Where Surf Meets Throttle — Inside the Moto Beach Classic
We stopped by Roland Sands Design HQ in Long Beach, California to catch up with Roland Sands and chat about all things Moto Beach Classic.
Nine years in, the event has become more than just a gathering — it’s a collision of California’s coastal soul and the grit of motorcycle culture. What began as an idea to blend beach life with two-wheel adrenaline has evolved into one of the most unique celebrations of moto, music, and community in the country.
From Bolsa Chica to the Big Stage
For founder Roland Sands, the inspiration runs deep. “I mean it’s kind of like going back to Endless Summer or On Any Sunday — trying to smash those two things together,” he says. “I grew up around the ocean, always wanting to have motorcycles involved in that lifestyle. Beach culture and motorcycle racing — putting them together on the beach in Southern California was kind of like a dream come true.”
What once was just a local hangout spot at Bolsa Chica State Beach is now a full-scale event — with the same stretch of sand transformed into a custom-built track where racing, art, and live music all collide.
Nine Years of Growth
Now in its ninth year, the Moto Beach Classic has seen its fair share of evolution. “We’ve seen the riders change. Younger talent is coming in. Electric and e-bikes have become part of it,” Sands explains. “We’ve stayed relevant by constantly reinventing — and that’s not easy when you’ve been doing it for a decade.”
That evolution mirrors the changing face of motorsport itself — innovative, inclusive, and increasingly connected to broader surf, skate, and outdoor cultures.
A Day at the Beach — Supercharged
Despite all the growth, some things haven’t changed. “Our show is really focused on entertaining people,” says Sands. “We’ve kept it free so it’s family-friendly. It’s an opportunity to get everyone to the beach and bring people together. It’s basically a day at the beach — but super extra.”
Between custom bikes, live music, stunt shows, demo rides, and great food and drinks, it’s a full-spectrum experience of Southern California at its best.
What’s New This Year
2025 brings something entirely new to the sand — a partnership with ArenaCross.
“This will be our first FIM x ArenaCross race,” says Sands. “In the span of a week, we’re building a full motocross track on the beach — and then tearing it down.”
It’s the kind of undertaking that speaks to the event’s never-sit-still attitude. Always pushing boundaries, always building something you won’t find anywhere else.
The Heart Behind It All
For Sands, the real reward isn’t just in the spectacle — it’s in the people. “I always get psyched to just reconnect with everybody,” he says. “When Moto Beach comes around, I pick up the phone, call old friends, bring everyone back together. It’s a way to reconnect the industry and the community in one place.”
That sense of connection is what keeps the Classic grounded. It’s not just about the bikes or the waves — it’s about bringing people together through shared passion.
Leaving It Better Than They Found It
For all the high-speed energy, there’s a quiet respect behind the event. “The state beach is a sacred place,” Sands says. “We’ve built a strong relationship with the local community and we make sure to leave it the same way we found it — safe, fun, and family-oriented.”
From boogie boarding as a kid at Bolsa Chica to now hosting one of the most distinctive events in motorsport, Sands’ vision has come full circle — a celebration of culture, community, and the California coast.
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