Berkeley Hills Road Race: Celebrating the 70th Edition of a Bay Area Classic

For seven decades, the Berkeley Hills Road Race (BHRR) has been more than just a bike race. It has been a proving ground, a tradition, and a cornerstone of competitive cycling in the Bay Area.

As we celebrate the 70th edition of the Berkeley Hills Road Race, we also celebrate the community, history, and generations of riders who have helped shape what is widely recognized as the largest and longest-running bike race event in the Bay Area.

How It All Started

The Berkeley Hills Road Race began as a grassroots effort by local cyclists who wanted a challenging, meaningful competition that reflected the terrain and spirit of Berkeley. Set against the iconic climbs of the Berkeley Hills, the course quickly earned a reputation for being honest, selective, and unforgettable.

What started as a local race soon became a must-do event on the Northern California racing calendar. Riders returned year after year, not just for the competition, but for the community, the challenge, and the history they were becoming part of.

A Proving Ground for Future Professionals

Over the decades, the Berkeley Hills Road Race has served as an early test for riders who would go on to compete at the national and professional levels.

Many past winners and podium finishers didn’t just stop at local success. They carried lessons learned on these roads into:

  • Professional road racing careers

  • National championship performances

  • Olympic and international competition

  • Coaching, mentorship, and leadership roles within the cycling community

The Berkeley Hills don’t hand out wins easily. Riders who succeed here earn them and that’s exactly why this race has long been seen as a stepping stone toward bigger stages.

The Biggest Bike Race Event in the Bay Area

Today, the Berkeley Hills Road Race stands as the centerpiece of the Berkeley Omnium, drawing riders from across California and beyond. With:

  • Multiple competitive fields

  • Strong junior, women’s, and masters participation

  • Deep community involvement

  • Decades of uninterrupted history

The event has grown into the largest bike race weekend in the Bay Area, while still staying true to its grassroots roots.

What makes BHRR special isn’t just its size. It’s the balance between high-level racing and community values. From first-time racers to seasoned pros, everyone lines up on the same historic roads.

Looking Ahead While Honoring the Past

Reaching a 70th edition is rare in any sport. Doing so while continuing to evolve, listen to rider feedback, and invest in youth development makes it even more special.

The Berkeley Hills Road Race remains committed to:

  • Supporting junior and collegiate racing

  • Elevating women’s fields

  • Giving back to the local cycling ecosystem

  • Preserving the legacy of one of America’s classic road races

As we celebrate this milestone, we honor every rider who has pinned on a number, every volunteer who has stood course, and every community member who has helped make this race what it is today.

Here’s to 70 editions—and many more climbs ahead.

Ka Lun Chan