Oh happy day – it’s May! Well, near the end of it anyway. Which means we’ve been celebrating National Bike Month for the last few weeks. As designated by the League of American Bicyclists, this May marks the 63rd year in which the bicycle takes center stage and bike enthusiasts across the country join forces to encourage more trips by two wheels.
As a company of cyclists, we strongly believe in the power of the bike, making this bicycle-focused month a favorite in our office. And while we love the idea of a whole month dedicated to the bike - this year we’re taking it up a notch and expanding it to an entire season. That’s right, we’re talking about an entire summer of bike-centric fun.
We envision a world with more people on bikes, and the best way to grow ridership is to encourage those around us to “try it by bike.” There’s no better place to start than right here in our hometown of Madison, Wisconsin. That’s why each of the events we host or partner with are directly connected to this vision – with some bratwursts sprinkled in along the way.
Now, get out your phone – it’s time for calendar reminders.
(Trust us, you don’t want to miss out on these summertime bike events.)
MAY
MAY 24TH:
BRAT FEST’S BIKE YOUR BRAT TO WORK DAY (#BYBTWD)
When: Friday, May 24th, starting at 6am until we feed the first 200 cyclists.
Where: The World's Largest Brat Fest at Willow Island
Add #BYBTWD to Your Facebook Events Calendar
The World’s Largest Brat Fest is Back! And along with it, Madison’s favorite breakfast-time tradition: Take Your Brat to Work Day. Or, if you’re arriving by bike, a little something we like to call Bike Your Brat to Work Day (#BYBTWD).
The Friday morning of Memorial Weekend, cars line up at the festival’s kick-off event for their turn in the brat-thru to snag hundreds of bratwursts for their co-workers, all while supporting local charities.
To help encourage Madisonians to bike versus drive through the brat-thru, our Saris team will be there handing out incentives. In addition to cutting the line (and beating dozens of cars), we’ll also be handing out 2 Saris Brat Bucks to the first 200 cyclists.
Pro Tip: Get there early! We’ve been buying bratwursts for the early birds for the last seven years, and in that time word has spread with more and more Madisonians opting to trade in their car keys for a bike helmet to earn a breakfast brat. If you want that elusive Saris Brat Buck, set your alarm early – and we’ll see you on the Island.
MAY 24TH-27TH
THE WORLD’S LARGEST BRAT FESTIVAL: MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND
When: Memorial Weekend: Friday, May 24th – Monday, May 27th.
Where: The World's Largest Brat Fest at Willow Island
The World’s Largest Brat Fest is Back! And along with it, Madison’s favorite breakfast-time tradition: Take Your Brat to Work Day. Or, if you’re arriving by bike, a little something we like to call Bike Your Brat to Work Day (#BYBTWD).
The bike friendliness of Brat Fest stretches beyond #BYBTWD. Bike parking for up to 200 bikes will be available all weekend long. Just remember to BYOL (bring your own lock) to keep your ride extra secure.
JUNE
JUNE 2ND:
RIDE THE DRIVE
When: Sunday, June 2rd from 11:00am – 3:00pm
Where: Madison’s John Nolan Drive
Madison’s Ride the Drive is turning 11 this year – our infrastructure will be there to help you celebrate. The 4-mile route along Lake Monona will be closed to cars for an afternoon of activities, food and fun.
There’s no better day to encourage friends to join you on two wheels, while meeting some new acquaintances along the way. Plus, it’s the only day of the year when bikes have complete reign of this beautiful and popular stretch of Madison road. And if you want to stop to enjoy some of the activities, we’ll be providing bike parking – just remember to bring your own lock.
JUNE 2-3:
RACE THE SUN FOR WORLD BICYCLE DAY
When: Sunday - Monday, June 2 - 3
Where: Zwift with World Bicycling Relief
World Bicycle Day is Monday, June 3rd, and this year we’re joining World Bicycle Relief and Zwift in raising funds to help mobilize others through the power of bicycles. In addition to hosting a series of rides to “Race the Sun”, Zwift will be matching donations made through World Bicycle Relief. We’ve pitched in to help get things started. Join Us!
JUNE 5:
#BRATCAKES
When: Wednesday, June 5th from 7:00 – 9:00am
Where: Capital City Bike Path
Add #BRATCAKES to Your Facebook Events Calendar
As if we’d let a Madison Bike to Work Week pass us by without rolling out our grills and whisks. That’s right, it’s time for the 7th annual #Bratcakes on the Bike Path!
If you bike to #bratcakes, you’ll be rewarded with a hot, crispy brat fresh off the grill, wrapped in a made-from-scratch pancake and topped with syrup. Vegetarian and gluten free options will also be available.
We’ll also be providing bike parking so you can ride in and stay a while to enjoy your wisco-style breakfast along the lake, take in the sunrise and mingle with other Madison bike enthusiasts.
Last year we handed out 1,000 #bratcakes, and this year we’re aiming to sling even more. Come join us on the Capital City Bike Path to celebrate the bike!
JULY
JULY 20TH:
BIKE FOR BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB
When: Saturday, July 20th – with the first ride starting at 8am.
Where: McKee Farms Park in Fitchburg
As a longtime supporter of the Boys and Girls Club of Dane County, we’re gearing – and training - up for the 16th annual Bike for Boys and Girls Club Ride.
This ride is one of the very best ways to support the Boys and Girls Club of Dane County, who provide programs that inspire and educate Dane County youth every day. And with three distances to choose from, an 8- 20- and 50-mile ride, there’s a route for every type of rider.
For this year’s ride, it’s our goal to raise $8,000 for this incredible organization. If you’d like to join our team to ride with us, or to contribute to our fund-raising goal, you can do so at our team page.
STAY TUNED...
We’ll be keeping this post up to date as additional details and events are release. Please check back periodically through the summer to see what else we’re up and drop by our Facebook page to see photos of all the summer fun.
See you on the bike path!