4th of July Criterium Davis, CA

This is a great little place. There seems like there is a bike shop around every corner. The one I stopped in is apparently the largest Cervelo dealer in the US. That's interesting considering the fact that the population is 75,000.

Just a brief history of cycling in Davis, California:

Davis has always been a popular place to bicycle, but in the early 1960s Chancellor Emil Mrak and local residents took it upon themselves to make Davis a fabulous place for bicycling. Not only the best city in the country, but the best city possible. This led to a series of innovations, including wide, separate bike paths on campus (early 1960s) and bike lanes in the city (1967).

The bikeway system quickly became fully institutionalized, and all new subdivisions since the late 1960s have been required to add to the existing system. This has given Davis one of its greatest claims to fame, often being referred to as "The Bicycle Capital of the U.S" and the only city to receive the League of American Bicyclists' "Platinum" award.

For over 50 years, bicycling has been a major means of local transportation. There is an annual criterium here on the 4th of July. I'm sure it's an awesome event. I'm going to try to make it and hopeful bring a few friends. Oh did I mention the Cycling Hall of Fame is here? I didn't even know we had a Cycling Hall of Fame. Hopefully I can make it back for the races and bring some friends.

Pictured Pam Barker's bike in the Cycling Hall of Fame