SDMBA Archipelago Ride

The Ride

Save the Date - May 3, 2025

After speaking with the weather gods, we are making the leap to May 3, 2025 for the Archipelago Ride!

The Full Route will take you on an adventure from east to west to continue our explorations of the islands of open space between Poway and Sorrento Valley. We can tell you there will be plenty of miles (around 45), plenty of smiles and plenty of climbing (over 5K)!

The Half Arch will remain similar to 2024 starting at Sundevil Way with a lap around Black Mountain then west to Penasquitos Canyon.

Both routes will permit ebikes (class 1 and 2).

Registration will open in mid-January with members only, discounted pricing and then will open to the public.

We are proud to have Gravity Heights return in 2025 as our host for the Finish Line Luau. Gravity Heights location offers ample parking for the epic parking lot Finish Line Luau held on top of the parking garage adjacent to the brewery & restaurant. When you roll in from the epic ride you will be greeted with fun, food, vendors, friends and amazing Gravity Heights brews! Families, friends and cheering squads are invited to join in the fun!

Stay tuned for details as we get closer and SAVE THE DATE!

Full Arch Ride

Get ready for something NEW! An east to west, 45 mile adventure starting at Sycamore Canyon/Goodan Ranch down Beeler Canyon Trail. Then get ready for a rollicking and rolling trek through the "Poway Alps" continuing west along the Trans-County Trail. A hefty climb up to a suburban adventure (follow all RULES OF THE ROAD) through Rancho Penasquitos to Sun Devil Way! Then get ready to mingle with the chunk and flow of Black Mountain, Doug Hill, and west onto Penasquitos Canyon. Finally, you will be lured by the pull of Gravity Heights once you conquer the Lopez Canyon Climb! Total elevation gain: 4400+ feet and 4 aid stations to keep you fueled and happy!

This route is very challenging with plenty of sustained and punchy climbs as well as rugged terrain; suitable for solid advanced-intermediate and advanced riders.

Electric MTB's (class 1 and 2) are permitted on the Full Arch Route

Full Arch Route
on Ride with GPS
Routes Subject to change (updated 2024-03-02)

Half Arch Ride

A "pint-sized" version of the classic Full Arch covering approximately 23 miles and over 2100 feet of elevation gain starting at Sun Devil Way at Black Mountain Open Space Park, hitting up 2 fully stocked aid stations and on to the Finish Line Luau at Gravity Heights. following along the traditional Full Arch Route. Check in 8:15 -9:15 a.m. Start Window: 8:30 - 9:30 a.m.

This is still a challenging ride with plenty of climbing and rugged terrain; suitable for solid intermediate and advanced riders.

Electric MTB’s (class 1 and 2) are permitted on the Half Arch route.

Half Arch Route
on Ride with GPS
Routes Subject to change

Registration

Ticket Pricing

$100 - Members Only Discount Available mid-January (members will be notified via email when registration opens)

$125 - Full Price General Public

Ticket Includes

Rider entry for one person
Ride support at start & aid stations
1 lunch ticket
1 beer ticket
1 opportunity drawing ticket
Custom Arch Ride 2025 Sock Guy Socks!

Two Route Options

Full Arch - 45 Miles

4 aid stations
Ebikes (class 1 and 2) are allowed by land mangers
This point to point route is approximately 45 miles with over 5000 feet of climbing and is a serious endeavor

Half Arch - 23 Miles

2 Aid Stations
E-Bikes (class 1 and 2) Are Allowed
A "pint-sized" version of the classic Full Arch covering approximately 23 miles and over 2100 feet of elevation

There is NO Day of Event Registration. There are NO refunds.

Archipelago Ride Clothing

Fresh new designs comfing for 2025! Stay tuned for pre-order details

VOLUNTEERS

It takes a tiki village to run this event. If you would like to volunteer to join the tribe, contact volunteer@sdmba.com

FAQ

Yes, Both routes are point-to-point. Transportation is the participant's responsibility. Plan transportation and carpools accordingly. Options include arranging a shuttle with friends and family or chat on the 2024 Arch Ride facebook group and find some shuttle buddies. Or park at the finish line venue early and ride to your starting point and ride back...yes…a few brave souls do this.

No. Take time to enjoy the scenery and the companionship of your fellow riders. Yield the trail to other trail users and make it a great day for everyone!

Registered participants will receive a detailed email on Wednesday, April 3 with a route description and any updated map files. We do not widely publicize the finalized route ahead of time although much of it is rideable year round, weather permitting. Routes will be flagged with tape.

No.

There will be parking on the lower level of the parking structure just south of Gravity Heights. There is plentiful street parking as well.

Yes, but for the Full Arch only until 5 p.m. Cars can remain parked on Sun Devil Way (Half Arch) for the day for later pick up with no time limit.

yes.

Yes. This year, electric mountain bikes (class 1 and 2) are permitted by the land managers along the entire full Arch and the half Arch.

Minors under 18 entered in the event must be accompanied by parent or legal guardian for their entire ride. No exceptions.

There will be porta-potties or restrooms at the start of the Full Arch; at Aid Station #1 at Flyrides San Diego; at Sun Devil Way for Half Arch start/Aid Station #2; at Aid Station #3 (Black Mtn. Ranch Park); near Aid Station #4 at Elizabeth Rabbit Park (just north of the top of Cobbles), and at the Finish.

Extra water for refills, snack bars, other prepackaged snacks, fruit, assorted other hydration, etc. Riders should always plan on carrying enough extra nutrition and plenty of water from the start.

Yes

Join our facebook group - Arch Ride 2024

No Refunds for this event. SDMBA reserves the right to cancel or re-schedule an event in the event of inclement weather, emergency, or natural disaster. In the event of such a cancellation, there will be no refund of entry. SDMBA reserves the right to modify or cancel the course for safety concerns, trail condition concerns or natural disaster. Each athlete must accept any such risk of their entry fee paid. Entry fees collected are used to develop and produce the event, starting well in advance of the event date – including course preparation, supplies, permits and administration. We will make every effort to produce a safe event for all participants. Any decision we make that impacts the event date or potential cancellation is carefully considered and based on the overall event safety, sustainability and manageability.

If an athlete cannot participate for any reason, their registration may be transferred to another athlete provided this transfer request is made at least 14 days prior to the event. For any transfers, please contact archride@sdmba.com to update athlete information 14 days prior to the event. SDMBA is not responsible for transferring registration fee as this will have to be handled between the riders.

Yes. Contact archride@sdmba.com at least 14 days prior to the event.

Contact Volunteer@sdmba.com to get details. We have tasks ranging from check in, aid station support, flagging/deflagging, photographers, finish line venue support, and more.

If you are unable to attend, we will miss you! You can still make a tax-deductible donation to SDMBA to help make trails better in San Diego! DONATE HERE.

Be prepared to call family, a friend, or transportation service that accommodates bikes.

Our volunteer sweepers will have limited supplies for fixes along the trail and mechanical support is anticipated to be available at most aid stations. Riders are expected to come with bikes in good working order and to carry anything that might be needed in case of a mechanical.

May 3, 2025