PUBLISHED

Oct

17

Dispatches

Bovine Classic Takes Place

October 25, 2025

Hey Herd,

It’s here at last.

After months of planning, prepping, and plotting mischief, we’re beyond stoked to welcome you to Bovine 4.0. A good friend recently reminded me that “community is something we choose to do.” That’s exactly what this weekend is about—choosing to come together, get dusty (or maybe muddy), and share something that’s equal parts ride, ritual, and ridiculous.

Here's WELCOME VIDEO to get you in

On behalf of Bike Monkey and everyone who helps make this chaos possible, thank you for choosing to be here.
And if you’ve got a pal who’s been moo-ving slowly on registration… tell them there are still a few spots left:


👉 Yes, Cownt Me IN!

Radio Free Bovine: The Annual Playlist

For those traveling from afar, it’s tradition: every year we put together the Radio Free Bovine Spotify playlist to get you in the MOOd for the drive, the pre-ride, and the post-ride hang.


👉 Listen to Radio Free Bovine 2025 on Spotify →

Please Read the Official Rider Guide

Everything you need to know—from the weekend schedule to aid stations, packet pick-up, and race format—is here.
👉 Read the 2025 Rider Guide →

(Yes, please actually read it. It’ll make your weekend a whole lot smoother.)

Joining The Pre-Rides?

Terrific! We do need you to RSVP HERE

We encourage you to download the routes, so you don't get lost... it happens.

Thursday Route: STRAVA | RIDE WITH GPS

Friday Route: STRAVARIDE WITH GPS

Weather Update

The forecast has been all over the place.There had been a 49% chance of rain on Saturday, but it's now down to 6%.

Our advice:


Pack smart: rain caps, arm warmers, leg warmers, and anything else that’ll keep you dry and Bovinetastic.

Regardless, dress warm at the start line. Mornings are always a bit chilly at the Bovine.

We’ll roll with whatever Mother Nature gives us—just remember, a little mud only makes the stories better.

Race Day Ride With GPS + Strava Routes

The course will be signed with:


🔴 Big Bovine 🟡 Feisty Bovine 🟢 Happy Bovine

If you forget which color you’re chasing, snag a matching cow decal at packet pick-up.
If rain forces any last-minute adjustments, we’ll communicate them clearly and update signage in real time.


When in doubt—follow the arrows, not your GPS.

Route Files

Want the maps? Here ya go... (We heard ya, Lisa... and we obeyed.)

🔴  Big Bovine: STRAVA | Ride With GPS

🟡  Feisty Bovine: STRAVA | Ride With GPS

🟢  Happy Bovine: STRAVA | Ride With GPS

Safety

Your safety is our #1 priority.


We’ve got 6 CHP officers, local police, and 25 SLO County Sheriff Search & Rescue volunteers, SAG drivers, plus a ridiculous number of course signs to keep everyone on track.


Please defer to their judgment at crossings and intersections, especially along Highway 46.


They’re not out there to be buzzkills—they’re there to make sure you return to the festival safe, sound, and smiling.


A quick “thank you” as you pass goes a long way.

When In Doubt, Walk It Out.

Seriously, folks, there are ruts and loose, steep sections in several areas. Like the Cypress Mountain dirt descent, for example. If you've gotta walk, then walk. No shame whatsoever in that game.

A Note on Segments

Remember that The Bovine Classic scoring is based on timed segments. It's not a first-to-finish race. Because we're on open roads, it's entirely possible a timed segment could be interrupted by, well, life. As the saying kind of goes, "Rancher's gotta ranch." So, be patient and embraced the absurdity. If cows are crossing, let them cross.... even if it means sacrificing some time.

Bag Drop & Changing Tents

You’ll be able to drop a bag at The Bike Monkey tent before you roll out.


That said, if we get any kind of wet weather, you might prefer to leave your gear in your vehicle. We’ll have a few changing tents available at the festival so you can swap into dry clothes post-ride.

On course, you can leave extra clothing at the Villa Creek Aid Station (mile 28) — we’ll make sure it finds its way back to the festival area. Our goal is to have everything returned by 1:30 PM.

We'll have a few changing tents at the venue to tidy up in.

Festival Highlights (a.k.a. Après Ride)

When you roll back in, the good stuff awaits.

Make sure to grab your finisher’s prize at the Land Conservancy SLO booth, visit our sponsor tents, and stick around for podium awards and shenanigans. You’ll also be able to purchase extra drink and raffle tickets at the booth.

We’ll have food from Linn’s Bakery and Super Fiesta Market, post-ride beers from Firestone-Walker, and Justin Wines keeping the glasses full.
Your bib plate includes detachable “graze” and “drink” tickets for your post-race meal.

The soundtrack? Local legends Bremen Town 805, plus the sweet hum of 600 happy, dusty riders swapping stories.

This weekend’s about more than the miles — it’s about the Herd.
We can’t wait to celebrate with you.

Release the Bovine,


Bryoncé & The Monkeys

DISPATCH:

PUBLISHED

Oct

17