As the sun slowly rose over the twisting roads of California’s Central Valley, a unique adventure was on the horizon: the Grizzly Cycles Taco Bell Century, a 105-mile bike ride that intertwined the thrill of long-distance cycling with the irresistible allure of Taco Bell. Five stops at our favorite fast-food haven punctuated our journey, combining calories, camaraderie, and compelling landscapes in a way that left our hearts (and stomachs) full.

A Quest for Miles and Tacos

At first glance, calling it the Taco Bell Century may sound a little quirky—perhaps even a bit silly. After all, riding over 100 miles isn’t typically associated with taco runs! But for those of us who dedicate our weekends to long rides, the idea of pedaling through the picturesque Central Valley with a goal of satisfying our cravings (while burning calories at the same time) was an irresistible challenge.

The Beautiful Valley Roads

Every turn on our route was accompanied by stunning vistas that many only dream about. The Central Valley, with its rolling hills and expansive fields, provided a spectacular backdrop as we spun our wheels on winding roads that felt revitalizing and serene. It was as if nature was welcoming us to this surreal blend of athleticism and indulgence.

The sheer beauty of our surroundings made every mile worth the effort. The golden sunlight illuminated rows of vineyards and citrus groves, inviting us to pause and take it all in. But we pushed on, knowing that a delicious taco from Taco Bell awaited us at our next stop.

 Riding Through the Taco Stops

We outlined five official Taco Bell stops, each providing a moment to rest, refuel, and share stories with fellow cyclists. It was here that we’d indulge in the iconic Crunchy Tacos, savor the cheesy delight of the Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes, or quench our thirst with a Baja Blast. Each stop wasn’t just about food; it was a social event, a chance to bond over our shared goal, and even take a selfie with our taco treasures.

While some might scoff at the notion of combining fitness with fast food, it brought together an incredibly supportive community of riders who appreciated both the physical challenge and the joyous moments found in our Taco Bell pit stops.

A Renewed Perspective on Biking

Many may have initially considered the Taco Bell Century as a lighthearted take on endurance riding. However, we quickly learned that biking over 100 miles is no small feat, regardless of the snacks along the way. Even with the solace of great views and good company, our legs ached and our hearts raced in the pursuit of our Taco-laden goal. It was a reminder that biking is about pushing limits, exploring new horizons, and finding joy in the unexpected.

 Will We Do Another One?

As we crossed the finish line, filled with tacos and triumph, the immediate thought was, “Will we do this again?” Our team often jokes about never repeating such adventures, yet deep down, we all felt the magic of the ride tugging at our hearts.

It's true, we always say no... but never say never! The appeal of a Taco Bell Century is strong; who can resist the prospect of another bike ride adorned with sumptuous tacos and breathtaking views? It was an experience like no other, and one that we won't forget anytime soon.

In the end, perhaps the Taco Bell Century is an emblem of what cycling is all about—a mix of soaring ambition, delicious indulgence, and the thrill of adventure! So until next time, keep pedaling, keep dreaming, and if a taco or two happens along the way, possibly even raise a taco-shaped trophy in the name of cycling.

Photos By Erik Binggeser(@Truemarmalade)