The Ride
Everything you need to know about the 13th Annual Bay Ride
Date
Summer 2027, date announced soon
Start Time
Rolling start, early morning
Registration
$175
How it works every year
Packet Pickup & Check-In
Every rider checks in before they ride, either the day before or on ride morning. It is where you sign your waiver and pick up the hangtag that tells us you are out on the course with us.
Because of the waiver, you have to check in yourself. Nobody can do it for you, and that goes for groups too.
The easy way
Friday Packet Pickup
The day before the ride
- Hours
- Afternoon and evening, posted with the 2027 date
- Where
- Sports Basement Presidio
610 Old Mason St, San Francisco, CA 94129
What happens at the table:
- You sign your waiver, which takes about a minute
- You get your bike hangtag, which identifies you as a registered rider
- You collect any gear we are holding for you: jersey, bibs, jacket, cap, hoodie
Pick up on Friday and your morning gets a lot simpler. Ride up to the start, say hello, and go.
Ride day
Morning Check-In
Ride day
- Hours
- From before sunrise until the last rollout
- Where
- Sports Basement Presidio
Same place we start and finish
Did not make it on Friday? No problem. Check in at the start any time during the morning window, sign your waiver, and we will get you your hangtag and any gear we are holding for you.
The start is rolling, so you check in and go whenever you are ready. Give yourself a few extra minutes at the table before you want to be riding.
Already picked up your packet? Skip the line entirely. Roll up to the start, say hello, and you are off.
Where to Park
Driving in on ride morning? Four lots sit within an easy roll of the start at Sports Basement Presidio. East Beach is the free one.
One thing first: the Sports Basement Presidio lot is not available to us on ride morning, so please don't plan on parking there. Pick one of the four lots below instead and roll the last couple of minutes in.
Presidio Tunnel Tops
PaidEast of the start, off Lincoln Blvd near Halleck St.
Main Post
PaidThe lots along Anza Ave and Graham St, south of the start.
Stillwell Hall
PaidWest of Sports Basement, off Mason St.
Crissy Field East Beach
FreeThe free lot, out past Crissy Field by Little Marina Green.
The Routes on Strava
Explore both routes on Strava, check elevation, and plan your ride
Choose Your Route
Both routes start together from Sports Basement Presidio. At mile 35, you decide: finish in Oakland or keep going around the entire Bay!
The Full Bay
Circumnavigate the entire Bay Area: SF → Marin → East Bay → Peninsula → SF
Route Highlights:
- Golden Gate Bridge
- Marin Headlands & Sausalito
- Richmond-San Rafael Bridge
- East Bay Waterfront
- Dumbarton Bridge
- Peninsula & finish at Sports Basement
SF to Oakland
Cross the Bay from San Francisco to Oakland
Route Highlights:
- Golden Gate Bridge
- Marin Headlands
- Sausalito waterfront
- Richmond-San Rafael Bridge
- Finish in Oakland
Perfect for first-time century riders or those wanting a scenic Bay Area adventure!
Want to keep going? You can continue to the full 135-mile route at no extra cost!
Doing the 35-mile route?
Finishing in Oakland?
Here are all the ways to get back to the Presidio.
BART, ferry, rideshare, AC Transit, friend pickup, or pedal back. We mapped every option with real costs, travel times, and whether your bike comes along.
See all the ways back →“There is more in you than you know.”
65% of first-time riders go farther than they ever have before.
What's Included
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does the ride start?
The start is rolling: check in during the morning window and roll out whenever you are ready. Exact hours are posted once the date is announced. Give yourself a few extra minutes if you still need your hangtag.
Do I have to go to packet pickup on Friday?
You have to check in one of the two days, but you choose which. Friday pickup runs the afternoon and evening before the ride at Sports Basement Presidio, and it makes your morning a lot easier. If you can't make it, check in at the start on ride day instead.
Do I have to sign a waiver?
Yes, every rider signs one at check-in. It only takes a minute, but it's the reason you can't send a friend to grab your packet: the signature has to be yours.
What's a hangtag and why do I need one?
It's the tag that goes on your bike, and it's how our SAG drivers, aid station volunteers, and course marshals know you're one of our registered riders. If you're out there without one, we don't know to look after you. Everyone gets one at packet pickup or at morning check-in.
When do I get the jersey or gear I ordered?
At check-in, same as your hangtag, whether you come Friday or on ride morning. The exception is riders who paid to have their order shipped, since that gear goes straight to your door and there's nothing waiting for you here. Grabbing it Friday means you're not carrying a box around at 5 AM.
Can someone else check in or pick up my packet for me?
No. Every rider signs a waiver at check-in, so it has to be you in person. That's true whether you come Friday or on ride morning, and it applies to groups too: everyone needs to come to the table themselves.
Are e-bikes allowed?
Yes! E-bikes are welcome on both routes. We embrace all forms of cycling.
Can I switch from the 35-mile to 135-mile route?
Yes! Both routes are identical for the first 35 miles. At the decision point, you can simply keep riding if you want to do the full circumnavigation. There's no additional cost or logistics, just keep pedaling!
What if I can't finish?
No worries! We have SAG (Support and Gear) vehicles on the course. If you need to stop for any reason, our support team will help you get back safely.
What should I bring?
Bring your bike (in good working condition), helmet, water bottles, and any nutrition you prefer. We provide aid stations with snacks and water along the route. Dress in layers, because Bay Area weather can change!
Is there bike rental available?
Yes! Sports Basement Presidio offers bike rentals. Since we start and finish there, it's the perfect place to pick up a rental bike for the day.
What's the terrain like?
The route features moderate terrain with rolling hills and some sustained climbs. It's challenging but achievable. 65% of first-time riders go farther than they ever have before!
Is this a timed race?
No, this is not a race! The Bay Ride is a supported charity ride. Ride at your own pace, enjoy the scenery, and soak in the experience.
I'm coming from out of town. Where should I stay?
Two great hotels sit inside the Presidio itself, less than a mile from the start line: the Lodge at the Presidio and the Inn at the Presidio. Both include breakfast, which helps with the early rollout. See the full where-to-stay guide.
What time do the aid stations open and close?
Every station has posted open and close times, published with the ride date. As a guide, the 2026 hours were: Richmond 7:30 AM to 10:30 AM, Oakland 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM, Newark 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, San Jose 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Woodside 12:30 PM to 6:30 PM, Pacifica 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Each station packs up at its closing time, so plan your pace to reach one before it does.
What if I'm running behind?
That's what SAG is for. If a station has closed or you'd rather not finish the route, our support vehicles will get you and your bike back safely. Nobody gets stranded. In 2026 the finish line stayed open until 10:00 PM.
Ready to Ride the Bay?
Join us for the 13th Annual Bay Ride, an unforgettable adventure around the whole Bay. Summer 2027, date announced soon.
Register