Wow, what a night! 1,000 riders, by two separate counts, in two separate places, even! So many good thoughts and good times…this really is what it is all about.
Major props go to the many, many volunteers that make the rides flow – many people who go unnamed, who help in all those little ways that are really so hugely important: all of you who helped remind someone to stay on the route; all of you who reminded someone to check their behavior; all of you who helped make rest stops “work” by making sure we all moved in deep to make room and helped get us moving again when it was time; all of you who towed music trailers, couches, and sidecars; all of you who thanked the cops; really just ALL of us, for being so positive and wonderful, showing this valley how to really roll.
A special shout-out to both Santa Clara County Sheriffs and De Anza-Foothill Community College Police, who together blocked off traffic (corked) for us at one of the nastiest intersections – Stevens Creek and Stelling, then Stevens Creek and De Anza. That was wonderful – thank you, thank you, thank you!
I remember saying at our 1-year anniversary in October: we happily reached 200 riders in a year, and hoped to see 1,000 riders in 5 years. That vision has come to pass over 3 years early, and it’s awe-inspiring. Remember to keep it positive, keep it creative, keep it hopeful – we will turn this valley into a Bike City yet!
As usual, please share your (polite & appropriate) relections on this ride in the comments below! Stories, thoughts, reactions, links to pictures or videos, tales of encounters from the ride are all welcome!
John D
May 16, 2009
Dear Troll Girl…
You were dressed in red stockings, black shorts, red top, and super funky hair… You looked amazing. I saw you at Del Taco while we were both waiting in line for the restroom (Why I didn’t say hello)
You looked like a ton of fun to be around, I love that you totally got into the ride’s theme, and most of all… Your huge smile, and your girlie laugh, totally made my night!
Scott
May 16, 2009
wootWOOT!!
Zandr
May 16, 2009
Some feedback from a driver who saw your last ride:
I saw you guys in the parking lot on Bascom before you set out, and was amazed at the density of bikes. Truly awesome.
About an hour and half later, I was driving north on De Anza when I saw you guys crossing on Bollinger. The huge mass of bikes was an impressive sight, and I thought it was cool that you had enough metal going over the sensors to keep the light green for a good long time.
And then your light wasn’t green. Mine was. At first, some of the riders stopped, so I started across the intersection. Then you all started running the light.
Yeah, I honked at you. You’re breaking the law, and behaving unsafely. If you want to run red lights, arrange a police escort. I actually think it’s very cool that you got one on the April ride through Los Gatos. Reading the post about last night, it looks like you got some help again; very cool. But if you don’t have a police escort, then you’re subject to the same vehicle code I am.
One of your riders came up to my window and said “It’s OK”. It’s *not* OK. I suppose your “Roll Past Conflict” mantra applies to red lights, too?
Just to make this totally plain: SJ Bike Party running red lights changed my impression of the group from “wow, this is cool” to “what a bunch of jerks.”
I sincerely hope that Sheriff threw the book at enough of you to make a difference in how you roll next time.
CameronC
May 16, 2009
My first time. Amazing ride, I’ll be back for all of the other ones.
Seriously Zandr
May 16, 2009
Zandr, relax buddy, there is no reason to hate on Bike P! Geez is it really so much of an issue to just wait five minutes. Seriously. We are bikes, your a car, just let us have or fun. K? thx!
Zandr
May 16, 2009
@Seriously Zandr
You’re ‘seriously’ missing the point.
I’m not hating on Bike Party. I think it’s a great idea. But I think you could do a much better job of promoting cycling in San Jose if you obeyed the law on this ride. It’s not about waiting five minutes, it’s about deliberately creating unsafe situations because you think you have some greater right to the road than cars.
Let me be totally clear. I think the *best* solution to this problem is for each jurisdiction you roll through to assign a few motorcops to leapfrog along with you guys corking intersections. Seriously. That would be awesome.
I don’t have any problem waiting five minutes. I have a problem with cyclists running red lights, creating a safety issue for themselves and others. There’s a reason running red lights is illegal for both bikes and cars.
You aren’t helping your cause by running reds, you’re *creating* the conflict with drivers.
admin
May 16, 2009
Good comments all around, but let’s try to move from arguing about red lights to talking about this past ride specifically. Thanks, Zandr – you make a good point about how police can really make a huge difference to facilitate the ride, as well as how we’re perceived by car drivers.
One interesting thing – on our last few rides we’ve been stretched out a bit more, occasionally creating a few gaps in the ride, especially at major (i.e. expy) lights where bikes wait for a new light and cars get a chance to clear out. It doesn’t happen often, but more than it used to.
Bike Partiers – we get the same comments over and over again from car drivers – see what a difference it can make in our reputation if we look for opportunities to let cars blow through, rather than going out of our way to block their path.
Kristina
May 16, 2009
amazing ride! yet again!!!!
every month i look forward to bike party, and i am NEVER LET DOWN!!!! WOOO
each new person i brings, LOVES it, and is amazed that something this fun happens in san jose …..
love you bike party!
Mike
May 16, 2009
Last nights ride was great; lots of great people and some cool destinations (the bridge was awesome!) I am really looking forward to what next months ride and the fun it will bring.
My only critiques are about the conduct of some of my fellow riders. Aside from the red light issue mentioned above (very unsafe as people were almost causing collisions crossing Winchester from Santana Row.) There were also several riders who were blatantly staying out in the left lanes blocking cars. They were asked to move aside by several other riders but they refused.
I want BikeParty to continue because it is such a great event. However I am afraid that due to the actions of a few that go unchecked, then we will either have a harder time with police or have to cancel the events. Having a police escort would be a great thing to have, but I am not sure of the logistics or costs to the organizers.
So aside from that police involvement, I am not sure what can be done. It is great that there is so much interest in the rides; I just hope people can keep it safe.
Neo
May 16, 2009
First time rider and had a great time! I met a lot cool and amazing people last night (CALL ME ASH!) and just wanted to thank all the volunteers who kept us on course!
Thanks guys see you next month….
BIKE PARTY!!!!!!!
Scott
May 16, 2009
My comments were about the ride, not John D’s comments that weren’t there when I posted. LOL And Zandr, we’re all trying to make everyone share the road… but it’s an ongoing learning process. Come join us for a ride….
crazyone
May 16, 2009
hey zander, i know it might have been frustrating for u to sit for a couple minutes while we go riding by enjoying life as u sit in ur car, lol. but u need to understand that the quicker we all get across, even through red lights, then the quicker the actual bike party passes and traffic will normally flow again. so dont let that wow feeling go away just cuz u got a little impatient, maybe u need to pick a bike out for next time and join, and see how fun it is to watch the people in cars skwerm as they have no power over us. lmao muahaha. lol BIKE PARTY!!!!
Chad
May 16, 2009
First time. Loved it!! Ended up getting lost tho…. My buddy broke his chain and we waited for a while to fix it. when we found San Thomas, we went the wrong way home… ended up at San Jose airport! anyways, i don’t know who you are but you cut me off and i almost ate it hard. you apologized and offered to buy me a beer after. I WANT TO TAKE YOU UP ON THAT OFFER! LOL. I will definitely be back next month! oh, and chill out zander. come ride with us next time.
crazyone
May 16, 2009
k, i see ur point zander, its logical. good lookin, and seriously you should join the next one. Every month dude, BIKE PARTY!!!!! WHAOOOO!!!
Megan
May 16, 2009
last night was my first time joining the bike party and i had so much fun! i don’t think i have ever rode my bike that far before and i wasn’t even tired. it was such a site to see just how many people were out there. i wish i would have discovered that something this fun was happening in san jose sooner. i plan on joining in every month!
tls
May 16, 2009
great night, great party! i was so pumped after leaving the parking lot, i rode all the way to my east side home. bike on bike party!
Steve
May 16, 2009
the ride was great. had a blast besides being on a little bmx. cheers to the drum session in the parking lot, and the blue haired trolls on the 2 seater. saw 4 buddies crash in the same 2 minutes for some reason entering de anza. evil area there i guess haha. hope to see you all again next month and hopefully i can get my hands on a mountain bike by then. btw to the guy blastin the funky remixes. keep em coming!
Supermike!
May 16, 2009
UNICYCLE PARTY!
spunmommy
May 16, 2009
If I had a dollar for every time I heard “Bike Party” today from my husband and all his friends, I could buy a bike to ride with you all! They had a unforgettable time! Cheers to the organizers and volunteers.
B0
May 16, 2009
4th BIKE PARTY for me! Amazing ride. BEST ONE YET BY FAR!!!! BIKE PARTY has never let me down! I wish Bike Party was every FRIDAY! Great experiences, great people and fun just getting out and riding. The bridge was BEAUTIFUL! Cant wait until next month! BIKE PARTY DONT FAIL ME NOW!
-Blue Schwinn STRINGRAY Rider w/ basket:)
Sean
May 16, 2009
Thanks everyone for another great ride last night!
Of the many, many rides I’ve been on thus far, that was by far the best!
I’m SO happy we’ve reached 1000 riders, but with larger numbers comes a larger responsibility to keep it together, and not act like jerks. The last thing I want is for bike party to get shut down, so try your best to respect the ride. One lane is certainly enough for everyone to pack into, so when you hear people yelling, “keep it in the right lane”, you should do so, or maybe the police won’t be on our side very long!
Thanks again friends, I love you all!
BIKE PARTY!
rob
May 16, 2009
yeah great time!! cant wait till next month ,i need to see more fixie slides!!!
oh n the grls who colided by santana row (blu cruser vs silver bianchi) awsome +1 road bikes!!!
mahuiling
May 16, 2009
Last night might have been fun, but it wasn’t responsible riding. The Mary Avenue bike bridge has been carefully planted with native plants that are usually hard to establish, but when they do take hold, provide a great, drought tolerant landscape and can help support a native ecosystem. Staying on the paved part of the paths and not doing some sport some sort of ATV “lets rip up the road” attitude would be helpful. In the dark riders couldn’t see the devastation they were creating – by being a bit overly impatient to pass slower riders. The destruction is depressing in the light of day and light of conscience. Have fun on the next ride, but keep focused on the consequences on your actions. Green in spirt? Green in words? How about “Green” in actions? …day-after-syndrome…
Zandr
May 16, 2009
Glad to see at least some of you take the red light issue seriously… It’s totally not about waiting, which is why I’d love to see a couple of motors corking for you. But running reds vigilante-style is just a bad thing all round.
As to joining you… yeah, I think this is the summer for me to get that recumbent built… see you in a few months.
Tita
May 17, 2009
My First Bike party experience
hahaha!!
I loved it ….
Billy
May 17, 2009
Last July I heard about bike party. I went alone and had the time of my life, making new friends and partying till the sun came up. Since then, i have made it a goal to bring new people to each bike party. Now the Morgan Hill crew rolls 15-20 people deep, and everybody loves it.
I am so glad that this ride is able to inspire as many people as it does. An idea as simple as bike party is bound to succeed, and at 1000 people, i’d say it has.
-apehanger bmx
crazyone
May 17, 2009
yah right there in front of the bridge people where just stopped and doin stuff on the paved part, there was no choice for sum of us but to off road it, im serious to, lol i said it out loud i was like wtf why would you pit stop right in the middle of the freakin path, lol. anyways great freakin time, and can’t wait to do it again next month.
Scott
May 17, 2009
Hey crazyone-I hear ya-stopping ahead of that was not good at all… we gotta self police little things like that— things that can create bigger issues. As well as figure out bigger stuff that can create huge issues. Thanks for riding and trying.
Radio Flyer
May 17, 2009
I’ve been a cyclist for years, totally into fixing the problems that keep motorists from giving us respect. But my first bike party was an experience in mob idiocy that completely disgusted me.
When we stopped for the lights other riders yelled at us to keep going and not ruin the ride. They then careened into the intersections, flipping off the cars as the screamed BIKE PARTY at them. We also saw riders kicking the mirrors off parked cars, knocking over trash cans in front of people’s homes, some riders drinking beer as they rode and throwing the empty bottles into traffic… the list goes on and on.
Holy shit guys. With behavior like this, Bike Party won’t be around for long, that’s for damn sure. This kind of thing is why motorists hate us and run us off the road.
DJ 2x Jo
May 17, 2009
Alright! Another great SJ BIKE PARTY!! Again some of the usual issues come up, the red light running, the belligerent drunk riders, the peaceful riders that keep things rolling. A couple personal observations, a BIG thank you to the people that helped my friend get her chain back on track, and thanks to the law enforcement that helped out, a big wave to the Police chopper that flew over and shined us.
During the ride I met some VERY nice people that had a lot of good things to say about “WHY THEY ATTEND SJBP.” I saw some senior citizens, some mature adults on tandems that really had a Bike Advocacy spirit, they mentioned how SJBP is a great opportunity to have a good positive presence on the Silicon Valley streets. My opinion – every opportunity for positive effect is equally an opportunity for negative effect. So this goes out to all you knucklehead Bike Nazis – “For the love of the ride, please CHILL and CONTROL YOURSELVES!!”
I saw so many acts of courtesy, road manners, safety and just good interpersonal communication. Good job all you positive riders! You make SJBP even better!
I honestly was scared for some of the riders in the group; some were riding recklessly, endangering myself and the other bikes around me.
Oh yeah, to the 2 guys that got off their bikes to have a fist fight in the middle of the lane, what was that all about? Who won that bout? I’m sure if you really wanted to throw down, bikers would have made a bike boxing ring for you. JK CHILL GUYS!!
-FOR THE LOVE OF THE RIDE-
-Please stay in the RIGHT lane. As Sean mentioned above, if we take the whole street, and block cars from passing SAFELY, the police might withdraw their courteous support and shut us down!
-Please don’t pass at a high speed IN BETWEEN 2 slow riding bikers that are close together. You could really scare the hell out of a newbie cyclist. (If you have to pass, just call it out)
-Please don’t lane split cars on the ride. It USUALLY* isn’t necessary, but circumstances can call for it.
-Please be discreet. If you are going to toke, smoke, or do other things that could get you busted, don’t get caught! I really don’t want to see you crash or crash into me! (To the kid at the end of the ride; If you have a container of weed, don’t hold it up announce it to celebrate it.) Just smoke it or do whatever. With that kind of show, you are bound to get pinched by police soon.
-Please don’t litter, a guy threw a bottle to the side of the road and tried to be sly about it. Come on man!
-Please use lights!! It lets you be seen and it makes the Bike Party BEAUTIFUL! It’s like having a DJ at a party with no lights on the dance floor! LIGHT IT UP!
-These are really minor things, but they are easy to fix! I hope to see you all lit up next ride!
“For the love of the ride…”
Erikita
May 18, 2009
my first bike party this year and I have to say that I am hooked!!!! everyone was so nice and supportive… even if some people were being dummies, but when it came down to just having fun, meeting people, and helping each other out, this was an awesome bike parrrtyy! i look forward to next month and the word is already being spread!
ciao<3
ps: my body still hurts, but so worth it!
HawaiianBruddah
May 18, 2009
My first time and I had a blast! Can’t wait for the June Ride. It’ll be my Birthday!!! Wooohooo!!! For future events…Why not have a Bike Party during the day? Maybe a short ride, then top it off with a BBQ at a park? It’ll be a good way to enjoy the sunny weather, show off each other bikes and meet good people. Just a thought.
crazyone
May 18, 2009
lol come on everyone its really really easy to have a good time and be respectful, lol i had my camel pack filled with a forty twice, and smoked outta my bubbler at every stop, and i was doin just fine, tellin people to pick up there shit as not to be pigs, lol and yellin turns, and yellin RIGHT LANE! and especially BIKE PARTY!!! it was a freakin blast, and im glad it was my first that was the 1000 head turn out. imma definetly attend every month. BIKE PARTY!!!!
crazyone
May 18, 2009
dude just seen that comment above mine, holy crap thats a sick idea, BBQ BIKE PARTY!!!! fuckin sweet, i’ll bring the chips, lol
crazyone
May 18, 2009
oh dude, big thanks to who ever hooked it up with that spare tube right before we all took off. stupid tire, lol. imma be prepared this time, thanks.
Luke
May 18, 2009
Hey Everyone!
Great ride, I had a blast.
I’ve posted the photos that made the cut at:
http://www.LukeFields.com
and
http://www.flickr.com/lfields
Hope you all enjoy, and I look forward to riding again!
admin
May 18, 2009
Luke, thanks for the photos! We have a flickr group pool at http://www.flickr.com/groups/936570@N22/
Ryan
May 19, 2009
Anyone interested in an after ride back to Dick’s each month (if we don’t end at Dick’s) to do a quick trash pick-up? It’s awesome that we can fill that lot with 1,000 people once a month, put if we leave full of crap it won’t last much longer.
Aside from that, amazing ride last Friday. Despite some minor things like jerks yelling at driver’s waiting at intersections while we pass, Bike Party is always 99.99% positive. Let’s keep it that way.
The Lorax
May 19, 2009
Bike party was cracking as usual, May we spread like swine flu throughout the whole southbay
I wish there was a way to cut back on gaps, I almost got hit by a car crossing an intersection. Strength in numbers!
Soren
May 20, 2009
I enjoyed the ride (my third) and found it a bit more chill than previous ones (perhaps because I knew the territory). We somehow missed the Circuit City regrouping, but overall it was very fun and we even made some new friends at the afterparty.
I noticed two things on the harmony front. One rider got pulled over by a cop for running a red light. I hope that the cops take a “harass the irresponsible folks” attitude rather than making it difficult for the whole party / shutting it down. The other was that cars were rolling along with us and briefly enjoying the ride. Positive “next month, bring your bike” calls were made, which I felt made up for some of the less-responsible behavior.
I rode my Sport Utility Bike with trash/recycling tubs in the rear, but I will label them better next time. I actually saw less trash on the street this time around, but I agree we need to find more ways to keep it clean.
John
May 24, 2009
This was the best ride I’ve been on so far. It was also by far the best organized I’ve been on, SJBP organizers did a really nice job. The regrouping stops were just about right and done in lots with easy entry/egress. Lots of SJBP folks directing traffic and trying to keep people moving.
One thing I might suggest is putting out the word more often and more loudly: keep to the right and pass on the left. The former part of that, people seemed to be much better on this last ride than on others.
The latter, folks still too often shoot up between riders, often unannounced. Not safe, not a good idea. And it’s just rude and inconsiderate of others.
will
May 26, 2009
what kind of bikes would be best for this, would a beach cruiser be chill or what?
Johnny B Good
May 27, 2009
If the SJ Bike Party goes on as it is right now…it will not last into 2010!!!
The state of the bike party now is too big and too out of hand for its own good. I am an avid cyclist and activist that has participated in 5+ rides over 12 months now. I have seen the bike party go from a right lane only nite ride to an all lanes free for all with open containers, open drug use, vandalism, graffitti, swearing, fighting, and only god knows what else.
A word of the wise to the bike party organizers!!!! Get the local cities and police departments on your side EARLY. Noi matter how many times we thanked the sherriffs officers for blocking streets for us, they HATED being out there.
Currently 3 local cities(that I know of, could be more) are working up drafts to keep the bike party out of their cities. With the amount of recklessness, traffic headaches, vandalism, and graffitti I can’t say I blame them.
I love cycling and I love the Bike Party, but it needs some serious control and rules established before the organizers are sued for thousands of dollars by these citiies to recoup their costs to right the wrongs done by the few dumbass riders in the group. Don’t laugh, because it will happen. These cities are sooo strapped for cash right now that they will go after anyone who causes them to dish out thousands of un-needed dollars. Good luck bike party organizers, hope you have good lawyers!
I sure hope the SJ Bike Party can police itself to a point where it can continue in a peaceful manner. I’ll be there again in June trying to get people to stay in the right lane, stop at red lights and generally be nice to the cars…but I feel like its already a lost cause!
DJ 2x Jo
May 27, 2009
Hey Ryan,
I’m interested in helping out with the Dick’s Center clean up, by providing a small trash can I can throw it in the back of my pick up. I’m not going to pick up people’s trash, but I MIGHT provide a can to collect trash. Again the message/warning goes out to the SJBP Schmucks that don’t clean up after themselves. GROW UP! Be responsible for your mess.
Wow, that sounds like a scary thought. I didn’t know that groups are organizing to stop SJBP.
HEY KNUCKLEHEAD TROUBLE MAKER ON THE RIDE!!!
CHILL THE F OUT!!! Many of the positive people (myself included) are getting tired of seeing your drama and antics on the street. Take it somewhere else. I’m not going to threaten anyone, but I can promise you that one day your behavior will bring someone to a breaking point and you could get handled by a police officer, pedestrian or another rider. LETS NOT LET IT COME TO THAT!!
Follow the rules, be positive and don’t F w people!!
FOR THE LOVE OF THE RIDE…
Big O
May 29, 2009
SKONKITOS!!!!!
BikerMama
May 29, 2009
BIKE PARTYYYY is so much fun! I can’t wait for the next one! A cool – and true story…at a water stop we met this older man (60ish) who was getting something to eat and asked what was up with all of the bikes. We told him it was Bike Party and he grabbed his bike out of the back of his car and joined us for the rest of the ride. Now that’s a real biker dude! One more comment – I’m afraid that the “dumbasses” who are causing the problems For Bike Party aren’t the ones reading these posts – which is too bad. I really hope we don’t get shut down because of them!
John
May 31, 2009
Johnny B Good, so what three towns are you talking about? Do tell.
DJ 2x Jo, spot on about the drama. That’s one thing I just don’t get: people coming out to something that’s supposed to be simply fun but making it their stage for their own drama. WTF? I mean, really… grow up.
scottl
May 31, 2009
Hey Johnny B Good, if you have accurate and specific actionable information and details, why don’t you email it AND come to the next planning meetings? Everyone else that wants to help SJBP could help out in various ways. You’ll help the ride and meet some very cool people…. and help improve the ride. You can email the and other info you have to: sjbikeparty@gmail.com Thanks, S
Dj 2x jo
June 2, 2009
I think SJBP and other events have become platforms for critical mass minded people that use it to push their agendas of harassing drivers police and mayhem in the public. As Ive posted before I support free speech but not at the cost of SJBP. Even if I saw a hated enemy @ my friends house, out of respect for the house I wouldnt fight them in the house! For the love of the ride please increase the peace and have fun!
John
June 4, 2009
Dj, I heard what you’re saying. But I wouldn’t ascribe the crappy behavior we’ve seen on SJBP rides so far to any sort of furthering of any sort of agenda, CP or otherwise. I think it’s much more simple than that: you have a few morons who drink too much then decide to show their true colors on the SJBP rides, they act like assholes.
I really doubt any of the jerks in SJBP have Critical Mass or any other sort of thought process going on. They are just being themselves: acting like assholes.