Cory's Ride in Action in Our Community Reflections on Building Community at Bike Fest

Posted on May 8, 2025

Building Community at Bike Fest in Novato

A purple bike. A beaming 3rd grader. A stranger-turned-hero with a garage full of generosity. These moments defined Bike Fest on Saturday, May 3rd, in Novato, and reminded us what community looks like when people show up for each other.

Bike Fest wasn’t just about bicycles. It was about enabling families, many for the first time, to ride confidently and safely together. With 45 professionally refurbished bikes and brand-new helmets given away, we helped open doors to freedom and joy. For those who already owned bikes, a team of skilled mechanics from REI and BBMB generously offered free tune-ups and repairs all day long. Meanwhile, Safe Routes to Schools hosted a bike rodeo to teach kids safe riding skills in a fun, hands-on way.

The heart of the event was a team of Cory’s Ride students from Novato High School. These students led every aspect—from setting up and greeting families to fitting helmets and helping kids find the right bike. Their leadership and kindness set the tone for the day.

As student volunteer Milagros Cruz shared, “I am proud that I was able to make an impact in my community. I feel helpful.”

Everywhere you looked, smiles. Neighbors helping neighbors. Kids testing their new wheels. A community in motion.

One moment especially captured the spirit of the day. As the event wound down, a 3rd grade student from Rancho Elementary approached and asked if we had any bikes left—she had outgrown hers. Sadly, we had given them all away. But a woman, who happened to be in line to have her own bike tuned up, overheard and stepped forward. She mentioned having a 24-inch bike in her garage that might be perfect. Her husband left immediately to fetch it. Our team cleaned it up, replaced the chain, brake pads, and grips, and the bike turned out to be the girl’s favorite color: purple. She rode it home beaming, alongside her mom and brother.

That’s community—not something we wait for, but something we build together.

And the need is real. At one point, the line of families hoping for a bike stretched nearly 200 deep. While we couldn’t meet everyone’s needs that day, we collected contact information from all who were not able to receive a bike and will do everything we can to help them in the weeks ahead.

Maybe you have a purple bike in your garage—or any bike—that could bring joy to a child, teen, or adult in our community. If you’d like to donate or get involved, please reach out to me directly at cooper@marinbike.org

Together, we’re creating something truly beautiful—one bike, one smile, one moment at a time.

Check out the photo album from Bike Fest in Novato.