{"id":8757,"date":"2026-06-09T05:22:43","date_gmt":"2026-06-09T05:22:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/la-criticalmass.org\/?p=8757"},"modified":"2026-06-09T05:55:26","modified_gmt":"2026-06-09T05:55:26","slug":"118-miles-one-community-the-ride-that-tested-every-cyclist","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/la-criticalmass.org\/118-miles-one-community-the-ride-that-tested-every-cyclist\/","title":{"rendered":"118 Miles, One Community: The Ride That Tested Every Cyclist"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

The Century Ride isn\u2019t just another event on the calendar \u2014 it\u2019s 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.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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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<\/strong> 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 \u2014 the kind of quiet energy that only a true endurance ride creates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We had over 40 cyclists attend the Century Ride<\/strong> \u2014 a strong turnout for an endurance event of this scale. And while thousands<\/strong> join our monthly LA Critical Mass rides, the Century Ride attracted only a handful of dedicated, disciplined, and highly committed cyclists<\/strong>. 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019t get themselves up in time. It happens \u2014 the discipline begins long before the first pedal stroke.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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By the time Lisa and I arrived around 6:15 AM<\/strong>, 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This wasn\u2019t a casual Saturday roll. This was 118 miles<\/strong> of coastal terrain, long miles, and the kind of physical and mental test that only a special kind of cyclist signs up for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Rollout<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

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 \u2014 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A Gloomy Coastline and a Needed Drizzle<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

As we made our way through Huntington Beach<\/strong>, the weather shifted in the best possible way. A light, refreshing drizzle<\/strong> began to fall \u2014 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The sky stayed gray, the air stayed cool, and the coastline felt peaceful as we continued toward Laguna Beach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A Mid\u2011Ride Split in Laguna Beach<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

The original plan was for me to reach Dana Point<\/strong>, have lunch with the group, and then head to the KHS Farewell Party<\/strong> afterward. But as the morning progressed, it became clear that the timing simply wouldn\u2019t allow it. The KHS event hours overlapped too closely with our projected arrival in Dana Point.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By the time we reached Laguna Beach<\/strong>, I had to make a decision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A few of our cyclists \u2014 including myself \u2014 split off from the main group. KHS Bicycles has been a major supporter of LA Critical Mass since 2014<\/strong>, and attending their Farewell Party in Compton was important, both personally and organizationally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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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 \u2014 mentally and physically \u2014 but necessary to honor KHS and the role they\u2019ve played in our community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

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Lunch in Dana Point<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

Meanwhile, the main group reached Dana Point<\/strong>, where LA Critical Mass<\/strong> had prepared a full, generous lunch spread. This wasn\u2019t a quick stop \u2014 it was a real break<\/strong>, giving cyclists the time they needed to sit down, breathe, and recharge before taking on the second half of the journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cyclists enjoyed:<\/p>\n\n\n\n