If there’s one race for a Northern California-based cyclocross racer to attend to make lasting memories, it’s the Mare Island PedalFest on September 26, 2021.
The event brings urban cyclocross, spectator-friendly obstacles and refreshments and cyclists of every discipline together to enjoy a day in a unique, scenic, historic area. In 2019, Olympian bike racers took part in the event’s rodeo and relay race.
Thankfully, cyclocrossers don’t have to pick just one event this season or during a weekend, and racers who attend Saturday’s VSRTCX are rewarding for doubling up that weekend.
The Return of the Mare Island PedalFest
All-ages event showcases the rich history of Mare Island by way of the bicycle
The Mare Island Brewing Co, in partnership with Ride Napa Valley and Musto Studios, announces the return of Mare Island PedalFest, Sunday, September 26th, in support of the Mare Island Historic Park Foundation and the Napa Valley Vine Trail Coalition.
Racers found a diverse set of dismounts at the 2019 Mare Island Pedalfest. © A. Yee / Cyclocross Magazine
PedalFest is an experience that can’t be found elsewhere; the Wet Mile Urban Urban Cyclo-Cross is a three-mile multi-lap race through the island which enables cyclists to ride through 143 years of naval shipyard history including through and around shipbuilding gantries, alleys, winding trails, buildings, twisted staircases, railroad tracks, inspiring historic and bay views, jumps and a few wet bumps.
You will get wet doing the wet mile on the Mare Island Pedalfest course. © A. Yee / Cyclocross Magazine
2019 Mare Island Pedalfest brings cyclocross to a historic shipyard. © A. Yee / Cyclocross Magazine
Three cycling experiences available:
- Lap of the Shipyard – A family-friendly educational bike tour, ages 1-101 ($25 per family)
- Kids Bike Rodeo – Kids only bike skills in the enclosed area sponsored by Bike Vallejo, ages 3-12 (free event)
- Urban Cyclo-cross races – Beginners to Advanced bike races – ages 6 and up ($20 – $50)
The Mare Island Pedalfest pairs Olympians with urban cyclocross in a unique setting. Pictured: Olympian Donny Robinson, making a splash. © A. Yee / Cyclocross Magazine
Along with individual races, a team relay race called the “Lonesome Louis” relay will also be held. According to local historians, when the Island was shuttered in 1996, one bike — eventually dubbed “Lonesome Louis” — remained chained to a fence for over a decade.
A relay team, titled “Old and Slow” from the 2019 Mare Island Pedalfest. The team expects to be older in 2021. © Cyclocross Magazine
The winning team will have their name engraved on the “Lonesome Louis” trophy to be housed at the Mare Island Brewing Co. If not racing or touring, participants and spectators are invited to join the start/finish home base located at the Mare Island Brewing Co. Eat, drink, cheer and meet the event’s partners and beneficiaries. There is no cost to spectators to watch the event or join the festival.
2019 Mare Island Pedalfest has a start/finish in front of a brewery, and lots of fans. © A. Yee / Cyclocross Magazine
What else: New to 2021 is a special offer to all participants in the September 25, 2021 opening race of the Super Prestige Cyclocross Series. Complimentary beer (or non-alcoholic beverage) by Mare Island Brewing Co. will be given to those cyclists showing their Valley Spokesman Rowell Ranch Castro Valley race bib.
About PedalFest: Inspired by Congressman Mike Thompson (CA-05), who started an initiative to get more people moving, especially on bikes, Mare Island PedalFest is focused on gathering all ages and abilities for two-wheeled fun, food, and frivolity and offers a unique day of motion and memories as participants can ride as fast or slow as chosen, enjoy nourishment by the Mare Island Brewing Co, and listen to the sounds of fans and cyclists during this multi-activity bike affair. The event benefits the Mare Island Historic Park Foundation, as well as the Napa Valley Vine Trail Coalition (a non-profit organization dedicated to building a 47-mile bike and walking path from the Vallejo Ferry to Calistoga). Event tickets for Lap of the Shipyard support the Historic Park Foundation and $5 of every race entry sold are directed to the VINE TRAIL.
What: 2nd Annual Mare Island PedalFest
When: Sunday, September 26th, 2021
Where: Mare Island, Vallejo CA – start/finish/festival located at the Mare Island Brewing Co, 850 Nimitz Ave, Vallejo, CA 94592
Who: PedalFest is a family-friendly all-ages cycling event with multi-faceted activities for cyclists of all levels and abilities: racers, bike tourists and cycling spectators.
Details and registration at: MareIslandPedalFest.com
Contact: Rebecca Kotch: [email protected]
The Mare Island Pedalfest returns for 2021.
