Zwift “Ride California” Challenge Details

Completing the Challenge

Just select it as your challenge from the menu screen (click “Menu” in-game, then click the challenge image at the top-right to see your current challenge information and/or switch to a new challenge.) Then ride 797 miles and you’re done!

The challenge begins in San Diego and routes you through some of California’s most popular ride destinations including Long Beach (home of Zwift HQ), Los Angeles, Death Valley, Mt. Whitney, Monterey Bay, Yosemite, Sacramento, San Jose, and San Francisco.

As a northern California resident, my only beef with this challenge is that it stops at San Francisco. What about the rest of the state? San Francisco is over 420 miles south of California’s northern border!

What’s the prize?

A brand-new (virtual) Specialized S-Works Tarmac! While not nearly the fastest bike in game, it IS a decent all-arounder which you can unlock early in your Zwifting career.

Eric Schlange
Eric Schlangehttp://www.zwiftinsider.com
Eric runs Zwift Insider in his spare time when he isn't on the bike or managing various business interests. He lives in Northern California with his beautiful wife, two kids and dog. Follow on Strava

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Peter Formisano
Peter Formisano
3 years ago

Is there a level you need to achieve to unlock this. I am level 31 and still locked.

Peter A Formisano
Peter A Formisano
3 years ago

Forget the question…I was looking at the locked mission on the bottom right…

john r stafford
john r stafford
3 years ago

When I click on this challenge it says 1000% complete but I have not done this how do I reset it

Jon
Jon
2 years ago

Hiya Eric, when selecting Ride California Challenge. Can you ride the route In Zwift or is it just clicking up the Km until the challenge is complete?
thx in advance
Jon C👍🏻

JoR
JoR
2 years ago
Reply to  Eric Schlange

Ah I was just wondering this and would have loved to ride the actual route you described in Zwift – not sure I understand the point then!

Alex B
Alex B
1 year ago
Reply to  JoR

It’s a ride that most people know the distance of hence the title and then the rest is just the proverbial carrot! Some as the Everest challenge, a target to aim for and a such a reason to Zwift! Standard game philosophy

Luke
Luke
2 years ago

Hi Eric, for the prize do you get the wheels as well, or just the frame?

Garry Kirkland II
Garry Kirkland II
2 years ago
Reply to  Luke

My guess is that you get the frame only. I suspect it would certainly not come with the Zipp wheels in the picture above. I just purchased a pair of Roval CLX64 wheels (170k drops) that aren’t too far off the Zipps in game, and I intend to pair those with this Tarmac frame for a while. Probably followed by the Allez Sprint frame (depending on how long it takes me to get the Tarmac), and then the Zipp 808 wheels.

z.dcc
z.dcc
2 years ago

yes

z.dcc
z.dcc
2 years ago
Reply to  Luke

you only get the frame

Garry Kirkland II
Garry Kirkland II
2 years ago

Hello! This is probably a silly question, but when you complete this challenge, do you get direct access to the bike, or does it unlock the option to purchase the bike with drops?
Thanks in advance.

Garry Kirkland II
Garry Kirkland II
2 years ago

I think I found the answer to my question: I watched a video of someone completing the (initial) Everest Challenge, and the bike (a Trek Emonda) was placed right into his garage, no Drops required. I suspect this would be the same for Ride California, with the victory yielding the Specialized S-Works Tarmac. Thanks anyway.

z.dcc
z.dcc
2 years ago

yes it is

RonenB
RonenB(@rboneh)
2 years ago

hey,

in your speed test one can find Tarmac Pro and Tarmac. No S-Work.
So which frame match the challenge prize?

thanks

max
max
2 years ago

Is the Tarmac from the California challenge the same as the Tarmac Pro performance wise?

Holly Ward
Holly Ward
2 years ago

I am new to Zwift and have learned a ton through this site!

Bryan
Bryan
2 years ago

Is this s-works tarmac the SL7 as it appears that the other one is no longer in the shop?

Clair Walker
Clair Walker
2 years ago

I have finished this challenge but the S-Works Tarmac is nowhere to be found. It’s not in my garage or or available in the store. Any tips on how to access the Tarmac?

Mina
Mina
2 years ago

What happens, if I switch the challenges. Does previous data will be safed in the previous challenge?

V dub
V dub
2 years ago
Reply to  Mina

It does not. I just did this and found my 25km reset towards the Everest challenge. *Sad face

AndrewC123
AndrewC123(@andrewcushen)
2 years ago
Reply to  Mina

I logged about 400 miles in this Challenge, then switched over 5o the Everest Challenge to unlock the “Tron” bike. Completed that and switched back to Cal. Challenge…my 400 miles were still there.

I see V. Dub seems to have had a different result, but I’ve done this switch twice and both times my mileage was still there.

D Southwood
D Southwood
2 years ago

How does this frameset rate as a climber? Is it on par with the Trek Emonda or below?

z.dcc
z.dcc
2 years ago

it is a better bike because it is an all-rounder so you can put it on and it will be a beast at climbing,sprints,flats.

Rebecca
Rebecca
2 years ago

Hi there! Once you complete the Cali challenge, do you need to go into your profile to select a new challenge, or does it automatically move you on to another challenge? Thanks 🙂

Michael Keating
Michael Keating
1 year ago

How does the Specialized Tarmac earned from the Clai challenge compare to the Canyon Aeroad 2021 I have already purchased for taking on the Mt Everest cahllenge next? Which is a better climber to help unlocl the Tron bike next?!😬

Michael Keating
Michael Keating
1 year ago

*Cali challenge!

George
George
1 year ago

Is it possible to ride as a group or in a meet up format?

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