Oh happy day – its May! Which means it’s the officially National Bike Month. As designated by the League of American Bicyclists, this May marks the 62nd 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 butts 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 of 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

National Bike to Work Week: May 14 – 18th

This year we’re teaming up with Bike Fixation to take Bike to Work Week by the seat cover with the help of the first-ever Bike Fixation Street Crü.

Made up of our Brand Advocates and volunteer guerilla do-gooders, these Crü members are taking to the street to deck out random bikes with Bike Fixation seat covers. These eye-catching red accessories are not only a cool way to hype the power of the bike; it’s our way of saying, “Thanks for riding!”

Plus, as part of our grand vision to encourage more trips by bike Bike Fixation is giving out $1,000 in cycling infrastructure to the location of one lucky winner’s choosing.

When: National Bike to Work Week: Monday, May 14 – Friday, May 18th

Where: Bike Fixation Crü Members are located in communities across the globe. See if your city is on the list >

Brat Fest’s Bike Your Brat to Work Day (#BYBTWD): May 25th

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.

When: Friday, May 25th, 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

Pro Tip: Get there early! We’ve been buying bratwursts for the early birds for the last six 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.

The World’s Largest Brat Festival: Memorial Day Weekend

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.

When: Memorial Weekend: Friday, May 25th – Monday, May 28th.

Where: The World's Largest Brat Fest at Willow Island

June

Ride the Drive: June 3rd

Madison’s Ride the Drive is turning 10 this year - and we’ll be there to 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.

When: Sunday, June 3rd from 11:00am – 3:00pm

Where: Madison’s John Nolan Drive. See the Route Map >

#Bratcakes: June 6th

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 6th 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!

When: Wednesday, June 6th from 7:00 – 9:00am

Where: Capital City Bike Path

Add #Bratcakes to your Facebook Event Calendar

July

Bike for Boys and Girls Club: July 21st

As a long time 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.

When: Saturday, July 21st – with the first ride starting at 8am.

Starting Line: McKee Farms Park in Fitchburg

August

The CrossFit Games: August 1st – 5th

The Fittest on Earth are returning to MadCity for this year’s CrossFit Games. Now in year two of a three-year partnership, the worldwide fitness competition is expected to draw over 16,000 spectators for each day of The Games.

With that many people making their way to the Alliant Energy Center grounds, CrossFit and the city of Madison will be encouraging fans to bike to the event. For those that do, we’ve partnered with the CrossFit Games to provide valet bike parking. Simply roll up, hand your bike to the valet, get a number and enjoy The Games!

When: Wednesday, August 1st – Sunday, August 5th

Where: Alliant Energy Center Grounds

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!