Surf City Cyclocross Returns with a Double Header
Surf City Cyclo‑X, the longest-running cyclocross series in the U.S., returns to Crest Ranch Christmas Tree Farm in Bonny Doon on October 25 and 26 for a two-day weekend of racing, camping, and community.
The weekend, a Norcal cyclocross season highlight for many, blends competitive fields with festival elements. Saturday features the popular Doggie Cross and family-friendly activities. Sunday brings the fan-favorite Costume Cross, a parade/race with great prizes on the line. Both days feature free kids’ racing.
Eggs and Bacon in Surf City Costume Cross. photo: Jeff Vander Stucken
The organizers have sharpened the course design toward a more flowy and fast layout. Gone is the 2024 ambiguity about which day is fast and which day is jungle cross. Promoter Brendan Lehman explained last year that he “[tries] not to give people what they don’t want,” but this year, the team has turned towards features that decrease the number of racers who “run away with their tails between their legs.”
Although the free first-time race isn’t returning, beginners need not worry about five or more run-ups per lap—even though fans may miss the many opportunities for dramatic wipeouts!
View this post on Instagram
Returning is the coveted Frank Kalcic wine for racers landing on the podium. Racers attending both days can save on gas and camp at the venue for just $10.
Registration details and category help are available on the event page.
Surf City History And Community
Surf City Cyclo‑X is one of the country’s longest-running cyclocross series and a regional fall tradition.
The weekend has grown around on-site camping, bonfire and evening shenanigans, and a tight volunteer base that keeps the event running. The team notes that this could be the last year camping is offered as the farm intends to plant more trees where racers typically camp.
The venue and promoters also hosted the infamous 2023 Singlespeed Cyclocross World Championships at the same venue—an eventful, memorable weekend for many.
Bike Recommendations
Cyclocross bikes, gravel bikes, mountain bikes and even hybrids are suitable for cyclocross. There are no tire restrictions. Forward-pointing bar-ends are not allowed. In typical dry, bumpy west coast conditions, larger volume tires are your friend—no UCI or USAC officials will be measuring tires, but run what you brung.
2025 Surf City CX Race Schedule
The Surf City CX website’s left column shows the Saturday race schedule, but Sunday racers should note that the schedule does not apply to Sunday. See the full race schedule below for each day.
2025 Saturday Race Schedule
| Time | Category | Duration or Distance |
|---|---|---|
| 9:00 AM | Open C; Men C 35+; Junior Men 9-14; Junior Men 15-18; Junior Women 9-14; Junior Women 15-18 | 40 min |
| 10:00 AM | Open B; Master Men B 35+; Master Men B 45+; Master Men B 55+; Singlespeed B | 50 min |
| 11:00 AM | Master Men A 35+; Master Men A 45+; Master Men A 55+; Master Men A 60+ | 50 min |
| 12:00 PM | Kids Race | On-site registration |
| 12:30 PM | Elite Women A; Open Women B; Master Women 35+; Master Women 45+; Master Women 55+; Women Tracklocross; Singlespeed Women; Women C | 40–50 min |
| 1:30 PM | Elite Open A; Singlespeed A; Tracklocross Open | 60 min |
| 2:30 PM | Doggie Cross | 1.5 miles |
2025 Sunday Race Schedule
| Time | Category | Duration or Distance |
|---|---|---|
| 9:00 AM | Open C; Men C 35+; Junior Men 9-14; Junior Men 15-18; Junior Women 9-14; Junior Women 15-18 | 40 min |
| 10:00 AM | Open B; Master Men B 35+; Master Men B 45+; Master Men B 55+; Singlespeed B | 50 min |
| 11:00 AM | Master Men A 35+; Master Men A 45+; Master Men A 55+; Master Men A 60+ | 50 min |
| 12:00 PM | Kids Race | On-site registration |
| 12:30 PM | Costume Race | Special awards |
| 1:15 PM | Women C; Women B; Master Women 35+; Master Women 45+; Master Women 55+; Women Tracklocross; Singlespeed Women; Elite Women A | 40–50 min |
| 2:30 PM | Elite Open A; Singlespeed A; Tracklocross Open | 60 min |
2025 Surf City CX Event details:
- Dates: Saturday, October 25 & Sunday, October 26
- Website: cyclo-x.com
- Registration: https://www.
bikereg.com/ surfcitycrestranch? - Course update: This year’s course will be a more traditional cyclocross layout, with less gnarly jungle-cross descents and run-ups. It will be more beginner-friendly, while still engaging for experienced racers.
- Camping: Available! Fun! Family-friendly! Includes a communal bonfire, a movie screening, and pixie bike racing.
- Dogs: Allowed on leash, please pick up after them! Join the second-ever doggie cross race!
- Volunteers: The team needs help with registration, course setup, teardown, etc. Sign up here!
No Comment