A Ride for Everyone: Jalapeño 100 Returns for a Weekend of Community and Cycling

(This article was written by Abigail Muñiz-Garcia and was featured in the March 2026 issue of Explore Harlingen Magazine.)

Just as there are varying degrees of spice in different peppers, this year’s Jalapeño 100 is no different and will continue to have different options for its riders. From the 12-mile “Chili Piquin” ride to the 100-mile “Grand Pappy Ghost Pepper” ride, this year’s event has something for everyone.

The 35th Annual Henry Roberts Memorial Jalapeño 100 Bike Ride, named to honor Henry P. Roberts who first opened Bicycle World RGV with his wife Kelly over 48 years ago, is set for Saturday, March 7, 2026. Different this year, the Gravelpeño (an off-road course with a 32- or 60-mile option) will be on the following day, Sunday, March 8, 2026. The two-day event allows participants who choose to do both bike rides to have a “Jalapeño Weekend Adventure.” In previous years, both events would occur on the same day.

“This will be the third annual for the gravel (event),” Carlos Cortez, an employee of Bicycle World RGV said. “We chose to move this event to Sunday out of feedback from some of the road riders.”

Ana Adame, organizer of the event, encourages riders of different levels to sign up for it.

“Jalapeño is not a race, it’s a tour but it fits the needs of people that are training for something,” she said.

With porta-potties, snacks, and hydration at every rest stop, Adame mentions the race is accommodating to the riders and that it takes many volunteers to make the event a success.

“It takes a lot of people,” she said.  “I have regular customers that offer help with packet pickup and registration, there are people out there with lights, vests directing traffic. I have my list of volunteers that have started reaching out to me.”

Adame wants to remind the public that the proceeds raised will benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Harlingen.

“I encourage them (the public) to go out of their comfort zone and do the Jalapeño. It’s all for a great cause. Try it at least one time and you will keep coming back,” she said.

George Adame, a cyclist from Austin, is gearing up to participate in the event for the fourth time. The seasoned athlete mentions he keeps coming back to the Jalapeño 100 because it stands out from the hundreds of cycling events he has been a part of. The fact that it is organized and run by an actual bike shop with bicycle professionals is one of the reasons he says the event stands out. There are various other reasons he has continually participated but the one that sets it apart above all others? The people.

“It’s the people. It’s not the rest stops. It’s not the distance. It’s the people. I wouldn’t wanna miss it. I love seeing the folks from Bicycle World RGV. They’re like family to me,” George Adame said. “For me it’s like a party. It’s not gonna be a competition, it’s gonna be fun.”

He encourages people that have never tried a cycling event like this to just give it a try.

“You can do more than you think you can do,” he said. “Don’t sell yourself short. It’s not a race. It can be as relaxing as you want it to be. You’ll have the privilege to stop at a rest stop, visit with the people that are so friendly… not enough can be said about them.”

For more information about the event, visit the Jalapeño 100 Bike Ride Facebook page or Bicycle Road RGV on Facebook. You can also call: 956-423-3168.