For many years now, the San Mateo County Parks Foundation has funded the weekly event, Bicycle Sunday, which takes place along a 3.8-mile section of Cañada Road between Highway 92 and the Filoli Estate. The funding supports San Mateo County Park Aides to have a presence at this event, closing the road down to vehicles so human-powered movement can take over – primarily in the from of bicycling, but sometimes also roller-blading and running. The backdrop of Crystal Springs Reservoir makes this a scenic spot for long or short rides and the lack of cars during Bicycle Sunday lends itself well to beginning cyclists getting comfortable with the road.
Many people and groups use Bicycle Sunday on a regular basis. One such group is Peninsula Velo Cycling Club, which was established in 1974 to promote participation in recreational riding, racing and bicycling advocacy in the San Francisco Bay Area. PenVelo organizes club rides, promotes bicycle awareness and safety, and develops racing programs for individual and team achievement. They are one of the largest competitive-focused cycling clubs on the Peninsula with over 250 members.
“Our club is open to any performance-focused bicyclist. Though we tend to focus on the disciplines of road riding and racing, we do have groups within the club that race track, cyclocross, mountain bikes, and gravel,” states PenVelo President, Andrew Hsu.
PenVelo organizes the Beat the Clock (BtC) time trial series which is a fun, low-key way for cyclists of all ages and abilities to test their speed and skill on a 10-mile out-and-back course along Cañada Road. On hiatus from 2020-2022 during the COVID-19 pandemic, BtC returned during the 2023 season and is open to individual cyclists as well as teams of 2-6 riders.
“The BtC series, though timed by our volunteer staff, is not permitted as a race, so participants should use this series as a benchmark for testing their fitness as well as equipment and nutrition, in preparation for actual time trial events that are on the USA cycling race calendar,” Hsu shared. “No special equipment (other than a bicycle and hardshell helmet) is required. We are working to include paracycling participants in next season’s series.”
Curious cyclists can learn about Beat the Clock on PenVelo’s website. A frequently asked questions page is sure to get people up to speed on how best to participate.
PenVelo is generously contributing a portion of the BtC proceeds to support Bicycle Sunday. “We want to support safe and fun cycling for all members of the Bay Area community.”
PenVelo will post registration details for next year’s series in early spring. Non-traditional bike racers are encouraged to join. All are welcome to practice-race against themselves. The San Mateo County Parks Foundation appreciates PenVelo’s support!