2026 Belgian Waffle Ride Course Details,
Boden Canyon Access & Weekend Events
Historic 15th Edition Returns to Del Mar Polo Fields
The 15th Annual Belgian Waffle Ride is nearly here, and on May 2-3, 2026, the event returns to the Del Mar Polo Fields for what promises to be one of the most unique editions of BWR California yet.
Exclusive Access to Boden Canyon Ecological Reserve
This year’s course is a beautiful brute, loaded with old favorites, fresh surprises, and one truly rare opportunity. Most notably, riders will have access to the legendary Boden Canyon Ecological Reserve, a sector that cannot be ridden any other day of the year. On Sunday, May 3, and only on Sunday, May 3, BWR riders will be allowed through this remarkable stretch of terrain. Let it be crystal clear: Boden Canyon is strictly off-limits every other day of the year. Rangers are on duty, there is no place to hide, the fines are immense, and riding there outside of event day jeopardizes the ability to keep this precious permit alive for the future. Respect the land, respect the rules, and savor the privilege when the day comes.
Iconic Sectors Return: Raptor Ridge, Black Mountain & Wildeman Wildernis
And that is only the beginning.
Back by popular demand is the newly groomed Raptor Ridge, ready once again to reward courage and punish hesitation. The ever-glorious Black Mountain returns, because some icons belong in the story no matter how many new chapters are written. And then there is the technically testing Wildeman Wildernis, a sector that asks sharp questions and does not care much for excuses. Layered into all of this will be many of the beloved BWR favorites that have helped define the event over the years, giving this course the perfect blend of memory, mayhem, and discovery.
Wafer Route Option: Shorter Distance, Same BWR Challenge
The Wafer course will cover 62-miles of the Waffle course… it just wont do the Highland Valley climb and the loop through Ramona, Black Canyon, Pamo Valley and Boden Canyon Reserve.
Full Weekend Experience: Dubbel Header & Quick n Dirty Series
Looking to make a full weekend of it? The Dubbel Header is alive and well for all the hardpeople. Riders can take on the Belgian Waffle Roadie-Oh on Saturday, May 2, then come back Sunday to ride the Waffle or Wafer for the full feast. And for those who want one more crack at the terrain before the big dance, the Quick n Dirty Summer Series opener rolls on Thursday, April 30, offering the perfect excuse to sharpen the legs and light the fuse on the same trails raced on Sunday.
Unique Categories: OG, MTB, Tandem & Junior Racing Opportunities
The event also continues to offer some of the most distinctive categories in cycling. The OG Category, presented by Oceanside Bike Fit, is for the purists: road bike, maximum 28mm tires, rim brakes, and its own special awards. There is also an MTB category, a tandem category, and junior riders receive a massive discount on entry because the future of the sport deserves a front-row seat.
A Signature California Gravel Event Celebrates 15 Years
This is not just another BWR. This is the 15th annual running of the Belgian Waffle Ride California. A celebration of everything this event has become and everything it still dares to be. New sectors. Historic sectors. Rare access. Multiple ways to ride. A full weekend of community, challenge, and glorious uncertainty.
