiting Hollister, we’re happy to help.

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