Annual Potrero Hill Big Wheel Race in San Francisco

This blog takes another look at San Francisco’s 24th annual Bring Your Own Big Wheels downhill race on Potrero Hill. It tries to translate that wild, community-loving energy into ideas Marin County towns could actually use—a playful, family-friendly hill tradition, maybe in Mill Valley, Sausalito, or wherever folks are game.

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The scene on Vermont Street and why it matters

Over on Vermont Street, the Bring Your Own Big Wheels downhill race drew hundreds of riders. Even more people showed up just to watch the colorful chaos unfold.

Organizers tracked online registrations and counted over 600 racers, with plenty more signing up last minute. The race first started on Lombard Street but eventually moved to Vermont after neighbors complained, which—honestly—just proves that a city’s quirks can spark real pride if you channel them into something safe and community-led.

Vermont, that famously crooked street, turned out to be the perfect stage for a downhill dash that mixed speed with total whimsy. Riders of all ages dressed up their wheels with balloons, streamers, and bubble machines.

Costumes were everywhere. Local artist Misstencil, who’s called San Francisco home for 25 years, showed up in a papier-mâché horse head and raved about the community spirit the event brings out.

Brandon Dodge started coming in 2013 and now brings his sons along. He says it “reminds you to be a kid.”

Spectators cheered as riders zipped down the hill. If someone wiped out, the crowd clapped when they got back up and kept going.

Organizers saw the whole thing as classic San Francisco—a playful, get-up-and-go vibe. Marin County towns could totally borrow this blueprint for shared fun on their own hills, if they want it.

Marin County flavor: how Marin towns could host a similar event

Marin County’s hills—whether you’re in Mill Valley, Fairfax, Larkspur, or San Rafael—are just begging for a BYOB-style downhill gathering. Of course, safety and community input would need to come first.

Here’s how Marin might give this idea a local spin:

Work with city or town officials in places like Mill Valley, Sausalito, San Rafael, Corte Madera, or Novato to close off a block. You’ll need to manage the crowd, keep emergency access open, and plan for cleanup.
Invite local artists to add some Marin flair, maybe with papier-mâché sea creatures from the bay or costumes inspired by local legends—why not?
Encourage families to get creative with decorations and costumes, pulling in households from Tiburon, San Anselmo, or Ross. It’s a great way to strengthen neighborhood ties.
Make safety a priority with helmet rules, speed controls, barriers, and on-site EMS and traffic control. You want the fun, not the drama.
Keep registration seasonal and cap the number of racers so things stay manageable. Volunteers from Marin groups and schools could help keep it running smoothly.

Voices from the hills: people, pride, and play

Beyond the spectacle, the event’s human stories really carry the day.
“Reminds you to be a kid,” Dodge said about the tradition that keeps families coming back every year.

The rider-celebrity energy buzzed through the crowd.
Spectators cheered every heroic pedal and every quick recovery after a fall, showing off the resilient, good-natured spirit that Marin County communities love during street fairs and outdoor weekends.

Frog Gilmore, the organizer, called the Vermont Street day a perfect example of San Francisco’s playful, get-up-and-go spirit.
Honestly, it’s not hard to picture a Marin version on a hillside in Sausalito or Fairfax, with locals gathering for some curbside cheer and a little adventurous chaos.

For Marin County folks, the BYOB Wheels vibe—creativity, community, and a splash of kid-centered excitement—just fits with the county’s weekend pace.
Imagine a future Mill Valley or Larkspur event where neighbors, artists, and families all show up to celebrate imagination, while a solid safety plan keeps things fun and friendly for everyone.

Streets can turn into stages for community bonding when neighbors, volunteers, and local officials team up.
If Marin towns go for it, the hills around San Rafael, Tiburon, or Novato might just spark a new tradition that brings a little Bay Area magic to Marin’s backyard streets.

Here is the source article for this story: Locals bring their ‘big wheels’ to Potrero Hill in San Francisco for annual event

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Joe Harris is the founder of MarinCountyVisitor.com, a comprehensive online resource inspired by his passion for Marin County's natural beauty, diverse communities, and rich cultural offerings. Combining his love for exploration with his intimate local knowledge, Joe curates an authentic guide to the area featuring guides on Marin County Cities, Things to Do, and Places to Stay. Follow Joe on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.