You could indeed fly to Europe this spring and ride the amateur Tour of Flanders, but a bit closer to home you can partake in the 2013 Spy Belgian Waffle Ride in Carlsbad, CA instead. Dubbed the Hell Of The North County, this ride covers 200km on a variety of roads with climbs, wind and mud thrown in for extra fun. The proceeds from this second annual event are going to the Challenged Athletes Foundation.

Date: Sunday, April 7, 2013
Entry fee: $100
Website: 2013 Spy BWR registration

Below are a few images from the inaugural 2012 Belgian Waffle Ride.

Nothing can be achieved without proper pre-event fueling.

Cyclists are always hungry and should not be welcomed at buffets.

Final instructions for the field of the 2012 Spy Belgian Waffle Ride.

Spread out along the coast.

The good times really start about now.

Or maybe now.

Special jerseys were awarded for various category champions, including purple for freeloader.

The massages were welcomed by many tired legs.

A screen shot of the current flyer.

All images © Spy BWR