Participate in corridor rides, races, family events and more, all on two wheels in Folsom, Rancho Cordova and beyond
Cycling season officially arrives this week as the Sacramento region launches its annual May is Bike Month campaign, and 2026 is rolling out with one of its most expansive and locally connected lineups in recent memory. From competitive races drawing more than a thousand riders to family-focused events designed for the youngest cyclists, the opening stretch of May is setting the tone for a month that blends recreation, transportation and community engagement across Folsom, Rancho Cordova and the greater Sacramento region.
The month-long initiative, coordinated by the Sacramento Area Council of Governments and regional partners, is built around a simple but impactful goal: replacing car trips with bike miles to reduce congestion while improving public health. Now in its third decade, the campaign continues to gain traction each year, and organizers say 2026 reflects a growing shift toward cycling as both a lifestyle and a viable transportation option.
At the center of the campaign is the NorCal GO platform, where participants can log their rides, join workplace or community teams and compete in regional challenges. Riders who register before May 1 at MayIsBikeMonth.com are entered into a $250 prize drawing, with additional incentives including e-bikes, cycling gear and regional park passes awarded throughout the month. The program’s gamified approach has helped drive participation across all age groups, turning daily commutes and recreational rides into part of a larger regional movement.
For Folsom-area residents, the action begins immediately with a family-friendly event that puts the next generation of cyclists front and center. The Folsom Pedal Quest Balance Bike Bash returns Saturday, May 2, offering a full day dedicated to youth riders and outdoor fun.
Centered around balance bikes and early skill development, the Pedal Quest creates an accessible environment where young children can build confidence on two wheels without the pressure of competition. Families can expect a full schedule of riding opportunities alongside various activities designed to keep kids engaged while introducing them to the broader cycling culture. Organizers say the goal is to create positive first experiences that encourage lifelong participation in biking, making it an ideal entry point for families looking to get involved in May is Bike Month.
While Folsom’s event emphasizes youth and accessibility, it also serves as a key piece of the broader regional effort to grow cycling participation from the ground up. For many families, Pedal Quest may be their first introduction to the campaign before expanding into longer rides, community events and even competitive cycling later in the month.
Along the Highway 50 corridor, additional opportunities will continue to build momentum. The 50 Corridor Transportation Management Association is organizing a series of rides aimed at connecting communities through local bike routes. The Rancho Cordova Kick-Off Ride on May 9 will serve as a centerpiece for those efforts, followed by a May 30 social ride that blends cycling with a community gathering at a local business, reinforcing the campaign’s focus on connection as much as competition.
Just days after Folsom’s Pedal Quest, the regional spotlight shifts east as Rancho Cordova hosts one of Northern California’s premier competitive cycling events. The Golden State Race Series returns May 1 through May 3 for its 21st year, bringing more than 1,200 cyclists and spectators to the area.
Organized by Rio Strada Racing in partnership with Visit Rancho Cordova, the three-day event showcases multiple racing disciplines across courses designed to test speed, endurance and technical skill. Friday’s individual time trial challenges riders to race against the clock, while Saturday’s criterium delivers fast-paced action on a tight circuit built for spectator viewing. The weekend concludes Sunday with a circuit race that combines distance and strategy across a broader course.
With participants traveling from across California and beyond, the Golden State Race Series highlights the region’s cycling infrastructure while also providing an economic boost to local businesses and hospitality venues. It stands in contrast to Folsom’s youth-focused Pedal Quest, yet together the two events illustrate the full spectrum of cycling opportunities available in the region.
Beyond these early May highlights, the calendar continues to expand with major events designed to bring the broader community into the fold. On May 9, the Bridge District in West Sacramento will host the Breathe Bike Festival, featuring e-bike demonstrations, free bike repairs and outreach from local cycling organizations. Later in the month, Bikes on the Boulevard on May 28 will transform Del Paso Boulevard into a car-free corridor, inviting cyclists and pedestrians to experience the area in a new way.
Transit options are also playing a role in expanding access. Sacramento Regional Transit District is promoting its bike-and-ride capabilities, with all buses equipped with bike racks and light rail trains offering designated space for bicycles. The integration allows commuters to combine transit and cycling, extending the reach of both systems and making biking a more practical option for longer trips.
Safety and accessibility remain key priorities throughout the campaign. Organizers continue to promote helmet use, shared road awareness and route education, while also providing resources such as bike maps, safety workshops and community outreach aimed at new riders.
As May begins, the convergence of competitive racing, youth engagement, corridor rides and regional festivals signals more than just the start of cycling season. It reflects a growing cultural shift in how the Sacramento region approaches mobility, recreation and community connection.
From young riders finding their balance at Pedal Quest in Folsom to elite cyclists pushing the pace in Rancho Cordova, May is Bike Month 2026 is opening with a surge of activity that invites everyone — from first-time riders to seasoned competitors — to take part.
And for those already looking ahead, the momentum doesn’t stop when the calendar turns to June.
Just beyond May is one of the region’s most anticipated endurance events, the Mother Lode Epic, returning June 6 with a signature point-to-point mountain bike race that showcases the very terrain many riders will explore throughout Bike Month. Organized by Clipped In for Life, the event has grown into a regional favorite since its launch in 2017.
The Mother Lode Epic features a unique single-day, five-stage format covering approximately 41 miles, including 32 miles of timed racing across rugged singletrack trails. Riders begin near the Magnolia Ranch Trailhead outside Coloma and follow a historic Gold Country route that winds through the Sierra foothills before finishing in Historic Folsom.
Adding to its distinct character is a mid-race boat transfer across Folsom Lake, along with multiple timed stages that test endurance, strategy and technical skill. The event is limited to approximately 300 participants and includes a fully supported race experience, from shuttle transport to the start line to a finish-line celebration in Folsom.
For many local riders, the Mother Lode Epic serves as both a culmination of May is Bike Month training and a marquee summer event that highlights the region’s trails, scenery and cycling culture. Its finish in Historic Folsom ties directly back to the community events that help kick off the season, creating a full-circle moment for participants and spectators alike.
Residents can explore full event schedules, register for challenges and find additional resources by visiting the May is Bike Month website or learn more about the Mother Lode Epic at Race details and registration.
Looking to just get out on the trails solo or with family or friends? It’s no secret that Folsom, Rancho Cordova and others have an abundance of trails to check out from beginning level to expertise and in between. For some great suggestions, visit www.visitfolsom.com to get started. You can also get a full map of Folsom’s trail system right here on Folsom Times, courtesy of Folsom Parks and Recreation.
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