- Volunteer Today – Become a BIRD!
*** UPDATED 9pm, Sept. 16th — How to Get the Treasure Map? Scroll to the bottom of this event listing – via “Continue Reading –>”! Note: Comments Closed***
Arr, his be a great ride for costumes you scurvy dogs, even wearing a stinkin bandana can make you look a bit ‘ore lik a pirate! The title “Ride Like a Pirate” has more to do with costumes and getting everyone to join the crew of san jose bike party, to DO something. Pirates don’t give any quarter to stoways.
It does not imply nor are we encouraging people to be jerks and ride illegally. If you want to ride like that, don’t join our ride.
The SJBP “experience” starts @ 7pm, not 8pm!
We have 5+ food vendors – so no need to eat at home – or you’ll miss out on the great sjbp vibe. We roll at 8pm, but the party starts at 7pm! Allow extra time to get to the start!
Check out this video! SJBP Backgrounder
Get Involved – Volunteer!
Because we are volunteers, we need your help. The more people willing to help with the ride, the better the ride will become!!
How We Ride!
If you follow these eight rules, Bike Party will be safe and a positive place for riders, drivers, pedestrians, and the community
1. Stay in the right lane when possible. NEVER ride the sidewalk. NEVER ride against oncoming traffic.
2. Pick up your trash, leave nothing behind.
3. Stop at red lights – behind cars already there. Let cars “out.”
4. Ride straight, ride predictability.
5. Roll past conflict.
6. Leave no one behind.
7. Ride sober! It’s illegal and dangerous to ride a bicycle inebriated.
8. Communicate to fellow riders! (We need your help to remind those who aren’t following the rules!)
Remember, Arrive Closer to 7pm, not 8pm!
If you follow the top header, notice 7pm, not 8pm. Get there early and enjoy the Bike Party vibe!
We make sure there are food vendors at the site for you to eat. Bring cash. These are great food and great value for all of us. So make sure to get to work early, have a big lunch and leave work early or on time to make sure to join us!
*** HOW TO GET THE TREASURE MAP ***
Ahoy!Last month’s ride was frought with Disresprectful Scallywags and Drunken Rascals abound. This ride’s route has a limited distribution – if ye are a responsible rider ye must TALK TO A PIRATE VOLUNTEER to stand a chance at finding ye a treasure map!
That’s right, treasure maps aren’t just thrown about the interwebs like Davey Jones’ candied bones. Volunteers [BIRDs] on this crazy ship we call Bike Party know where X marks the spot.
If yer true of heart AND ye can abide by the pirate law of HOW WE RIDE then ye best call a PARROT with a map. And if you don’t know a volunteer or a BIRD it may be best for the cold innards ye calls a soul to get to know one or better yet… become one….ARRRR!
Volunteer – Step Up!
Want to give back to Bike Party tonight? We count on volunteers to make this party happen… Thank You!
Thanks David for making these & Paul for the original art work!
Ian
September 10, 2010
i love the art… we need stickers of this one…
Perlasum
September 10, 2010
aye! or temp tattoos!
Rider 44
September 11, 2010
We need spoke cards
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spoke_card
If someone with artistic ability could make something and put the URL up so people could print the artwork and make their own spoke cards. And maybe an entrepreneur could print some, laminate them, and sell them at the start. Seems like an easy way to generate income.
I know, I know, this is coming out as, ‘you guys should…’ Don’t mean it that way
just hoping someone with artistic ability could create some spoke cards we could print and put in our spokes to commemorate the ride!
Ian
September 11, 2010
thats a great idea… we already have the ride art…
are you volunteering to print it out and make spoke cards?
Rider 44
September 11, 2010
Hi Ian,
didn’t see your post until after I posted my reply at 9:39. So what’s involved? I don’t mind making some. 4000 is out of my league and budget. I’m assuming if I made some and tried to sell them that’d run afowl of the law since I don’t have a business license. I can probably make 20 or so and give them away at the volunteer circle or during the ride & at red light parties. Perhaps if several of us each did 20 we could get a tradition started. The graphics are done, 20 is a manageable number for most people…
Getting more stoked…. Counting the days…
Ian
September 16, 2010
you were right about the spoke cards… very cool…
Rider 44
September 16, 2010
Thanks Ian! Hope I can meet Paul soon, his incredible artwork made putting these together all the more fun.
I thought of a great idea for getting them to the people who want them next month. Stay tuned…
Rider 44
September 11, 2010
Oops, once again I typed too soon. The graphic at the top of this post makes for an excellent spoke card. Just printed it, now I only need to laminate it with some clear packing tape and it’s ready to go between the spokes. Thanks for the awesome graphic!
Rider 44
September 13, 2010
This morning I did a proof of concept by printing 2 copies of the art found at the top of this post, using clear packing tape to ‘laminate’ it, and inserting it between my spokes. it worked but it was pretty labor intensive.
Googling how to make spoke cards I saw people get stuff laminated at FedEx/Kinko’s. So I called them.
I can get three 6″ * 2.75″ spoke cards on a letter size piece of laminate. FedEx charges $2.49 per for that size, so that comes to 83 cents per spoke card.
That’s pretty do-able, I’ll make some and hand them out at the ride.
If anyone else is interested in making some, let me know and I’ll share what I learned during this process.
scott
September 12, 2010
spoke cards – great idea. be cool if we could find someone to do it at a great value. could be a small fund raiser and a cool thing for people to collect and put on their bikes. anyone out there that can do this or know of someone who can? could be a nice new twist on an old tradition.
bmxer
September 13, 2010
wheres this one starting at?
Rider 44
September 13, 2010
I was able to get four spoke cards laminated per sheet at FedEx Kinkos which brought the price down to 69 cents per. I just posted pix of the finished product on the SJBP Flickr account http://www.flickr.com/groups/936570@N22/
The whole process was super easy, you should make some for yourself and to share!
The Scurvy
September 14, 2010
Arrrgh! The Scurvy Crew will be there ye mates!
Here is a little poem to kick off the ride!
The Pirate Ship “Scurvy”
A ghostly ship she be
Three tall masts…and the Sails…
…Sails as black as the deepest sea
Ohhh!!! The fear, she strikes in me
As she sails free, on the Seven Seas
A cold wind follows from the deep dark sea
An icy hand grips thee
Ohhh!!! The fear, which shivers me
No crew more wretched
So treacherous they be
The Sharks are their friends
And their dinner you’ll be
Ohhh!!! The fear, which broods in me
So beware ye mates
Keep your eyes at sea
Run away from the Scurvy
Or in Davy Jones Locker you’ll be
Ohhh!!! She’ll be, the death of me
J. Augustus S.
9/03/2009
David Chen
September 14, 2010
whats the route for this one? ;O / make it through milpitas please ;D
shennanigan9
September 15, 2010
Any news on feeder rides?
AC's Yuba Mundo
September 15, 2010
Hey this is my first time at an SJBP coming down from SF on Friday.
Where do you guys meet @ 7pm? I’m coming down for the Green Prix event this weekend. Thanks for the info. Looking forward to riding y’all.
AC
Richard
September 15, 2010
I’m concerned that it’s going to be hard to ride with an eyepatch. Does anyone have any experience or tips for one eyed riding?
[mod/tr: 2 eyes needed for depth perception, so any thing that blocks the eye affects depth perception. try it in a parking lot, try with a whole cut out (cut circle out, 80%, like a flap) and see if acceptable. personally i think it's a bad idea cuz even with a hole cut in it you'll have reduced peripheral vision]
watani
September 15, 2010
test it out beforehand richard….
Rapid Robert
September 15, 2010
Poke a little hole in it (while off your face) so you can see out!
MVRobb
September 15, 2010
What about using a lens of an old or broken pair of sunglasses it would appear black but you could still see through it.
Perlasum
September 16, 2010
@ MVRobb thats a very creative idea!
D.Rod
September 15, 2010
Got some cool little skull and crossbones flags at Diddams today. Haha
Cfixed
September 16, 2010
Where can I find the treasure map? Please, help!
[mod/tr: how many main rides have you been on? volunteers needed on this and every ride, next test ride/volunteer training is sat, sept 25th, please sign up on this one or another test ride! please ask around if your friends know any BIRDs]
Dallas1942
September 16, 2010
In need of a Treasure Map. I am a responsible rider!
[mod/tr: how many rides have you been on? volunteers needed on this and every ride, next test ride/volunteer training is sat, sept 25th, please sign up on this one or another test ride! please ask around if your friends know any BIRDs]
SVO
September 16, 2010
Im visiting from San Diego and I need a map! Been to SJBP once before and had a blast. I specifically wanted to come up this weekend to ride. Any help anyone?
[mod/tr: you don't know anyone up here i assume... volunteers needed on this and every ride, message sent, awaiting your response before sending info back. please ask around if your friends know any BIRDs]
testrides
September 16, 2010
Need a map? Check your networks… please ask your friends if they know any BIRDs. It’s a small valley, more like 2-3 degrees of separation, not 6! Ask around! Have fun with this… it’s a Treasure Hunt!
Horhey
September 16, 2010
Was thinking about makin’ this ‘ere ride for my first one with the group, and I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting anyone yet, so a map would be nice. I even dusted off my old fixie for this week.
[mod/tr: see note above, try that 1st, ping your network to find out if anyone rides in bike party... and if they know a BIRD... have fun with it!]
louie
September 16, 2010
Can someone please just post the damn route somewhere. this is stupid.
[mod/tr: are you signing up to be the poster child of "why we should do this every month?" lmao]
Ian
September 16, 2010
Louie,
if you don’t like how we ride please feel free to organize your own ride.
we are doing this to protect the ride from the asshole riders who don’t care about the ride or the work we put into it.
the other alternative was to just cancel this months ride. we all thought this was the better choice.
Pablo
September 16, 2010
you were wrong
Ian
September 16, 2010
so you would rather if the ride was cancelled for everyone?
Billy the Kid
September 16, 2010
You tell ‘em, Ian!
Louie, have you ever contributed to Bike Party? Helped in any way? If you’ve volunteered as a BIRD, you have the route. If you never cared enough about Bike Party to volunteer, then why bitch about missing one ride? If Bike Party means anything to you, start pitching in to make it work. If there were more BIRDs, we could have a general invitiation and still keep the douchebags in line.
If you weren’t pitching in, and you thought you could get our organizational services for free indefinately, then you are the one who was stupid.
Danny
September 16, 2010
You don’t have the power to cancel the ride… it belongs to everyone… it always has. If you you want to start excluding people, then maybe you should just start YOUR own ride. I agree with Louie, just post the route.
scott
September 16, 2010
Let’s translate that into action Danny. btw, what have you done for bike party? step up, help out. how?
-key intersections
-regroups – lead people deep into em
- exits – get people to leave
- trash – clean up after the horrible mess
- ride – cheer and boo behavior
- cars – help them escape
- red lights – yell to stop, keep people behind cars
- straight – go str8t, don’t block right turn lanes
- etc.
Ian
September 16, 2010
News flash: if the volunteers don’t do the work that is needed to enable the ride to happen, the freeloaders certainly won’t.
This would effectively cancel the route, even if you don’t believe me.
Danny
September 16, 2010
It’s quite sickening how a few power trippers have taken over the ride. It feels like a select few are trying to control and own BP for their own gratification. Bummer. By the way, riders who choose not to be birds are not all douche bags and freeloaders. Perhaps we just don’t want to police people while we’re at a party? This is a Bike Party, right? And to be clear, I think having birds is a positive thing, I just don’t want to be one.
[mod/tr:there are many ways to help. be part of the solution or part of the problem]
Rider 44
September 16, 2010
Wow Danny, I so agree with you.
They did start their own ride.
And they were nice enough to invite me/us.
And they asked me/us to do something.
Something simple.
Something free.
And now we get to the point of your post that, if you’ve read ANY of the posts I’ve made today, you know I agree with. Where you said, ‘…then maybe you should just start YOUR own ride.’
I so agree Danny. Golly do I so agree.
I even gave step-by-step instructions earlier today.
Step 1: Pick your favorite previous route.
Step 2: Find the STILL LISTED map for that route.
Step 3: Post here that you will be meeting there and that wheels hit the streets at 8.
And a bunch of people will probably join you.
It’s a good route. You liked it already, others liked it already. Just re-use it. So what if you won’t have food trucks at the regroups. So what if it is a smaller ride. You can get to know people during that ride. You can start YOUR own ride. You could even name it. Chicago has ‘Second City TV’, you could have ‘Second San Jose Bike Party’ where, each month, you all just agree that you are using the previous month’s ride. Hey, I might actually choose that one over the original, considering it’d have less jerks on it probably, at least in the beginning, until it got large.
C’mon people, less than 22 hours now, would ONE of you people PLEASE just pick your favorite previous ride and post your preference to start the discussion to get an idea of who else will join you.
I CAN’T BELIEVE how hard you are making it for yourselves. Just re-use one of the previous 35 routes for crying out loud.
21.6 hours to go, the more time you waste making a choice, the less people will see your choice. You probably aren’t going to get a chance this good any time in the future.
Perlasum
September 16, 2010
lol…
Cfixed
September 16, 2010
I’ve been to two test rides and four main rides so far.
Ian
September 16, 2010
cool you should know a few birds then….
sanjosebikeblog
September 16, 2010
at first I was like wtf but now I see the idea of having to “treasure map” the route, it’s going to show how many people dont know birds or have never been to a sjbp meeting, on the other hand the “critical mass” feel of the last few rides might not be there this friday, theres always going to be complaints no matter what you do in this over conservative city. The Valley has no beach, no golden bridge or big city lights, only vast amounts of flat endless suburban roads and expressways…perfect for a bike party like no where else in the world!
[mod/tr: as mentioned above, it's about the theme - riders can ping their networks. it's a smaller valley than you'd think! they'll be pleasantly surprised. ayyy, as long as they put the effort into it]
Blanchy
September 16, 2010
This isn’t stupid- I actually think this is a great idea. If your a seasoned Bike Party attendee and went on last months ride, you would agree. I don’t know any of the volunteers but I’ll look for one.
Love the way the fliers came out!
[mod/tr: thanks, a volunteer made those spoke cards at FedEx/Kinkos! Everyone else can too! Paul, our new volunteer artist did a great job, didn't he?]
katbren
September 16, 2010
Hello fellow riders,
This will be my fourth bike party. I’m a responsible rider. I obey the laws of SJBP riding and traffic in general, and don’t drink if I plan on being my own vehicle. (I’m a pretty cheap date, but that’s another story. ) I really just love being out on a bicycle with a bunch of other excited people exploring the areas SJBP routes take us to and would like to be able to continue to do so.
Unfortunately, none of the BIRD trainings or other meeting times have worked for my schedule thus far, but this month’s “6 degrees of separation from a treasure map” theme is a wake-up call. Involvement and taking ownership of what we do is important. I will continue to be a responsible rider and pledge my support to SJBP as much as possible. I’d rather not put my email address in this public forum but if there is a more private means of getting my information to another BIRD or moderator I’d be happy to do so.
Thank you!
Ian
September 16, 2010
I’m glad you are taking personal responsibility for finding a map thats the goal here… it also is going to help build community by forcing you to get involved
katbren
September 16, 2010
True enough! Thanks. =)
Katie
September 16, 2010
Word. I like what you said about this being a wake-up call to make the ride your own. We’ve been all but begging for people to step up and help out during the past few months. Hopefully this will motivate some people to take more responsibility for Bike Party!
Non-Scallywag
September 16, 2010
Am I missing something? WHERE DO WE MEET? I can appreciate that the maps must be asked for; and it’s a good idea, but seriously, where is the starting point?
[mod/tr: yes, let's clarify why we're doing this. the start is the most important point and the most important thing that "hijackers" care about. they are the pirate's enemy! where we meet is exactly what you need to find out from a BIRD, so ping your network. time's a wasting...]
[mod/tr:we've been asking riders to sign up here and include pics and details.this is our networking site, thus is an option you should try! hint, hint]
http://www.sjbikeparty.org/wp-login.php?action=register
Ian
September 16, 2010
the starting point will not be posted. you must ask a bird or someone else who rides with us for directions.
watani
September 16, 2010
seems like some of you don’t realize that SJBP typically doesn’t release the route this soon. typically not released for another 9 hours. if you can’t connect with a BIRD, you can always plan your own ride with your friends. there’s an awesome event going on in DTSJ to ride to…
oatmealboy
September 16, 2010
I like the idea of not making the ride route public. Maybe it’ll reduce the douchebaggery and the critical mass feel of the previous rides. I have yet to attend a *full* SJBP ride because at last month’s ride, my friend had an anxiety attack over the sheer number of riders, as well as some of the d-baggery around her. I couldn’t leave her behind, so we did not continue with the ride.
It’s great to see the proactive-ness of this community. There was too much negative reactions to the previous two rides, and it’s wonderful to see the powers that be who make SJBP happen, are doing something in an attempt to reduce the negativity. If what I experienced last month was the norm for SJBP, I would have written it off completely. But now, I definitely want another chance to attend a SJBP. Unfortunately for me, I won’t be able to make it for this month.
Here’s hoping some good things come out of this month’s ride, and will carry over to October.
Rider 44
September 16, 2010
Wow, all this sadness, frustration, and first time riders.
I know, right now it seems frustrating, but maybe I can encourage you.
This is not sarcastic in any way.
Seriously.
In July I was not involved at all.
Actually, for the July ride I was not a good rider.
Compared to the virtues many of you are proclaiming on your posts, I was a big problem.
But after the July ride I started getting involved.
I realized that I wasn’t respecting the ride.
And I knew I liked it enough to want to make a positive difference so nothing would happen to it.
What I found was that it was way more fun than I expected. Holy cow, way more fun.
I’ve only been on two test rides and already I’ve met more cool birds and others that respect the ride.
But I digress.
Good news! You’ve stil got several options.
1) Just forget about this month and hope next month returns to the usual way to get the info. (don’t choose this option)
2) Just forget about this month and plan to come to some test rides, get to know the others that volunteer, have fun. (Better choice, but in addition to this, look below)
3) Plan your own Bike Party for this month. Seriously, this is SO do-able for you all.
I noticed some of the comments above mentioned, ‘…feel free to organize your own ride…’ or ‘…plan your own ride…’
This is so do-able. here’s how.
Step 1: Think of what your favorite previous BP ride was.
Step 2: Scroll down to the bottom of the SJBP web site and see in the lower left corner where it says ‘Older posts’. Click that.
Step 3: Keep going back until you get to the announcement for that favorite ride of yours. Click on ‘Continue reading’.
Step 4: Scroll down to where the map is. Bingo! The maps are still there! You don’t need to create your own route!
Step 5: Post a comment right here saying something like, ‘Hey, for you all that can’t find a map for the ride this month, I’m going to be riding this Friday using the map from ___ (type your chosen previous ride here) and you can find the directions here ___ (cut and paste
the URL for where the map is). Hope a bunch of you can join me, wheels hit the streets at 8 sharp.’
It really is that easy. You may not have 4000 riders, and probably someone won’t step up to get food vendors for the regroup sites. So what?!
You and whoever else shows up will have a great ride.
Seriously, the test ride I rode on Friday Sept 3rd was about 50 people or so and it was a BLAST!
You make the decision and post the comment telling people where you will be riding and probably others will show up.
And there you have it, you just organized your own ride!
And I guarantee you and your newfound friends will have fun.
I’m not joking, one of you should do this. Pick a previous ride, get the word out, and have fun.
There are going to be hundreds of riders wanting a route to ride tomorrow, one of you should pick one and get the word out.
Rider 44
September 16, 2010
Oh, one last thing.
Your best bet is definitely to try and find the route as the organizers have suggested.
This month really does have an awesome route with lots of amazing surprises.
Two, for me, are downright jaw dropping great.
I just posted those options above so that people who think there is NO other option, realize that there is.
high cadence
September 16, 2010
excellent idea!!!
SteveSgt
September 16, 2010
This is so cogent, it should be pointed-to in the main post!
Chris Thomas
September 16, 2010
Hey Love the pirate theme
I have never been able to make the BIRD events. Any one want to be a friend and tell me where the meet up is?
More than happy to give you a gatorade at the ride start……
I love bike party, I bring people from my church group who experince a whole different side of San Jose.
-Chris
Pablo
September 16, 2010
Uhmm this is fuckin stupid. Wanted to bring more friends this time but you fuckers are on some secretive bullshit.
Yeah great solution jackasses.
Just cuz some dumbasses get drunk and stupid don’t punish everybody else that enjoys the exercises….real smart people.
Ian
September 16, 2010
it is this exact entitled behaviour that makes it necessary for us to make the route a secret.
Feel free to not attend.
we owe you nothing.
Sherbona
September 16, 2010
Ahoy, so how be them anger captainship classes goin’? Aye
tanner
September 16, 2010
*applause* BIRDs, looks like this is working.
1) Nobody is stopping you from riding your bike.
2) Someone needs a nap.
tanyahh1
September 16, 2010
Wow really? how are they stopping you from going and riding with ‘more’ of your friends and your own? they didn’t somehow closed off all access to all public streets to you. Geez…
Alice
September 16, 2010
Talking about power tripping.
I appreciate all the work you guys put into making the route, and the pre-rides, and directing the flow of the ride when necessary. But seriously, you guys cant decide how people choose to enjoy the bike party every month. What’s next? Controlling the type of music people play if it has a douchebag or violent undertone? There goes Kanye and NWA from my mix.
I say plan the ride and let the cops take care of the law breakers. No need to be the ride police also.
anon
September 16, 2010
i think this is what seperates bike party from rides like critical mass. we have a good sense of community and i appreciate the organizer stepping up to make bike party enjoyable to everyone. if a small group of law breaking riders are jepordizing the entire community, i think it’s only fair to speak up about riding respectfully and pin pointing the root cause of this problem. and this is what i like about bike party, people are willing to go out of their way to keep this event safe and enjoyable to the whole community.
anon
September 16, 2010
and just to touch up on your point on music. to my knowledge bike party has been very supportive towards people bringing music to the event. regardless of what type of music they bring. and i thank those people who haul ass carrying heavy equipments to share music with other riders.
Alice
September 16, 2010
The music was just an example of something else they could try to ban just because it doesn’t vibe with their ideal biking enviroment”.
I’m just saying, the hardworking group of organizers are going a bit far by punishing everyone who rides and they make the decisions without consulting the thousands of riders. They’ve already taken measures that i’ve noticed and while i dont agree i can see some sort of sense making. But doing this whole “holier than thou” approach just seems backwards. I get the vibe that if you want to participate with the sjbp, then you have to suck up to the volunteers and get on their good side. seriously?
The Longer rides (i’ve heard they have a minimum of 25mi policy) discourage a lot of people that would like to get into biking but just dont have the time/physical ability to complete 25+ miles and end up completing at nearly 1am. Bike party is fun, but not everyone wants to dedicate an entire night and soreness the next day to cycling.
Late posting of the route just makes it difficult for people to plan from other areas of the bay, or visiting with limited transportation.
SO, i guess to sum it up, SJPB volunteers, try to think of the casual law abiding cyclist that just wants to enjoy some exercise, the culture, and maybe meet some new people. Maybe have a poll so these decisions aren’t so dictatorish.
[i'm sure the response is going to be: "great ideas, have fun planning your own rides." sigh.]
scott
September 16, 2010
love your enthusiasm alice! there were 300+ postings about the”good, bad and ugly” of the “August Lights” ride. 2 major injury accidents regarding paramedics due to riders not listening to BIRDs. one rider could have been killed running a red light at Reed/Monroe at Lawrence Expy. was it just a few bad apples? i wish… july wasn’t much better.
no power tripping at all, just being in with the theme … and wanting to decrease the illegal and stupid activity that is increasing exponentially.
sucking up to BIRDs? hell no. but BIRDs are the “point of the spear” volunteers attempting to keep everyone safe out there while having a good time. (thanks for recognizing all their hard work.. others help too)
but we need a lot more of the regular riders backing up the BIRDs. that has not been happening consistently or forcefully so the 150 DBs have been acting as a cancer affecting hundreds of copy cats w/o being shouted down by the mass of riders.
so let’s just all take a step back… and talk to people at work, email our friends and ask them to help you find a BIRD. its all just good Pirate fun. don’t forget your costume.
Ian
September 16, 2010
you sound just like one of those people who refuse to vote and then complain about how messed up our government is. Don’t you realize your sense of disconnectedness from the decision making process is because you haven’t stepped up to be a volunteer that would be involved?
If you aren’t gonna vote…
Perlasum
September 16, 2010
@ alice
- “and they make the decisions without consulting the thousands of riders”
——————————-
All the riders have the opportunity to express their opinions and provide alternative ideas as well as help implement them… Since Hot August light’s “the hardworking group of organizers ” have been asking, seeking, requesting, scouring, looking, and recruiting help from any individual interested…
Yes cops can provide assistance’ to what degree? Do you want the city to control bike party, shut bike party down, or tell us where or when we can ride.. of course not. But, you/we can’t expect to reap the benefits of the city by having the cops babysit? I’m sure with the budget cuts, and actual crime that happens in the city they have other priorities…
IMO, This isn’t about control, it’s about trying alternatives, it’s about reclaiming bike party’ reclaiming the fun that it should be, without mass chaos… or worse injuries.
IMO, this is about community… either you’re a part of it or you’re not,
p.s. even if a ride is 25mi. anyone can leave anytime they want this isn’t a race or a competition… anyone can come and go as they please
Alice
September 16, 2010
Hi Ian. You don’t know shit about me.
I have volunteered at a few pre-rides, including the Sunday morning ride for this ride [some content deleted], and I haven’t been able to make it to any of the volunteer meetings at the coffee shop to express my opinions.
Seems like the main concern with these DBs on the ride is the drinking. And these restrictions being imposed on everyone is just a bit to conservative for this Californian.
[mod/tr: these issues are much bigger, but do start with that. certain information has been deleted, let's not be disagreeable, work together on this alice, ian]
Alice
September 16, 2010
@ perl
- “even if a ride is 25mi. anyone can leave anytime they want”
Most of these rides are loops. So if i decide to ride part of the route i would have to go back to my car or home in the dark. This is not the safest thing for a woman in a big city. The distance also discourages alot of people who would otherwise come out for a shorter ride that would enable them to do other activities on a Friday night, or have to wake up early Saturday morning.
Katie
September 16, 2010
The only rules that we ride by are the cycling laws and safe cycling practices when riding in a large group. Other than that people are encouraged to do what they want. People can ride any type of bike, choose to wear helmets or not, play whatever music, and be whatever age or gender. This is one of the few group rides that is so open. All we’re asking is that people obey traffic laws and be courteous riders, which I don’t think is being “holier than thou.”
Qwynek
September 16, 2010
Well, my sister and I have begun to tap our network; no clues yet, but I will definitely try to make the next test ride. August was my first ride, so I was waiting for this one to be my second before attending the meetings (as recommended on the Volunteer page).
[mod/tr:we've been asking riders to sign up here and include pics and details.this is our networking site, thus is an option you should try! hint, hint]
http://www.sjbikeparty.org/wp-login.php?action=register
tss
September 16, 2010
seriously,, “we owe you nothing” i’m sure your stupid plan on not giving out the start is going to work out perfect for you.. i really enjoyed bike party.. but the way you are responding to people on here is bullshit,, have fun on your lame pirate ride.. forget bike party.
Ogletree
September 16, 2010
This is kind of a shame. I attended the Bike Party for the first time last month and don’t know any of the Birds or volunteers. I wanted to make this a monthly thing for me since it was so enjoyable but I don’t know how to contact anyone and do not have time to do the practice rides. Is there any other way to go about doing this rather than hiding the route? Even if you just released it one hour before the actual ride would be fine for me. Thanks and I do appreciate the work put into these organized rides.
[mod/tr:we've been asking riders to sign up here and include pics and details.this is our networking site, thus is an option you should try! hint, hint]
http://www.sjbikeparty.org/wp-login.php?action=register
Ian
September 16, 2010
if you don’t know anyone you really should start coming to the testrides or volunteer meetings so that you can meet some of the fantastic folks who help out around here…. SJBP needs you and it’s way more fun to ride with friends…
ciscoFIXED
September 16, 2010
Ian you keep talking about “come to test rides…volunteer” have you thought that not everyones life revolves around just riding a bike poeple have school like me or work and cant go on a test ride so now what we cant go on this months bike ride becuase we dont now anny birds wow woopty doo!
Ian
September 16, 2010
i work too and i don’t have time for every test ride but thats really not your complaint is it?
scott
September 16, 2010
just wondering, how many have read on sjbp web and facebook pages about:
asking riders to shout down the bad behavior, encourage the good?
for people to own the ride?
to follow the “how we ride” mantra?
the calls for volunteers, for BIRDs and non-BIRDs?
requests for riders to sign up on “mingle” on sjbikeparty.org?
to join test rides to help the rides/volunteer/meet great people?
no time for a 3-4 hr additional ride, understood. but some of this only takes 15 minutes once in a while or only one time. sjbp is a volunteer event that we want to survive, don’t you? only a fraction have stepped up tho ;-(
if 100-150 new BIRDs signed up, would things have been different?
http://www.sjbikeparty.org/wp-login.php?action=register
Ian
September 16, 2010
Jim,
the rest of the bay area doesn’t see it as just a few bad apples they tarnish the rest of us and the image of the ride. there were a number of events that wanted us to ride by this month but after last months craziness they actually asked us not to come. for BP to survive we need to police the ride so we don’t get shutdown.
tanner
September 16, 2010
I will be at SAN JOSE CITY HALL at 8:30 p.m. tonight THURS September with 10 route packets for people who do not know a BIRD and would like to meet one.
Take care now …
tanner
September 16, 2010
I’ll be wearing a SJ Sharks shirt and riding a green bike.
Ian
September 16, 2010
tanner in a sharks shirt… isn’t that a given?
Ian
September 16, 2010
Nice idea!…
sounds like a great way to connect with folks…
Austin
September 16, 2010
Save one for me! I’ll wear a Sharks hat and I’ll ride in on an 89 Peugeot Triathlon conversion.
Rider 44
September 16, 2010
Save one for me! I’ll be riding on the 5th st sidewalk, cross Santa Clara St against the light, and loudly toss my empties on the ground.
[nice sarcasm, lol]
Perlasum
September 16, 2010
ha! sorry, had to laugh that was funny.
Rider 44
September 16, 2010
Thanks, that was the goal.
But on a serious note, if anybody is looking for a bird but they live so far south that they think Bernal or even Bailey is ‘north’, register with mingle (like the mod/tr mentioned below), send me a friend request, and we’ll see if we can find a spot to share the fresh loot. But if ye be blowin’ the reds and throwin yer empties all over de sea then you’ll get the map to the fools gold instead (route map to an earlier ride. May…. April….).
Natelaina
September 16, 2010
Does that mean if you hand out all 10 before I get there you won’t at least tell me where to meet? This is crazy. I’m new to SJBP and don’t know anyone.
SteveSgt
September 16, 2010
This is such a kewl idea, it gave me an idea. I’m going to start wearing around a business-card-sized BIRD badge on my shirt wherever I go out between now and the ride. I won’t be surprised if someone stops me to ask for the route before tomorrow night.
You can make such a bird badge just by taking a digital picture of your bird patch, and then print it out at the right size. Stick it in one of those plastic badge holders like you get at meetings or conferences.
If you see me and ask, I’ll give you a business card with my e-mail address — you can write me and ask for the route.
Perlasum
September 17, 2010
+ 1
anon
September 16, 2010
hello! if you are a bird living near sunnyvale area i’d like to know if we can meet to exchange route info. thank you!
[mod/tr:note sent]
sk8dad
September 16, 2010
I work near Great America, and I too would appreciate a meeting with a BIRD, but I’ll only be available on Friday, as today’s really busy and I have to pick up my kids early.
D. Rod
September 16, 2010
Hey guys, I went on the test ride on tuesday. Will it be the same route we did on Tuesday? I won’t tell anybody. I just want to know. Bike Partay!! OH! And i obey how we ride.
D.Rod
September 16, 2010
I haven’t. But, I will.
sk8dad
September 16, 2010
registered, but don’t know anyone.
Rider 44
September 16, 2010
I was going to click ‘Add as a Friend’ but when I went to your profile it already said ‘Friendship Requested’.
Ya see maitey, I be a dad meself and I be married to the finest quad skater to grace the floor of Cal Skate or San Jose Skate and yer moniker caught my eye. Arrrrrgh
Rapid Robert
September 16, 2010
I work up by Great America, on Hammerwood near Elko. I sent a friend request. Contact me and I can give you a map at lunch tomorrow.
tanner
September 16, 2010
whew … i thought you were talking about me for a second.
tanner
September 16, 2010
awww… I actually liked this conversation. Jim, xoxo
Jim
September 17, 2010
More like hopes and wishes for your scalp
Brian
September 16, 2010
Looks like the people we don’t want on the ride are the ones most upset. This is the first evening ride in a long time that I am looking forward to. I probably won’t be hoarse from having to yell “STOP” and “Stay Right” all night. Go Bike Party!!!!!!!!
[mod/tr: not sure if i'd make that correlation yet. but better riding is cool update: 4:45pm you were absolutely right about 2 of these being troublemakers, i still hold out hope for the rest]
Rider 44
September 16, 2010
YOU GUYS NEED TO bring back the numbered posts like this web site used to have before the web site change a few months ago.
Why?
Cuz it’ll make it easier to vote on the ‘biggest temper tantrum’ when this is all over.
And if you don’t bring back the numbered posts, I’m gonna hold my breath and stomp my feet. I’ll have you know that I pay taxes!
(I did the ‘YOU GUYS NEED TO’ in all caps because… Wellll…. I know you like that phrase so much. Just playin.) But I do miss the numbered posts.
C’mon people, get over it. Someone pick a route from a previous month, send a friend request to the others that are complaining about not knowing the route, and make your own Bike Party. You already know the route you choose is a good one, just do it. Notice how it talks about Midnight Ridazz in the upper right corner of this web site? Learn more about them and be inspired. You’ve got 28 hours, start setting up your ride. You’ve heard the phrase, ‘well-behaved women seldom make history’? Now’s your chance to make history. Step up! Remember Sam Kinison? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hafaW1uLE-4 Do it! Do it!
cisco
September 16, 2010
well ive been to two bike parties
1. im not old enuff to drink n i dont do drugs
2. i havnt really met anny birds only have seen them but never communicated with them
3. i really want to go on tomorros ride so if anny birds could help me get a map
I AM A RESPONSIBLE RIDER
Ian
September 16, 2010
While i do understand your pain. perhaps this is a good wakeup call and you will join us on a testride or next time you see a bird you will say hi and introduce yourself. building community is a two way street and we can only meet you in the middle.
cisco
September 16, 2010
i understand maybe joining on a test ride but
i do go to school and i’m busy most of the day!
now as for talking to a bird i’ve only seen two out of the
thousands of people who ride with us and i’ve been to two
bike party’s so…i mean i understand the fact that to many dumb people decide to ride drunk and cause trouble but i mean wat about the people who are first timers, or in my case people who havn’t really had the chance to go on a test ride and or meat and talk to a bird it seems sort of unfair.
ryan
September 16, 2010
If you love Bike Party but disagree with the way information is being disseminated this month, then help us make it so we never have to do this again.
All of the people involved in the organizing of Bike Party would love if we could keep things simple, but some of the more recent behavior will only end in SJPD shutting the ride down.
People have worked as democratically as possible to make sure that this ride is still as inclusive as possible. If you really want to ride this Friday, you’ll get the route one way or another, and it will have been a great time indeed.
We’ve been asking for along time for people to take ownership and the result is what’s happening this month. We have a ton of new BIRDS and we will hopefully have a great ride.
I personally feel bad that it’s come down to this, but I commend everyone who’s dedicated so much time to the planning process and for going forward with Bike Party.
This isn’t an easy thing to do. If it was, things would be different.
[mod/tr: note, we have some new BIRDs, we needed a ton, but didn't get them after many messages and test rides at about 10 different time and days. canceling the ride was discussed. it would have been much easier]
ciscoFIXED
September 16, 2010
@ryan “If you love Bike Party but disagree with the way information is being disseminated this month, then help us make it so we never have to do this again.”
how am i supposed to help and get involved wen i dont even now were to meet?
Ian
September 16, 2010
with your bad attitude why would you want to come?
you’ve already called us a bunch of names.
beavertrapper777
September 16, 2010
Map?
Ian
September 16, 2010
Mikel, why do you keep calling us a club like it’s a bad thing?
if you put in the same effort into searching for a map that you put into insulting people you might get better results.
Rider 44
September 16, 2010
Years ago when I was reading about the history of Critical Mass, I ran across this post that I just really really liked. I liked it then, I like it now. I totally agree with it. I think the people lamenting not knowing the route should read it. I only started riding Critical Mass a year and a half ago, but I get it.
http://www.scorcher.org/cmhistory/cm3yrs.html
Interesting that this post was generated on the 3 year history of Critical Mass, I hadn’t noticed that before. What anniversary is SJBP coming up on?
27 hours, who’s going to pick a route?
tanner
September 16, 2010
I love this article … the plan is not for us … but definitely worth the read.
Marissa
September 16, 2010
My daughter already has a pirate costume, now we just need the route… to see if we could tailor it to our needs. We are hoping to have fun tomorrow.
[mod/tr-sent]
Rider 44
September 16, 2010
It IS a club.
When I have a party at my house, that’s a club.
When I go to the movies with my friends, that’s a club.
When I get hired at a company, that’s a club.
LIFE is a club.
And when there is a jerk in my club, I don’t invite him to my house anymore , or to the movies anymore, or to my company.
It’s not like when you were in soccer as a kid and everybody got a trophy, now we can all make choices.
The leadership chose to only invite their friends in their club and not invite the unknowns. Makes sense to me.
Less than 27 hours now, who’s going to pick a route?
sindeed
September 16, 2010
Im new..i just want to see whos a Bird, so i can get the map on tis ride, dont want to miss it! Send me the Treasure Map