Swami's Cycling Club: Guru News

September 2026

President's Corner

Thanks to all of you who joined the discussion regarding riding the 5 to San Clemente. We read all the "why nots" and "hell nos" and have decided it's best to pause the San Clemente rides until Camp Pendleton starts reissuing base passes. Unfortunately the recent rumors that they've started again have turned out to be false. In the mean time, we're planning an alternative that should also include world-class donuts.

There are just two rides left in the 2026 Hoppy Hour season - the grand finale is September 16. The Hoppy Hour is one of my favorite rides and I encourage all of you to try it. You will experience so much in just an hour of riding, and when it's over, you'll feel like you've really accomplished something.

Finally, a word about the Swami's 2027 kit. you may have heard that our kit partner Eliel is pausing their custom program as of September 15. We've been working closely with them to make sure that there will be a Swami's fall kit ordering window, and I'm happy to report that we have a new design that we're really excited to unveil. We'll have the whole year's worth of styles, from warm to cold weather, available in the upcoming order window, so keep your eye on your inbox for an announcement in the near future!

Michael Reich

9/5 La Vuelta viewing and ride

Stage 14 of the Vuelta sends the peloton on a 154 km mountain odyssey from Jaén through Mancha Real, Torres and La Guardia, back through Jaén and over the Category 2 ascents of Los Villares and Puerto de Locubín, culminating with the 12 km 7.2% Category 1 summit climb to Sierra de La Pandera!

In the same spirit, we’ll meet at Lost Abbey (map) and watch the stage, which will inspire us to then head out for a hilly ride and a return to Lost Abbey for some post ride refreshments. The ride rolls after the stage ends, around 8:15 am.

The door at Lost Abbey will open at 6:30 am, so get there early and watch the stage with us!

Route: 61 miles/4765' https://ridewithgps.com/routes/56932269

9/6 Social Ride

On Sunday, September 6, we're hosting our monthly Swami's Social Ride. It’s 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: 33.5 mi/1539’ https://ridewithgps.com/routes/48626897

9/19 Swamdo Training Ride #1

The signature annual Swami's event is the Swamdo, a century ride in mid-November with almost 7,500 feet of climbing. Whatever shape you're in now, the Swamdo Training Rides will get you ready to take it on.

This year we've expanded the series to six consecutive Saturday rides that will progressively build your climbing and endurance and give you more opportunities to participate in case you have to miss one.

The first STR is on Saturday, September 19. We’ll start easy with the familiar Vista Twist, leaving from Lost Abbey (map) at 8:00. Bathrooms will open at 7:30.

Route: 46 miles/3248’ https://ridewithgps.com/routes/50844986

9/26 Swamdo Training Ride #2

Swamdo Training Ride #2, on Saturday, September 26, starts to kick up the mileage and elevation with efforts on Lilac and Champagne. The ride leaves from Lost Abbey (map) at 8:00. Bathrooms will open at 7:30.

Route: 56 miles/4059’ https://ridewithgps.com/routes/52818622

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

Swami’s Racing

Swami Warren Wicks is a familiar name in our podium reports, and he garnered yet another podium at the Manhattan Beach Grand Prix on July 12. This was designated as the northern and southern California state criterium championship for 2026. The Masters race was a combined 55+ through 80+ Masters race, with a winner’s podium for each five-year age group category. Warren’s experience placed him well to launch on the last lap, and he won the 70+ category. See pics and details on his Facebook post.

Columbia Employee Store Fall Deal

Our partners at Columbia have a spring deal for Swami’s members, valid from September 4 to September 27, at the Columbia employee store in Carlsbad for Swami’s members:

Store Pricing: Brands including Columbia, SOREL, Mountain Hardwear, and prAna are all marked at Employee Store pricing.
Guests must show their valid offer (link here) plus a photo ID for access and can bring up to 4 additional people with them.
The offer is valid at the Carlsbad location, 3209 Lionshead Ave, Carlsbad, 92010.