Belgian Waffle Ride takes off Friday and continues through this weekend

The annual Belgian Waffle Ride California, a cycling event known as the BWR, takes off Friday in San Marcos and runs through Sunday.

The 11th annual event is slated to be longer and more entertaining. A highlight of the event is the race’s off-roading sections. This year’s course doesn’t climb as much as last year’s route, but it is billed as technically much more challenging. The course goes over gravel, dirt, steep hills, long climbs and creek crossings.

Last year, more than 4,000 riders registered for the event. The Wafer course had a record attendance for its 71-mile rocky route, and this year, the route expanded to nearly 77 miles.

The Waffle course (about 138 miles) includes 11,000 feet of climbing, 10 categorized climbs and 19 off-road sectors.

The Wafer course (about 77 miles) includes 6,000 feet of climbing, seven categorized climbs, 15 off-road sectors, six Feed Zones and water crossings.

The Wanna course (about 45 miles) includes 3,500 feet of climbing, four categorized climbs, two feed zones, water crossings and seven off-road sectors.

The Waffle ride will take place on Saturday starting at 7 a.m., and the Wafer and Wanna rides will take place at 7:30 a.m. Sunday.

Fees are $70-$250. Online registration has closed, but riders can register for the Waffle race from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Wafer and Wanna races from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday at the event expo at 251 North City Drive in San Marcos. For more information, visit https://belgianwaffleride.bike/pages/california.