Rain or Shine – We Ride and Have a Good Time! It almost never rains on bike party – and when it does – we’ve had a blast. Don’t let a bit of rain or drizzle keep you away!
You have better get your safe word picked out Cause the Theme is gonna be wild! Just remember that it’s cold out there and leather chafes if you aren’t used to it.
Here it is, the much anticipated S&M Ride. Wheels hit the street at 8pm sharp. The Volunteer circle is at the start at 7:30pm. Don’t be late.
Remember – follow all traffic laws and leave no trace! Please pick up after yourselves – don’t trash SJ!
Click Continue Reading to Get your Kink on!
Hope you have your safe word chosen. If not, here’s some suggestions:
- Stay to the right!
- Left turn!
- Right turn!
- Car back!
- Red light!
And so on. Help a fellow rider out.
Winter’s approaching which means a chance of rain and a certain chance of cold. So weather-proof your leather!
For theme ideas, you can check out the “unofficial” Everything San Jose Bike Party Theme Page (courtesy of Atnms Brand).
As we head south into areas of San Jose that are new to us, please be sure to bring front and rear lights. Darkness awaits, but we can cast the shining glow of Bike Party upon it (and stay visible and safe). Tell your friends to do the same. Some bike shops offer a discount when you mention SJ Bike Party.
First time to Bike Party – or would like to improve the Bike Party experience? Prepare yourself for this by checking out our How We Ride.
Got some music? Boom boxes, trailers, whatever you have, we love it! And we’re so thankfulto you for hauling it. We know it’s heavy but it makes the ride even more festive. But please remember to turn it down a bit while we’re on smaller, residential streets and as it gets later in the evening. Especially the music trailers – you need to turn the music DOWN where homes are, UP in the commercial areas!
Please do not park at the CORE start area! Keep our starts CAR FREE! We encourage you to ride in with a group of friends. If you need to drive, though, please park somewhere that’s not on the route and ride in from there. We need to keep the congestion away from the beginning of the ride. The start is less than a mile from VTA Light Rail (to the north) and Camden Ave/Hwy 880 (to the south).
Please familiarize yourself with the route and the directions. Bring a copy for yourself and one to share. And help each other along the way by calling out turns.
Remember – follow all traffic laws and leave no trace! Please pick up after yourselves – don’t trash SJ!
ROUTE DETAILS:
- Map: SJBP – Nov. 19th – Campbell, Los Gatos, Cambrian, and Almaden.
- Turn by Turn directions: SJBP – Nov. 19th – route pdf with map.
The starting location is on the map and directions.
FEEDER RIDES
- NSJ / Santa Clara Starts at Mercado Shopping Center (Hwy 101 between Great America and Lawrence Expy) by the Subway. Leaves at 6:30pm, led by Ian
- Others? Start your own!
Lighten Up! Have Fun!
Luey
November 15, 2010
This sure sounds like it will be a freaky ride! Can’t wait!
Cybele
November 19, 2010
you mean *frisky.
Lindsay
November 16, 2010
I love the bike party but it seems to get less and less kid friendly. All of the drunken/douchey riders (which I know aren’t the bike party’s fault) are one thing, but this seems a little over the top!
Billy Cool
November 16, 2010
In the past we have done a no pants ride, a beach ride, etc… so “racy” rides are not new to BP.
Bike Party from it’s inception was/still-is meant to be a fun, safe, ride for adults.
We start late and end very late. Younger teenagers are welcome if they can act responsibly. As far as children go, on a monthly basis, parents can determine if the theme is appropriate for their youngsters. I have a 10 year old and I have not brought her on any rides yet.
LONG LIVE BIKE PARTY!
scott
November 16, 2010
amen billy cool!
Sherbona
November 17, 2010
Bike party has grown a lot since the past. IMO there’s a big difference between S&M and something like ‘no pants’ where no one really rides naked anyways.
Also it seems you believe impact to kids is just with regards ride participation. This is not true. Every ride I’ve been on (closer to 2 years now) has parents with little kids coming out to the sidewalk to wave at bicyclists as they go by. This theme is clearly inappropriate for riding through neighorhoods.
scott
November 17, 2010
sherbona – i’m glad you raised these points, they are all very good points!
i’m not sure if these were thoroughly discussed or debated. we do love it when people come out of their houses and apartments to cheer us on. these parents are not looking for an embarrasing situation that then forces them into a teachable moment” they never thought they’d have to give to a 2 to 12 year old, etc. hell even older.
as far as the artwork, i do wish we had something much more tame. i find it a bit grotesque imho. but i was thinking that was just me and the artist wanted to make fun of the helmet debate.
Ian
November 17, 2010
Personally I Think the theme is lighthearted and fun. Hell it even rhymes!
i don’t think we’ll see nekkid riders 
the themes are always optional and no one has to participate. if you don’t feel comfortable with how you imagine people will be costumed thats your hangup not ours. personally i don’t think anyone is going to be out there in something too extreme i guess i just trust the community that is bike party. the other thing to realize is it’s gonna be cold
So in essence i think you need to lighten up if your too uncomfortable don’t come. there will be a new theme next month.
Timmy
November 18, 2010
This all doesn’t mean people are going to be naked at all. I have yet to see anyone take any of bike parties themes to an extreme and go nude. S&M is a fun theme, your supposed to dress up. Have you ever been to Folsom St. Fair? It’s a whole day of S&M and I have seen whole families go and they dress up their kids too. Who says wearing a leather jacket, leather pants and paddles are bad? I may just wanna throw on that leather harness and let my fur fly free.
Billy the Kid
November 17, 2010
With all due respect to my friend Billy Cool, raciness is not the issue, or at least not the entire issue.
Sure, prudes will reject anything sexual, but this goes much deeper.
When you get past the giggling, sadomasochism, by definition, is an effort to eroticize torture, rape, hatred, cruelty, degradation… Celebrating S&M is a turnoff, not just for the prudes, but for those who have a healthy, positive attitude about sex or, for that matter, a healthy, positive attitude about humanity. In some respects, S&M in Almaden is as insensitive a theme as KKK in the South Bay.
If the theme were sexual and POSITIVE (Show Your Boobs in Blossom Hill, or Mount a Penis in Milpitas, or Get a BJ in Your PJ’s), more people might be on board.
This month’s theme, however, is a major fail on the part of those few who made the decision without any input from even the majority of BIRDs, let alone the majority of the ridership.
Prediction: This month’s ride will have a turn-out as low as a showing of “Showgirls”; those at the top of the Bike Party hierarchy will blame the turn-out on the weather; and people who raise a different theory will be told they are bringing it up in the wrong forum.
scott
November 17, 2010
our ridership will be way down billy, due to threat of rain. there will be some but very little due to the S&M theme and boundary pushing graphic.
but bike party riders should remember two things:
1) it almost never rains on bike party and when it does it’s usually a light drizzle which is actually refreshing when we ride
2) a test ride we did in actual rainfall was a blast! we had soooo much fun!!
this is based on 2009-2010 ridership & human behavior patterns in sj —
700 riders in nov 09 with threat of rain, ended 2hrs before bike party (as predicted on all weather channels), roads weren’t even super wet… down from oct 09′s ~4400 riders
ryan
November 17, 2010
I find “show your boobs” to be especially demeaning toward women. Bike Party doesn’t need to promote cat-calls and the other kind of garbage that women have to deal with on a constant basis.
On the other hand, S&M is just a fun, silly theme. In real life, it doesn’t happen to people who don’t want it, unlike ‘show your boobs,’ one among many things that gets shouted at innocent women all too often.
I also doubt the Blossom Hill or Milpitas communities would appreciate sexually derogatory themes named after them.
scott
November 17, 2010
we’d help the local economy with themes like that, PJ sales would be up 20x upon the theme announcement billy. definitely a stimulus program. lmao
whispersiren
November 17, 2010
WOW clearly have no idea about BDSM culture and should really do more research before you judge it so harshy!! BDSM is actually VERY sex positive! Probably more so than mainstream sex practices because people are required to communicate far more about their needs and desires! People are not degraded. People involved are willing participants. People have strong codes of conduct and particular structured roles that they play within the relationships. Often BDSM clubs are owned and operated by women with strong matriachies.
I find your “show your boobs” idea far more offensive to women!
moya
November 17, 2010
Show your boobs in Blossom Hill? Really? You would find that less offensive than S&M in Almaden? It’s MORE offensive IMO.
high cadence
November 18, 2010
i’m confused. you don’t like that theme BUT you refer to yourself as bill, billy the kid and your email address is “***********”. eh…ok?
you don’t want to be apart (protest) of tomorrow’s ride because you’re not happy with the decision process from the HUB? or is it because you disapprove of the theme? or is it both? is the resolution to picking themes and picking everything else for SJBP is to have a democratic election process? like sending out ballots and base everything on the popular vote? should we have an election process too?…
(EDITED: can’t be havin’ personal info posted up on the web)
Billy the Kid
November 19, 2010
>>our ridership will be way down billy, due to threat of rain. there will be some but very little due to the S&M theme<<
Scott, I appreciate you validating my prediction, but if you really believe this, you're kidding yourself. "Very little" impact? Several birds have said they will skip this month's ride because of the theme. At least one bird has now resigned his position[*see below] as a bird in protest of this theme.
These are birds, mind you: people so committed to Bike Party that they willingly provide free labor even when they have no say in how the ride is run. Birds show up in good weather and bad, riding easy routes and challenging routes, participating in wholesome themes and edgy themes. But several birds are drawing the line at an S&M ride.
When birds are driven away by the theme, can you really believe less-committed riders will be unaffected?
I appreciate, Scott, that you are trying to make peace between the factions on this, struggling to work this out for everyone. But trivializing people's natural discomfort with this theme will not make the problem go away.
Let's learn from this mistake. Next time the leadership has an idea for a theme, get some feedback and have some discussion BEFORE the theme is implemented and there will be less discussion afterward.
(PS: Yeah, Bay Area PJ sales would spike!)
* from moderator: While the author is entitled to their opinion and may have meant this metaphorically, it should be noted that Bike Party has no “positions” – everyone is a volunteer and there isn’t much to distinguish a BIRD from a non-BIRD other than their behavior.
Rockin Ed
November 19, 2010
Hey what is wrong with Showgirls? I loved that show! :~] I hope we all just losen up a bit and decide to ride or not. Everyones comments were heard and we will understand if some riders choose not to show up. But the rest of us will still ride like the wind and will have a blast. SJ Bike Party still rocks in my book! I cant wait to ride tonight!
Fred R
November 19, 2010
Billie the Kids right on. Nobody likes a sadist, except for a masochist. Nothing bad happens to those who don’t want it? Jeffrey Daimler was a sadist. Guess nobody knew the safe word? It’s a mental illness folks, no matter how TV or city street fairs paint it.
Bad theme, stupid leaders, no input from the outside. Hmmm, sorta like our current administration…
Ian
November 19, 2010
Jeffrey Daimler was also a cyclist as he was growing up… What does that have to do with anything?
your whole argument is silly.. just because some folks are sick doesn’t mean they all are.
chocolaterobots
November 16, 2010
Tempted to Google “S&M theme ideas” but I’m not sure very safe-for-work results will come up…
George the fast
November 16, 2010
Wat if it rains will it still go on
Ian
November 16, 2010
we ride rain or shine
though i’ve never been rained on at bike party. last year in nov we missed the rain by a few hours and it was a great ride.
Streak-o-lite
November 16, 2010
With all the great community building themes to be displayed, why are you promoting a ride based on aggression and submission. November is a month to be thankful, so I’ll be riding in my San Francisco Giants gear and leave my kids at home for this one.
The Bird’s are looking more like Turkeys and I smell big trouble cooking.
Ian
November 16, 2010
have a little fun with it…
again why are pirates ok as a theme? or zombies for that matter…
at least S&M acts are consensual….
Sherbona
November 17, 2010
Hmm, I’ve seen Disney pirate movies. Can’t say that I’ve seen Disney S&M movies.
Ian
November 17, 2010
you’ve obviously never seen some of the Eddy Murphy movies in the last few years.. think haunted mansion cause that was Torture….
Sherbona
November 18, 2010
Don’t know about EddyMurphy movies,but I do know there’s a big difference in how society views someone in a pirate costume and how it views someone in S&M attire.
scott
November 16, 2010
let’s all have a sense of humor about this and roll with it. maybe the themes have been mellow in the last year but the range of themes have been from mellow to risque during the entire history of bike party. anyone who says otherwise is simply wrong.
as far as “family friendly” per se, sjbp has never promoted having a “disney on ice” type ride. most really young kids should be in bed early, not on a ride, lol. and we start late, so do the math. when asked we’ve always said the parents should ride on sjbp first before even considering having their kids of any age join a bike party ride.
and some of the funnest rides have been where people laugh about the irreverent costumes…. and those where rain threatened but never appeared or had only a slight drizzle, which is refreshing.
Sherbona
November 17, 2010
Scott,
SJBP has not been static in the past year, it has grown and that is not wrong. So maybe themes that were ok before are no longer appropriate given its size and public awareness.
As far as family friendly, I don’t think folks are asking for that, but all many of us are saying is let’s not be family hostile. Did you know that until it was brought up a few weeks ago while discussing this month’s them that this web site said (in the FAQ):
“Help us to make the ride more family-friendly. Building community through cycling should welcome all types of people! ”
Interestingly above has since quietly been changed to be “car-friendly” (which is odd since it appears under a family friendly heading).
As far as your comments regarding kids being on the ride. What about the neighorhoods we ride through – as you know we make quite a spectacle as we ride through neighorhoods, and many times parents are outside with their young children waving us on. This bird has no intention of being on this ride waving at young children while riding next to someone tricked up in their S&M gear.
scott
November 17, 2010
sherbona – families cheering us on, awkward to embarrassing to worse depending on the parent. but we’re SJ, so it’s gonna be nowhere near as bad as Bay to Breakers. besides it’s fall so it’ll be cool and it’s night time, so not much skin showing…. you did bring up your concerns earlier too, so thank you.
(note-i don’t speak for bike party, i’m only offering MY opinions and suggestions)
i think the answer that i’ve been trying to propose is that “The Torture is Over!” use this to have everyone in a grass roots effort put on your SF GIANTS colors.
why? cuz it plays into the theme and surely 80% of our riders either have or can borrow SF GIANTS shirts, jerseys, caps, flags,etc.
so out of 1000 riders, if 800 are in colors and 50 are in S&M gear, hopefully it won’t be noticed.
i respect that you (or others) don’t want to come, but at least help spread the word to get in SF GIANTS gear.
scott
November 16, 2010
@Streak-o-lite –
i agree, wear SF Giants gear if you don’t like the S&M theme.
i’d not bring kids to a ride with this theme either.
frankly i don’t like the graphic and never imagined such a racy pic would be used. but i think the sj art scene has an edge to it (that you may not be aware of) and the “crap” about helmet or no helmet, this pic may have been a way to poke fun of it.
i’m not offended, even though i think it’s more disturbing than it needs to be.
and you crack about BIRDs being Turkeys is cute and all, but i don’t take much of this criticism with much weight, cuz most is from people that don’t do any heavy lifting for making bike party run month after month. personally i think the hate of any kind has no place in bike party. we can be edgy yet follow the roads. we can disagree w/o being disagreeable,etc.
btw, the themes are announced shortly after every bike party, so this has been known for weeks now, so either people didn’t bother to look or don’t like the art work (or both).
go Giants/go S&M gear/stay home – the choice is all of yours.
Billy the Kid
November 17, 2010
>>the themes are announced shortly after every bike party, so this has been known for weeks now, so either people didn’t bother to look or don’t like the art work (or both).
<<
I really doubt it's the artwork. It's that 1) most didn't bother to look, and 2) those of us who did notice didn't see anyone inviting our feedback.
Billy the Kid
November 17, 2010
Don’t blame the BIRDs. We weren’t part of the decision-making process. Some BIRDs are refusing to participate this month because of the theme.
Rapid Robert
November 16, 2010
There’s only 30% chance of rain on Friday, and they’re always liberal with those percentages so if there’s a surprise it’s a good surprise. Come out and ride! What’s the worst that can happen? We get a little wet?!? The likely scenario has us having a GREAT ride!!!!!
And regarding the “family friendly” nature of the ride … It’s not and never was. Doesn’t mean kids aren’t welcome and it’s a great thing for them to do and experience, but if you want “family friendly” rides there are many many such rides sponsored by local bike clubs all the time. I recommend taking the kids to those. Don’t expect SJBP to be sanitized for children.
Sherbona
November 17, 2010
It’s not a question of kids particpating on the ride. It’s more a matter of the kids on the street waving us on. And why, until it was mentioned as part of this month’s controversy did the website say, ““Help us to make the ride more family-friendly. Building community through cycling should welcome all types of people! ”?
So I agree we don’t need be family friendly, but let’s not be family hostile.
ryan
November 17, 2010
I have many doubts that anyone will dress to the level of inappropriateness that you anticipate. I’m seeing studded or spiked collars and bracelets, funny make-up, leather pants or jackets, maybe high-heel boots (if it’s not too hard to ride). It’ll be pretty hard to ride with anything all that crazy, plus I don’t think the average rider owns the enormously expensive costumes that are scaring you off.
I encourage you to come out despite your anxieties. There’s no way for you to be sure that this amazing communal experience has fallen into the grasp of depravity unless you overcome your pre-conceived notions and witness it yourself.
Before I started to ride with Bike Party a few years ago, some co-workers told me not to because it was ‘full of jerks.’ I took a chance despite that and have encountered some really wonderful people. I know you’ve ridden Bike Party before, but now you’re giving yourself reasons not to because you think a theme is inappropriate. It’s fine for you to make that choice for yourself but encourage you to do otherwise. We need all the thoughtful and spirited riders we can get!
In all honesty, I thought the ‘no pants’ and ‘beach blanket bike-a-long’ had more potential for ‘inappropriateness’ than the leather-clad riders will display this month. At least this month people will have their clothes on!
Also, no one that I know of took hallucinogenic drugs for the psychedelic robot ride.
Billy the Kid
November 17, 2010
>>In all honesty, I thought the ‘no pants’ and ‘beach blanket bike-a-long’ had more potential for ‘inappropriateness’ than the leather-clad riders will display this month. At least this month people will have their clothes on!
<<
It comes down to your definition of "appropriate." I think beachwear and even underwear are far more appropriate than clothing that celebrates inflicting pain.
Renee
November 16, 2010
can’t wait!!!
yoshi
November 16, 2010
it’s the only thing that rhymes with almaden.
Billy the Kid
November 17, 2010
It doesn’t actually rhyme.
“Dance Like a Hen in Almaden” would rhyme.
Ian
November 17, 2010
Isn’t Hen a derogatory slang against women?
taken out of context you can find insult in anything…
Billy the Kid
November 17, 2010
Are you honestly suggesting this month’s theme has been taken out of context? Can’t wait for you to explain that one.
Sherbona
November 18, 2010
Ian, you think concerns regarding S&M are being taken out of context. You can’t be serious! You seem very defensive over this… were you part of the decision making process for this theme by any chance?
scott
November 17, 2010
so what about this billy? seems like it’s fun/funny –
SJBP Nov10 Theme PhotoShoot: S&M in Almaden
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=41622&id=100000600634043
ryan
November 16, 2010
Given that we ride until approx. 12:30am, I’m not sure if this was ever intended to be a family event. It’s like a concert. Bring little ones if you want, but don’t expect the amplifiers to be turned down.
scott
November 17, 2010
Ryan, I hope we do promote strongly on the web page to have the music trailers, etc to turn the music DOWN in residential neighborhoods, especially if we’re on a two lane road. 8-9pm is one thing, but after 9 on small streets or after 10pm on residential streets it’s something else… plus after 11pm we need to think a bit more.
As our trailers get more powerful we need to find a compromise. I tried to get the chariot trailer (which was awesome and had good clean and loud power) to turn it down in Willow Glen on the last ride. They didn’t want to listen and were told by the police four (4) times to turn it down on Lincoln Ave alone! Come on guys, let’s find a balance between our enjoyment and not having people hate us cuz we make far too much noise.
Thanks
Justin T
November 16, 2010
SJBP S&M photoshoot ~ Its not all that serious. We had such a fun time and the Ppl of Almaden which actually pretty amused at our project
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?cropsuccess&id=100000600634043#!/album.php?aid=41622&id=100000600634043&page=3
rnobleza
November 16, 2010
Great artwork
lazy lulu
November 16, 2010
Whats s&m mean?
Ian
November 16, 2010
http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=S%26M
Jnok
November 16, 2010
where or how can i be apart of or ride with the test riders when maping the course?
scott
November 16, 2010
“The Torture is over!” Show your colors Giants fans!
If you don’t like the theme, don’t whine about it… wear your orange and black instead!
Streak-o-lite
November 16, 2010
“Ride away from conflict” and S&M ?
I’ll stick to my own theme “GIANTS” and ride with my kids when ever the mood strikes us. Not all Kids are Kiddies, just like not all adults know how to be inclusive for everyone who rides. The ride is for ALL the citizen’s and we should respect that thought to really build community through bicycles.
Ian
November 16, 2010
themes are never enforced. feel free to participate as much as you want to.
are you really feeling excluded?
Sherbona
November 17, 2010
We have no choice with regards to participation because we have no control over who we ride next to during the ride – I, and others who have commented to me, do not feel comfortable riding through residential neighorhoods and waving at small children while being next to folks dressed up for S&M. Is this really not understood?
Ian
November 17, 2010
of course you have control of who you ride with.
simply speed up or slow down and you can control who is next to you.
Sherbona
November 18, 2010
Ian, I am speaking of the full sjbp ride, not the test ride. At the full ride if you stay in the right lane like good birds do then many times you do not have the option of speeding up or slowing down due to the sheer number of riders.
perlasum
November 18, 2010
+ 1 @ At the full ride if you stay in the right lane like good birds do then many times you do not have the option of speeding up or slowing down due to the sheer number of riders.
Rapid Robert
November 16, 2010
C’mon … I recommended an option for riding with kids. YOU’re the one excluding them because of YOUR concerns. No problem. Your call. Don’t blame me, or us.
Tyler
November 16, 2010
Damn, I won’t be able to roll out with you guys that night. D: But have a great time though, make me proud yeah?
And someone, dress up as a Giants baseball player. Heheh.
George the fast
November 16, 2010
Yeea bikeee partyyy!!! Kant waittt this one is gana be funnn
Manuel Puentes
November 16, 2010
I’m rolling out in my underwear, with a dog collar around my neck, rain or shine! Gonna be an exciting ride!
Ian
November 17, 2010
sounds cold
best plan layers …
SafeRider
November 17, 2010
Hey guys dont trip over the theme! come out and have a good time!
anyone know how to get info on the ride/ directions this month?
ryan
November 17, 2010
All the details will be posted tomorrow.
Jnok
November 17, 2010
In any case dealing with a group this big no ones ever going to be fully satisfied with any reply’s or any one theme the fact is you either love to ride and enjoy the experience of watching weirdos (thats just my opinion like assholes everyones got one) or you can stay close minded and not learn about others intrests. i have never and dont find s&m fun but i enjoy riding i think theres bigger issues to disscuss. i have two kids of my own i coach my sons team but i would never take them to a SJBP unless it was held during the day and i felt comfortable with the theme. and if we rode by my house my kids would not participate this theme as i donot think it would be appropriate for them. Besides i find it quite refreshing to have my adult time enjoying night rides and crazy lights and freakishly funny looking people. to each his own the only thing stopping this off work dad on friday would be the rain. “BIKE PARTAY”
ryan
November 17, 2010
Well put!
Ian
November 17, 2010
Don’t let the rain stop you… if anything clouds usually make for a warmer night…
I will be bringing my thermos of tea and will be having a great time.
Townie Bill
November 17, 2010
Damn fine art I’d say!
Honey, where’s my gagball?
scott
November 17, 2010
ltmi townie bill, ltmi
dora
November 17, 2010
LETS DO IT! not into leather but lets parrrrtaaaeeeeeeee!!! whoot whoot
LB
November 17, 2010
For a little context here, I’m a 9-years-running Burning Man attendee, deeply involved in that community, and brought my kids out there for their first time when they were 10 and 12. So the disappointment I have with the S(&M) theme is clearly not about any narrow-minded worry of over-exposure. I also happen to be a thick-skinned professional artist, having also done years of work and study in design and communications. The core goal of these latter tasks is to keep both your mission and optimum audience in sharp focus. I’m also a first generation BIRD, and have helped out with my planning voice, pre-rides, signage, traffic control, etc, whenever I’m available.
As others have pointed out well, we have veered quite suddenly from our long-held mission of extending our bicycle community to lovely folk everywhere (who are not infamously drunken douches), as was so clearly stated in “Help us to make the ride more family-friendly. Building community through cycling should welcome all types of people!”
But the other thing that makes this theme enormously different than other edgy themes is its severe lack of imagination. “Mustache Ride” and “No Pants Ride” for instance, were both hilarious and conceptually provocative, not just because they pretended to be a little naughty, but because they really brought to the table such inspiring potential to RE-interpret and participate. Essentially, this S(&)M theme lacks both our kinder community mindedness for safe-feeling inclusion AND the prompting creativity many have come to expect from SJBP.
Prescribed bedtimes are not the issue. And of course attention to the theme is as optional as is showing up to the ride. (Unless you happen to live along the route!) I don’t at all suggest we avoid maintaining an edge. Only that we take a few more minutes to run a theme through the filters of the larger picture, with as much care as we admirably invest in our pre-rides. We can do far better than this, my friends, and I know we will.
Rubber side down. That is, if you’re into that sort of thing…
Sherbona
November 17, 2010
As our British friends say, “spot on”!
scott
November 17, 2010
“severe lack of imagination” you say? we didn’t need four paragraphs to expand on that….
i see a few of you are upset and are sharing your feelings (thank you); but finding a workable solution is better. the easiest, low hanging fruit solution is the “fear the beard” SF Giants fans dress up in orange and black. haven’t heard anyone supporting that yet. (added Giants gear on the forums too)
it’ll be really tough to change the graphic at this late hour … besides, the theme is not going to change. so come up with something creative explanation for “s&m” to stand for is my suggestion, lol.
some potential examples:
s&m = snow and mud, singing & music, sharing & munching, seven up & mogo’s
Billy the Kid
November 17, 2010
There was a Mustache Ride??!!!! OMG that IS clever! Wish I had been around in those days!
Good points, LB.
moya
November 17, 2010
Why? Why does it “Essentially, this S(&)M theme lacks both our kinder community mindedness for safe-feeling inclusion AND the prompting creativity many have come to expect from SJBP.” You’re free to re-interpret S&M in Almaden all you want!
S&M in Almaden:
* Sun & Moon in Almaden
* Sandy & Muddy in Almaden
* Sales & Marketing in Almaden
* Science & Math in Almaden
* Slave & Master in Almaden
* Spaghetti & Meatballs in Almaden
* Scrubbing & Mopping in Almaden
* Sex & Money in Almaden
See? You can define it any way you want! Don’t get so caught up in your own offense that you forget how to use your own imaginations. All you folks who are offended by the theme can get together and dress as Science and Math geeks.
Moya
Sherbona
November 18, 2010
It’s not a matter of “offense”. I’ve been to some exotic erotic balls s etc… Just think it’s inappropriate as a themed ride and is unecessarily divisive and dark.
As far as interpretation of S&M, c’mon get real. Please check out the artwork again at http://www.sjbikeparty.org/ for how it’s interpreted.
perlasum
November 18, 2010
+ 1 IMO
Streak-o-lite
November 20, 2010
With you LB, been a BRC citizen since 2000 and I’m not unfamiliar with radical self expression, but as long as I can walk or ride away I’m fine with it. That’s not the case as we parade on an aggressive theme in what many hope will encourage riding and the spirit of community through a positive experience for everyone.
Switch blades and Samurai’s in Saratoga. It’s all good fun until someone gets their head cut off.
“your doing it wrong” towel
Spliffer
November 17, 2010
Some of the comments are quite amusing.
Bike Party always throws us a few “edgy” and “fun themes” every year to keep us all guessing and “funcused”.
The “movement” was founded in that vein and this month’s theme is a way for Bike Party to revisit it’s wacky roots.
All the “hand-wringing” is just unnecessary. We will all wake-up on Saturday morning and realize that these concerns were all over-blown.
In my 20 months of Bike Party experience, I would wager that, we will get — perhaps — 10 to 15 percent of riders observing the theme and the grand-majority of bicyclist will be along for the ride, the music, the experience and the fun of sharing the experience with friends and the SJBP community.
The “No-Pants Ride” had about .5 to 1 percent compliance in a group of over 2800 and the whole message of the theme and the ride was a dare: Do you dare ride without pants?
Let’s just chill, put on our funny-bone, follow the rules of the road, “pick up our trash” because — to drop some classic Bob Marley on ya’: “everything is gonna be alright”.
Bike Party forever!
scott
November 17, 2010
speaking of stats, we have 6,231 followers on facebook, and 5-10 followers are upset? or is that just the tip of the iceberg. most of these that are upset are guys? hmm, interesting.
Doc Hawk
November 17, 2010
Yep, I agree with Spliffer; it’s all good. IMO, all of the comments are legitimate here, either way.
Here’s an idea… what might actually be possible is on future bike parties, we might organize an alternative, yet somewhat-associated route with a different theme, simultaneously. It would be awesome for there to be more than one party scene offering more freedom of choice. Having one humongous ride is fun; but it seems like there’s now sufficient numbers of participants that more than one big, fun group is possible… Some fast endurance riders could even try to do both; or, if one ride became awkward for you (like if you notice your ex is on it), split over to the other one. Imagine… bike parties take over the entire valley! Similar to last month’s multi-start location ride, only with less commonly-shared route (like share a synchronized regroup or two).
Rapid Robert
November 18, 2010
We have a new member of the Route Team!!!! 8^)
CyciumX
November 17, 2010
Would have been nice to have S&M in not so cold weather
Maybe its because I grew up watching the Bay to Breakers or Going to Carnaval in the City, but adults being adults in front of whoever and whomever is willing to watch does not seem obscene to me. Really. You go to anyone of those events and you will see nudity and leather… sometimes whipped cream and sometimes balloons. You will also see families on the sidelines. Daughters on shoulders and sons on Trail-a-bikes with mom and dad flashing away at the camera…. This isn’t any different.
It really shouldn’t be a deal breaker for you anyways. If it is really that disturbing – then sit it out or go ride somewhere and have your own fun. If next months theme suits you better then come on out then.
I don’t own it – you don’t own it… we own it together and if you ever had roommates.. sometimes all you can do is agree to disagree.
Maybe someday SJBP will have a theme I don’t care for…. I’ll try and attempt the other 5 billion hobbies I have and do something else.
Its a party – you either show up or you don’t.
Tanner
November 17, 2010
You are spending way too much energy on this theme discussion this month. Relax … it’s a bike ride. Numbers don’t matter to those who love to ride their bikes. :]
SteveSgt
November 19, 2010
S&M? Then instead of riding my recumbent, I’ll ride the torture instrument that places a vinyl (or perhaps even leather, oooh!) wedge forcefully between my legs. Oh, I mean I’ll probably ride my conventional bicycle. Kinky, eh?
Richard
November 17, 2010
Sadly I can’t go this time, so I will give away my awesome costume idea. It is for a group who doesn’t want to dress in S&M stuff. You all get black suits from somewhere, maybe even goodwill, but they have to look slick. And maybe borrow a nice looking watch. The idea is that you all go as James Bond. A bunch of Bonds. In other words Bondage
. I thought it was clever but since I can’t use it I donate it to all of you.
shennanigan9
November 18, 2010
Although S&M sounds interesting, maybe next year we can do “be a turkey” theme? I mean at least it gives people the opportunity to dress up their bikes if they wanted. I’m curious to see how the S&M theme will be represented on the bikes. On people? Been there, seen that, go down leather alley during Pride Parade in SF.. nothing new. Oh well guess we’ll just have to see! Ride safe everyone!
Townie Bill
November 18, 2010
I say, choose your own S&M adventure:
Perhaps “Seahorses and Monsters” or maybe “Scaramouch and Mortality”
What about “Seduction and Monogamy”.
This requires more beer.
I’m with Moya.
Justin T
November 18, 2010
haha i like Seduction and Monogamy!… its almost a safe comprimise. though how ever you disguise it.. we all know.
high cadence
November 18, 2010
there’s been themes i haven’t liked but i showed up and rode the ride anyway. why? because i love riding my bike. even in the rain – riding through puddles is soo much fun!
tomorrow, at ride time, will be wet…and cold – kudos to those who show up – huge kudos to those show up in sex-a-fide outfits!
somebody slap my ass at a red light party!
suave
November 18, 2010
The rain sounds like a major buzz kill.
D. Rod
November 18, 2010
Chiiiiiiiiilllll people. Honestly there will probably be no more than 15-20 people actually dressed up in S&m. I doubt there will be any overload of skin showing becuase it will be cold and rainy. If you can’t handle it. Sit this one out. Well, Anyways….BIKE PARTY!!!! Let’s go out and ride!!!
sanjosebikeblog
November 18, 2010
“What now?…Let me tell you what now… I’ma call a few…hardened, fixie riders…who’ll go to work this friday with a pair of handlebars and an extra tube….You hear me talkin’ fellow bike partiers!? I ain’t through with this bike just yet… I’ma get medieval on this route!!”
Ian
November 18, 2010
the route has been posted….
high cadence
November 18, 2010
did i just see a jack in the box s&m commercial? hahaha
Ian
November 18, 2010
LOL you did
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PLdOhkHi1aw
Spliffer
November 18, 2010
I am really surprised that some of the more “iconic” and “most admired and respected” Bike Party volunteers have come under such sustained attacks to the point where they have to defend themselves over this month’s theme.
This is so unfair my bicycling brethren. First, it shows total ignorance on the part of the critics of how the process of choosing a theme works.
And it shows a certain self-righteous-arrogance by a majority of the critics who don’t sacrifice — yet — are the first to voice their opinions about all things Bike Party from the comfort of their warm and fuzzy computer desks.
It is “totally unfair” to the “volunteers” who put in so much of their time and effort that allows this bicycling community to thrive and become the most fun event in the South Bay.
Lighten-up folks!
Bike Party should not be just chocolate and vanilla.
It has to include all varieties in-between — or it will definitely lose it’s “flava”.
Folks quit acting as if you are living in a Mid-West or Bible-belt “zip code”.
Just think of this month’s theme as something like; “Beach -Blanket Babylon” meets Bike Party on the streets of San Jose.
You should have fun with these provocative themes.
Peace and Bike Party Forever!
high cadence
November 18, 2010
i’m sure if we were in a more liberating city, there would be more people having fun with this theme lol.
Ashley
November 18, 2010
Amen. Ironically of course.
Sherbona
November 19, 2010
Spliffer, what website have you been reading? I have not seen “sustained attacks on most admired and respected” bike party volunteers here in the comments for the various articles or in the forum. I have seen some healthy debate that possibly points to the need for some processes to become more transparent.
You say this is a “self-rightous-arrogance” by a majority of critics who don’t sacrifice. Uhh… I volunteer, many of the people who have sent me emails expressing their discomfort with this month’s theme volunteer. From another perspective the “arrogance” is in the attitude that there should be no criticism, that mistakes are never made.
As to ignorance of how the theme process work – two of the Vision points in our Mission statement are:
“Emprowering & Inclusive”
“Collaborative & Transparent”
So now (or maybe better at the next mixer meeting) would be a great time for you to educate everyone on this theme-selection process and who makes the final decision since there is no such process outlined on the website and it has not come up in the volunteer activities or sessions that I’ve participated in.
Finally just because some feel that this month’s theme is inappropriate (not necessarily offended, just inappropriate) given that our mission statement is “Building community through bicycling”, that doesn’t make it right for you to get so defensive and start hurling “mid-west bible-belt” comments and such. Let’s keep discussions productive.
scott
November 19, 2010
i think spliffer was trying to say it’s a ton of energy spent in an argumentative debate. move on. enjoy the december ride and let others enjoy the november ride in a little drizzle while you’re dry in the comfort of your home tonight.
high cadence
November 19, 2010
if we had an all inclusive process to determine themes, routes, et cetera, SJBP would get nowhere, like our government. SJBP would turn into a yearly ride, rather than a monthly ride and for the sake of keeping the party moving, not having an ALL inclusive process is a sacrifice i’m willing to accept. and everyone else should too.
in the mean time, go here:
http://www.sjbikeparty.org/mingleforum?mingleforumaction=viewforum&f=3.0
and
http://wiki.sjbikeparty.org/wiki/Theme_ideas
i’ve been a bad man…spank me – harder -HARDER! oh yeah baby, that’s how i like it!
Justin T
November 19, 2010
HAH
Katie
November 18, 2010
To the few people voicing protest over the theme: You’re allowed to have a difference in opinion, you’re allowed to not dress up, and you’re allowed to not attend. You won’t be the first riders to sit out on Bike Party night because you disapprove of something we do, and you won’t be the last. Fine by me.
For those of you who want to do a Giant’s themed costume, please research Brian Wilson and “The Machine.” Even our beloved ballplayers enjoy some lighthearted S&M fun!
For the record, I’ll be wearing more clothes at this ride than I did during the no pants ride. And I’m not going to be wearing much! That said, I doubt anyone will be wearing anything REALLY inappropriate.
scott
November 18, 2010
yup, the reaction of the foxsports guy was classic, it’s all just an attempt to be lighthearted and funny:
Brian Wilson: Return of the Machine
Sherbona
November 19, 2010
If a theme is going to cause misunderstanding with the public with regards to what we are about, cause sjbp volunteers (more than just “a few” judging by emails I’ve received) to temporarily limit their participation, cause divisiveness instead of promoting fun and comradery, is it really a theme worth having?
To me even if I thought a theme was light-hearted and fun but seemed to cause some discomfort for some long-time particiapants and volunteers, rather than essentially saying to these folks ‘fine don’t come, I don’t give a rat’s ass’, I would prefer to change the theme or at least attempt a dialog to understand the other point of view for discussion at a future meeting; a meeting to get focus back on what’s really important – riding bikes!
Ian
November 19, 2010
Dude the horse is dead … everyone has heard your point.
the theme will be different next month i promise.
Theres no reason to change an optional theme at this point.
Sherbona
November 19, 2010
Understood
Patti
November 18, 2010
Looking forward to it!! Coming from SF! yay!
Rapid Robert
November 18, 2010
Check out the satellite pictures here: http://www.nrlmry.navy.mil/sat-bin/display10.cgi?SIZE=thumb&PHOT=yes&AREA=pacific/eastern/pacus&PROD=vapor&NAV=epac_westcoast&DISPLAY=Latest&CGI=epac_westcoast.cgi&CURRENT=20101119.0400.goes11.vis.x.pacus.x.jpg&MOSAIC_SCALE=15
Run the animation and you’ll see that the rain they’re predicting is very weak. Yes there’s a good chance we’ll see rain tomorrow, but it’ll probably be very light and variable. C’mon out and ride! It’ll be a little adventure!!!
lowflyingturtle
November 18, 2010
I’m new to San Jose and the bike party idea sounds awesome! I live really close to Coleman and Meridian…is it a good idea to try to meet up with you guys there so I don’t drive to the start? Any idea when you’ll be around mile marker 9 or 10?
high cadence
November 19, 2010
i’m guessing, as rapid robert is, around 9′ish as well.
scott
November 19, 2010
the problem with missing the start from 7:30-8pm is that you miss that energy and the chance to meet more people.
i think why the posting is recommending not parking at the start at all is it’s not clear if the cars could be towed… but if you’re not far from the start location in a parking lot, then why not start there.
there’s that city of SJ lot on Union behind the shopping center where PW used to be. does anyone know about that? should have space for 100-200 bike party cars to park there. seems ideal! can anyone help out with this?
Rapid Robert
November 19, 2010
That spot is after the first regroup. I’d guess the first riders will be there around 9:00ish. I’d recommend riding over to the first regroup site about 8:45.
lowflyingturtle
November 19, 2010
Thanks!
francisco medina
November 19, 2010
What’s the address for the start of the bike party by great america
Ian
November 19, 2010
you mean the preride?
http://www.yelp.com/biz/subway-santa-clara-8
is the subway address…
scott
November 19, 2010
it’s where AMC Mercado 20 Theaters are, visible right off of hwy 101, between Great America and Lawrence Expy!
high cadence
November 19, 2010
just a FYI. you don’t always need an address when searching on google maps. using major cross streets is just as affective.
Rapid Robert
November 19, 2010
Run the animation linked above and you’ll see this system is petering out! Rain?!? More like periodic drizzle! Dress in layers and prepare for real rain and you’ll probably not need it.
Jahlaen
November 19, 2010
“TORTURE NEVER FELT THIS GOOD!”
Do I have aberrant sadomasochistic tendencies?
Hell no!
SF Giants Baseball 2010… from an “avid-maniacal Giants baseball fan”.
Let your crative mood express itself folks and have tons of fun….
Qwynek
November 19, 2010
I started riding my bicycle in August because of Bike Party, after not having ridden it for 3+years. Thank you Bike Party for reminding me how fun it is to ride my bicycle. I’ll be there to ride and play the role of voyeur. Riding my bicycle is a non-sexual experience that makes me feel good.
Rockin Ed
November 19, 2010
Get ready riders, the clock is ticking. It is almost FUN TIME again. Bike party rocks!
George the fast
November 19, 2010
Wat is the adresss for the one in Campbell
Doc Hawk
November 19, 2010
635 Technology Parkway
Campbell, CA
scott
November 19, 2010
you may/may not be able to park there! we may need volunteers to direct traffic away from certain areas at ALL starts.
and when we get into the regroups stay as deep into the lot as possible but stay FAR AWAY from open stores and let car drivers go in and out of the parking lots.
(let’s not piss off drivers and retailers)
STARTING POINT, areas nearby:
park at own risk, watch for tow away signs… and don’t repeat the sears debacle where so many drivers parked right in the middle of the start. wth?
you’re gonna ride for 20+ miles. don’t be so lazy, let the core start areas on all rides be CAR FREE (we had 2 trucks ignore BIRDs and push into the edge of our volunteer circle at sears. wth?)
note: part of the reason for bike party is to show how much fun it can be (and useful) to be car free. parking in the middle of our starts gives “the finger” to this whole movement imho.
Justin T
November 19, 2010
Some of my friends are having trouble getting to the Campbell Tech Park.
An option Im telling them is to head to the Pruneyard and cycle about a mile to the Start Point. The pruneyard is popular enough to know and its the end point as well.
Hope this helps anybody who might be confused
(also hope they won’t be towing anybody)
Pruneyard to Tech Park (START) Directions
1875 South Bascom Ave
Campbell, California 95008
park in the parking garage at the back of pruneyard
(near hwy 17/880)
(two entrances/exits of the garage, south and northeast sides)
go out of garage past tall black glass office buildings
go to the right of Outback Steakhouse
look for the traffic light (at Campbell Ave)
go thru the light (you’re now on Union Ave)
Turn right at E Mcglincy Ln.
Turn right at Campbell Technology Pkwy
655 Campbell Technology Pkwy
Campbell, CA 95008
Cfixed
November 19, 2010
There’s plenty of parking on Railway Ave and the Winchester VTA park n ride. Right across the street from Safeway. I’ve been in the area for 9 years. So your car will be safe. Campbell technology park is not too far from those two spots.
Justin T
November 19, 2010
S&M in Almaden = Sanfranciscogiants & Machine
360
November 19, 2010
3 hours to go…
Almost time to crack the whip! Whhhaaaaaappppiiiiisshhhhhh
Oh relax everyone and have a good time