How an Impromptu Ride Led to a Surprising Grand Prize at CycleMAYnia
Chris Castillo’s Unexpected Journey
Chris Castillo, owner of Goleta Floral, never intended to join the CycleMAYnia festivities. But when he caught sight of the vibrant pop-up tents for the Mayor’s Ride outside Trek Bicycle, curiosity sparked a spontaneous adventure. Without a moment’s hesitation, he and his son, Nico, decided to hop on their bikes, exploring Old Town Goleta’s bike lanes and discovering exciting new projects in the area.
Chris Castillo and his son, Nico, at the CycleMAYnia Grand Finale at Leadbetter Beach. (Courtesy photo)
A Fortuitous Turn of Events
One week later, at the CycleMAYnia Grand Finale held at Leadbetter Beach, Castillo’s spontaneous decision paid off. He was awarded the impressive Aventon Level.2 e-bike by Fernando Tessari, owner of Santa Barbara E-Bikery. What started as a casual ride transformed into an unforgettable experience, culminating in an unexpected grand prize.
“I didn’t expect to hop on a bike that day, but I’m so glad I did,” Chris Castillo reflected. “CycleMAYnia opened my eyes to the vibrant biking community, and now, I can’t wait to hit the trails on my new e-bike.”
CycleMAYnia: A Community Celebration of Cycling
CycleMAYnia isn’t just about prizes; it serves as a unifying force, bringing together youth, families, commuters, and cyclists of all levels. The event promotes cycling as an accessible and uncomplicated mode of transportation. Participants engaged in simple yet impactful activities, like inflating tires and setting personal riding goals, fostering confidence that led to increased bike ridership throughout the region.
Results That Speak Volumes
Data gathered throughout CycleMAYnia reveals the significant impact of this community initiative:
- 18% of participants returned to biking after a long hiatus.
- Cyclists explored numerous new bike-friendly routes across the county.
- More individuals identified as regular bicyclists, helping normalize biking as an everyday mode of transportation.
- 198 riders participated in competitions on SmartRide.org, contributing to a healthier community.
- Together, they burned over 1 million calories, reduced 9 tons of carbon dioxide emissions, and saved nearly $14,000 compared to driving.
Celebrating Success: Competition Winners
Among the recognized teams in the SmartRide.org competition, the UCSB team proudly claimed the Gold Trophy, while Cottage Health secured the Platinum Trophy.
Bike Your Way: Embracing Unique Experiences
This year’s “Bike Your Way” theme encouraged participants to get creative with their cycling. Events included:
- Surrey rides with Blind Fitness
- Biking with pets in Santa Barbara
- Mountain biking classes at Rancho Alegre
- A vibrant bike parade in Guadalupe
- Transportation Trivia Night in Santa Barbara
- A grand finale group ride featuring the new State Street underpass and promenade lanes, with the enthusiastic 805Chromies.
A Collaborative Effort for a Common Goal
Marjie Kirn, Executive Director of the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG), emphasized the power of community partnerships.
“CycleMAYnia is an incredible example of how collaboration across the region can ignite connections, showing that biking is an activity everyone can enjoy,” Kirn said. “We are proud to support events that make active transportation accessible, enjoyable, and community-driven.”
Supporting Local Initiatives
CycleMAYnia thrives thanks to public and private partnerships that leverage Measure A Bicycle & Pedestrian funds for local biking initiatives. This year’s sponsors include:
- E-Bikery
- MOVE Santa Barbara County
- Cottage Health
- Santa Barbara MTD
- And many more!
Join the Movement
Want to learn how to bike more and save money in the process? Visit SBCAG.org/commute for valuable tips. You can also log your biking trips with SmartRide.org and earn rewards year-round!
With its engaging community spirit and exciting events, CycleMAYnia truly symbolizes the joy and benefits of cycling for everyone. Who knows? Like Chris Castillo, you might discover a new path that leads to unexpected rewards!
