Dont miss the 5th Annual Bike The Bay event happening on August 26th. A summer time tradition where riders of all styles and abilities will enjoy a scenic bay bike ride, and the only opportunity to ride across the world famous Coronado Bridge! We have all the info you need as well as an interview with Andy Hanshaw from San Diego County Bicycle Coalition.

 
On August 26th the San Diego Bay area will be taken over by cyclists of all styles and abilities looking to enjoy a fun summer time ride through some of the most beautiful scenic spots in San Diego. Bike The Bay is a 25 mile bike ride all around San Diego Bay and includes a ride across the world famous Coronado Bridge. This is the one opportunity each year that cyclists will have the opportunity to ride across the bridge into Coronado. Which might just be the most exciting and breathtaking activity of the entire summer. The 25 mile bike route will start and finish at Embarcadero Marine Park South, near Harbor Drive and Park Boulevard and will pass through San Diego, Coronado, Imperial Beach, Chula Vista and National City. From Embarcadero Marina Park South, riders will cross over the Coronado Bay Bridge and travel the Bayshore Bikeway through the five cities surrounding the San Diego Bay before returning to the Park. This bikeway is a scenic and mostly flat bike path which is suitable for riders of all styles and abilities. Bike The Bay is a great opportunity to get out with your family, your bike team or even co workers to enjoy a beautiful summer ride around America’s Finest City. Again, dont forget this the one and only opportunity each year a rider gets to cross the Coronado Bridge on a bike. When riders return to Embarcadero Marina Park they will be greeted by a post ride festival which will include entertainment, food stands and a New Belgium Brewing Co. beer garden.

Riders are encouraged to bring water bottles for the 25 mile ride and there will also be 3 different rest stops along the route for riders offering water, refreshments and even bike repairs. (For complete route map as well as pit stop locations check here.) The three rest stops will be located -

#1 – Glorietta Bay Park/Coronado (approx. mile 5):
Located along Silver Strand Bike Path at Rendova Road. Please turn left at Rendova to enter Park.

#2 – Imperial Beach – Bayshore Bikeway at 13th Street. This is the entrance to the newly opened extension of the Bikeway along the old railroad right of way. This extension allows riders to avoid the high traffic streets of Imperial Beach such as Plam Avenue.

#3 – Located at the Waterfront Grill at the 32nd St. Marina in National City.

Some things Bike The Bay organizers want you to remember during the ride include – Bring your helmet! This is a mandatory item for this event. The typical traffic on streets will still happen during the event. Always ride cautiously and safely and obey all traffic and road rules. Reckless riders will be removed by the organizers. There will be three pit stops along the course offering refreshments and bike repairs if needed. But the number one thing to remember – Have FUN, be SAFE and ENJOY the ride. (For official event rules please check here.)

*Bike The Bay registration is currently closed due to the amount of riders looking to take part. Walk up registration may be available. Please visit the website for information on walk up registration.*

To learn even more about Bike The Bay, please read our interview with organizer Andy Hanshaw.

Please provide us with some history of Bike The Bay. – The idea came about from my developing interests in bicycling while living in Portland, OR in the mid 90’s. While going to grad school, I helped put together a ride that crossed all the bridges over the Willamette River (that ride now gets over 20.00 annually!). After arriving in San Diego and riding the Bayshore Bikeway, I knew we had something special that could be a ride for all. The first Bike The Bay was held in Sep. 2008 and had 1800 riders!

What are some of the main goals behind Bike The Bay? – It’s a ride for all and for all who ride. No time, not a race, just a fun ride with friends, family or co-workers. Oh, and you can experience the one day of the year where you can ride across the San Diego-Coronado Bay Bridge!

How many cyclists are you expecting to take part in the ride for 2012? – 3,000+ will be our limit.

What are some of the causes that riders registration payment will affect? – Just one – Bicycling in San Diego! Funds raised will support the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition. Our mission is to advocate for, and protect the rights of ALL people who ride bikes. We promote bicycling as a mainstream, safe and enjoyable form of transportation and recreation.

How would you describe the route for Bike The Bay? Is it appropriate for all levels of rider? – Yes, but while the route is generally flat, we encourage those who come out to be prepared. Make sure your bike is in good working order and take it in for a pre ride tune up if needed. We will have lots of support and encouragement but we want folks to be prepared for riding 25 miles…so get out there now!

What can riders expect during Bike The Bay? – A great time! Fun, bike ride loving folks who are out to enjoy the ride and beauty of the San Diego Bay and the thrill of riding over the (car only) San Diego-Coronado Bay Bridge.

What are some of the festivities riders can take part in after the route is complete? – We’re really excited to have KPRI Radio suporting the event this year who will be providing great entertainment. We will also have great and a variety of bicycling related sponsor booths like REI, Bicycle Warehouse and a New Belgium Brewing Beer Garden!

Please finish this sentence… Bike The Bay is great because…WE LOVE BICYCLING!
 

 
Special Thank You to Andy Hanshaw and the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition. Logo use with permission. Please visit Bike The Bay website for all details on this great event.