Bicycle riders from around the state know Lake County’s annual Konocti Challenge. Since 1990 they’ve been arriving in their hundreds to pedal around the lake, through the vineyards or over the crest of Cobb Mountain.
But this year — for the first time — cyclists named one of the Konocti Challenge loops as the best ride in California.
The February edition of Cycle California Magazine listed the 65 mile route as the top “Metric Century,” meaning 100 kilometer, in 2014.
The magazine polls its readership each year to find out which events stood out. The survey goes out to all 32,000 who pick up the print version and the 66,000 who subscribe online. While the Konocti Challenge also features a 20 mile course, one covering 40 miles and the grueling 100 mile trek, the 65 mile circuit of Clear Lake resonated.
Almost half — 47 percent — of all Konocti Challenge riders took the Metric Century route.
“I think it’s a fantastic ride,” observed Bob Mack, publisher of the monthly magazine, echoing his readers’ sentiments. “It is all that northern California has to offer.”
To be recognized is not easy. According to Mack, northern California features the largest number of organized rides of any area in the country. Many of them are 65 milers, targeting amateur enthusiasts.
“They do a fantastic job,” he said of the Konocti Challenge and its organizers.
In October more than 700 riders took part in the event, coming from nine states. In fact, 85 percent of those who hit the road during the October challenge live outside of Lake County, and 72 percent indicated that they planned to return.
Skylark Shores Resort is already sold out for the 2015 event.
“This is one of the most fun rides of all the cycling events put on in California,” Sacramento cyclist Fred Turner told the Record-Bee after last year’s challenge.
Still, Jennifer Strong, who heads up the group of volunteers organizing the event, was surprised when the folks at Cycle California Magazine called.
“I think it’s a tremendous honor,” she said. “You’re competing with Napa, Marin — there are a lot out there. We’re gaining some traction.”
The Konocti Challenge began in 1990 as a Lake County Chamber of Commerce event, drawing 200 participants. The Rotary Club assumed control over proceedings in 2001. Funds from entry fees are donated to several local non-profits.
But Strong considers the event important in other respects, attracting both attention and tourist dollars to the area. The people who show up for organized rides tend to be relatively affluent and travel to between three and six weekend events each year. Data from those who participate in the Konocti Challenge show that many booked Lake County hotel rooms and 70 percent tried at least one local restaurant.
“This is an incredible distinction,” Strong said of the ranking. “What’s going to be really important is to capitalize on it. It will bring extra attention to the area.”
Last year the challenge lined up with the quilt show and Lakeport’s Oktoberfest, lending a busy and festive air to the surroundings. For 2015 the organizers are planning to partner with Hoberg’s on Cobb Mountain, setting up a rest stop that will allow riders to become aware of activities at the resort.
“There are other things going on — everything for a great weekend getaway,” Mack pointed out.
Many local business leaders agree.
“It’s in everybody’s best interest to share the success of this event on their Facebook pages, in their correspondence with their customers, on their websites and in every other communication we have with people,” said Tony Barthel, owner of Featherbed Railroad Bed & Breakfast in a message congratulating Strong. “There’s nothing wrong with this area, we’re just too invisible.”
This year marks the 25th Konocti Challege. It will take place on Oct. 3.
