Hang out with fellow riders - free food, drinks, raffles, discounts.
Wed, Dec. 16th, 5:30-8:30pm
Join us for a Winter Wonderland party in at Sports Basement in Sunnyvale (Yelp for this location). This is one of their sponsored discount nights for local bike organizations. You get a discount and free food and drink, and Bike Party gets a cool venue for a gathering for a night.
It’s a low-key, fun vibe – not to mention a good chance to stock up on much-needed lights and fenders before the December SCARF ride towards LOS GATOS on Friday the 18th! (Actual ride details coming soon…)
Please sign up here: Sports Basement 12-16-09 Guest List
For the top 10 list of thing other riders suggested to “winterize” you and your bike, click “more.”
|
Winterizing You, Your Ride & Your Riding Style |
|
Survey Results from 160+ SJBP Riders |
| Winterize You | Winterize Your Ride | Winterize Your Riding Style |
| 10: Winter hair and/or cover your ears, face if really cold | 10: Rear rack instead of backpack (you’ll sweat less) | 10: Eat better during the day, drink a lot |
| 9: Helmets | 9: Inflate tires properly | 9: Thermos-drink something warm! |
| 8: Shoes/shoe covers | 8: Spare tubes | 8: Assume cars can’t see you or stop in time |
| 7: beanie/beanie under helmet | 7: Cover seat with plastic bag (in case it rains) | 7: Take turns slower, brake slower |
| 6: padded biking shorts and/or pants | 6: Stronger lights – front and rear. You need lights! | 6: Leave room in front of you – esp if rider doesn’t have fenders |
| 5: Synthetic socks | 5: Tune up | 5: Ride straight! Take the lane! |
| 4: Avoid cotton & fleece – thermax, polypropylene,etc instead (wicks sweat better) | 4: Lube chain, grease bearings, check & adjust brakes | 4: Keep it tight – no huge gaps for cars to squeeze in – stay in groups |
| 3: Windproof & Breathable gear-jackets & pants | 3: Clean up your bike immed after each ride | 3: Follow ride leaders |
| 2: Full gloves | 2: More tread | 2: Leave room to brake |
| 1: Dress in Layers – base foundation (see 3&4 above) | 1: Fenders! | 1: Ride more cautiously |
Also, since we canceled our monthly volunteer meeting this month, this evening is one of your best chances to meet and chat with other Bike Party volunteers!
For anyone wondering, SJBP does not endorse or explicitly support any particular retailers. We encourage everyone to support local businesses that support local bike culture, advocacy, and organizations.
Wuss912
December 8, 2009
Just for the record Disclaimer aside sports basement Rocks… and a nice discount too…
Hopefully Many folks will make it to the party….
I too love all of our local bike shops.
testrides
December 8, 2009
#1: Bike Party is ALWAYS every 3rd Friday of every month. This is just a holiday party to meet 100-200 other Bike Partiers…and a chance to winterize you and your bike… we’ll answer any questions about the upcoming Dec. 18th ride as well.
#2:Far too many riders don’t have lights or have ones that are only “to be seen.” You legally need that, but you really need stronger lights. ALL bike shops have reasonably priced lights. Or share tricks on how to make your own. We also recommend rear lights… there are front and rear light kits where you save a few more $$.
#3: Last time Ryan and others came from dt SJ… so there could be a pre-ride from dt SJ and/or Campbell again if you guys set it up. Just get friends to drive so they can take your purchases back… or bring empty backpacks/panniers. (or buy em there)
@Wuss912: Thanks for the props in your comments! The X% discount number was taken off of the blog comment. It’s such a sweet deal for SJBP that SB doesn’t want us to mention it online.
Wuss912
December 8, 2009
It certainly is a good deal
scott
December 8, 2009
Yup, we have many great bike shops, SB is one of the best retailers at reaching out… and I can have pizza, beer, tunes and take my dog inside and shop. Cool…
The other bike guys that have reached out have been the super hands-on team from Walt’s Cyclery in Sunnyvale (on Evelyn in dt Sunnyvale). They’ve attended many, many Bike Parties, have helped with bikes last minute at their store and on-site, have given over 1000 reflective slap wraps, are getting things to help out BIRDs (in process) and have been a great hands-on presence in so many ways.
I hope we can get many more bike advocates to step up, no matter what they do – from bike shops to taco trucks to people to help show us how to build cheap yet good music systems for bike racks and trailers.
Spliffer
December 10, 2009
I am really looking forward to this SB event because the last one was so well organized. The folks at SB made a solid first impression and it is an excellent venue for this SJBP function.
Many bike shops in the South Bay are quietly relishing the “trickle-down effect” business they are receiving from the explosion in popularity of Bike Party. I took my bicycle in for my yearly maintenance tune-up at Calabazas Cyclery in Cupertino and they express total support for the SJBP “movement of bike people”.
They have invested a lot and boosted their inventory of accessories.
In fact, Calabazas, have the most extensive and varied inventory of riding gloves and equally varied collection of lights in stock, that make use of the latest — cutting edge — green technology.
I was so impressed that I went way over my budget for accessories. But, heck, I just don’t think it is wise to scrimp when it comes to being safe on the streets on a bicycle at night.
testrides
December 10, 2009
Survey results and comments consolidated into a “How to Winterize” table on this page. Thanks for all of those that have completed the surveys. Click on “more”
Wuss912
December 10, 2009
you forgot to list Take the lane… This is especially important when there is a right turn lain. if you don’t use the lane we are entitled to cars will push us around.
I also want to point out that While California doesn’t require all adult riders to wear helmets they do require a front light and a rear red reflector (or better yet a rear red blinkie)
if you have to make the choice between a helmet and a light just remember a helmet won’t make that big truck see you and it sure won’t save you if you get slammed by a car.
Justin T
December 10, 2009
Once in a Blue Moon…
(Unrelated to WW. )
— a while ago we discussed a Midnight Ride.
My proposed idea is to do a
New Years Eve Ride. … What do you think?
This New Years Eve is the Second Full Moon of December = A Blue Moon! Its actually kinda rare to have a blue moon on a new years eve night. the last one happened in 1990 and next won’t until 2028. So if all your going to do is go to a typical party why not make an unusual event and go to a bike party.
Sure, There’ll be more to talk about but i wanted to get a sense of people that would want to attend.
a few of my ideas are…
-10-12 miles instead of the usual 20-25ish. the 2 ride per month takes a toll on sum.
-bike around to firework shows
-instead of a midnight ride make it earlier so people can still meet up with there loved ones for the countdown. (personally i want to start after the countdown but im not sure i’d get majority vote on that)
So, instead of getting wasted at a house party (like every other year) lets start your exercise more resolution, your lose weight resolution, etc.. whatever positive resolution ON TIME!!! thanks for future posts!
testrides
December 10, 2009
Ride straight and take the lane were tied at #5, thanks for noticing the omission
A really useful front and rear light kit is around $25-30. So much better than just a reflector and/or a “to be seen” light. Discounts at SB, Walts (and others?) are available.
If anyone is from another bike shop, please offer discounts to SJBP riders and announce it on this thread.
There are other cool lights like BikeGlow which help with side view visibility that is a big issue to reduce accidents. Look them up and say Bike Party for special pricing.
I’ve seen riders last month with Xmas lights on – battery powered. Where did you guys get those?
At least half of the riders have NO lights and about half that do only have the “to be seen” lights… many of us feel you need stronger “to see” lights instead.
scott
December 10, 2009
Cool ideas Justin!
Wuss912
December 14, 2009
my mirror just broke this morning so i guess i know what i’mg going to be looking at on wed
testrides
December 16, 2009
Weather report claimed it should get better this afternoon… roads will be dry by evening tonight for a ride to the Winter Wonderland Party at Sports Basement ??
Ed
December 16, 2009
I have seen the battery operated Christmas lights advertised at Rite Aide, check them out…
Should be a great ride Friday, Cold but clear.
Rock on Bike Party!