If you’re looking for one of the best charity bike rides in the Bay Area, come join us at Bike the Bridges | Bands & Brews! Our signature ride for athletes returns on Saturday, Oct. 4 at Waterfront Park in Martinez.
For 16 years, this one-of-a-kind event has been bringing together cyclists, families, corporate teams, craft beer fans and community supporters for a truly special day of cycling and celebrating. All Bike the Bridges proceeds support Special Olympics Northern California athletes and their families.
Here are the Top 5 Reasons to make Bike the Bridges | Bands & Brews your go-to charity bike ride.
You’ll Support Special Olympics Northern California Athletes
Every mile you pedal makes an impact. Bike the Bridges riders help Special Olympics NorCal provide free, year-round sports, health, schools and leadership programs for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.
Your ride directly fuels opportunities for our athletes to shine on and off the playing field, building confidence, friendships, and lifelong skills.
Special Olympics athletes live by the creed, “Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”
When you ride with Bike the Bridges, you’re part of that message of bravery, too.
Scenic Routes Across the Carquinez & Benicia Bridges
Not many rides give you the opportunity to cycle across not one, but two iconic Bay Area bridges! Bike the Bridges routes take you through stunning landscapes with scenic views of the Carquinez Strait, rolling hills and waterfront landscapes.
And unlike some rides that stick to one loop, Bike the Bridges offers four different routes, from a fun, flat 25-mile pedal along the waterfront to a challenging 100K course that climbs nearly 5,000 vertical feet through Briones Regional Park and the Pinole Valley Watershed.
Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or someone who hasn’t biked much in a while, you’ll find a route that inspires and connects you with like-minded riders.
A Festive Outdoor Afterparty with Craft Beer and Live Music
After the ride, the Bands & Brews celebration begins. All Bike the Bridges routes start and end at Waterfront Park in Martinez, where lunch, live music and cold drinks await. Local breweries will be pouring some of the best craft brews in the Bay. Riders can feast on post-ride eats and drinks guilt-free, knowing they’ve earned their fill.
Along with the grub, Bands & Brews is a dance party, too! You can shake a leg with awesome local acts 3 Day Weekend (R&B Funk party sounds ) and Sixteen Scandals (80s tribute band).
Toss in party games like cornhole and plenty of shaded areas to hang with friends, Bike the Bridges | Bands & Brews has a festival vibe that keeps the energy going long after you’ve crossed the finish line.
Community and Team Building Opportunities
Looking for a memorable way to connect with coworkers, gather with friends or bring your sports team or cycling group together for a cause? Bike the Bridges has your back. It’s the perfect event for corporate teams to bond outside the office, and social squads to gather and make new memories with a special twist.
Bike the Bridges brings groups together, too. We’ve seen law enforcement officers ride alongside Special Olympics athletes, tech company teams pedal as part of their corporate wellness programs, and local businesses from Martinez and beyond network and connect.
The sense of unity in the community is what makes this ride one of the most rewarding charity events in the Bay Area.
It’s a Family-Friendly Ride – All Skill Levels are Welcome!
Bike the Bridges isn’t just for hardcore cyclists! We’ve designed routes for all ages and abilities.
The 25 mile ride makes a great family ride for beginners and younger kids, and the 50K route provides a fun option for casual riders looking for a little extra kick.
Serious bikers can take on longer Half Century and 100K rides, with plenty of climbing to boot.
As a bonus, all riders have the option to test themselves against their peers in the King & Queen of the Mountain Challenge, a timed, two-mile ascent up Crockett Boulevard. Winners score coveted Bike the Bridges polka-dot cycling jerseys. Are you up for the challenge?
All said, you don’t even need to ride at all to enjoy Bike the Bridges | Bands & Brews. Everyone is welcome to attend the Bands & Brews afterparty – even Fido! (Just make sure four-legged friends have leashes.) And if you want to get involved by helping out, we have plenty of volunteering options and sponsorship opportunities for you to do something special, too.
How to Register for Bike the Bridges | Bands & Brews
To sign up for the fun, just head over to our Bike the Bridges registration page. There you can select your route distance, check out some teams, and learn more about one of the best charity bike rides in the Bay Area. Stoked to see you there!
