Comments on: Reflections on Ride #29 – Revenge of the Nerds!

By: Garrett Birkel

Garrett Birkel — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 01:25:57 +0000

The difficulty, of course, is that Bike Party happens in an outdoor public space. People are generally within their rights to smoke and drink.

A PA announcement would be interesting … but it would have to be balanced towards the permissive if it’s going to actually be heard. Something like,

“Drinking on a bike is a bad idea! But if you’re going to do it, clean up your cans because bike tires are thin! Smoking on a bike is a bad idea! But if you’re going to do it, stay clear of the shorties!”

Indoor smoke kills my eyes, and I’ve never smoked in my life, but even so, I don’t mind the pot smokers at all. They beat the hell out of cigarettes, they’re not aggressive, and their drug is a SPEAR IN THE EYE for tobacco companies. I welcome the risk they take in public consumption because it’s a political statement.

Besides: Let’s be realistic. We live in San Jose. Every single day of breathing the air here is like smoking a couple of bad cigarettes.

The drunks, on the other hand … no sympathy.

By: Macayla

Macayla — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 23:07:59 +0000

This was my first bike party….I came from Modesto I had a blast! I went with 5 other people who had attended before, so I felt like they were able to fill me in. I too, noticed a few red light runners, but I was more worried about the cars at 4-way stops. We are supposed to stop at stop signs? right? I felt really bad for the cars, cause I didn’t see anyone stop to give a break to the cars.
Other than that, I had an amazing time! I didn’t think I’d be able to do the 25 miles…..but, even though I lagged a little after the 4th stop, I did it! What an accomplishment! I am thankful for all of you who organize and make Bike Party possible! Thank you and see you next month!

By: sk8dad

sk8dad — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 20:35:17 +0000

Perhaps a general announcement of rules and well…common sense…over the PA at the start might help as far as reaching the followers (as opposed to the leaders) of hooliganism (low hanging fruit, if you will).

The ones who choose deliberately to be hooligans and idiots won’t be convinced without major policing which then arguably conflicts with the carefree nature of the event.

By: tanner

tanner — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 15:36:04 +0000

Own. The. Ride.

By: Townie Bill

Townie Bill — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 20:59:55 +0000

The health of Bike Party depends on those of us who can lead by example and speak up when necessary for the good of the whole activity. (Way to loose your voice Rockin’ Ed! Love that Basso Profundo Spliffer!)

Last Friday night there were many youthful cyclists who may not care for the “way we ride” and will ultimately detract from the SJBP public image if not properly counselled. I urge all who (as Brian mentioned) encounter less than savory individuals to not only ‘ride past conflict’ but to consider joining up with several BIRDS at a regroup to engage in an age-appropriate conversation about the offending action prompting the “scolding”.

Some of us senior riders have also encountered the kind of comments that made me ask myself why one would dive deeper into an activity that is so exposed to the risks presented by a few?

While developing my intestinal fortitude, I cannot depend on ‘cycling Darwinism’ to thin the herd. I will again speak up but lead by example.

Ours is a community complete with some less seasoned SJBPartiers, hooligans and the occasional village idiot. Those wise among us play the role of communicators if we so choose. In order to help preserve and sustain the activity for the all, we should not hesitate to muster the resources (BIRDS & words) to make the matter go away in peace.

In the wake of Nerd’s Revenge, I will focus on how to continue to ‘Build Community’ while exercizing some tolerance for those too young to understand what it is that’s ours to loose.

Thanks for the colorful, thoughtful, and informative posts and pictures.

Long live Bike Party.

By: Ian Emmons

Ian Emmons — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 18:18:23 +0000

i too noticed that the bottom 5% of the ride was more of a bottom 10% on this last ride. they were much rowdier and much less well behaved which really damages bike party…