T-minus 49 days until party time, and the team is highly MOOtivated to put on a great weekend. We can already tell the season is starting to change. There was a hot snap for two weeks, but it's suddenly turned the mornings nice and cool. That means the bird cannons are going off in the vineyards to make way for the harvesters to get busy picking grapes.
Speaking of grapes, we know many of ya descend on Paso for the local wine scene. When you're here, please be sure to support thems that support us by visiting their wineries. So, here are some tips on places to taste:
• Justin (Our official wine sponsor)
• Maha/Villa Creek
• Royal Nonesuch
• Peachy Canyon
• J. Dusi
• Denner Vineyards
We're in that sweet spot where anticipation meets preparation – kind of like the perfect gear ratio for a long climb.
If you haven't ordered a tee or official Bovine jersey, now's the time to do it. Also, our friends at Scout Coffee are blending up a bag of Bovine Roast, which y'all can order during registration. Because nothing says "ready to ride" like custom coffee and questionable cow puns on your chest.
Still need to register? What are you waiting for, a personal invitation from a cow? Sign me up
Remember... this ain't a first-to-finish kinda race. We use a timed-segment system. The best cumulative time across segments wins.
The first segment for Big, Feisty, and Happy Bovine racers starts at mile 19.3. It's our Kiler Canyon segment that will be familiar to anyone who's boogied with us before. This is a 5.6-mile dirt climb with 1250 ft of elevation. That 2-to-1 climbing ratio means there are some steep sections! ... Like 15% steep in some spots. Just settle in, relax those shoulders, keep an easy grip, and memorize the lyrics to your favorite "get psyched" jams.
The Bovine Classic exists because of partnerships that go way beyond checks and logos. Travel Paso Robles and Visit Atascadero have been with us from the start – not just as sponsors, but as believers in what we're building. They get that cycling tourism done right creates lasting value for the whole region.
Speaking of local: our official Bovine kits aren't just designed locally – they're produced by Voler Cycling, just 35 minutes from our start line. When you pull on that jersey, you're wearing something crafted by neighbors who understand these roads as well as you will.
This stuff matters. It's what makes the Bovine feel authentic instead of corporate, rooted instead of dropped in from somewhere else.
Time to lock down where you're resting those hooves:
• SpringHill Suites (Code: BCBBCBA)
• Home2Suites (Code: BC5)
• Franklin Hot Springs (Camping with natural hot springs!)
Our pal Mark Durkin has been herding up with smiles and enthusiasm since the beginning. In fact, he loved the course so much he became our very first Lanterne MOOgue recipient in 2022. We're stoked to have Mark and his SoCal posse join us again. Now, we're not allowed to be a betting organization, but we'd be lying if we didn't say we're hoping for a repeat performance.
We get that this year's Bovine hasn't happened yet, but we're also busy plottin' n schemin' for 2026. That'll be Bovine 5.0, which means the team is doing some deep work thinking on how to make it even more MOOVELOUS.
We'll send out a detailed Rider Guide and annual Radio Free Bovine Spotify playlist the week of the event with everything you need to know. Here's our 2022 playlist to put some howdy in your hooves.
Release The Bovine,
Bryoncé and The Monkeys
P.S. If you haven't registered yet, what are you waiting for? October waits for no bovine.
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