A less fuelish path...

Another LA times article pointing out that soaring gas prices are helping people rediscover their LEGS as a form of transportation, as well as other motorized two wheeled options - scooters, motorcycles, and such.

The legs, i.e. powering a bicycle, are THE most sustainable and enjoyable form. Fuel up with your favorite edible or espresso, and just GO, sans petrol, sans gym fees, and best of all, sans road rage.

and sans lycra, doesn't this look like more pleasant traffic????

the bicycle lounge is here!

Some images from our hangout after last nite's ride of silence. Wish I had taken some pix on the ride, but just wanted to focus on the experience and not deal w/ camera.

Super nice, cruising around Santa Monica at dusk with the safety of a large pack - in silence. There were riders in full lycra getup and street clothes, on Xtracycles and road bikes, experienced cyclists and brand newbies.

Given the nature of the ride - commemorating fallen cyclsts, the tone was somewhat somber - which we balanced out afterwards by hanging out in what is quickly becoming the "bicycle lounge", Riley's new garage/art studio. A place for Team Riley members, friends, and bicycles of course, to hang out and chat.

weds nite ride + bici lounge

I posted earlier about the ride of silence this weds. nite, a social spin to commemorate fallen riders.....

A new addition to evening plan: following the ride we're going to gather at Riley's new art space on Montana, to sip, hang out, and enjoy these long, warm nights.

Ride leaves from Helen's in Santa Monica at 7:00 p.m, come on out cyclists/commuters all.

Cyclists Inciting Change...

Thru Live Exchange -- C.I.C.L.E.

The name definitely touches me. Was thinking today about the vast amounts of time I spend at computer, time that could be much better spent with other humans. Plenty of organizing/mobilizing has taken place across the ages just fine sans internet, the old fashioned "personal" way.....

So "live exchange" resonates. And just dig this site in general, slowly coming to discover that theres quite a few bike advocacy groups in this seemingly bike unfriendly city. With enough bike lovers around, the city will have no choice but to come around.....

stroke of velo valet luck

On this morning's La Grange recovery ride, a buncha riders peeled off to check out a launch party for the new REI store in Santa Monica. Didn't pay much attention.

Then later, found myself daydreaming about how nice it would be to be able to valet ones bike. I don't like leaving my road bike locked up, so when I commute via fuji, always have to ask if theres somewhere I can leave it:
"No, you can't bring your bike into a bar/restaurant/market, we can't take responsibility, its a liability, someone might trip over it" - blah blah blah.

On my way home, saw bike advocacy booths and bikes galore in front of REI, went to investigate, and was immediately greeted with, "would you like to valet your bike?"

On top of this amazing synchronicity, my claim ticket for valeted bike turned out to winning # for an REI store raffle, won this crazy bike tool - will have to learn about it.

And the main bike advocacy group, C.I.C.L.E. (Cyclists Inciting Change thru Live Exchange) is one I've had on my radar for some time, will learn more and post in the near future.

Join Ride of Silence

On May 17th, cyclists all over the world will join in a silent ride, honoring cyclists who have lost their lives cycling on public roadways.

There is a local ride leaving from Helen's in Santa Monica, 10 miles. Meet at 6:30 p.m., ride heads out at 7:00, up Ocean to San Vicente, loop and return.

As riders we are all affected.....come share in this opportunity to keep the memories of fellow cyclists strong and alive.