2023 Mare Island “Pedalfest” & Bike Rodeo (Vallejo)

Submitted by the Event Organizer

• With the Wet Mile UCX races (part of the Bay Area Super Prestige Cyclocross Series) as the cornerstone of this day-long event, 2023 provides expanded race categories for beginners, kids under age 9, 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.
• The Lonesome Louis team relay is one of the most popular events of the day, and it 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.
• Outside of the high paced racing is the slow pedaling Lap of the Shipyard, a family-friendly guided bike tour. This year’s route features new stops where docents will share stories about the island’s vibrant history. Tour stops include the West Coast’s first dry docks, the historic core, the officers’ mansions, St. Peter’s Chapel, and new stops for 2023. Off the bike, guests can visit the Bike Swap to both shop and sell their wares or head to Mare Island Brewing Co. and other local food trucks for lunch.

Mare Island PedalFest activities start and finish at Mare Island Brewing Co. – Coal Shed Brewery from 8am to 4pm. All urban cyclocross races are encouraged to register online in advance with fees ranging from $20 to $50 dollars. On-site registration will be an additional cost. 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. PedalFest offers free access for spectators to check out the races, the bike swap, and the kids bike rodeo. Schedule and details can be found at mareislandpedalfest.com

Disclaimer: Please double check event information with the event organizer as events can be canceled, details can change after they are added to our calendar, and errors do occur.