By California Broker Magazine
The first recognized, steerable two-wheeled bicycle, known as the “draisine” or “velocipede,” was created in 1817 by German inventor Baron Karl von Drais. It wasn’t until the 1860s that pedals were added to the front wheel. And in 1993, the first widely used pedal-assist e-bike was pioneered by Yamaha. Over 200 years after the bicycle’s invention, it remains one of the most popular activities across the world for both exercise and pleasure. There is even a whole month dedicated to it—National Bike Month takes place each May, sponsored by the League of American Bicyclists to promote the health, transportation, and environmental benefits of biking. This May, check out some fun events taking place around California and pedal away.
Bike Events to Explore This May
May 3 is “National Ride a Bike Day,” and there are tons of events around California to celebrate. Below are just a few:
- Belgian Waffle Ride in Del Mar, CA
- Finish the Ride at Griffith Park in Los Angeles, CA
- Loopalooza in Davis, CA
- Napa Bikefest at Oxbow Commons Park in Napa, CA
National “Bike to Work Week” takes place May 11-17, 2026, and the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) is celebrating in a big way. If you sign their pledge to bike in Orange County during May 2026, you have the chance to win an Aventon Soltera 2.5 e-bike valued at $1,199. They are also promoting e-bike safety and a chance to win a $100 Visa gift card by taking the pledge to follow Sir Daniel’s “Eight Laws of the OC Jungle”—including obeying road signage, riding with the flow of traffic, stopping at red lights, and not carrying other passengers on your e-bike unless it has a permanent extra seat.
OCTA is also holding a Bike Rally on May 13, including a 3-mile group ride from the Orange Metrolink Station to the OCTA Headquarters in Orange. Attendees receive a free t-shirt, snacks, and the chance to win prizes.
Biking Beyond National Bike Month
There are plenty of other exciting bike rides throughout the year to explore. Below are a few popular ones with a variety of route lengths.
July 31 to Aug. 2, 2026 – Tour de Big Bear:
Each summer, Tour de Big Bear transforms Big Bear Lake into a cycling hub with over nine biking events on road, gravel, and mountain terrain. There are also free events like the Glow Ride (costumes and glow sticks encouraged), the Poker Ride, and Family Fun Ride.
Aug. 23, 2026 – Bike the Bay:
This community bike ride around San Diego Bay is perfect for all ages and levels, with three routes (5 miles, 25 miles, and 50 miles). Class I and II e-bikes are welcome at the event, with a maximum speed of 20 mph.
Sept. 12, 2026 – Mammoth Gran Fondo:
This annual cycling event at Mammoth Lake has three route options (42 miles, 70 miles, and 102 miles) and takes riders on a scenic ride in the beautiful Eastern Sierra Nevada mountains. At the end of the ride, there is a party in the Village with a complementary post-ride meal, a Mammoth Brewing Company beer, live entertainment, and more.
Oct. 24-25, 2026 – Phil’s Cookie Fondo:
If you like biking and cookies—this ride is for you. Held annually in Malibu, the ride showcases the beauty of the Santa Monica mountains. There are several route options spanning between 20 and 100 miles, with free cookies for riders at every aid station from a renowned Los Angeles bakery.
“Grab your family and friends for a beach day, rent a beach cruiser and get a little breezy workout in before you jump in the ocean—a perfect Californian way to celebrate National Bike Month.”
Where to Bike?
Outside of community bike events, there are many trails to explore solo or with a group of friends and family. Southern California boasts some of the best biking options, with a variety of paved and mountain trails. Check out some of our favorites:
Orange County Trails:
Back Bay Loop Trail:
11.4-mile paved bike trail in Newport Beach featuring scenic views of the Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve.
Santa Ana River Trail:
48-mile paved trail connecting Riverside County to Newport Beach. While the trail is long, you can join it from many connecting points along the route.
Huntington Beach Bike Trail:
8.5-mile coastal paved path near the Huntington Beach Pier, perfect for ocean views.
Santiago Creek Bike Trail:
6-mile paved trail in Orange, connecting several parks, including Grijalva and Hart Parks.
Bane Canyon Loop Trail:
Located in Chino Hills State Park, this moderate mountain biking trail is known for scenic rolling hills, wildflowers, and often wildlife sightings.
Los Angeles Trails:
Los Angeles River Bike Path:
32-mile paved Class I trail, offering scenic views and birdwatching.
Marvin Braude Bike Trail:
22-mile paved path from Will Rogers State Beach to Torrance Beach.
Expo Bike Path:
12-mile urban trail from USC to Santa Monica, parallel to the Metro E Line.
Zuma Ridge Trail:
A popular 13.5-mile mountain biking route in Malibu, with panoramic ocean and canyon views.
Ballona Creek Bike Path:
7-mile path connecting Culver City to the beach.
San Diego County Trails:
San Diego River Bike Path:
20-mile paved trail connecting Mission Valley to Ocean Beach.
Bayshore Bikeway:
24-mile paved route spanning the San Diego Bay, with ocean views and a mix of separated paths and on-street lanes.
Silver Strand Bikeway:
10-mile paved path paralleling the beach and bay between Coronado and Imperial Beach.
Mission Bay Loop:
11.3-mile flat paved loop ideal for recreational riding, perfect for families.
Rancho La Costa Preserve:
A popular spot for mountain bikers, with a series of up-down loops on the south slope and the Copper Creek trail, which passes by a waterfall.
Looking for a Bike?
For those in Orange County, Jax Bicycle Center has been catering to bikers since 1971 with locations in Huntington Beach, Irvine, Laguna Niguel, Long Beach, Murrieta, and Yorba Linda. They offer a wide variety of bikes, cycling shoes, gloves, helmets, and other accessories. Their website even has a sale section for those looking for a great deal.
For those in Los Angeles, Helen’s Cycles has locations in Santa Monica and Manhattan Beach, serving communities since 1936. Their website features a wide range of bikes and accessories, along with a sale section. They also sell pickleball equipment.
Trek stores are also located across California and internationally, for those looking for that brand in particular. Their website offers a “pre-owned” section with used bikes at a lower cost. They even have a blog section.
Renting a bike is also another solid option for those not ready to commit to purchasing a bike or who lack space to store one. Most beach cities in California offer affordable bike rentals, including Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, Venice Beach, Santa Monica Beach, and more. Grab your family and friends for a beach day, rent a beach cruiser, and get a little breezy workout in before you jump in the ocean—a perfect Californian way to celebrate National Bike Month.
Featured in our May 2026 Issue page 39 – Click here to download!