There’s something about two wheels and a shot of adrenaline that brings out the child-like joy in almost all of us.
It’s within this spirit that the Northwest Tune-Up finds its sweet spot.
Running July 14 to 16 in Bellingham, Washington, this cycling festival brings world-class riders, renowned musicians and top-flight beers together into a single melting pot that celebrates all things Pacific Northwest.
“Cycling is freedom. It evokes a feeling of joy that only cycling provides, and you don't need much skill to experience it,” explains Tune-Up Events marketing manager Steph Nitsch. “Can you pedal? Great! You're a part of the cycling community and the kind of person we want to hang out with.”
A cycling fest that offers something for everyone
Families, kids, beer enthusiasts, trail shredders, or whatever the case, the world is truly your oyster at Northwest Tune-Up. Whether it’s beer tasting, a full-on, immersive weekend of bikes, or taking in the tunes, this festival allows you to shape the experience you want.
“It's a casual vibe, so you can explore at your own pace,” Nitsch says. “ If you want to just chill out in a hammock and play lawn games all day, do that. If you have more energy to burn, come ride bikes for seven hours straight. Or dance your heart out all night to incredible music.”
And if big names are your thing, there are plenty of those to go around, too.
Some of the most prominent pro riders in attendance include Thomas Vanderham, Eric Porter, Matt Hunter and Jill Kintner. On stage, festival headliners include STRFKR, Galactic featuring Anjelika “Jelly” Joseph, the Crystal Method and The Floozies. Local BC band Snotty Nose Rez Kids will also be performing.
Fun in the suds
As for the suds side of things, close to two dozen breweries will be represented.
Perhaps the best part?
All proceeds from the beer garden will go towards supporting trails, education and access with the Whatcom Mountain Bike Coalition.
There’s also a chainsaw art carving activation with artist Leigh Woody, whose sculptures are often placed around Galbraith Mountain, just out of sight alongside the trails.
“The Tune-Up part of the festival's name speaks to getting your bike overhauled every year so you're ready to roll,” Nitsch says. “That's our approach, too: give some love to your summer with a weekend worth remembering.”
And because the festival is now in its second go-around, some tweaks have been made to improve upon last year’s inaugural experience: shuttles every 30 minutes until 5 p.m.; new flexible ticket tiers for music-only fans and single-day attendees; public access to the waterfront exhibitor/demo village and more time to party.
“This festival greases your gears with everything a cyclist would want to do packed into a single weekend,” Nitsch says.
To learn more and get your tickets today, visit nwtuneup.com.
