Monumental. Beautiful. Well-organized. Noisy. Unbelievable. Brilliantly costumed. Poorly lit. Clean.
Those are just some of the words this webmaster has heard about Bike Party tonight – and for those that were keeping score, the good outweighed the bad by 3 to 1. Tonight, our second anniversary ride, struck yet another new mark in South Bay history, as four thousand riders (see count) hit the streets to build community through bicycling.
I’m proud of this city, proud of all of our riders, proud of our fantastic organizers and volunteers, and even prouder of the potential we still have to achieve. A lot of heart and soul (and sweat and lost sleep and sometimes even blood and tears) goes into these rides, and it’s showing. Things that were uncommon just a few months ago flowed smoothly tonight:
- Riders largely kept to the right (when reminded)
- Riders left significantly less trash and/or helped pick up trash
- Turns were marked both by volunteers “posting up” and by signs posted up by volunteers
- Most riders rode responsibly, sober, and in predictable directions
- Soooo many people decorated bikes, rode in costume, or somehow tried on the “Dia de los Muertos” theme
Of course, life isn’t perfect: We still get a lot of complaints from neighbors about noise, we still leave trash at regroups and along the route (because really, we ultimately need to leave NO trace, not just little), and there’s still room to improve our organizing with better communication and more organized volunteers.
But when you allow yourself to sit back and think of the achievement, it’s wild. Think of all of the now-regular riders you know who never or almost never rode their bikes before they started riding Bike Party. Think of all of the friends you’ve met. Think of the impact we’ve had on passers-by and spectators, demonstrating without a doubt that cycling IS an accessible and reasonable method of transportation in this highway-slashed city. Consider on top of it all that this started 2 years ago with 25 riders and it’s still run completely by volunteers with small donations, and it’s even more impressive. It’s worth a huge pat on the back.
Happy Birthday, Bike Party! Here’s to many more!
–
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MustangRider
October 17, 2009
what a ride…that was the most people I have seen yet in theme and costume. Good job to all who rode and who dressed up as well.
Roll on Bike Party
Matt
October 17, 2009
What another great night!! I was worried about the multiple start ups but it work just fine.. I didn’t have any problems… Yay for bike party!! Another succesful night!
Garrett Birkel
October 17, 2009
Once again, BIG thanks to the BIRDs for their excellent organization. You guys have done it again. And even thanks to the cops, who seemed to know the right things to do.
Saw some pretty bad spills this time … mostly on the straightaways. People getting tired or drinking too much and weaving around. But each person got back up again, so, no permanent damage.
Also nice to see more people with cameras, especially video cameras! (We need more video of BP!) Even met a guy using the exact same camera lens as mine.
Collection of hi-res pictures here!: http://garote.livejournal.com/171120.html
Supermike! landeros (the guy on the unicycle)
October 17, 2009
flippin awesome ride! everyone besides a few random people were following the laws/rules and darn near everone was sober, bravo! and kudos to everyone who put a light on their bike this ride!
John Dixon
October 17, 2009
Thanks for taking such great pics Garrett! I loved them last month, and I’m glad you posted again. Keep it up!!!!!!
I brought along a first time rider with me this month, so my ride was half the usual speed. It was kinda nice to just cruse and chill with my buds, instead of always mashing…. I’ve never done it like that, and I think I’m gonna slow my party down a bit now. Maybe bring out the old cruiser next month?
Big up’s to all the people that made this ride possible tonight! Hard work in planning, organizing, and execution! I’m very happy with the way this months ride turned out.
However, there’s always room for improvement.
If you enjoy SjBikeParty PLEASE do something to help out.
It’s much more enjoyable when it’s YOUR party, and not one you just “Show up to.”
Steph
October 17, 2009
Truly, it was a great ride! I’m so glad to have learned about Bike Party. I’ve made so many friends and I’ve brought along so many others.
It’s like a house party with great exercise and a tour of the city!!
dealcloser
October 17, 2009
Had a great time, altho our regroup at Valco was cut short do to the PoPo hatin on us. Other than that, thanks to all of the birds, volunteers and orginizers, and of course, the participants. BIKE PAARRTAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!
spam
October 17, 2009
First off, Happy Birthday SJBP! I commend the BIRDS giving their assistance throughout the ride since there were very little police presence this time from what I observed. Considering that the route was longer a few miles, it felt much faster than expected. This was the first time I’ve ever ridden from east San Jose all the way to the west side of town just steps away from Saratoga and Cupertino. I never thought I was able to do it, but tonight proved it wrong. Riding alone on this route though is a different story…
The fun for me tonight ended on a less than fun note. I was heading home riding east on Santa Clara Street and a car full of douchebags threw an egg at me laughing off my misery as they drove away. They were in a beat up early 90′s model four door Chevy sedan. The incident occurred between 6th and 8th street. Out my anger and disgust I chased them down Santa Clara since they hit a few stop lights. I rolled up to them at 11th street, made some less than nice remarks and spat at them. I think they were a bit surprise that I did something about it and retaliated in that manner. I realized that I could’ve handled the situation better and also realize that I actually put myself in danger especially if they had a concealed weapon. If anyone else was a victim of these losers, I sympathize with ya. But go figure with the nightlife patrons in downtown san jose right?
Off to wash the sweat off my skin and the egg yolk off my jacket.
Andrew
October 17, 2009
Wow! This was my first bikeparty and I really enjoyed it. The costumes, the singing, the couch! I even met a programmer from Apple at the second stop and he shared some of his food. Good conversation, too. Towards the end I got a flat tire. Thanks to Yosh for stopping and doing what he could to help, even if my tube was too far gone.
I wonder if he’ll ever read this.
Anyway, y’all are good people. Had a blast!
Jahlaen
October 17, 2009
This anniversary will be remembered as a transformative ride.
What a great idea to have multiple start locations!
This ride was a planning and execution bonanza!
And to borrow from The Mad Professor, last night’s ride was the “evolution of the revolution of Bike Party”!
We can all just imagine the possibilities.
I am ‘soo’ pleased to see the Bike Party “brain thrust” and organization grow in breadth and scope — sophistication; if you will — in line with the with the meteoric rise in popularity of SJBP. You are doing a phenomenal job!
SJBP is ‘fantastique’!
Rapid Robert
October 17, 2009
It was indeed an excellent ride last night! Especially when all the riders descended upon Mervyn’s (now dead, how appropriate) parking lot, from differnet directions. I got used to the size of the growd, then it tripled! 8^)
The only problem I saw was the group around the blond guy wearing a teal colored shirt and pulling a trance music trailer with the big black PA speaker. Great music, people diggin’ it at the regroup spots, but he parked it in the middle of the road at the starting lot and the group blocked those trying to get in to park.
I rode with them between Mervyn’s and Valco and they cruised in the middle of the road, on the yellow line, not letting cars pass and making many of them pass on the wrong side all pissed off. Then they set up in the middle of the road again at the Valco regroup spot and totally disregarded all requests to move it. The police finally arrived with lights flashin’ just as we started out of Valco.
I recommend dealing with this kind of inconsiderate behaviour, inconsiderate to all the other cyclists as well as the motorists, harshly. After a warning, the plug should be pulled on the offending music machine. All it takes is a pair of wire cutters.
Otherwise, it was all good. The weather was perfect for riding and unusually balmy, and I’m certainly lookin’ forward to the next.
testrides
October 17, 2009
We’d like to capture you energy, ideas, glee, frustration, SJBP addiction,etc. and funnel that into developing a better ride each and every month.
Next Test Ride is next Monday, Oct. 19th. Yup, only 3 days after SJBP at 6:30pm and riding by 6:45pm.
We’re looking for riders of ALL styles, speeds, bikes, etc. to simulate an actual ride.
Sign up on Facebook or send an email to testrides@sjbikeparty.org
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=160877325854
You’ll be sent the route map – it will NOT be posted anywhere.
HUDMAN
October 17, 2009
What a nice ride. I was amazed by the turn out and the number of people who participated in the theme, unlike last months “cross dress” party. The only thing i’d like to see in future rides is a gathering point at or near restraunts or at least a catering truck. And since most of us aren’t hard core bikers, perhaps a ride thats a little shorter in length. The highlight was getting to meet Kim from Oakland, the prettiest woman on the ride, that took my mind off how hungry and tired i had become. Nice socks, hope to see you next month. Perhaps it will be a “Concubine Ride” theme.
b5125125
October 17, 2009
THANK YOU!!! to everyone that makes this possible. Good job babe (3-2 in falls and 3-3 for riding the whole route, she had a cold this time out) BOO! to the guy who was tagging my hood up he was lucky the drunk chola next block up didn’t see him or she would have giving him the beat down. I’ve seen her fight and she fights like man. We even had afew new riders and they’ll be back thank you again we had a great time.
scott
October 17, 2009
I didn’t realize that group was doing all that, or was a big black PA system, I thought it was a lighter colored on by Alexanders with bikes piled against it. We do need to do something about these riders tho….
Either way it’s not cool or legal to block traffic on any street much less start a dance party. This group was asked by BIRDs repeatedly to move on… an annoying side to the group herd mentality.
There was tons of room on the upper parking lot, far side for this dance party. Plus it backed up 100s (1000+?) riders on Wolfe Rd so they couldn’t participate in the regroup/dance party.
John M
October 17, 2009
Thank you bike party.
The multi start worked better than I had hoped. Everyone made it to the first regroup at about the same time which was awesome. Thank you route captains.
Larger numbers mean we need to start moving out of regroups as we fill them.
The ride felt smooth and fast to me. Saw many many more BIRDS and met some cool people. Liked the community vibe with those I rode next to and with neighbors I talked to.
To anyone who doesn’t like to be told what to do: As a BIRD, if I’m suggesting you ride on the right, its for your safety. Please think about that before you retort harshly.
JT
October 17, 2009
This was my second bike party and I have to say… I think I’m in love.
I want to thank the people who stopped to help me out when I decided it would be a good idea to face-plant in the middle of the road, especially the girl who returned my glasses. I have no idea if I thanked you then as I was a bit shaken up at the time, but sincerely, thanks.
If anyone has a video of a fat guy flying over his handlebars for no good reason at the intersection of Rainbow and Miller, that was me, and I’d love to see it. I can’t imagine it not bring funny.
Good times Bike Party, Good Times. See you all next month.
J
HotWheels408
October 17, 2009
A birthday for me to remember! Yes, it was my 35th bday, and what better way to celebrate. The costumes were great! Lot’s of Dia De Los Muertos and Halloween spirit. What about the weather? It was perfect! I got separated more than a few times from my bros and the 2nd regroup was sort of a bust by the time some of us arrived, but it was certainly a site to behold. We opted to ride back to Campbell instead of all the way to City Hall. Taco Bravo was our finish line! Just too damn long of a ride and our legs were killing us. Funny thing was a lot of people had no idea where they were going or where the regroups were? I guess their’s more than a few on every ride. We needed some porta potties too! I witnessed my fair share of jerks throughout the ride, throwing cans of beer, swerving, and some that thought it was cool to mash and weave through riders silently. Nearly got clipped a couple times. I even rode alongside some agro chicks who wanted to pull a woman out of her car and beat the crap out of her for honking at them. Too funny. Still had fun though. My favorite stretch was Miller Ave. No traffic, the riders had thinned out, and it was fast and smooth. Happy Anniversary Bike Party.
LEO
October 17, 2009
WOW! I’m amazed at the way the ride worked out with three different starting locations. To be quite honest, I thought it was going to be a bit of a problem. However, the way that all the rides met up was bananas—great idea to whoever came up with that.
And I was super-stoked to see everyone dressed in costume for the ride; there were some great outfits. I don’t know how many kids I heard on the side of the street saying, “OOOO…Calaveras” and “Spoooooky”. It seems that every community we rolled through was excited to see us and loved our theme.
Everything was good, for the most part. However, I did almost get into a fight with two drunk-ass guys on BMXs. They kept on almost clipping me and were swerving like crazy. Actually, both dudes were passing a bottle of Henny back-and-forth and were mostly riding into each other. I said something, which escalated, but eventually they backed off. I thought about it and then figured the best thing to do was slowdown and let them get far ahead of me. And then there was the rude-ass folks wearing SJF shirts that were getting into it with customers trying to leave the Steak House at the Valco rest point. Eventually management would come out and try to deal with it, but they were again rudely ignored. I’m almost 100% sure that was what got the 5-0 called on us. BOO to them for getting the cops called on us.
The thing that sucked the most for me was our group ended up getting flat after flat and just having random stuff go wrong with their bikes. All those shenanigans led to us not even making it to the end of the ride. Our group ended up getting into downtown around 2am.
Bad crap aside, I found myself getting a little involved with a few friends and blocking BP riders to let cars turn right on some roads. We got a lot of friendly waves for that from motorists. And I even noticed random people doing the same. I think it’s great that more of us are starting to take ownership of the ride. Maybe I should volunteer at the next ride. Haha.
I will leave with some advice:
Check your bike before you even come to bike party. Make sure your bike is in working order. AND bring extra tubes for flats! Viva la Bike Party!
PS. the signs were a dope idea…kudos
MustangRider
October 17, 2009
If anyone has pictures of me let me know. I was unable to get any of myself as my costume was over 9 1/2 feet tall, I was the guy with skeleton riding a bike on the back of my bike, all lit up as well. Thanks to everyone who gave me plenty of space, it was kinda shakey going slow.
I too want to thank all of the organizers. I was unsure of the triple start points, but it seemed to work out pretty well.
Again if anyone has any pics of me riding..please post them, I would love to see them. I put a lit bit of work into that project, and all of the comments and looks made it all worth the effort.
Roll on Bike Party.
dhug
October 17, 2009
I believe there was a problem with the redbull chicks and there handing out of redbull. They handed hundreds of redbulls but also little slips of paper. I saw lots of trash from those papers, who is really going to keep those there just going to end up on the ground and thats what happened. Also the cans were left everywhere too ya those girls were pretty cute but they made campbell community center a mess with redbull shit. Its kind of a diss to bike party where we try to make no trash and they come along with all this trash, it really doesnt help our rep.
patricio
October 17, 2009
Great ride last night!! It was extremely cool to see so many people representing in costumes, and painted faces, THANKS TO ALL!! That is what makes it so much fun, aka a BIKE PARTY!!
I have to point this out because I have experienced this on past rides and again last night.
A few knuckleheads still need to read the how we ride rules or learn how to ride in a large group. It’s beyond me why some foolios would ride into a group of people at double their speed cutting in and out, thus side swiping riders making them or almost making them crash, then laugh about it like its cool to F people up, that is straight up STUPID!!
FYI… YOU DO NOT LOOK COOL RIDING RECKLESSLY!
When I saw the guy that did this to me crash, because of his showing off, well
Respect and appreciation to all birdies and admin.
dasfreshyo
October 17, 2009
The theme of the ride was great! The party vibe was good, but the vibe changed as the night progressed. I could feel people getting more drunk as the ride continued. I saw too many people passing glass liquor bottles between moving bikes and passing weed as well.
I also didn’t appreciate the D BAGS that lit and exploded a heavy explosive near us as we rode out of the Mervyns lot. You are not welcome back and I hope you get caught for being a DB.
We are just some peaceful people trying to have a good time riding with friends enjoying the night. Let us ride in peace.
I saw much ridiculous behavior by many riders who HAVE NO CLUE how to ride in groups, how to safely pull over to the right instead of stopping in the middle of the pack and yell at people “GO AROUND US” you wouldn’t do that in your car, it’s the same rules on a bike! GET EDUCATED! CURE YOUR IGNORANCE!
In the meantime, stay home, drink, get high and skip sj bike party. Thank you.
watani
October 17, 2009
we did what? 3 different starts leaving at the same time? simultaneously meet up at the 1st regroup 4,000 solid? unheard of!!! only in san jose, that’s what i say. wait, a guy rode his motor bike with his road bike on a bike rack on the back all the way from irvine???? and went back to irvine when it was over??? what???
absolutely beautiful. east side ride to the 1st regroup was absolutely beautiful! everyone was in good spirit, good attitude and festive! downhill all the way to downtown, easy flat ride to 1st regroup and the party continued in the mervins parking lot!
because of the many garbage cans there and mindful party goers, picking up trash was easy. the party goers rehydrated and most of them found the garbage cans! it made my job alot easier to clean that parking lot up and offer help to scpd for teens trying to make it back to curtner/monterey.
san jose city council was in the house and sjpd did a 180! they protected and served the community…with integrity. they showed their presense with fantastic attitude at city hall but looked ready to respond to anything. that’s my kind of police!
a HUGE thanks to our very own, san jose city hall and SJBP goers, for not raining on our last rest stop before going home. this was the icing on the cake for this monumental anniversary where everyone, despite being a little fatigued, was still in good spirits!
see y’all next month!
long live SJBP!!!
scott
October 17, 2009
Happy Birthday SJBP! A blowout of an event! Exceeded expectations in most ways! Let’s work together to focus on how to enhance the good and get rid of the bad n ugly (latter from the 5-10% of the riders)!
wildcat
October 17, 2009
The j*****s with the engine-bike needs to STAY HOME….the last thing we need is his 2-stroke minibike ass spewing carbon monoxide into my lungs while we are all trying to keep a steady cruising pace – he hung with me for about 5 minutes riding off MY headlight.
All in all, excellent time AGAIN had by this 2nd-timer. I brought a SJBP virgin with me (but, since he rides competitively and recreationally at 250+ miles per week, he’s hardly a cycling rookie).
EXCELLENT job by all the birds and organizers. P.S. – I was truly searching for the DONATION CAN but didn’t see it coming around. Imagine if EVERY person gave just $1 (I was lookig to give $10 last night). Keep it UP! Long live BIKE PARTY!
mr dickstink
October 17, 2009
the multiple start point is an amazing idea. only reason i went was cuase i found out bike party was about a mile from my house… and was ablt to haul ass out there about 10 minutes before it started. sure as hell wouldnt drive muchless ride out to one these things… and also a lot of other people i knew said the reason they went was cuase they had just found out it started relatively near home too
itisMarco
October 17, 2009
http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs268.snc1/9529_158458903937_529653937_2648865_2881803_n.jpg
This ride beat the GLOW IN THE DARK ride for me (my fav until last night).
The routes. The riders. The dressing up. The attitudes. The love. The fun. Everything about Bike Party was in place and riding smoothly last night.
A huge shoutout and thank u to the BIRDS> u have stepped it up and your guidance is visible more and more each time. You are completely lookin’ out and making these rides smoother each time.
I have no complaints but the usuals, which are lessened this time around.
Just the dumb f$#@s who keep drinking while riding, and swerving, and speeding, and almost making me and others crash.
Yea, it was a great anniversary ride!
The ride from pit stop #2 to all the way to Valco was BEAUTIFUL! I still prefer those dark quiet roads/streets. You can see the stars, hear the music, see all the bike lights glowing! Do more routes like that!
scott
October 17, 2009
RE: Blockage of a road & Alexanders restaurant parking lot…. and hating on the popo when they have to come in and move your dumb a****s
You guys think that you’re the victims? Your actions made it happen.
There was plenty of room off street in an upper pad for 1000+ more riders.
What about the 100s and 100s of riders that got stuck on Wolfe cuz of your selfishness?
[Editor's note: perhaps 20-50 riders were "stuck" on Wolfe for around 30 seconds before being rerouted down Valco Parkway by awesome volunteers who stepped up to the task for a quick detour...let's not blow things out of proportion.]
Bill Taroli
October 17, 2009
[Editor's note: It appears this poster never drives on rush-hour freeways and is unfamiliar with traffic. That said, thank you for helping enforce the law among bikes and cars alike. SJ Bike Party stops at red lights and rides responsibly - anyone who doesn't isn't a part of our ride, probably deserves a fat ticket, and should go home.]
I would really appreciate it if the SAN JOSE bike party would STAY in San Jose!
I was trying to leave home when the throng came through Santa Clara on Saratoga Ave. Thankfully I had an alternate route. Had I been a local home owner with just one path, I think I might have been tempted to fire an Uzi overhead to thin the crowd. Despite five cars waiting at a driveway to pull out, this group completely ignored them and left these vehicles waiting for the 4000-rider group to pass.
Upon taking an alternate route and coming to a stoplight controlled intersection (Saratoga / Los Padres), I found several other cars waiting at a GREEN light because the bicyclists on Saratoga simply refused to stop. Having enough, I finally decided to lay on my horn and the other cars followed suit… only after THIS did the bicyclists finally get a clue and obey the traffic signal and allow us to pass.
And before the bike apologists spin up and their heads explode, keep this in mind. These riders were BREAKING THE LAW, particularly where it comes to operating on the roadway as another moving vehicle and obeying all traffic signs and signals. You know, like those things called STOP LIGHTS?? It took three of us almost 20 seconds of horn honking before these people figured out the light had been red.
I should have just called a cop and laughed while they all got fined $350 and a point added to their driver’s license (if any). As someone who put over 1000 miles on his bike in a year, and knows how to behave on a road on a bike and the dangers they face, it is particularly annoying to me when I see bicyclists doing stupid shit that will eventually get them hurt or killed.
I’m glad that everyone here seems to feel this was a success. But make no mistake that there are many people out there who weren’t impressed with the lawfulness of the behavior of these riders. If the event is meant, even in part, to foster an appreciation for and mindfulness of bicycle riders in our communities, then perhaps better care of the message you send to those of us who live in the communities you descend should be considered.
LEO
October 18, 2009
HUGE RAVE blocked a lot of riders from rolling deeper into the 2nd parking lot. thus, they seeped into Alexander’s.
Birds keeping riders from blocking the parking lot would have helped. If we could have moved the rave into the back area of the parking lot more….it would have helped a great deal.
And about the 5-0 kicking us out… it sucked, but they were HELLA courteous. They were just doing their job. They could have been pricks, but they had a great attitude and were understanding. It feels great being treated with respect by an officer…even when getting kicked out of a parking lot.
WarHammer
October 18, 2009
Another awesome Bike Party I must say. This would be #3 in the books for me. Here are the pics I’ve taken from the parties I’ve attended.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/warrenmoises/collections/72157622608690210/
testrides
October 18, 2009
Leo – read the post before yours at 11:27pm please. BIRDs were outnumbered 40 to 1 in that instance and needed backup from SJBPers to make it happen. It is not just blocking the parking lot Leo. It is the blocking of an entire street inside Cupertino Square!
LEO
October 18, 2009
@testrides ok. being outnumbered 40-1 sucks. Has anyone at any of the meetings discussed post/ barrier techniques in crowd control on bikes? Police use these techniques on bicycles when managing a huge crowd.
testrides
October 18, 2009
@Leo – we welcome all volunteers to assist. We need more techniques and more volunteers. Join us at a test ride. First one for Nov ride is tomorrow night!
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=160877325854
LEO
October 18, 2009
awesome. i can make that.
bmxer
October 18, 2009
mormon ride!!!!!
testrides
October 18, 2009
@Leo, great. If you (and anyone else) can sign up on Facebook that will be great.
We will not have an advertisement on Facebook, it’s simply too close timewise, so it’ll be a smaller intimate ride. But, the more the better.
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=160877325854
We welcome riders of ALL types and styles.
We invite riders to become BIRDs.
** Like @John Dixon said in one of first posts **
“However, there’s always room for improvement.
If you enjoy SjBikeParty PLEASE do something to help out.
It’s much more enjoyable when it’s YOUR party, and not one you just “Show up to.” “
blowbyblow
October 18, 2009
I have an awsome video of MJ and another guy dancing at the first regroup. Want to post!!!
the Ryan Smith
October 18, 2009
We have come such a long way and in such a short time, too. The more ownership everyone takes in the ride and the more involved people become, the better and better this will get.
We’ve created a force in the South Bay that will continue to grow and thrive, and will make this place all the better live in.
Two things in specific that I want to mention, one good, one not so ggod.
1. On my way to work the next morning, I made it a point to ride through San Jose City Hall and Plaza de Cesar Chavez. You never would have guessed that there were hundreds at the park and thousands at city hall. We left both places spotless.
2. On a less positive note, I really hope that gas-powered “bikes” don’t become a problem among us. I saw three on this ride. Two of them nonchalantly rode passed on the left and I never saw them again, though it still sucked to breath their fumes and listen to their engines. But there was a third, and I’m sure most everyone at one point or another experienced this guy. He was weaving in and out of people, he had no lights, and he was being a complete jerk. As a BIRD and someone who loves bike party, I felt it necassary to try to reason with him, especially after he zoomed passed me and nearly hit me. He slowed up after that and I caught up to him and I let him have it for endangering everyone, pissing everyone one off (everyone was yelling at him and calling him a cheater), not having lights, etc. He laughed, hit the gas, and starting weaving in and out of people some more. His fumes and noise filled the air for a few miles. I ran into him again a few times and I overheard a lot of people as the expressed their frustration at this.
Think what you want about gas-powered vehicles outside of Bike Party, but this ride exists for a reason and we don’t need this kind of shit running it for us, endangering us, and skewing the way we’re viewed in the community. Hopefully this won’t become a problem, and I want to give extreme props to everyone around me who boo-ed this guy, called him cheater, and told him to go home. Just like other issues we respond to on the ride, we need to be verbal to protect ourselves and the ride. Next time don’t just boo him, f**king BOO him! Make sure people know that what they’re doing is not okay. Maybe he’ll get the clue that is behavior is unwelcome and he’ll get on a real bicycle and ride the WE ride. That would be great.
I want to say thanks again to my fellow BIRDS and Bike Partiers for throwing a rocking party on two wheels. 4,000+ people with barely an incident equals Bike Party at its best. For our 3rd Birthday let’s shoot for 10,000!
nick
October 19, 2009
Haha, I just caught up to reading Ryan’s post (2009/10/18 at 5:56pm) and have to chuckle. Indeed, some great stuff on this last ride and amazing collaborative volunteering spirit among riders. Thank you to the folks who stepped up to the plate to volunteer in a pinch or remind someone of “How We Ride.”
One thing, though: When you find yourself trying to correct someone’s awful behavior (like the swerving moped rider who was mentioned), try to avoid negativity at first, unless their actions are so dangerous/severe/damaging that an urgent “BOOO!” or “Hey, STOP!” is required. If you can chat with the person to ask “why do you do this?” and explain that, “what you’re doing hurts our ride because….” you might get better results.
Remember: Roll past conflict. If someone is so violent that they bring conflict with you and other riders who try to avoid it, either a) gather enough riders to nonviolently corral the person into leaving the ride, or b) call the cops (not preferable, for many reasons, but if someone’s threatening your safety, there’s only so much you can do).
SJBP gets better and better as more and more riders start to “own” the ride and step up to volunteer, solve problems, and address bad situations with positive action. Together we can!
than
October 19, 2009
So did you guys smash up and invade private property this time? Public drunkenness? Any fights this time? Disobey traffic laws by the dozens at intersections? Obstruct traffic and create negative impressions on motorists?
Congrats on your two years, btw … i guess
Rapid Robert
October 19, 2009
No on EVERYTHING you just asked, which proves just how ridiculous and petty your childish little rant from last month’s ride was, and is. Lots of people having fun are going to piss off a few blue-haired old ladies like you, and that’s the price we are willing to pay for inspiring hundreds, if not thousands, of others with open minds and tolerance for their neighbors. Go back to watching Oprah.
Jahlaen
October 19, 2009
Hey Mr. Than,
You are welcome!
It is good to hear from our “friend” from last month’s ride through Mt. View.
Come on admit it.
You miss us.
And the fact that you took time to give us this shout out proves it.
Quit putting up such an austere facade and join our evolutionary movement.
Your voice will carry more weight and credibility from the inside ‘than’ your rabbit-punches from your sanctimonious “ivory tower”.
For a lifetime bicyclist like yourself this should be like a dream come through.
Let’s bury the hatchet and join forces.
Bike Party doesn’t hold grudges.
We love turning critics — like you — into friends.
Come on down anytime.
Peace!
DJ 2x Jo
October 19, 2009
Dear Than,
You seem to spend a lot of time criticizing SJBP on the internet. Have you been to a ride yet? Have you been to a planning meeting? Come and talk to some people and express your protest directly.
jackndabox
October 19, 2009
This was my first bike party event and definitely not the last. I had a very good time. The volunteers were very helpful in directing riders accordingly. Although after the first stop, riders began to drift towards the left lane preventing cars from passing. I gave them a holler but I guess there is only so much you can do especially when some just simply don’t want to adhere to the “how we ride” rules.
All in all, it was a great night. Got to check out people’s cool costumes and listen to some music while cruising through the southbay. The weather was perfect that night. I’m sure next months ride will be a bit chilly but if it doesn’t rain, I’m there.
Thanks Bike Party, you guys deserve much credit for organizing this huge event.
louie
October 19, 2009
@dhug- Is it the redbull girls fault that people are too lazy to throw away their trash properly? Personally I thought getting a cold redbull for free before a 30mile ride was pretty cool. Hope they make it to every ride!
than
October 19, 2009
Thank you, rob, for the personal attacks and avoiding the issues I brought up. Ditto for the rest of the messages. However, you’ll understand if I don’t want to go near people who in the recent past have leveled personal attacks at me.
No, Jahlaen, it’s not a dream come true for the same reason DWI, throwing trash from cars, demolition derby in public roads and loud stereos are not a dream come true for motorists.
So, is SJBP going to confront the issues internally? To their credit they seem to have tried something new this month but the problems have scaled up with them, too.
the Ryan Smith
October 19, 2009
This last Bike Party was truly an example of what a group of dedicated individuals can achieve. Thank you everyone for all your hardwork at making Bike Party a better, safer, funner (and longer!) ride, and making Santa Clara County a better place to live.
The Man
October 19, 2009
That party last night was awfully crazy I wish we taped it
I danced my ass off and had this one bike completely naked. Drink my beer and smoke my weed but Bike Party is all I need.
Bike Parttyyyyy!!!
Ryan Smith
October 19, 2009
Nick-
Agreed. Definetely roll past conflict.
It’s actually pretty amazing to see how effective yelling out “car back” and “move right” is to corral bikes over, especially when a few others catch on and shout the same. “Red light” is working pretty well, too, though we need to keep working on that.
I hope that no one thinks I was trying to get violent or ugly with this insane mo-ped rider. I’m very peaceful and think that others should be as well. Really, though, actions sometimes warrant more of an upfront approach and if we all take responsibility to keep ourselves safe, that will also help to make sure that How We Ride becomes the dominating force driving the ride. I think the best thing (and probably the ONLY thing) we can do as a large group is just to yell yell yell to get the point across and hope that the “wrong-doer” will come back the following month prepared to roll the way We Ride. That’s all.
I also want to add, since I thought of it just now- I stopped to help with several flats and ended up all the way in the back of the ride, miles behind where I normally would have been. So I took the oppurtunity to look for trash. I remember riding through neighborhoods a few months back and seeing garbage and thinking about how that was going to become even worse in the eyes of the community than us running lights, but this most recent night I barely saw a thing on the ground. I was shocked and super happy that our leave-no-trace ethic is close to being reality.