Expert Tree Service’s support helps make this event possible, from enabling the largest cash prizes in Berkeley Omnium history to strengthening our commitment to youth cycling development through local East Bay NICA programs. When local businesses invest in local athletes, our entire community grows stronger together.

Berkeley Omnium is offering a $10,000 cash purse for the P/1/2 fields, split 50/50 between Men and Women.

Cash purse is provided by our generous sponsors Expert Tree Service and KaiVelo (1st - $1,900, 2nd - $1,300, 3rd - $900, 4th - $550, 5th - $350). All other prizes are merchandise from our sponsors. 

Bikereg is “OPEN” Register Now!

We are proud to welcome Expert Tree Service as the Title Sponsor of the 2026 Berkeley Omnium. Expert Tree Service is a trusted, community-focused company based right here in the East Bay.

Expert Tree Service’s support helps make this event possible, from enabling the largest cash prizes in Berkeley Omnium history to strengthening our commitment to youth cycling development through local East Bay NICA programs. When local businesses invest in local athletes, our entire community grows stronger together.

The 2026 Berkeley Hills Road Race marks a historic milestone. Our 70th edition. Since 1957, BHRR has been a proving ground for legends, a launchpad for future stars, and a celebration of community racing at its finest.

Berkeley Hills Road Race start at Bear Creek Rd/Wildcat Canyon Road and finish at Papa bear on Bear Creek https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZVGEbPBeRm5DUa3Y7

70th Berkeley Hills Road Race
Saturday, April 18, 2026

course

https://www.strava.com/routes/2927070857541963972

The longest continuously-run road race in America returns for yet another year around the classic 3 bears loop in Orinda, CA.

The Berkeley Hills Road Race began in 1957, making it the oldest continuously running bicycle road race in the United States. It was initiated by Peter Rich, a prominent figure in American cycling who also founded Velo Club Berkeley and promoted the original Tour of California in 1971. In January 1979, Velo Club Berkeley merged with the Berkeley Wheelmen to form the Berkeley Bicycle Club (BBC), which has since taken over the organization of the BHRR.


Berkeley Hills Road Race Course Rules

  • DO NOT LINGER IN THE FINISH AREA.

  • Bring your own water; no running water on course

  • Feed zone near the bottom of Papa Bear has neutral water support. Personal support is permitted here, and we will also have neutral bottle handouts while supplies last.

  • NO warming up on the course.

  • No wheel support or other unauthorized support vehicles are allowed ANYWHERE on the course. Unauthorized follow vehicles will result in rider/team DQ

  • No road closure. Watch for traffic and road hazards. Use caution

Berkeley Hills Road Race Staging

Racers will stage at the Orinda BART parking lot, like last year. The times mentioned above are staging times, and racers will conduct a neutral start in three waves from the Orinda BART to the starting line under the supervision of a car and a USAC official. Races will then start (separately) from the start line.

The staging area takes place on the northeast side of the Orinda BART parking lot, near the registration table (coordinates: 37.8804152,-122.1832872). Show up at your designated time, ready to race.

Food: Rincon del Cielo Taqueria will be on-site at the registration area to sell burritos, tacos, and drinks at 9:00 a.m.

USAC License Required.  USAC 1-Day Beginner’s license: $10/day, only for Open Novice, Women, Juniors, or Youth. Can be purchased online at www.usacycling.org/events/?state=CA , select the appropriate event, and then click on Purchase One-Day License. Bring receipt to the race. USAC 1-Day Experienced license: $35/day, available to all former USAC Cat 1-4 racers. Must be purchased online, prior to the event.

Juniors. We are excited to offer separate junior races this year at the Berkeley Omnium. 

Results will be posted at https://www.ontheday.net/

All races are held rain or shine; all sales final no refunds. 


Berkeley Hills Race Schedule

Category Distance Staging Time Prizes Places
P/1/2, Collegiate P/1/2* 90 miles 8:00 AM Sponsor prizes 3
Elite 3 + Collegiate 3* 71 miles 8:00 AM Sponsor prizes 3
Masters 35+ 1/2/3 71 miles 8:00 AM Sponsor prizes 3
Women’s Long Race** 71 miles 8:00 AM Sponsor prizes 3
Elite 4 + Collegiate 4* 52 miles 8:15 AM Sponsor prizes 3
Master’s 50+ 1/2/3, Master’s 60+ 1/2/3/4 52 miles 8:15 AM Sponsor prizes 3
Master’s 35+ 3/4 52 miles 8:15 AM Sponsor prizes 3
Master’s 50+ 3/4 52 miles 8:15 AM Sponsor prizes 3
Novice, Collegiate Novice* 33 miles 8:30 AM Sponsor prizes 3
Women's Short Race** 33 miles 8:30 AM Sponsor prizes 3
Juniors 17-18, 15-16 Boys 33 miles 8:30 AM Sponsor prizes 3
Juniors 17-18, 15-16 Girls 33 miles 8:30 AM Sponsor prizes 3
Juniors 13-14, 11-12, 10 under Boys 16 miles 8:30 AM Sponsor prizes 3
Juniors 13-14, 11-12, 10 under Girls 16 miles 8:30 AM Sponsor prizes 3

Scoring

* Collegiate and open results are scored separately in indicated races.

Women’s Short/Long Race Format

**Racers of ALL CATEGORIES may choose to race the LONG COURSE or SHORT COURSE. 

All racers in each distance will race TOGETHER as one field, regardless of category.

How you place in your distance will be recorded both within your category and overall.

→ How you place within your CATEGORY earns you BAR/BAT/Omnium points.

→ If you want to score BAR/BAT points, please use the following guidelines:

  • P/1/2: Register for long race

  • 3, 4/N, 40+/50+/60+ 1/2/3/4/N: Register for short race

→ How you place in the OVERALL FIELD can be used with the full field size for USA Cycling upgrade points.

Use OnTheDay.net’s “results” and “finish order” options to see those placings, respectively.



KQED News Spot on Berkeley Hills Road Race 2019

In this video Brendan try to point out some critical moments in the race, places where I could have done better, and the highlights of the race.

This video shows you a full pre-ride of the Berkeley Hills Road Race course (also known as "the Bears") narrated by Nate English, former winner of the race. This includes some general tips and thoughts on how to race the race. Enjoy!

Sponsors

In Support of Local High School Mountain Bikers

The Berkeley Omnium is also a fundraiser for the local NICA teams at Berkeley High School, El Cerrito High School, Albany High School and and Oakland Composite. A portion of each entry fee goes DIRECTLY to the NICA teams and helps make cycling accessible for young student-athletes. Last year’s event raised $4,000 for the teams.


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