Saddle up for a one-day-only ride across historic California ranchland.
This land is closed to the public 364 days a year.
This is your one shot.
🔥 First 200 riders get a FREE inaugural Ride the Rancho t-shirt
⏳ Registration closes May 25 — no day-of registration
See What You're Riding Into
A rare opportunity to ride deep into one of San Diego's most historic private ranches. Wide-open roads, rolling climbs, and a finish line celebration you'll earn.
What is Ride the Rancho?
Ride the Rancho is SDMBA's newest and most unique event yet — our first gravel-forward ride, set on the legendary Rancho Guejito.
For one day only, we're opening access to a private ranch that's been closed off to the public for generations. These are working lands — and if you rolled up any other day, you'd be turned back at the gate.
Gravel bikes, mountain bikes — doesn't matter. Just bring something ready for the road ahead.
Why Gravel? Why Now?
When SDMBA got its start back in 1994, all of this — gravel, trail, fire road — it was just riding dirt. Same trails. Same community. Same shared responsibility to take care of it.
Ride the Rancho isn't about drawing lines between disciplines — it's about bringing more riders together.
Because when we show up as one community, we protect more trails, build more access, and leave something better behind.
Whether you ride gravel, mountain, or a bit of both — you've got a place here. Come ride with us.
The Land
Rancho Guejito isn't just a venue — it's a piece of Mexico and California history.
Stretching across thousands of acres above Escondido, this working ranch has stayed largely untouched since 1845. Rolling hills, grazing cattle, vineyard rows, and miles of dirt roads that trace the same paths wagons once followed.
There's a stillness out here. A sense that not much has changed.
And for one day, you get to ride right through it.
The Routes
All routes are fully supported and designed to showcase the best of the ranch.
We've got you covered so you can focus on the ride.
Every good ride ends with a proper gathering. Under a wide tent at the finish line:
You'll earn every bit of it.
What's Included
Not riding? Come for the gathering.
Pricing & Registration
Prices increase as tiers fill — lock in your spot early.
| Pricing Tier | SDMBA Member | Non-Member | Teen |
|---|---|---|---|
| Super Early Bird Spots 1–75 |
$80 | $115 | $60 |
| Early Bird Spots 76–200 |
$90 | $125 | $65 |
| Regular 200+ Spots |
$100 | $135 | $70 |
🔥 First 200 riders get a FREE event t-shirt · ⏳ Registration closes May 25 at midnight — no day-of registration
Opens in
SDMBA membership starts at $49/year. For about $14 more during registration, you can:
Ride more. Give back. Save along the way.
📍 Event Details
❓ FAQ
Any dirt-capable bike works for the Homestead 11. For the Pioneer 26 and Explorer 47, we recommend bikes with 47mm or wider tires, but ride what feels best to you.
Nope — it's a ride. No timing, no numbers, just open space.
Marked course. GPX files available. No expected route changes.
Yes — just tell volunteers at check-in.
Plenty of parking on-site. Carpool if you can!
Yes. No exceptions.
12+ to ride. Minors must ride with a guardian.
No refunds or rollovers. If you can't attend, your entry becomes a donation to SDMBA.
Want to lend a hand?
Check-in · Aid stations · Course marking · Photography · Finish line support
Sign Up to Volunteer🤝 Sponsors & Vendors
Don't miss your chance to Ride the Rancho.
Register Nowridetherancho.com · A production of SDMBA