Pig Out, Pedal, Then Pig Out Some More

Pig Out and Pedal, a favorite event among local road hogs for a decade, returns Sunday with the promise of plenty of good riding and what organizers call “the best burrito this side of the border.”

The 11th annual event is a non-competitive ride with courses ranging from 13 to 75 miles. Along with the riding comes plenty of food, with sandwiches, fruit, cookies, muffins, bagels and candy (and bottled water) offered at rest stops along the routes.

Those who choose to stick around after their ride can (for an extra $5.50) partake in a lunch of burritos stuffed with flame-barbecued chicken, refried beans, cheese, guacamole, lettuce and tomato.

It’s an athletic event predicated on the belief that exercise doesn’t have to involve denial. Evidently, it’s a popular concept--the organizers at Dimo Cycling of Newport Beach expect as many as 3,000 riders.

The road courses cover a variety of terrain. The 13-mile course is a quick out-and-back jaunt to the first rest station. Next up the distance scale, the 25-mile course is a relatively flat ramble around Anaheim Hills, Orange and Villa Park.

Scenic, rolling roads through some of the county’s last undeveloped land highlight the 50-mile route. The 75-mile course winds through such areas as Santiago Canyon and Rancho Santa Margarita, offering some climbs in addition to the miles.

Starts will be staggered for the event. Organizers have arranged for roving mechanical support along the routes. Participants will get an event T-shirt and will be eligible for prizes in a random drawing.

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The Maxximum 5K and 10K run returns for its second go-round Sunday in Laguna Niguel, starting at the Plaza de La Paz shopping center, 27271 La Paz Road. Start times are 7:30 a.m. for the 5K and 8:30 a.m. for the 10K; registration is $18. The event is a benefit for South County Safe Rides, which provides a safe, confidential ride home for any student who has been drinking or is with someone who has been drinking. Information on the run: (714) 831-8293.

What: Pig Out and Pedal bike ride.

When: Sunday, June 12, beginning at 7:30 a.m. (registration, 6:30 to 8:30 a.m.).

Where: Starts at Yorba Regional Park, Anaheim.

Whereabouts: From the Riverside (91) Freeway, exit north at Imperial Highway and turn right at La Palma Avenue and go about three miles to the park entrance.

Wherewithal: Entry is $30, including T-shirt; $20 for kids under 12. Lunch is $5.50 extra.

Where to call: (714) 645-3848.