Founded in 1854 as the first naval base on the West Coast and closed in 1996 after 142 years of incredible shipbuilding legacy, Mare Island is four square miles of former naval shipyard buildings, waterfront promenades, homes, and parks, all in varying stages of redevelopment. New breweries, wineries, and distilleries are moving into buildings formerly used for storing coal, housing officers, or hiding the Cold War’s secret documents. The former Captain’s row of houses now serve as the backdrop for numerous Hollywood movies. Brick buildings, the West’s first dry-docks, and majestic cranes remain as they were built, and—along with the local museum—reveal the rich history and contribution to the nation of this incredible shipyard. It is this combination of open and wide ranging terrain, buildings, waterfront vistas, and history, that make Mare Island the perfect playground for the inaugural PedalFest.