Photographer: Chris Manning
2024 Lighthouse Century
Date: September 27, 2025
Location: Morro Bay, California
The San Luis Obispo Bicycle Club invites you to join us at our annual Lighthouse Century. We offer relatively flat 40, 65 and 75 mile routes along Highway 1 flanked by coastal mountains and beautiful ocean vistas. Our challenging Century route adds an out and back on Highway 46. Experience beautiful coastal cycling and cool ocean breezes. The event is limited to 1000 riders so register early to save money and ensure your place in this classic ride.
Our Century Events
The SLOBC’s Wildflower and Lighthouse Century bike rides are traditional club events. They are opportunities for individuals and groups to gather together to enjoy sharing a fully supported day of riding. They are not races, they are not timed and we do not provide any individual rider recognition, rewards or trophies.
Our rides are club financed, planned and staffed. We partner with community groups and organizations that we in turn support through donations. We have chosen not to have sponsors to maintain full control of our events.
Beyond the century rides, we support bicycle events, programs and groups and advocate for cycling throughout SLO County. Our goal is to enhance bicycling in our communities.
Photographer: Luis Ayala
Lighthouse Highlights
- Beautiful views of the ocean and coastal hills
- Digital Maps & Cue Sheets
- Rest Stops well stocked with good tasty food
- Robust SAG support
- Bike Mechanic at Start and all Rest Stops
- Enthusiastic and friendly volunteers
- Post-Ride Meal that riders have rated as Excellent includes choices for omnivores and vegetarians. The meal includes entrée and sides plus dessert and drinks.
- Tickets are available at the meal for non-riders
- Your registration fee supports our Donations to Bike SLO County, other local cycling organizations and programs as well as the communities and groups that support our rides.
- Order custom Short Sleeve and Long Sleeve Jerseys and Wind Vests in your size during early registration. Ordered items will be mailed to you before the event. Jerseys are made locally by Voler: Why American Made Matters.
- Purchase custom Short Sleeve Jerseys and T-Shirts during Check-In while supplies last.
- Short Sleeve Jerseys and T-Shirts from past events will be on sale during check-in.
- E-Bikes without throttles are welcome. Refer to E-Bike Specifications
- Riders can download their full resolution event photos by Captivating Sports Photos for FREE after the event.
- Follow us on Instagram and use #lighthousecentury and #slobc to see images from other riders and share your posts.
Photographer: Chris Manning
Lighthouse Routes
This event has routes for both new and experienced riders. The 75, 65 and 40 Mile routes are relatively flat and suited for new riders with less experience and training. The Century route includes significant climbing and is better suited for experienced riders with appropriate training. Please review the route maps before you register. We want you to be successful and enjoy the day.
The RWGPS files provide both plan and profile views of each route. Once opened, if you move your cursor along the profile, it will show the mileage, elevation and % grade at that point.
Note: Our RWGPS routes include access to files, that when sent to a Garmin or similar devise, can provide turn-by-turn navigation. Or, if you have a paid RWGPS account, opening our routes in the RWGPS app on your phone can provide turn-by-turn navigation.
Note: Ascent numbers shown in the chart below in parenthesis (e.g., 5400 ft.) are based on feedback from past riders.
| 2025 Routes | RWGPS | Cue Sheet |
|---|---|---|
| Century (5400 ft.) | Century | Century |
| 75 Mile (2400 ft.) | 75 Mile | 75 Mile |
| 65 Mile (2000 ft.) | 65 Mile | 65 Mile |
| 40 Mile (1400 ft.) | 40 Mile | 40 Mile |
Download a Lighthouse Information (pdf) sheet that provides an overview of the ride and the roads being used.
A Brief Description
The 40, 65 and 75 mile routes follow historic Highway 1 from Morro Bay north to Cambria and beyond. How far north you go depends on the route you choose. All routes return south on Highway 1 to Morro Bay High School. They present relatively flat courses.
The Century route climbs up Old Creek and then turns east on Highway 46 to Donati Winery before returning west on Highway 46 to join Highway 1. It is a challenging route for strong riders with over 3000 feet of climbing in the first 30 miles followed by a long, fast and exposed descent. Once on Highway 1, Century riders head north with the other routes before returning south on Highway 1 to Morro Bay High School and the post ride meal.
Photographer: Chris Manning
Lighthouse Safety
- Approved helmets are required to be worn by all riders. NO HELMET, NO RIDE!
- All minors must be accompanied by an adult
- This event uses public roads and riders must abide by the California Driver’s Handbook - Section 7: “Laws and Rules of the Road”
- All riders are expected to follow Safe Cycling Best Practices
- Rear-view mirrors to monitor overtaking vehicles and cyclists are encouraged.
- Use the wide shoulders available on most roads
- Portable audio devices using ear pieces are discouraged. (California law mandates that ear pieces be used in only one ear.)
Partners
These organizations and businesses partner with us to provide Volunteers, Places and Food, Supplies & Services to support the safety and enjoyment of our riders.
Volunteers: Great Volunteers are Critical
Places: Rest Stop Locations
Food, Supplies & Services
