Belgian Waffle Ride California

Welkom to the second stop of the Belgian Waffle Ride Quad-Tripel Crown of Gravel Series… The Grandaddy of them all, the 14th annual BWR CA.

Get Ready for the Biggest Cycling Celebration We’ve Ever Had!

You are considering registration for the wildest, most BTFU adventure of 2025—the 14th Annual Belgian Waffle Ride CA! 

The Belgian Waffle Ride (BWR) Series is set to make history in 2025 with the introduction of the Quad-Tripel Crown of Gravel, a new and formidable addition to the BWR calendar, alongside the relocation of the iconic Belgian Waffle Ride California (BWR CA) to the scenic Del Mar Polo Fields at Surf Sports Park. This new venue, located near the ocean, Del Mar Fairgrounds, and just minutes from the San Diego airport, will host SoCal's largest cycling festival from April 25-27, 2025.

Introducing the Quad-Tripel Crown of Gravel:

The Quad-Tripel Crown of Gravel comprises four of the most demanding and thrilling races across the West, challenging riders to complete at least three of the four events to vie for the coveted "Quad-Tripel Crown" title. Highlighting the prestige of the series, Global Cycling Network (GCN) listed BWR CA and BWR AZ as two of the top ten must-do gravel events in 2024, while the Grand Fondo Guide named BWR AZ the second-best gravel event in North America. In 2025, BWR Montana in Bozeman will be the latest new addition.

Quad-Tripel Crown Key Features:

• Four Iconic Races: AZ (March 1), CA (April 27), UT (May 24), MT (June 29)

• Diverse Locations: From desert chaparral to coastal canyons, high desert meets mountain vistas, and backcountry beauty, offering a variety of landscapes.

• Elite Competition: Attracts top-tier cyclists globally competing for significant prize purses.

• Prestigious Recognition: A major achievement in the gravel cycling community.

• Comprehensive Challenge: Tests physical endurance, unroad riding skills, mental toughness, strategy, and adaptability.

New Venue, New Opportunities: The Move to Del Mar

The BWR CA's move to Del Mar brings a fresh dynamic to the legendary ride, offering stunning coastal views, expansive festival grounds, and a vibrant, community-driven atmosphere. The festival will embrace the essence of San Diego’s cycling culture, featuring fresh road and unroad sectors through coastal canyons, Rancho Santa Fe’s picturesque landscapes, Lake Hodges, the Del Dios Gorge, and beyond. “We’re thrilled to bring the Belgian Waffle Ride Festival to the Del Mar Polo Fields,” said Michael Marckx, BWR founder. “This location provides the perfect blend of natural beauty, accessibility, and the festival vibe we’ve dreamed about for this unique event. It’s more than just a new venue; it’s a chance to elevate the BWR experience, all while supporting a wonderful charitable cause.”

The BWR Festival: A Three-Day Celebration of Grit, Gravel, and Good Times:

• Friday, April 25: Course previews, registration, and a mega expo with 75 vendors showcasing the latest in cycling gear, tech, and lifestyle.

• Saturday, April 26: Introducing the Belgian Waffle Roadie-Oh—a Gran Fondo with routes of 100-miles, 100km, and 50km, offering diverse views from ocean to canyon. Followed by the inaugural Belgian Waffle Run—a spirited 5km dash complete with costumes and the Lost Abbey Beer Garden to unwind.

• Sunday, April 27: The main event kicks off with the Belgian Waffle, Wafer, and Wanna Rides, offering varying challenges with minimal traffic and unparalleled views of Del Mar’s coastal and mountain beauty.

Expanding the Adventure: The 2025 Quad-Tripel Crown Series

The Belgian Waffle Ride Festival will play a crucial role in the Quad-Tripel Crown of Gravel Series, with four uniquely challenging events designed to push riders to their limits. The series kicks off with BWR Arizona in Cave Creek (Feb. 28 - March 1), followed by BWR California at the new Del Mar Polo Fields (April 25 - 27), then BWR Utah in Cedar City (May 22 - 23) and culminates with the inaugural BWR Montana in Bozeman (June 28 - 29).

Each race within the Quad-Tripel Crown features distinct terrains and challenges, from Arizona's twisty singletracks to California's coastal routes, Utah's dramatic landscapes, and Montana's rugged backcountry. Riders will compete in Waffle and Wafer distances within a points-based omnium format, with BWR CA offering extra weighted points at its stunning new venue. Each venue will also host a non-competitive Belgian Wanna Ride.

More Than Just a Ride: A Festival That Delivers

The Belgian Waffle Ride Festival is not just about cycling; it’s a celebration of endurance, community, and fun. From Belgian waffles and ale to a vibrant expo, the event offers something for everyone:

• Belgian Waffles and Ale: Celebrate your ride with delicious waffles and ale, honoring our Belgian roots.
• Mega Expo: Discover the latest in cycling gear and tech from 75 top vendors.
• Inaugural Belgian Waffle Run: A fast, fun 5km run, perfect for setting PBs or simply enjoying the festive atmosphere in costume.
• BWR Beer Garden: A gathering spot to share stories, laughs, and the camaraderie that defines the BWR spirit.

Riding with a Purpose: Supporting San Diego Curebound

This year, the Belgian Waffle Ride Festival is proud to partner with San Diego Curebound, a nonprofit committed to finding a cure for cancer. Your ride, run, and revelry directly support this critical cause. Because at the end of the day, we’re not just riding for the thrill; we’re riding for hope, for those who can’t, and for a future without cancer.

Ok, you're gonna sign up for the unique unroad challenge that only BWR can offer. But before you start flexing those quads, we’ve got to ask—are you sure you’re up for this? It’s gonna be a beast, but trust us, it’s a helluva lot of fun. If you’re game, bring a friend along for the ride—because suffering and joy are always better with company, right?

Now that you’re locked in, here’s a little taste of what to expect: We’re crafting some next-level ‘rippable’ courses that mix just the right blend of road, unroad, gravel, single-track, double-track, sand, rocks, whoops, water crossings, and mud. Every turn will be clearly marked, and we’ve amped up the Feed Zones to keep you fueled with all kinds of treats—including, of course, those iconic Belgian waffles. Expect a feed every 20 miles, staffed by our ever-enthusiastic volunteers who’ll keep you moving with smiles, snacks, and maybe even a lavender spritz if you’re feeling fancy.

Leading up to the event, keep an eye on your inbox for emails detailing the course sectors and exclusive offers from our BWR partners. Seriously, don’t be that rider who misses crucial info like the start time or venue address! Each email will also give you the option to switch to the Wafer or Wanna, or even volunteer if you’re having second thoughts (we won’t judge).

At least one week out, we’ll release all the new course details and all the nitty-gritty in the BWR Race Bijbel—so get ready! We will periodically reveal various unroad sectors that will be key features of the 2025 BWR AZ. Again, this year, we will offer a new course!

Schedules and courses are subject to change—because, you know, life.

Gran Fondo fans and followers, use code GFG10 and SAVE 10%!!!

Code only good until November 15th, so register now.

Gear Up!

For all things BWR, head to the MUMU BWR COLLECTION.
Questions about BWR products? Hit us up at bwr@mumuapparel.com.

Training and Nutrition

For your training needs, check out FasCat.
For nutrition, swing by The Feed and F2C Nutrition.
Exclusive Deal: Get $20 off your first order from The Feed, the ultimate marketplace for sports nutrition. Fuel up whether you’re chasing a PR, a podium, or the Quad-Tripel Crown!

Here is the 2024 Course Information:

WAFFLE –

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/46234731

119.7-Miles/192-Kilometers 
~10,000 Feet of Climbing
23 Unroad sectors
30% Unroad
3 Queen/King of the Mountain segments
3 Queen/King of the Dirt segments
3 Queen/King of the Sprint segments
8 Feed Zones

WAFER –

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/46234734
75.5-Miles/122-Kilometers
~6,000 Feet of Climbing
18 Unroad sectors
40% Unroad (virtually all are lengthy)
Numerous Washes, Water Crossings or Rock Croppings
7 Feed Zones

WANNA –

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/46234735
43.7-Miles/70-Kilometers
~4,200 Feet of Climbing
5 Unroad sectors
25% Unroad
4 Feed Zones

In terms of accouterments, every rider will receive: 

BWR swag bag that contains many important items – 

Sponsor Swag

BWR Premium branded item (like a bike bag, tee-shirt, or hat)
Race Number and RFID Tag (for official finishing time) 

+ Pre- and Post-Race Waffles and coffee & beverages 

+ Beer 

+ Finisher’s Beer Trophy 

+ Bragging Rights

+ Potential to win money or prizes as top competitors in respective categories

T-shirts and BWR branded gear is available at registration and at the race