Close to 600 cyclists of all ages and experience levels participated in the first-ever Bike the Coast Ventura event on June 13, traversing Ventura and through neighboring coastal communities.
The event welcomed everyone from experienced cyclists on racing bikes to families and recreational riders on beach cruisers. Organizers offered three route options—a 65-mile Metric Century ride, a 40-mile ride and a 20-mile family ride.
Participants included Ventura residents, returning riders from the Bike the Coast San Diego event and cyclists who traveled from across California, Arizona and Nevada to take part in the first Ventura edition of the ride.
The longest route took riders along the Central Coast and through neighboring communities, including Carpinteria and Santa Barbara. Riders on the shorter routes also experienced ocean views as they traveled along the coastline. Regardless of the route chosen, all participants finished at the Promenade Park in Ventura.
The event concluded with a free Finish Festival at the park, where riders and community members gathered to celebrate. The festival featured local vendors, food and beverages, cycling-related products and services and live music from the Ventura-based band The GAMBLE.
Organizers promoted the event with the slogan, “Come for the Ride – Stay for the Party.”
Bike the Coast Ventura partnered with several local businesses, organizations and charities to highlight the Ventura community throughout the event. Of these were Visit Ventura, the Downtown Ventura Association, Ventura Coast Brewing Company, Ventura Coast Cycling, the Los Angeles chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and the Downtown Ventura Foundation.
According to officials from the event, this year they managed to generate and contribute more than $6,000 to its charity partners.
“When we chose Ventura as the host city for Bike the Coast, it wasn’t only because of the incredible views and scenic routes; it was also because of the incredible community,” said Mike Bone, president and CEO of Spectrum Sports Management, the company that produces Bike the Coast Ventura. “The Ventura locals really showed up for us throughout the planning stages and all the way up to race day. We look forward to future years of hosting this event and showcasing this amazing community.”
Bone said organizers look forward to continuing the event in future years and showcasing Ventura to riders throughout the region.
Bike the Coast Ventura is managed by Spectrum Sports Management, which also produces the Bike the Coast San Diego event held every fall and specializes in sporting events throughout Southern California.
Organizers stated the Ventura ride’s primary focus was in providing an inviting and welcoming environment for cyclists belonging to all skill levels, while still highlighting the area’s coastal scenery and local businesses. The inaugural event brought participants from within and outside of the region, introducing visitors to Ventura’s waterfront, downtown area and surrounding communities.
Following the event’s successful debut, organizers said they hope to build on this year’s turnout and continue growing the event in the years to come. More information is available at Bike the Coast Ventura.
