It’s springtime—local flowers are starting to reach their peak! We hope you can join us at the museum on Thursday, March 29 for a joyful focus on flowers. We’ll have a lively evening with three brief illustrated talks. Mountain Bike Hall of Famers will tell how wildflower-mania spurred fun and adventure in the sport’s early days. Plant scientists will give expert advice and insights on prime local flower habitats. You’ll learn where and when to ride (or hike) to catch great displays of flowers, and you’ll find out how each of us can help keep our native flora coming.

Joe Breeze and Wende Cragg: “Flower Rides at the Dawn of Mountain Biking.” Joe is known for building the first modern mountain bikes, while Wende is known for her thousands of photos capturing the early days of mountain biking in Marin in the 1970s. Less known is the fact that some of the early mountain bikers were avid flower seekers, thrilled by Marin’s post-drought explosion of flowers. Vintage Cragg photos will shed light on their flower exploits at the dawn of the sport.

Phil Greer: “Marin’s Magnificent Wildflowers (& How to Find Them).” Phil, a plant ecologist and specialist in habitat management for endangered plants, will tell about some great places to see flowers. He’ll also help us better understand what we’re seeing: he’ll describe the natural processes and special landscape features that contribute to Marin’s incredible patterns and diversity of plants.

Christina Toms: “Surprising Science on Two Wheels.” Christina, an ecological engineer and environmental scientist and also an energetic volunteer with several local cycling and environmental groups, will talk about ways we all can be involved in conserving native plants. She’ll share apps that make anyone a Citizen Scientist for early weed detection, give tips on pulling invasive plants, and talk about resources for native plant gardening.

Tickets can be purchased in advance at the museum (11:00 am – 5:00 pm Thursdays – Sundays), at the door the evening of the event and through Eventbrite. Advance ticket purchase is recommended. All proceeds benefit the Marin Museum of Bicycling. Not a member yet? Joining or renewing is easy at mmbhof.org. Doors open at 6:15 pm for snacks and refreshments: show starts at 7:00 pm. Seating is limited, and advance tickets do not reserve seats, so please arrive early to get your seat and enjoy museum displays. Bring your tickets (paper or e-confirmation) for faster check-in.