Space Country Classic

Course Information

This fifth edition of the SCC has the same amazing course and venue as 2025. The trails were built specifically with this race in mind and after a winter of rains they are spectacular. The Gran Fondo continues with tough climbs and quiet roads.

Space Coast Gran Fondo

The Space Coast Gran Fondo will tour 75 miles of launch sites and stunning coasts from South to North or opt for a shorter 50 miler. This year the course will climb the Santa Ynez Ridge Road topping out at 1,200 feet with a whopping 5,500 feet total elevation gain. The 50-mile route is more moderate at 3,500 feet total gain.

The route will head South past the historic and currently active launch pads of ULA and SpaceX before heading North past Minuteman Beach to the end of the road. The course is on active road which is generally very quiet on traffic. Roads are open, and will be used by vehicles, follow the rules of the road.

Cross Country Mountain Bike Races

The 2026 Space Country Classic (SCC) is a Cross-Country Mountain Bike (MTB) Race and is divided into three categories based on experience and expertise at the sport.

The spectacular Lake Canyon provides 7.56 miles of short, sharp climbs, sweet descents, forest trails, and open vistas. Choose your distance 1, 2 or 3 laps

All courses begin and end at the VSFB Parade Grounds and proceed onto single track trails with some short sections of dirt roads. All roads and trails are part of an established network of routes used heavily by the Vandenberg community. The course will be closed to traffic, even though it will cross roads about 4 times per lap. Course marshals will be at the bottom of Huck’s revenge to ensure rider safety turning onto a dirt road.

3 Laps (Expert) – 22.68 Miles

2 Laps (Sport) – 15.12 Miles

1 Lap – 7.56 miles

RACE DAY SCHEDULE

0700 – 0830: Base pass pick-up at Vandenberg Middle School

0700 – 0845: Race Day Packet Pick Up @ VSFB Parade Grounds

0840: Gran Fondo Safety Brief (Mandatory)

0845:  Gran Fondo Start (50 & 75 Mile routes)

0855: MTB XC Safety Brief (Mandatory)

0900:  3 Lappers (Expert)

0905:  2 Lappers (Sport)

0910:  1 Lappers

~1100 MTB Riders Clear of the course

Awards will follow last finisher of MTB Races

1430: Gran Fondo Riders Clear of Course

Awards will follow last finisher of Gran Fondo

Event Check in

Non-Base Affiliated must pick up a base pass before attempting to enter through the gate.

Turn left before the stop light at the main gate to Vandenberg Middle School

Address: 1145 Mountain View Blvd, Vandenberg SFB, CA

Check-in will be 7:00 am to 8:30 am on Saturday 9 May. Everyone over 16 must have a picture ID with you to receive your base pass.

Getting On Base

Drive up to the gate, show your ID/IDs, and the gate guard will check that you are on the list. Let the guard know you are on the Space Country Classic EAL.

A REAL ID IS REQUIRED (alternatives include US Passport, Social Security Card or Birth Certificate)

Packet Pick-up is at Parade Grounds

Pick up your timing chip, race bib (left side)/number plate (attach to front of bike), race kit at the Parade Grounds. All participants must sign waivers and present picture ID at packet pick-up.

Location: Event venue is at the Parade Grounds. Parking is on the West side of the Parade Grounds Lot.

Registraion is currently open link is: https://www.bikereg.com/space-country-classic-2026