Swami's Cycling Club: Guru News

October 2026

President's Corner

Many of you have heard the sad news that Lost Abbey will be leaving their Vista location toward the end of the year. Although we've only been with them for just over a year, the brewery holds memories of many adventures: two seasons of Hoppy Hour rides, Swamdo events, and World Tour watch parties. I was looking forward to many events there in the future and will miss their welcoming space. We wish them the greatest success and will keep you updated as we determine our next steps.

It's been quite a while since we've done an official team photo, so on Saturday, October 17, all groups will roll out together and we'll briefly pause the ride on the 101 to get the Swamis 2026 lineup on camera. So on that day wear your 2026 Swami's kit, preferably the blue fall style.

As of this month, the social ride is returning to its old route. Many of you have mentioned that you preferred that route since it allows for more regroups and is easier for newer riders and tandems. Now that most of the bollards on Melrose have been removed, our original reason for changing the ride no longer applies, so the classic social ride is back.

Finally, it's time again for our Fall Club Night - read about it below, and I hope to see you all there!

Michael Reich

10/3 Mellow Soledad

Due to the extreme heat warning, we have cancelled our Swamdo Training Ride #3 scheduled for Saturday, October 3, and instead of climbing Sleeping Indian, we'll be leaving from Cadence (map), doing a ride down the coast and will be climbing Mt. Soledad in the easiest way possible. You probably haven't done it this way before so make sure to join us!

Route: 44.3 mi/2,633′ https://ridewithgps.com/routes/57398563

10/4 Social Ride

On Sunday, October 4, we're hosting our monthly Swami's Social Ride, and due to grass-roots demand, we are returning to our classic route that heads north on Melrose now that the bollards have been removed.

This is a conversationally-paced ride where you can meet long-time as well as new Swami’s members. Check out all of the details here. We start and finish the Social Rides at Bird Rock Coffee Roasters in Bressi Ranch (map). Wear a Swami's kit from any year to get a coffee and baked good on Swami’s! Have a classic bike you like to show off? This is the ride.

Route: 31 mi/1532’ https://ridewithgps.com/routes/57289311

October Swamdo Training Rides

Although the Swamdo is one month closer, there’s still time for you to get in shape! On three Saturdays, the Swamdo training rides continue to build distance and elevation so you’ll be ready to conquer the full Swamdo!

The rides will leave from Lost Abbey Brewery (map) at 8:00 am except on 10/17, when the ride will leave from Cadence Cyclery (map).

If you can’t commit to the whole ride, most have a short variation that will allow you to maintain your fitness level.

NOTE: Make sure to check our ride calendar or Facebook page for the latest updates in the case of extreme weather events.

10/10 STR #4

On Saturday, October 10, we’ll continue to put the Swamdo pieces together, adding Couser Canyon and finishing with Champagne.

Full route: 64.9 mi/4,716’ https://ridewithgps.com/routes/52819581
Short route: 39.6 mi/2,393′ https://ridewithgps.com/routes/57358914

10/17 STR #5 and Team Photo Day

On Saturday, October 17, wear your 2026 Swami’s kit, preferably fall (blue) because it’s Team Photo Day! We’ll pause the ride on the 101 to get a shot of the whole group and then continue on our first STR south, using Mt. Soledad to build our climbing skills.

Route: 59.1 mi/4,600’ https://ridewithgps.com/routes/51849813

10/24 STR #6

On Saturday, October 24, we’ll finish the training rides, adding the final Swamdo piece, the beautiful and challenging De Luz climb.

Full route: 82.4 mi/6,400’ https://ridewithgps.com/routes/52819668
Short route: 45.1 mi/3,202’ https://ridewithgps.com/routes/52887293

For a complete schedule of our rides, see the Swami's ride calendar.

10/19 Fall Club Night

Fall 2026 Club Night is upon us! On Monday, October 19, from 5:00 to 8:00 pm at Cadence Cyclery (map) we’ll get together for great food, beer from Lost Abbey, and discounts on just about every type of bicycle-related item you can buy. The discounts will be available until the end of business on Monday, October 26, so if you absolutely have to miss the party, you still have a week to use the discounts. Vendor representatives will be on site to demonstrate products and answer your questions, and there are more fun things to look forward to. Stay tuned for more information!