Napa BikeFest

Sunday, May 4  |  South Napa Century Center  |  9:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Napa Bikefest is set to take place on Sunday, May 4, at the South Napa Century Center from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. This event marks the start of Bike Month

and is organized by the Napa County Bicycle Coalition.

While you may think Napa Bikefest is primarily forchildren, it is actually a celebration for everyone. “This is a big bike party,” said Kara Vernor, Executive Director of the Napa County Bicycle Coalition. “We welcome kids, adults, seniors, new riders, experienced cyclists, and even those who don’t ride at all.”

As fun as Bikefest is, it’s just one of the activities available during May Bike Month. You can sign up for the Pledge to Ride, which enters you into a drawing for exciting bicycle-related prizes. Don’t miss Bike to Work & School Day on May 15, or visit Calistoga for Safety Day on May 17. You can find details for all activities at napabike.org. Planning on attending BottleRock? Ride your bike and take advantage of free valet bicycle parking.

Bikefest attendees will learn about all things related to bicycles, and there will also be food trucks, beverages, and live music. The music lineup starts with the “Napa High Jazz Band,” a longtime community favorite, followed by the band “Divorces.” The day will be wrapped up by “Weekend Youth,” the winner of last year’s SOFI Battle of the Bands.

Bicycle activities will cover both practical skills and fun experiences. “People can attend a workshop on how to change a flat tire, they can ask a bike mechanic if their shifter is working correctly and there will be a demonstration on what stretches to do before starting a ride,” Vernor explained. The Napa Valley Transportation Authority will be present with a bus to demonstrate how to use the bus’s bicycle racks. Napa Police will register bikes for attendees, making them easier to identify if stolen. Napa Recycling will also showcase which parts of an old bicycle can be recycled.

The festival features a variety of free bike rides, including “May the Fourth Be With You Kidical Mass” (lineup begins at 9:45 AM). The longest ride of the day will be a 28-mile loop through the Carneros. Safety is a common theme for all these rides; helmets are required, and course marshals will ensure that everyone obeys the laws and has fun. Register in advance for the free rides at napabikefest.org.

A signature feature of Napa Bikefest is the bike swap-the largest in the North Bay. An array of new and used bikes and accessories will be available at low prices. Whether you purchase a bike or bring your own, you can visit the bike and helmet decorating station to transform your two-wheeler into a beautiful ride. The CHP will assist with proper helmet fittings and will even give away some helmets.

Young cyclists can showcase their skills at the Bike Rodeo and participate in the Bike Limbo contest (How low can you ride?). Everyone will also have the chance to “Tube the Mayor”- think of “Ring Toss,” but using bicycle tubes to try to encircle Mayor Scott Sedgely.

Often, dormant cyclists emerge from hibernation thanks to Bikefest. “Every year, people tell us how much Bikefest impacts them,” Vernor noted. For some, it means dusting off their bike, pumping up the tires, and starting to ride again. Bicycling is not a one-size-fits-all activity. “Not everyone wears spandex and uses clip-in pedals,” said Vernor. “People wear jeans; they’re young, old, and some are disabled.” Electric bikes have opened up a new world for riders, making commutingto work a viable option. “If you’re just riding around town, biking isn’t necessarily slower than driving a car.”

If Vernor could leave everyone with one message, it would be how enjoyable it is to cycle in Napa. “We live in a beautiful area with a mostly flat valley and a great climate. Bicycling is the healthier way to go, and it also makes people happier.”

Visit napabike.org - it could kickstart a whole new way of life for you!

.................................................................................................................................... Heritage Ride | Kid’s Bike Rodeo | Workshops | Bike Limbo | Bike Swap &  More

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