Every month, LA Critical Mass host a ride that bring thousands together, but only a select few steps forward when the challenge reaches 118 miles.

The Century Ride isn’t just another event on the calendar — it’s a test of endurance, discipline, and unity. On June 6th, that spirit came alive as our most committed cyclists gathered right after sunrise to take on the coast.

Saturday, June 6th, 2026 began in the soft gray light of a gloomy coastal morning, with cyclists gathering in front of the Aquarium of the Pacific long before the city was awake. Some were quietly mentally preparing themselves, others were tuning their bikes, sipping coffee, stretching, or talking to one another as small groups naturally formed. The atmosphere was calm, focused, and intentional — the kind of quiet energy that only a true endurance ride creates.

We had over 40 cyclists attend the Century Ride — a strong turnout for an endurance event of this scale. And while thousands join our monthly LA Critical Mass rides, the Century Ride attracted only a handful of dedicated, disciplined, and highly committed cyclists. These rides demand a different level of preparation, mindset, and physical endurance. It takes a special type of cyclist to show up for 118 miles.

Even though many registered, some never made it to the start. Later, a few told us they were fully prepared the night before but accidentally fell back to sleep after waking up, or simply couldn’t get themselves up in time. It happens — the discipline begins long before the first pedal stroke.

By the time Lisa and I arrived around 6:15 AM, the sun was already peeking through the clouds, casting a muted glow across the plaza. Many cyclists were already there, dialed in and ready for the challenge ahead. No hype. No noise. Just commitment.

This wasn’t a casual Saturday roll. This was 118 miles of coastal terrain, long miles, and the kind of physical and mental test that only a special kind of cyclist signs up for.

The Rollout

The group rolled out of Long Beach with steady determination, a mix of road bikes, BMXs, and mountain bikes all moving together as one. The early morning air was cool, the roads were quiet, and those first coastal miles set the tone — steady pacing, shared effort, and a collective understanding that today was about endurance, discipline, and unity, no matter what kind of bike you were riding.

A Gloomy Coastline and a Needed Drizzle

As we made our way through Huntington Beach, the weather shifted in the best possible way. A light, refreshing drizzle began to fall — not enough to soak anyone, but just enough to cool the skin and wake up the senses. It felt good. It felt earned. After the early miles and the steady coastal grind, that gentle rain gave everyone a second wind.

The sky stayed gray, the air stayed cool, and the coastline felt peaceful as we continued toward Laguna Beach.

A Mid‑Ride Split in Laguna Beach

The original plan was for me to reach Dana Point, have lunch with the group, and then head to the KHS Farewell Party afterward. But as the morning progressed, it became clear that the timing simply wouldn’t allow it. The KHS event hours overlapped too closely with our projected arrival in Dana Point.

By the time we reached Laguna Beach, I had to make a decision.

A few of our cyclists — including myself — split off from the main group. KHS Bicycles has been a major supporter of LA Critical Mass since 2014, and attending their Farewell Party in Compton was important, both personally and organizationally.

We pushed hard, racing our way out of Laguna Beach and making our way toward Compton to arrive on time. The ride to the event was demanding — mentally and physically — but necessary to honor KHS and the role they’ve played in our community.

After the event, we got right back on our bikes and pushed ourselves hard again, cycling in the direction toward Huntington Beach to reconnect with the Century Ride group and finish the day representing LA Critical Mass.

Lunch in Dana Point

Meanwhile, the main group reached Dana Point, where LA Critical Mass had prepared a full, generous lunch spread. This wasn’t a quick stop — it was a real break, giving cyclists the time they needed to sit down, breathe, and recharge before taking on the second half of the journey.

Cyclists enjoyed:

• Gourmet sandwiches
• Chips and snacks
• Water, sodas, and Gatorade
• Chargel, providing an extra boost of energy

The atmosphere was relaxed and social. Cyclists talked, laughed, stretched, and took their time refueling. It was the perfect midpoint reset — long enough to recover, long enough to enjoy, and long enough to prepare mentally for the miles ahead.

The Final Push

As the main group began the return trip, the sun was fully out, and although the morning gloom had lifted, the cardio kicked in hard. The effort increased. Breathing deepened. The miles demanded more from everyone.

Even with the sun breaking through, the weather stayed cool enough to help maintain a steady rhythm. Fatigue set in. The miles felt longer. But the camaraderie stayed strong. Cyclists supported one another all the way back to Long Beach, pushing through the final stretch with determination and heart.

Dinner at the Finish

When the group rolled back in between 5:00 PM and 5:30 PM, dinner was already hot, ready, and waiting — the perfect reward after a full day on the saddle.

Eureka Brewery and Rik Roks Catering delivered an incredible spread:

• Cheesesteak burgers
• Pork sliders
• Chicken sliders
• Gourmet Sausage Dogs

The food was delicious, and cyclists wasted no time enjoying every bite.

LA Critical Mass provided all drinks, sides, chips, and snacks, rounding out a full, satisfying post‑ride meal that brought everyone together one last time before heading home.

A Ride Defined by Heart

This ride wasn’t about speed. It wasn’t about competition. It was about endurance, community, and the kind of spirit that defines LA’s cycling culture.

118 miles. Coastal climbs. A full day on the saddle. And a community that never leaves anyone behind.

June 6th, 2026 will be remembered as a day where cyclists showed what commitment looks like — to themselves, to each other, and to the ride.

Honoring the Support Behind the Ride

We also want to extend our deepest gratitude to our support vehicles, whose presence and vigilance played an essential role in keeping every cyclist safe throughout the entire 118‑mile journey. Their coordination, awareness, and commitment ensured that no one was ever left unprotected on the road. A special thank‑you goes to our President and CEO, Lisa Lundie, whose leadership, vision, and dedication continue to guide this community forward. Lisa served as one of the primary support vehicles for the ride, embodying the same strength and commitment she inspires in all of us. We also want to recognize Marissa, who drove the second support vehicle with exceptional care and focus, ensuring our cyclists were protected every mile of the way. And finally, a heartfelt thank‑you to Napo — CycleLifeLA — our longest‑standing LA Critical Mass member, known throughout Los Angeles and all of Southern California for his legendary long‑distance adventures and unwavering dedication to the cycling community.

Looking ahead, our next Century Ride will take us to Santa Barbara in September 2026, where we expect double the number of cyclists to take on the challenge. We are also in active discussions with our board about launching a summer long‑distance mountain ride, taking cyclists onto the fire roads high in the LA mountains for a completely new endurance experience. We’ll keep you posted as those plans develop — this next chapter is going to be unforgettable.

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