Roll Up, Roll Up: Celebrating All Things Bicycle at Shiny Side Up in San José

Bay Area residents are among the most bicycle-loving in the entire country. Alameda, Menlo Park, Oakland, Palo Alto and San Francisco were all awarded the gold standard by the League of American Bicyclists earlier this year for being exceptionally bike-friendly. (Only 27 other cities across the rest of the United States earned the same.)

On July 19, it’s San José’s chance to revel in all things two-wheeled at the Shiny Side Up bike show, held in History Park. Organized by History San José and The Cruiser Shop in Campbell, the street party will showcase more than 100 antique bicycles and custom-made rides. There will also be DJs, food trucks, Bay Area bicycle vendors, and — best of all — BMX showcases courtesy of the East Bay’s S.T.F. mobile bike shop.

This year marks the 23rd annual Shiny Side Up gathering and, as usual, it will be very kid-friendly. Boogie Hot Wheels races, facepainters, a bounce house, and arts and crafts tables will all be in the mix. For grown-ups who prefer their rides on four wheels, there’s also a classic car show.

“Our goal is to inspire the younger generation and get them creating,” Cruiser Shop owner Dominick Guida tells KQED. “Bike culture is not just about riding, but also the creativity, pride and passion people put into their builds. I think Shiny Side Up has lasted 23 years because it still feels like it belongs to the community. Bike culture brings people together.”

Here’s a little flavor of what happened last year, courtesy of Guida:

Shiny Side Up takes place at History Park (635 Phelan Ave., San José) on Sunday, July 19, from 10 a.m–3 p.m. Adult tickets are $10; $5 for children under 10; free for kids under 5.