Best Buddies Challenge: Hearst Castle

Have ridden it six times. Absolutely amazing! This has to be a top three ride in the U.S. It’s a controlled start, there are five rest/​refuel stops along the way, the views are breathtaking, there are masseuses at the end with showers (right on the ocean; whales were out last year), and then you bus-​over to the Hearst Castle for unlimited food and drink with a private concert at the Hearst Ranch. The first year we saw The Black Eyed Peas. I drank manhattans next to Rob Lowe while Fergie rocked it. The food is unreal. Filet, chicken, etc. No expense spared. Just need to get your fund-​raising going.
Finally, the charity does some great work. I love chatting with the buddies. Very humbling and helps me rethink my priorities in life.

Ah… the Best Buddies Challenge. Guess I’m writing this review because I’m actually not on the ride this year. First time in 4 years I’ll be sitting this one out. I think it was a combination of things — getting a girlfriend (riding less), a little tired of the Winnebagos on PCH, and a very challenging route that keeps me off the bike this year.
The Best Buddies Challenge is in support of Maria Shriver’s brother’s charity that helps people with intellectual disabilities succeed in the real world. Absolutely wonderful charity whose mission nobody could debate.
I won’t go over all the details (you can find them online), but just know that there is little that isn’t planned well in this ride. The staff at Best Buddies is top notch and the ride is extremely well planned and supported. I have ridden for 4 years and every year has been very memorable.
I have ridden the century route (100 miles) every year and believe u me, it is very challenging. There are two hills during the last 25 miles of the ride that are extremely painful and, if you have not been training adequately, may result in tears, bicycle dismount, and other profane language. No joke here. Check out the route online to see.
There are three routes available (100, 62, and 15 mile rides) for all skill levels.
The ride goes along PCH from Carmel down to Hearst Castle, with some of the most beautiful scenery in California. (No, you do NOT ride up to Hearst Castle — that would be cruel and unusual…)
Upon arriving at the beach in front of Hearst Castle, you head immediately to the complimentary bar for a margarita or beer. That first Corona tastes SOOOOO good after riding 100 miles in quite hilly terrain. Feel free to take a shower — you need it you stinky beast, or, head back to your hotel to freshen up before the big outdoor b-​b-​que bash.
Now comes the best part: the b-​b-​que on William Randolf Hearst’s grandson’s Ranch. I won’t go into too many details, but every year I have attended this private b-​b-​que was a real, real treat and worth every minute of fundraising and stroke of the pedal.
The food is insane — multiple food stations including everything from Mexican to standard b-​b-​que fair. Open bar — whatever you want — unfortunate every year I am just managing to stand up let alone suck down 3 chocolate martinis…
You’ll rub elbows w/​famous folk — Rob Lowe is a frequent there (yes ladies…), Kenny G, the governator, Maria Shriver herself — lots of folks. And there are not that many people — if you so very much desire to talk to Maria, here’s your chance!
Then there’s a rock concert — which have included over the years Cheap Trick, Black Eyed Peas, and Sugar Ray. Private, meaning, you can get 10 feet away if you want. No joke. It’s off the hook.
As cool as this all is (I’m leaving a bunch of stuff out) — the best part is that it is for the Buddies. The Shrivers have long been supportive of people with intellectual disabilities and this is a great charity that serves that purpose. Maria’s brother (CEO of Best Buddies) is obviously blessed with lots of natural talent — if you get a chance to observe him or talk to him, you will see why he is successful — everyone gravitates to his magnetic personality and character and looks. Damn… the guy has got it down.
If you don’t know anything about Best Buddies, please check out the links and see if its something that you might want to support. it’s an unforgettable weekend that I guarantee you will enjoy.