The Mare Island Pedalfest certainly made a splash with its first event, complete with a splash pool, brewery, relay races and a unique, urban environment. Last year’s version kept the momentum going, with more races and more shenanigans.
For 2022, the Pedalfest is back and better than ever. The promoters have added a swap meet to the long list of festivities. See the full announcement below.
Bike Tours and Cyclocross Races Pass Through 142 Years Of Naval Shipyard History, Swap Meet Debuts
Family-friendly event showcases the rich history of Mare Island by way of the bicycle.
VALLEJO, CA—The third annual Mare Island PedalFest is gearing up for the one-of-a-kind event suited for all types of cycling enthusiasts. Taking place Sunday, September 25th on Mare Island, Pedalfest was inspired by Congressman Mike Thompson (CA-05) with a focus on encouraging more people to use cycling for transportation, sightseeing, and overall health. PedalFest features four family-friendly experiences: The Wet Mile Urban Cyclocross with races for all levels; the family-friendly bike tour Lap of the Shipyard which showcases the historical landmarks of the island; a kid’s bike rodeo with free skills classes for children ages 8 and under; and, new this year, a bike swap featuring bikes, clothes, and accessories for sale or swap.
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With the Wet Mile UCX races (part of the Bay Area Super Prestige Cyclocross Series) as the cornerstone of this day-long event, 2022 provides expanded race categories for beginners, youth, juniors, and experienced cyclists. Cyclocross, the sport of racing bicycles over rough terrain usually requiring cyclists to carry the bicycle over obstacles, is perfectly suited for the Mare Island terrain with pedaling through and around shipbuilding gantries, alleys, winding trails, tunnels, twisted staircases, railroad tracks, jumps, and a few bumps.
Pedalfest chains obstacle
The Lonesome Louis team relay gets its name from the one bike — eventually dubbed “Lonesome Louis” — that remained chained to a fence for over a decade when the Island shuttered in 1996. The 50+ year-old Lonesome Louis bike will be on loan from the museum and on display at PedalFest. The winning team will have their name engraved on the Lonesome Louis trophy to be housed at Mare Island Brewing Co.
Tar Feathers Group
Outside of the high-paced racing is the slow pedaling Lap of the Shipyard, a family-friendly guided bike tour including the West Coast’s first dry docks, the historic core, the officers’ mansions, St. Peter’s Chapel, and the haunted armory. Off the bike, guests can visit the Bike Swap to both shop and sell their wares or head to Mare Island Brewing Co. for lunch
Pedalfest water obstacle
Mare Island PedalFest activities start and finish at Mare Island Brewing Co. from 9 am to 4 pm. All urban cyclocross races require advance registration with fees ranging from $20 to $50 dollars. The family bike tour is $10 for adults and kids under age 18 are free with proceeds going directly to the Mare Island Historic Park Foundation. (There is no cost to attend as a spectator; the bike swap and bike rodeo are also free.) 2022 Sponsors include The Mare Island Company, Marin Bank, Mike’s Bikes, The Hub Napa, A Plus Tree Service, Ace Hardware, Alfred Zampa Bridge, Kreysler & Associates, Orange Theory Fitness Vallejo, and WBE. The schedule and details can be found at mareislandpedalfest.com.
2019 Mare Island Pedalfest. © A. Yee / Cyclocross Magazine
About Mare Island Pedalfest
A unique day of motion and memories, Mare Island PedalFest gives attendees a family-friendly day of cycling activities benefitting the Mare Island Historic Park Foundation (Museum), 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), and the Napa County Bicycle Coalition.
Pedalfest chains obstacle
Here are some things to expect based on previous events.
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