Once again uniting an international contingent of patina aficionados and purveyors of rando bag swag, Fenderfest’s 3rd annual edition took place from May 15-17, 2026. Stefan Haehnel and Jon Woodroof take us along for a weekend among the fender freaks…
Let me preface this recap by acknowledging the subliminal sentiments that fendered bikes convey: not only the intention to ride your bike no matter the conditions, but also an implicit gesture of empathy for your bike to keep it cleaner, plus your own self-respect to protect your own outfit – not to mention your friend riding behind you! Fenders are really about love and respect.
Fenders even say: “Look, I’m committed to bikes enough to endure the arduous endeavor of installing fenders at all.” Fenders are about commitment.
Beyond honing the bike as a transportation tool, a muddy splash mitigator, and a trouser preserver, to the tapped-in observer, special fenders denote a certain flavor and aesthetic of bike culture fanaticism which espouses inclusion in a niche and quintessentially anachronistic alt-cycling clique that concurrently is also a community that is exceptionally welcoming, inclusive, and eclectic. Fenders are about unity.
To an untrained eye, a fender may appear to be just a means to protect your rear, but it is, in fact, a cycling subculture statement throughout the year, culminating with a highly anticipated pilgrimage to the Prignitz, a west Brandenburg region, little more than 100km outside of Berlin.
This was my second time at this beautiful event founded by Thomas Becker of Meerglas. Originally inspired by Peter Weigle’s French Fender Days, these fendered family reunions are about shared passion, friendship, and, you guessed it, fenders!
The scores of dreamy and timeless builds rolling through Brandenburg’s serene landscapes, piloted by some of the most welcoming and kind riders you’ll ever meet, demonstrate to anyone, young or old, how egalitarian the bicycle can be across age, race, gender, creed, or (lack of) speed. Fenderfest is truly for the people!
This third edition was a leisurely camping tour in 2 stages, ending once again at Meerglas’ picturesque farm and workshop in Groß Lüben, a quaint and sleepy farming village in the Prignitz.
Our first day brought us to a local lake for lunch, where a few even dared to take a dip in the cool spring temps, and then we camped at the area’s now 20-year-old music festival: Krankenschwester Rockt. We were treated to some incredible performances from Tor 7, The Cosmonautix, and others! Having a rock show cameo at a randonneur rally can really show that brevet riders also know how to headbang!
On our second day of riding, we rolled through the European stork village of Rühstädt. Every roof in the village has a stork’s nest. Truly something special and frankly, felt like a fairy tale.
Night two was the community cookout, campfire, and disco at Meerglas HQ. And for a feel of the disco vibe, put this track on blast, but instead of “Urlaub in Italien”, imagine us all yelling “Urlaub in der Prignitz”, stomping a conga line through the barn next to Thomas’ workshop at 2 am. A dream! Rumor has it that the dance floor didn’t clear off until 4! 💃🕺
Sunday morning, we woke up slowly to one more meal together before the traditional bike switch test rides, where everyone has a chance to try out the different bikes at the fest. It’s a special treat to see so many smiles as people got a feel for each other’s whips, from custom and modern to well-seasoned from decades of touring.
Thank you to all the beautiful and passionate fender enthusiasts who joined to make this unique event more magical than ever, and thank you to all the volunteers who kept things rolling so smoothly!
I look forward to seeing you all again next year and hopefully also at the Cézanne Cyclo Classic in October!