Bicyclist in front of the Martinez Bridge wearing a Bike the Bridges jersey

2026 Bike the Bridges | Bands & Brews

Martinez Waterfront Park

October 3rd, 2026

1000 Riders. Two Bridges. One Mission.

The 17th Annual Bike the Bridges | Bands & Brews returns in support of Special Olympics Northern California. This year, we’re kicking it up a gear and aiming for 1,000 riders to join our iconic community fundraiser ride, capped by the rocking Bands & Brews afterparty at Waterfront Park in Martinez.

Come be a part of an epic day of biking, bridges, bravery and brews. With four different routes ranging from 25 miles to 100K, there’s a Bike the Bridges ride for you.

Ride. Rock. Raise funds and awareness for Special Olympics NorCal. Don’t miss your opportunity to cross bridges — and build some, too.

2026 Bike the Bridges | Bands & Brews

Martinez Waterfront Park

October 3rd, 2026

1000 Riders. Two Bridges. One Mission.

Come be a part of an epic day of biking, bridges, bravery and brews. With four different routes ranging from 25 miles to 100K, there’s a Bike the Bridges ride for you.

Ride. Rock. Raise funds and awareness for Special Olympics NorCal. Don’t miss your opportunity to cross bridges — and build some, too.

How to get Started

1. Register

Join hundreds of riders to make a difference in the lives of Special Olympics NorCal Athletes

2. Fundraise

We’ll help you through the fundraising process so you can hit those goals and hit the road for Bike the Bridges

3. Ride

Time to get out there and enjoy the beautiful ride from bridge to bridge

4. Celebrate

Back in Martinez, it’s time to sit back and try local brews and BBQ while rocking out to live music

The Ride

A ride like no other—featuring scenic routes through Bay Area backroads and over the Benicia-Martinez and Carquinez Bridges. Whether you’re cruising the 25-mile course or taking on the full 100K, enjoy waterfront views, rolling hills and an unforgettable Northern California adventure.

The Bike Ride

Bands & Brews

Located at the beautiful Martinez Waterfront Park, Bands & Brews is open to the public. Enjoy live music, food trucks and brews – those 21+ can purchase a commemorative pint glass (while supplies last) and beer tickets for 16oz pours from local breweries.

Join the Fun

Sponsorship Opportunities

For more information and sponsorship opportunities,
please contact Kari at Karib@sonc.org

View 2025 Photos

Special Olympics Northern California: 2025 Bike the Bridges

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, e-bikes are permitted. However, e-bikes will not be elligible to win the King and Queen of the Mountain Challenge.

There is no mass start, we strongly recommend you start riding your individual route during the following times*, to ensure that rest stops are open when you arrive.

7:30am Registration/Check-In opens for 100K riders
8:00am Registration/Check-In opens for 50 mile iders
8:30am Registration /Check-In opens for 50K riders
9:00am Registration/Check-In opens for 25 mile riders

11:00am Bands & Brews celebration open!
11:15am Local bands performs
1:30pm Rider awards and acknowledgements
1:45pm – Live entertainment resumes
4:00pm Event concludes
*subject to change

There are no refunds. All sales are final, regardless of the circumstance. Thank you for your understanding.

Yes, there will be rest stops along the routes. SAG support vehicles will be ensuring the safety of our riders.

Routes will be marked with color coded arrows and all riders will receive route cards at packet pick up and at day-of registration/check-in. Rider wristbands will coordinate with their route’s arrows.

If you need to change your distance, please do so at check-in before the ride, our event crew at the registration table can help you make the change. There are no refunds for a decrease in ride length and you will need to pay the increase in length as applicable, you can pay this additional amount when you check-in.

Yes, we are pleased to offer complimentary bike parking. It is on a first come, first serve basis.

There will NOT be gear check, so remember, what you bring with you, you will have to carry as you ride. Special Olympics Northern California is not responsible for anything left behind.

The event will take place rain or shine! We do not offer refunds in the event of inclement weather.

Day of Registration is available, but the price increases $10 for each distance. Please note: t-shirt sizes are not guaranteed.

You may make additional monetary contributions or turn-in those last minute donations at the registration/check-in tent. Please have checks made payable to Special Olympics Northern California and put Bike the Bridges 2025 and your name and/or team name in the memo line. Also, credit card or cash is accepted.

It is approximately a two-mile ascent of Crockett Boulevard (between Pomona Street and Cummings Skyway in Crockett). The male and female in each age group will win the coveted polka-dot Bike the Bridges Bike Jersey! Jersey is mailed post-event. The Challenge is included with your registration fee.

Yes, we will have food trucks offering delicious food for purchase. All registered riders will enjoy a great Oktoberfest-inspired lunch as part of their registration. Outside alcohol is strictly prohibited.

Yes! However, all dogs must have a leash on at all times.

Yes! Bands & Brews is open to the general public. Event glassware and beer tickets can be purchased, with valid ID for proof of 21+, while supplies last. We suggest bringing your own chairs or blankets to sit back and enjoy the live music. Umbrellas and additional tents are not allowed in the festival area.

Yes! This event is made possible by the help of incredible volunteers. If you know of anyone that is interested in helping, contact info@sonc.org and a staff member will get in touch with you. This is a perfect volunteer opportunity for clubs and community groups! Volunteers play an important role in this event and each participant benefits from their hard work and enthusiasm – we could not do it without them!