SDMBA Archipelago Ride - April 25, 2026

The Ride

SDMBA’s 18th Annual Archipelago Ride – April 25, 2026

Join us for San Diego’s biggest and most iconic mountain bike ride!

The Archipelago Ride is SDMBA’s signature fundraising event – bringing riders together to cross San Diego County on trails, celebrate our riding community, and support the advocacy and trail work that makes it all possible.

Same route as last year, with thoughtful improvements for 2026 – shaped by rider feedback. Here’s what’s new for 2026:

  • Improved signage & wayfinding across both routes
    • New split starting route for Half Arch riders
    • Separate starts for electric and analog bikes: same start location, different climbs.
  • Reduces early congestion at Black Mountain – implemented directly in response to 2025 rider survey feedback
  • New pricing structure to make it easier on your wallet to join in on the fun. Register early for the best values!

We are proud to return to Gravity Heights as our host for the Finish Line Luau. When you roll in from your epic ride you’ll be greeted with fun, food, vendors, friends and amazing Gravity Heights brews! Families, friends and cheering squads are invited to join in the fun! Gravity Heights location offers ample parking.

Get your crew together and plan to register early on January 21st!

Full Arch Ride

The Full Arch takes you on an adventure from east to west to explore the islands of open space between Poway and Sorrento Valley. We can tell you there will be plenty of miles (~45), plenty of smiles and plenty of climbing (~5k)!

  • ~45 miles | 5,000+ ft. climbing
  • 4 aid stations
  • Ebikes (class 1 and 2) are allowed by land mangers (make sure yous has the range to complete the route)
  • A rewarding point-topoint, cross-county endeavor for experienced riders

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

Full Arch Start Location: Sycamore Canyon Parking Area, Poway

End Location: Gravity Heights, Sorrento Valley

Full Arch Route
on Ride with GPS
Last updated 2026-01-16

Half Arch Ride

The Half Arch starts at Sundevil Way with a lap around Black Mountain then west to Penasquitos Canyon, and provides an epic pint-sized option for riders who prefer a shorter route!

  • Half
  • ~23 miles | 2,100+ ft climbing
  • 2 Aid Stations
  • Split start for eMTB and analog bikes (new for 2026)
  • E-Bikes (class 1 and 2) Are Allowed
  • A "pint-sized" version of the classic Full Arch - still challenging, still epic

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

Half Arch Start Location: Sundevil Way, Rancho Peñasquitos

End Location: Gravity Heights, Sorrento Valley

Half Arch Route
on Ride with GPS
Last updated 2026-01-16

Registration

Register Now!

What's New for 2026

  • Three pricing tiers, open to all: Super Early Bird, Early Bird, and Regular. The earlier you register, the better the value!
  • Teen rates (18 & under): to better support families riding together. *All minors must ride with a guardian.
  • 6-Pack group pricing: for committed crews who want the best value! One person signs up all 6 riders.
  • To make wrangling your crew easier, we made the 6-Pack Info Sheet for you to use. Give it a try!

Ticket Pricing

Tier 1 — Super Early Bird — First week only!

January 21 – January 27
  • Member: $100
  • Non-Member: $135
  • Teen (new!):$75
  • 6-Pack (best value!): $540

Tier 2 — Early Bird — Last chance for discounted registration

January 28 – February 10
  • Member: $115
  • Non-Member: $150
  • Teen (new!):$80
  • 6-Pack (best value!): $625

Tier 3 — General Registration

February 11 – April 19
  • Member: $130
  • Non-Member: $165
  • Teen (new!):$90
  • 6-Pack (best value!): $710

Not a Member Yet?

Join SDMBA during registration and unlock discounted member pricing immediately.

Annual memberships start at just $49 and directly support local trail advocacy, stewardship, and community programs.

Ticket Includes

  • Rider entry for one person
  • Ride support at start & aid stations
  • Finish Line Luau!
  • 1 lunch ticket
  • 1 beer ticket (21+)
  • 1 opportunity drawing ticket
  • Custom Arch Ride Sock Guy Socks! (2026 edition)

Why Ride?

Every Arch Ride registration supports SDMBA’s mission to:

  • Improve trail access
  • Maintain and build sustainable trails
  • Advocate for mountain biking across San Diego County
  • Build a stronger, more connected riding community

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

Archipelago Ride Clothing

Jerseys

Pre-order your 2026 Arch Ride gear when you register!

T-shirts are available for pre-order during the registration process until April 8th. Pre-ordered t-shirts can be picked up at the Finish Line Luau! There will be a very limited number of t-shirts for sale at the event! Pre-order to ensure you get one!

Jerseys by Jakroo are available for pre-order and will be sent directly to you. Order early and please factor in at least 2-3 weeks for shipping! There will be no jerseys available for sale at the finish line. The online store will go live soon. We'll email out the link to order and update the link here as well.

Jersey Designs are still being finalized

Check back soon to order

VOLUNTEERS

The Arch Ride is SDMBA’s biggest annual fundraiser and a true community-powered event. From aid stations and course marshals to set up, breakdown, and finish line festivities, volunteers are the backbone of this ride. We’re stoked to have you involved.

If you’re interested in volunteering, please take a few minutes to fill out the form below so we can learn more about your availability and preferred roles:

Volunteer Sign-Up Form

We’ll follow up as the event approaches with role assignments, schedules, and all the details you’ll need to have a great day out there.

SPONSORS

If you have other creative ways to support this event or want to reserve vendor space at the finish venue, contact sponsorship@sdmba.com

FAQ

Both routes are point-to-point. Plan transportation and carpools accordingly. Common solutions include:

  • Drop a car at the finish line and carpool with another rider to the start. Finish the ride and carpool back to the start after enjoying the Finish Line Luau!
  • Park at the start and arrange a shuttle back to the start with friends/family
  • Chat on the 2026 Arch Ride facebook group and find some shuttle buddies!
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!
Both routes will be flagged with Arch Ride-branded flags and GPX files will be available for download in advance. Registered participants will receive a detailed email on Monday, April 20 with any updated route descriptions and updated map files. The routes are posted on this page and we do not expect any changes at this time.
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 2025
No Refunds or rollovers for this event. SDMBA reserves the right to cancel or re-schedule an event because of but not limited to inclement weather, emergency, or natural disaster. In the event of such a cancellation, there will be no refund of entry or rollovers to future events. SDMBA reserves the right to modify or cancel the course for safety concerns, trail condition concerns or natural disaster. Each participant must accept any such risk of their entry fee paid. If you are unable to attend an event for which you have registered, your entry fee is considered a donation to SDMBA. 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.
Decide you want to step up to the Full Arch or take it easier and drop down to the Half Arch – no worries! No need to contact us in advance, just inform the check-in volunteers at your ride start so we can keep track of what course you’re on.
Yes. Contact eventregistration@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.
No

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Improving Trail Access for Mountain Biking in San Diego County

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Contact: archride@sdmba.com