Conquer the Open Road: 10 Unmissable U.S. Road Cycling Events of 2025

First established as a competitive sport over 150 years ago, road cycling events continue to captivate pros and hobbyists alike, pairing thrilling competition with front-row seats to America’s most breathtaking landscapes.

 

To curate this list, a panel of cycling experts handpicked their top nationwide event recommendations, which were then put to a reader vote to determine the final rankings. Without further ado, here are the 10 best road cycling events across the United States to circle on your 2025 calendar.

New York City’s TD Five Boro Bike Tour holds the title of the largest charitable cycling tour in the nation, drawing some 32,000 riders from every corner of the globe. The route winds through all five of NYC’s boroughs—Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island—giving cyclists exclusive access to roads that are off-limits to bikes on ordinary days. Race day practically brings the city to a joyful standstill, as streets are closed to cars and locals line the route to cheer on the two-wheeled participants.

True to its name, America's Most Beautiful Bike Ride takes cyclists on a full loop around the stunning shores of Lake Tahoe. As one of the country’s rare bi-state cycling events, it crosses between California and Nevada, offering three distance options to suit different skill levels: a 100-mile century ride, a 72-mile intermediate course, and a more accessible 35-mile route. All options feature a cumulative elevation gain of over 4,000 feet, rewarding riders with panoramic lake and mountain views. Proceeds from the event benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, supporting life-saving blood cancer research and patient assistance programs—making it a perfect blend of athletic challenge and community impact.

Dubbed a "Texas rite of passage," the Hotter'N Hell Hundred ranks among the oldest and largest cycling events in the U.S. Tackling its signature Endurance Ride requires a dash of boldness: participants must pedal 100 miles through the sweltering August heat, which often spikes to 100 degrees Fahrenheit—living up to the event’s fiery nickname of "hell on wheels." Fortunately, a host of perks keep riders motivated, including a pre-race spaghetti dinner, a hearty breakfast buffet, post-ride sports massages, and a lively Finish Line Village where cyclists can cool off and celebrate their achievement.

Kicking off the annual American Road Calendar, the Valley of the Sun Stage Race in Phoenix, Arizona, delivers three days of high-stakes competition set against the stark beauty of the desert landscape. The event features three distinct disciplines that test a variety of cycling skills and strategies: a time trial, a full-road race, and a fast-paced criterium. Open to both professional athletes and amateur enthusiasts, it attracts a diverse field of riders eager to start their competitive season on a high note.

A beloved fixture in the Tucson community for decades, El Tour de Tucson offers route options tailored to cyclists of every ability level. All courses start and finish in downtown Tucson, near the Tucson Convention Center, ensuring easy access and a festive, centralized atmosphere. Riders can choose from the 102-mile Century, the 63-mile Metric Century, the 32-mile Half Metric Century, or the family-friendly 1-mile and 3-mile Fun Rides—making it an inclusive event for solo athletes, training groups, and families alike.

 

Regarded as one of the Midwest’s toughest one-day challenge rides, the Horribly Hilly Hundreds in Blue Mounds, Wisconsin, pushes cyclists to their limits with relentless climbs, balanced by sweeping views of the scenic countryside. Participants can select from three rigorous distance options: 100K, 150K, or 200K, each winding through the area’s steep, rolling hills. Beyond the personal challenge, the event supports a worthy cause: proceeds benefit Friends of Blue Mound State Park, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving and enhancing the park’s natural beauty and recreational opportunities.

Set against the charming backdrop of downtown New Haven, Connecticut, the New Haven Grand Prix combines high-octane criterium racing with a vibrant community festival—all unfolding as twilight falls over the city. The fast-paced circuit race is paired with a local pizza festival and live music, creating a festive, family-friendly atmosphere. What’s more, event proceeds fund youth cycling programs, turning a thrilling day of racing into an investment in the next generation of cyclists.

A one-of-a-kind cycling series, the Tour of America's Dairyland celebrates the small towns and communities of southeast Wisconsin through 11 days of nonstop criterium racing. Criterium, or "crit," racing is defined by short, lapped circuits, tight turns, and blistering speeds—making it a spectator-friendly format packed with excitement. Organizers describe the tour as "a bike race wrapped in a block party," thanks to the welcoming, immersive atmosphere that surrounds each stage. Whether you’re racing or watching, it’s a celebration of cycling and community spirit.

The Discover Hudson Valley Ride treats cyclists to a postcard-perfect journey through Poughkeepsie, New York, and the surrounding region’s rolling hills, historic towns, and lush, green countryside. With routes spanning from a leisurely 15 miles to a challenging 100 miles, the event caters to casual riders out for a scenic spin and serious cyclists chasing a new personal best. All proceeds support Bike New York’s free bike education programs, which teach road safety and cycling skills to riders of all ages.

For seasoned cyclists seeking a mountain challenge like no other, Colorado’s Triple Bypass is a bucket-list event. Starting in Evergreen, the 118-mile route boasts a staggering cumulative elevation gain of over 10,000 feet, as riders conquer three iconic Rocky Mountain passes: Juniper, Loveland, and Vail. The reward for this grueling effort? Breathtaking alpine views at every turn, and a raucous Finish Line Party in Avon, complete with free beer and delicious food. If the full Triple Bypass feels daunting, riders can opt for the Double Bypass, which tackles the Loveland and Vail passes for a still-challenging but more manageable adventure.