The Big Beach Cruise
Name: The Big Beach Cruise
Start: New Brighton State Beach, Capitola, CA
Finish: End of Del Monte Beach at the Municipal Wharf, Monterey, CA
Distance: 33.9 miles
GPS File: File and Strava Segment
Description: This is a ride from Capitola to Monterey, CA, entirely on the beach, with one short interruption around the inlet/outlet of the Elkhorn Slough—over 30 miles of sand. You'd have to be crazy to ride on sand for so long. There are very few stretches of coastline in the world with that much rideable beach without significant breaks. According to the submitter's research, it is believed to be the longest on the West Coast. It includes a few sections of beach popular with beachgoers and many miles of empty coastline. From the start, on a clear day, you can see all the way to the end point of the route across Monterey Bay. Keep your eyes peeled for whales, dolphins, otters, and seals throughout the route. There's some strategy involved in getting the conditions and equipment right for a fast time. The slope of the beach changes throughout the year, and the tides obviously affect how much rideable sand you have to work with.
Unsupported:
Men: Brian Funk, 3:12:24, 09/23/2025
Women:
Para:
Supported:
Men:
Women:
Team:
Para:
Name: The Big Beach Cruise
Start: New Brighton State Beach, Capitola, CA
Finish: End of Del Monte Beach at the Municipal Wharf, Monterey, CA
Distance: 33.9 miles
GPS File: File and Strava Segment
Description: This is a ride from Capitola to Monterey, CA, entirely on the beach, with one short interruption around the inlet/outlet of the Elkhorn Slough—over 30 miles of sand. You'd have to be crazy to ride on sand for so long. There are very few stretches of coastline in the world with that much rideable beach without significant breaks. According to the submitter's research, it is believed to be the longest on the West Coast. It includes a few sections of beach popular with beachgoers and many miles of empty coastline. From the start, on a clear day, you can see all the way to the end point of the route across Monterey Bay. Keep your eyes peeled for whales, dolphins, otters, and seals throughout the route. There's some strategy involved in getting the conditions and equipment right for a fast time. The slope of the beach changes throughout the year, and the tides obviously affect how much rideable sand you have to work with.
Unsupported:
Men: Brian Funk, 3:12:24, 09/23/2025
Women:
Para:
Supported:
Men:
Women:
Team:
Para:
