The Santa Barbara Century is a very difficult ride intended only for experienced bicyclists.  It is 100 miles long with a cumulative altitude gain of 9,600'.

The ride starts on the beach in Santa Barbara very close to a number of motels and hotels.  The ride starts easily with pleasant level riding along the beautiful Santa Barbara coast and then through Summerland and Carpinteria returning via the foothills.  At the Carpinteria High School Aid Station you will receive your first of four validation punches on your bib.   At mile 27 the climbing begins with a warmup climb of Toro Canyon and then Ladera Lane.  10 miles later you have reached the infamous Gibraltar Road (known by locals as the Santa Barbara 'Alpe d'Huez' where Lance Armstrong and other professionals have trained.)  This route climbs 6 steep miles to Camino Cielo with increasingly panoramic views.  On Camino Cielo you head east until the pavement ends and at this point your bib number will receive its second validation punch.  Turn around and head west crossing the high point of the ride at La Cumbre Peak (4000') and continue to Painted Cave Road for another validation punch.   Descend steeply to Highway 154 and cross to Old San Marcos Road continuing the descent to Cathedral Oaks.  Now enjoy level riding to the west end of Goleta (4th validation punch) and lunch and then a return to Goleta Beach with more easy riding to the start where you will receive your finisher's prize.

There are 7 aid stops on the route, at least two of which will have some minor bicycle maintenance capability.  Sag wagons will traverse the course to transport any riders who need assistance back to the start.

Lunch is provided at the Sandpiper Golf Course aid station.

Start times for the Century ride are 7 to 8 am, and the course will close at 6 pm.  Sunrise is 7:04 am and sunset is 6:10 pm.  Any riders starting before 7 am should have lights and know that the first aid station at mile 23 is not scheduled to open until 7:45 am.

Helmets are mandatory.  Personal sag wagons are not allowed on the course between the first aid station at Carpinteria High School (mile 23) and Cathedral Oaks at mile 74 for safety reasons: the roads are frequently narrow, curvy and steep.  Using a personal sag wagon  in this section will result in immediate disqualification.