Pete's story: Gold Country Challenge

BaseCamp athlete Pete Chargin shared his experience at the 2025 Gold Country Challenge bike race in California.

A great training ride for a great cause. Gold Country Century. 98 miles and 9700 feet of vertical in preparation for my A event: Tour of California Alps - 104 miles and 14000 feet of vertical.

This is a very well run event with friendly people, very low traffic, and wonderful scenery. The first 40 miles have wide fast downhills and long uphill climbs coming out of the ravines. The second half of the ride is lots of ups and downs, training you to keep the pressure on even when you are fatigued.

My goals were to keep high cadence on the climbs, and with great coaching from Brian Hammond I hit my targets! (well, at least I was close 🙂). Definitely improving while getting ready for my A event on July 12.

If you live or are biking in California, definitely consider it. If you are in Northern California, then put it on your list!