Mile High 100 Bike Race Returns, Registration Open for 2026
The annual cycling event returns to Lake Almanor on June 20 after a year off.
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Riders in the 2022 Mile High 100. Credit: Mile High 100 / Facebook.
CHESTER — Registration opened recently for the 42nd annual Mile High 100 Century Ride. The event takes place on Saturday, June 20, 2026, in Chester, California. Riders choose from three distances that circle scenic Lake Almanor and nearby forests and mountains. The Almanor Recreation and Park District organizes the ride each year as a major fundraiser, with proceeds supporting local parks, trails, and recreation programs.
Over 200 cyclists participated in the 40th edition held in 2023. The district describes the ride as a long-standing community tradition in the Lake Almanor area. Participants enjoy views of Lassen Peak while riding at elevation. The event offers options suitable for different experience levels.
Road construction forced the postponement of the 2025 edition originally set for June 14. “After a challenging summer that required us to postpone the Mile High 100, ARPD is thrilled to once again host this long-standing, iconic ride around beautiful Lake Almanor and the surrounding mountains and forests,” stated the Almanor Recreation and Park District. Recent paving on Highway 36 created smoother surfaces and wider shoulders on the Johnson Grade climb.
The full century covers 102 miles and gains 4,026 feet of elevation. Riders start with a climb to Domingo Springs for fresh spring water refills, then pass through Lassen National Forest and the historic town of Westwood before finishing along Lake Almanor shores. A metric-century of 68 miles and a half-metric loop of 33 miles offer shorter alternatives with similar scenery.
Enhanced support includes extra rest stops for all distances in 2026, and live music awaits riders at the finish line. Participants may purchase the first-ever Mile High Cycling Jersey during registration, featuring a design by local artist Carole Montgomery.
Current registration fees stand at $102.43 for the full century, $97.10 for the metric century, and $86.45 for the half metric. Fees increase by $10 per category after May 15, and online registration closes at 5 PM on June 18. Riders may add the jersey as an optional purchase when signing up.
Full century riders begin at 7:00 AM, metric riders start at 8:00 AM, and half-metric riders begin at 9:00 AM. The start and finish area sits at 101 Meadowbrook Loop near Chester Park. Spectators can gather there for a post-ride celebration. Those seeking more details or volunteer opportunities should contact the Almanor Recreation and Park District at 530-258-2562 or arpd01@frontier.com. Official registration and route information appear on milehigh100.com and yourarpd.org.