HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE lined Vermont Steet in San Francisco on Sunday to celebrate the 24th annual Bring Your Own Big Wheel down-hill race event.
At the top of Potrero Hill, people climbed into child-sized plastic tricycles and other small-wheeled vehicles to zoom down the curvy street at the annual San Francisco tradition.
Over 600 people registered online, according to Bring Your Own Big Wheel organizer Frog Gilmore, but many more signed up on the day of the race.
Gilmore said she started riding and volunteering at the event when it was originally held on the city’s twistiest tourist byway, Lombard Street, before neighbors started complaining. Ultimately the event was moved to its current location on Vermont Street, which is actually San Francisco’s most crooked street, with hairpin turns and steep drops.
“It started out as just a handful of people in 2000 and then it picked up gradually,” said Gilmore of the daring urban descent. “When it moved here, more and more people started hearing about it, and it spread like wildfire. More and more people really want to do the fun, cool San Francisco thing.”
Winding down
The city is synonymous with hills. Locals have become all too familiar with long and exhausting uphill walks when traveling across the city. Easter Sunday’s event, however, showed a glimpse of when people decide to buy into their curiosity and ride down the iconic Potrero Hill. Adults and children alike donned colorful costumes and prepared their wheels by decorating them with balloons, bubble machines, and streamers.
Rider and local artist Misstencil wore a paper mâché horse head attached to a baseball hat on her head. She has lived in San Francisco for over 25 years and continues to find joy in the community that has helped her embrace her artistic side.
“I don’t think anybody in San Francisco has had a proper childhood until they come here,” said Misstencil. “It’s a very steep hill but it’s not as dangerous as it seems. Celebrating with so many people in costumes is really the San Francisco spirit.”
Brandon Dodge started attending the event in 2013 after a friend invited him to experience the city’s culture. He now brings his two sons to share in the tradition that has meant so much to him.
“It reminds you to be a kid,” said Dodge. “Max was born in 2023 so 10 years later, I get to take him. It’s amazing.”
Audible “oohs” and cheers sounded as children and adults rode down the hill. The loudest applause echoed through the crowd of hundreds when people who got knocked over got back onto their wheels and continued riding.
“This is the San Francisco we know — where you get up and go,” said Gilmore.
