10 Best Cycling Events In USA: Road Racing-Unique Challenges

In this article, I will talk about the best USA based cycling events which includes most popular and challenging races held on American soil. Whether it is a leisurely bike ride along the gorgeous roads of famous sites or a thrilling competitive event, there’s something for cyclists of all levels.

Thus, be it an experienced bike rider in search of a hard task or an inexperienced cyclist wanting to relish the joy of cycling in these biking events, there is something extra special for everyone who loves to bike.

Key Points & Best Cycling Events In USA List

Cycling Event	Location	Key Points
Tour de Summerlin	Summerlin, Nevada	Scenic route through suburban landscapes, popular among all skill levels.
Six Gap Century	Dahlonega, Georgia	Challenging mountainous ride, 6 major climbs, great for experienced riders.
RAGBRAI LI	Iowa	Week-long event across Iowa, celebrating cycling and local culture.
Redlands Bicycle Classic	Redlands, California	Elite-level races, high competition, scenic course through Inland Empire.
Tour of America’s Dairyland	Wisconsin	Series of criterium races, vibrant local atmosphere, suited for all levels.
El Tour de Tucson	Tucson, Arizona	40th annual event, famous for its desert views, attracts riders of all types.
America’s Most Beautiful Bike Ride	Lake Tahoe, California	Challenging ride around Lake Tahoe, breathtaking views and alpine terrain.
TD Five Boro Bike Tour	New York City, New York	Iconic ride through NYC’s five boroughs, open to cyclists of all abilities.
Hotter’N Hell Hundred	Wichita Falls, Texas	One of the largest century rides in the US, famous for extreme heat and long distance.

10 Best Cycling Events In USA

1.Tour de Summerlin – Summerlin, Nevada

The Tour de Summerlin is one of the top biking events in America, it’s held in Summerlin, Nevada. The event has a distinct feature of having beautiful suburban roads as well as an environment that welcomes all levels of cyclists. There are different races available to suit both beginners and professionals.

This makes it worth remembering because of its attractive road which passes through the Red Rock Canyon. The Tour de Summerlin boasts well-stocked rest stations and community participation making it perfect for a cyclist looking for competitive fun and local atmosphere.

Features Tour de Summerlin – Summerlin, Nevada

• Beautiful course that runs through Summerlin and overlooks Red Rock Canyon.
• Many distance options that fit various levels of cycling experience.
• Big local turnout and support from volunteers.

2.Six Gap Century – Dahlonega, Georgia

Dahlonega, Georgia’s Six Gap Century is one of the most prestigious cycling events in America. The race course is tough and challenging; it has six major climbs that are difficult to handle even for experienced riders. In its awe-inspiring route, cyclists ride through the scenic

Appalachian Mountains with stunning views and steep climbs. It’s a race that draws both competitive spirit and an adventurous heart with many punishing moments and amazing landscapes. Finally, it’s worth mentioning that this event builds a close community of bikers hence it is a must-go-for for enthusiasts who wish to test their limits.

Features Six Gap Century – Dahlonega, Georgia

• Requires epic climbing with six steep climbs of the terrain’s challenge.
• The route features multi-day riding as well as the possibility to select a 100-mile or shorter version suitable for casual riders.
• The views of the Appalachian Mountains are awe inspiring and complimenting to the ride.

3.RAGBRAI LI – Iowa

RAGBRAI LI is one of the great events in Iowa and one of the top cycling experiences in America. RAGBRAI LI, one of the longest standing national cycling activities, offers a week-long journey that will be etched in the cyclist’s mind forever. The rolling hills, charmingly difficult routes and numerous local festivals are just a few things that make this ride unique.

With its festive ambiance and varied terrains ranging from gently rolling slopes to picturesque farmlands, it is a memorable experience for every level of rider at RAGBRAI LI.

A biking adventure full of culture and fun can be accessed by anyone who wants to cycle along with other people during this occasion because it emphasizes on community sense, friendship and jubilance.

Features RAGBRAI LI – Iowa

• Covering the state of Iowa throughout the week, there are multiple activities that involve riding a bike over a distance.
• Contributes towards the rural socio-economic development of Iowa by acting as an Icebreaker to engage with Iowans.
• Comprises of breakpoints with local delicacies, entertainment programs and community participation.

4.Redlands Bicycle Classic – Redlands, California

Redlands Bicycle Classic, which is one of the best cycling events in USA. Held in Redlands California, this event is popular for its high stakes competition where elite cyclists from all over the world participate. Its distinctiveness comes from pairing difficult road races along the scenic Inland Empire region with various technical downhills as well as uphill’s that challenge riders.

The Redlands Bicycle Classic also differs for its well-managed community engagement, uniting the local people, carnivals and bike enthusiasts. It still remains among the top-notch events to view or compete at due to its iconic circuits and competitive attitude.

Features Redlands Bicycle Classic – Redlands, California

• Races of the world-class standard that are extremely tough and enlist the participation of international professional cyclists.
• Difficult terrain featuring a combination of high peaks with breathtaking, tech-enhanced drops.
• Community Based Outreaches and engagement of fans with the local events is extremely powerful.

5.Tour of America’s Dairyland – Wisconsin

Tour of America’s Dairyland is encompassed by a number of criterium races and has become one of the best cycling events Wisconsin has to offer.

It also has made its way to be considered one of the greatest cycling sports in North America. The shifting course from urbanesque to rural landscapes adds an element of thrill to the event enabling it to stand out from its peers.

Apart from prestige, the event also focuses on involving the community by integrating local festivals and food to the show which brings more life and spirit to it.

The format allows everyone to participate but it emphasizes more on having business class and elite riders test their skills. Tour of America’s Dairyland does not disappoint in showing what Wisconsin is truly about and manages to provide a one of a kind experience.

Features Tour of America’s Dairyland – Wisconsin

• Criterium races covering multiple Wisconsin cities.
• The focus also revolves around recreational cycling not just the elite competitions.
• Each stage offers local culture, with food, music, and community events.

6.El Tour de Tucson – Tucson, Arizona

El Tour de Tucson is one of the most popular cycling events in the United States and is also comfortably located in Tucson Arizona. The biking event is well- known for its routes that cut through the Sonoran Desert which allows the riders breathtaking views of the desert.

The event offers a variety of distance options which allow for both competitive and casual bikers. But more than the biking event, it’s a festival which includes shows, local food and interaction with the community.

Due to the combination of beautiful routes, various distances of the event and a festive environment sprawled over the location, El Tour de Tucson is incomparable to other cycling events.

Features El Tour de Tucson – Tucson, Arizona

• Provides a variety of distance options between 40 and 100 miles
• Provides cyclists with an exploration of beautiful Sonoran Desert integrated with strong terrains.
• The engaging ambience along with local businesses and live music is reason behind its popularity.

7.America’s Most Beautiful Bike Ride – Lake Tahoe, California

Lake Tahoe in California plays host to the America’s Most Beautiful Bike Ride. This ride receives praise and is ranked as one of the top biking events in all of the USA. The absolutely spellbinding route of this event guarantees cyclists with stunning views of the mountainous Lake Tahoe region as well as giving them a difficult course to cover.

The diverse terrains which range from steep and rough to smooth and flat ensure that riders of all experience levels will be enjoyed.

Moreover, the Criterium has a strong sense of environmental conservation which allows natural beauty of the region to be retained. The combination of scenic beauty, one-of-a-kind location and the unique challenges presented throughout the ride ensures that the entire experience is unforgettable.

Features America’s Most Beautiful Bike Ride – Lake Tahoe, California

• Offshore view from the borders of Lake Tahoe, boasting stunning mountains.
• Places emphasis on the commitment to the nature conservation efforts and safeguarding the location’s beauty.
• Encompasses steep ascents and easier descents catered to all skill levels.

8.TD Five Boro Bike Tour – New York City, New York

TD Five Boro Bike Tour, one of the best cycling events in the USA. This ta-ta-ta started in New York City and happens every year and also gives bike enthusiasts the fantastic opportunity to cycle across all the 5 boroughs of the area, which are normally off-limits for vehicles.

During the event, cyclists will cover a distance of 40 miles passing through the well-known sights of New York with the likes of Central Park, the Brooklyn Bridge and the Statue of Liberty. Along with the all these, the event has such a great atmosphere where cycling enthusiasts from all categories can join and further explore the magic which New York City has to offer.

Features TD Five Boro Bike Tour – New York City, New York

• Once in a lifetime chance to cycle through all five boroughs of NYC.
• 40 mile stretch that is free of cars.
• Provides entertainment in the form of music and food during cycling.

9.Hotter’N Hell Hundred – Wichita Falls, Texas

Hotter’N Hell Hundred is another extreme cycling event although would never come close to beating the USA. Held in the Small town Wichita Falls, Texas, its notorious for its harsh conditions and Long range routes. The 100 mile course goes all across the Texas plains which is a flat but difficult area to ride in.

This event gathers thousands of people and encourages intense competition landscape with a more bevvy of fun festivals. This remains a cycle event due to the weather conditions, sense of community and being able to complete such a difficult task with pride.

Features Hotter’N Hell Hundred – Wichita Falls, Texas

• Highly publicized for its brutal 100-mile course with extreme temperatures.
• Draws in thousands of cycling enthusiasts making it a large community event.
• Comprises an exhilarating festival which includes concerts, food stalls and many other activities for families.

How We Choose Best Cycling Events In USA

Diffcult paths: We focus heavily on events which incorporate complex and interesting paths for a variety of skill sets.

Local Support: Events which include good support from the region along with volunteers and the general public are quite good.

Events where cycling is combined with other activities: We look for events where cycling is prompted to be an activity with broader engagement such as festivals.

Well Known Events: A preferred choice is always an event which is reputable and is organized in a well structured manner with satisfied participants.

Different Sets of Each Skill: We prefer events having multiple different skills as there will be people of every physical size and gender.

Global Warming and Event Decay as a Cycle: Events which focus on being eco friendly are rated highly.

Conclusion

To conclude, the top interesting and popular cycling events in the USA have exciting terrains coupled with warm local support and memory engraved experience events. Be it the landscapes, the races or the carnival while being events, these events are great to push any cyclist of any rank, to relish beautiful views while engaging with other cyclists across the nation.