This months theme is the Formal ride so get dressed up and get ready to ride. Don’t forget a corsage for your special lady. The night promises to be a night full of awkward dancing and even awkwarder kisses. Please remember to keep your outfit clear of your chain so you don’t have a wardrobe malfunction and end up as the only one at the dance without pants.
The weather looks to be fantastic but as always you need to be prepared for anything.
Remember your lights and follow How We Ride! Be safe, legal, and courteous! Encourage good behavior!
Route and More after the drop…
Route information
- PDF file with turn-by-turn directions and route map. (Easiest to download and contains zoomed in regroup mini-maps)
- RideWithGPS Map and cue sheet
- Map from MapMyRide (new)
- Map from MapMyRide (classic)
Parking
Please avoid parking at the start location so there is room for everyone at the start. Try a feeder ride to get to the start. If you do have to drive, you should be able to find parking across the street from the start.
Feeder rides
Feeder rides are a great way to get to Bike Party They allow you to make great friends and get to know people who live near you. They also make it super easy to get back home as a group as most folks ride home with the group they arrived with. You save the planet and save on parking while getting a little bit more exercise. It’s all good.
- NSJ/SC Led by Ian from Mercado – Meet in front of Mexicali Grill – Leaving at 6:45
- Downtown SJ – Led by Alex – Meet in front of City Hall – Meet at 6:00pm, leaving at 6:15pm
- East Side – Led by Matt – Meet at Home Depot at Story and White. Leaving at 5:20pm. Will meet Downtown SJ ride on the way.
- Campbell - Led by Ed – Meet at Campbell Community Center at 6:00pm. Leaving at 6:15pm sharp!
- West SJ – Led by Lloyd – Meet near Lawrence and Prospect near Boston Market around 6:30pm. Will wait for Campbell ride to pick us up.
- Your neighborhood? (let us know in comments below if you want to lead a ride)
Mike G
May 16, 2011
The weather looks good, “location” sounds fun, I’ve completely redone my music trailer, it’s smaller, better looking and twice as loud, I can’t wait!!!
Bikeparty!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Rider 44
May 17, 2011
Yes, my anticipation for this ride is palpable.
May 2010 Music Madness was my very first SJBP ride and looking back at how this year has progressed just amazes me.
I had no idea so many people could be so passionate about cycling and be able to come together and create something like this.
The routes, the themes, the music trailers, the vibe, the people, the food, the miles, the new experiences, the new friends, So many new memories.
I’ve worn out two bells this year already and just installed my third bell last month. Bike Partayyyy!!!!!
Rider 44
May 17, 2011
To the volunteer that created this ride art….
Nice!
As my dad used to say….
That looks elegant swellegant!
pizzasfortires
May 18, 2011
lets ride. I have a nasty goodwill suit that needs to be wrecked.
vegancommuter
May 18, 2011
Are there still little punks on bmx bikes that enjoy fucking with cars and riding in front of them while partaking in these rides? Would like to go on another one but hesitant based on previous experience.
Yeah, I know, we can’t control everyone.
Rider 44
May 18, 2011
You bring up some excellent points vegancommuter. However, it’s been my experience that when one accuses riders of a certain type of bicycle of having certain shortcomings, the original argument gets lost as each side defends their views. Some months back someone accused fixie riders of something and I honestly don’t recall what the original argument was about, just that fixie riders don’t take those views lying down. So, for the sake of this discussion moving forward productively,
can we all just drop the style of bike and work on the issue, ‘fucking with cars and riding in front of them’? I’m pretty sure that’s your core point, right?
I wholeheartedly agree with you that people messing with cars goes against the ‘how we ride’ message that SJBP promotes.
But the good news is, we actually *can* control people quite well.
Now don’t get me wrong, the BIRDs can’t do it, the cops can’t do it, you alone can’t do it.
But together, we *can* do it.
How do I know? Because I’ve seen SJBP do it before. The cyclists with SJBP can indeed control the majority of the riders.
If you look back in the old notes from last summer,
July and August were seriously out of hand. Two big black eyes for SJBP.
September and October, however, were just about as perfect as anybody could hope for.
What was the difference?
Now some may say, ‘the hub made September a closed ride so not many people came’. But that’s not really what happened. That wouldn’t also explain the improvement October saw too. What really happened is that everybody stepped up and OWNED the ride. And I mean everybody. September actually had a pretty good turnout considering it was not publicized in the usual way. But everybody riding realized how important it was to own the ride, and they did. It was really amazing for me to see how everybody was calling out bad behavior and the bad behavior ceased to exist.
I predict that if 80% of the cyclists this May decide to just ride and not take an active part in encouraging good behavior, we will have problems this summer.
However, if 20% of the cyclists this May actually remember what last July and August were like and decide to step up and own the ride, we will have an amazing summer we can all be proud of.
It really can happen. I saw it happen last fall and I know it can happen this summer. We just all have to want it bad enough and take action accordingly.
So what can you do to help make this happen?
1) Encourage good behavior by calling it out, ‘Red Light Party! Thank you for stopping!’ (in a positive happy voice)
2) Discourage bad behavior by calling it out, ‘Please stay to the right. Thank you!’ (in a positive happy voice)
3) Back up a BIRD. If you hear a BIRD giving directions, voice your agreement so the recipient knows the BIRD is backed up.
It really is this easy, honest. We all just have to want it bad enough.
Can we do it?!
Rapid Robert
May 19, 2011
While not disagreeing with Rider44 who makes excellent points above, the September ride was also heavy on police presence along the route. I submit it was the combination that produced the results for that month. The surprise distribution of that route certainly swelled the BIRDs list, but the jury’s still out on whether all those new BIRDs are actively BIRDing or just there for the information release next time the route is distributed that way. Please, I mean absolutely no disrespect for them. The rides are all way better because of both their interest AND obvious activity.
To answer the OP though, the rides HAVE been much better behaved since September. The best way to solve the problem you mentioned is for the maximum number of considerate riders (like you) to participate, thereby swamping the knuckleheads to insignificance. Please ride with us!
vegancommmuter
May 19, 2011
You’re right Rider 44. Doesn’t matter what they were riding, shouldn’t off called that out. On the other hand…Sharks/playoffs this Friday, going to have to get in on next month’s ride instead.
Rider 44
May 20, 2011
No worries, I have a similar problem when I see huge SUV’s. I’m trying to get better…
That’s too bad you’re going to miss tonight, it’s a great route. Tivo maybe?
Holy cow I can’t believe I typed that much on Weds, guess I was tired of being at work…
Billy the Kid
May 20, 2011
My fellow Vegan,
I agree with Rapid Robert. We have improved since last summer. The September ride was an effeictive wake-up call for many.
More good riders like yourself will help keep us on the right track and help make the douchebags realize that they don’t fit in with us and that such antagonistic behavior doesn’t belong.
Hope to see you there tonight, vegancommmuter.
ridebmxnaked
May 19, 2011
yeah, ill see you there
Spliffer
May 18, 2011
I am so excited!
Following on the heels of last month’s awesome ride through East San Jose, I feel like we are building up to another winner this Friday.
The weather should be perfect for Bike Party.
It seems like “Mother Nature” is making-up for the “crucial gut check” she tossed our way over the winter.
My “Zoot-suit” is dusted and ready to be showcased on Friday night.
Just showing up to scope out the parade of “Haute couture” on wheels will be “great theatre” and makes this Friday a “can’t miss event”.
I just have to show up to see how the Bike Party Community pulls this off this “formal affair”…
You continue to “dazzle” the imagination with these fun themes that makes SJ Bike Party the “greatest party on wheels” — in America today — bar none.
Bike party forever…
Ian
May 18, 2011
Themes are all decided at the Volunteer meetings. Show up and make make your mark on bike party
Rapid Robert
May 19, 2011
I really like the prom spin on the “formal” theme for this ride, but thought I’d remind everyone that “formal” for a bike party ride can be as diverse as the ridership. Could mean spandex racing equipment. Could be a clean bike and shirt. Long sleeved white shirt? Could be a white tie tux or prom dress. Certainly tweed! Maybe just ride formally (look at “how we ride”) if you normally blow it off. Everyone’ll dig it!
atnms
May 19, 2011
Great take on the theme Rapid!
mark m
May 19, 2011
What is the route? Where is the start?
Blindog
May 19, 2011
Bringing along some new riders this time. Always wanting to ride but never doing it. Finally owning up and getting out there. Introduce yourself and have fun! Looking forward to another fun ride.
ridenaked
May 19, 2011
someone post the start point on here when its up? I dont wanna see the map
Alex
May 19, 2011
Down Town San Jose
Meet at Santa Clara & Fourth Street
In front of City Hall
Leaving at 6:15pm
sebastian
May 19, 2011
how many people are supposed to atend this bike party?
Spliffer
May 19, 2011
Dude to show up to find out.
Nobody knows until the count tomorrow, eh…
Tian
May 19, 2011
Ride starts at Toys R Us in Sunnyvale on El Camino. 7:something PM. See you there! Bike Paarrtay!
route scouter
May 20, 2011
instead of “toy’s r us” i think we’d be more toward the Pep Boys at the east side of the parking lot. the toy’s ‘r us will be packed, there is also lots of cars there cuz of the restaurants (Five Guys Burgers, Pizza My Heart, Rubios, Panera Bread, etc)
there is also a Safeway and a 24hr gym… but at the east end is the PetSmart (?) and the Pep Boys
people with cars really need to park ACROSS the street but not to close to Sports Authority, Sprouts, etc. .. and cross LEGALLY.
@_The_King
May 20, 2011
Should I be a Leader for East Side San Jose?
Kohl’s parking lot on the corner of McKee and Jackson?
Alex
May 20, 2011
Woooooot! Go East Side go!
@_The_King
May 20, 2011
I’m going to check with some friend and see if they want to lead with me.
If any bikers from East Side San Jose want to lead also, reply to this post.
If all goes well, the meeting location would be Kohl’s Mckee & Jackson @ 6PM.
(That is not confirmed yet.)
I’ll confirm that at 4PM today (5/20).
If it’s a no-go, I’m just going to meet-up at San Jose City Hall with Alex.
atnms
May 20, 2011
@Alex
@_The_King
… My friend Matt is also leading a ride the EastSide from Home Depot on Story. We should link up somehow. Txt me 408 806 8703. we wanna leave @ 5:20p and meet up with the DTSJ CityHall Feeder!
~ atnms
Steve Hamel
May 20, 2011
Extreme Hazard in Route Legs 5,6,7 ***** El Camino Real ******
Safer Route:
Take California to Del Medio
Left at Del Medio
Right at Miller
Cross Bike Bridge at end of Miller and continue onto Wilkie
Wilkie to Carolina (or Tennessee)
Right at Carolina to Park
Left at Park
Resume original route
Happy trails
yoshi
May 20, 2011
your route is fine if you have 5 people.
Steve Hamel
May 20, 2011
How does the number of riders change route safety?
Ian
May 20, 2011
if you want to have input on the route you should ride a testride. This is not the place or time to be suggesting changes.
this route has been tested and found to be safe by our dedicated group of test riders.
atnms
May 20, 2011
I 2nd Ian
Rider 44
May 20, 2011
Hi Steve,
I understand your question. Been there myself too.
One thing I learned after I’d been on a few test rides and heard the more experienced cyclists discussing route options, there really is a huge difference between planning a route for 20 and planning a route for several hundred or more.
And when they get into the thousands, it’s prolly a whole ‘nother kettle o fish.
I have learned so much this past year, it’s been great. When people recommend participating in a test ride, everybody should try it out, they are awesome!
David
davey jones
May 20, 2011
@ Ian
I have a party of three which will be riding with your from Mercado.
Ian
May 20, 2011
Cool it’s always nice to have company
Rider 44
May 20, 2011
Can someone familiar with the start place please clarify where the volunteer circle will be. Sometimes I have trouble finding it until after it’s almost over.
Also, if there is a group of volunteers that will be counting people at a spot along the route, Evi and I would like to try helping there this month.
Thanks!
David
family bikers
May 20, 2011
We’d love to come out to see and maybe participate. Can we just join mid-route?
What time do you anticipate the party getting to Palo Alto at University and Middlefield (around mile 12 -13)? With around 2 to 3,000 people, would it take about a half hour to clear a certain section?
Ian
May 20, 2011
sure but your on your own for getting home.
i would suggest joining at a regroup
family bikers
May 20, 2011
Thanks for the reply. We’re thinking of doing a loop…
(university–>middlefield–>reverse way on oregon–> join back bikers around mile 10 and follow bikers to mile 13 where our house is).
Thats why we’re wondering: if we join the start of the ride when it hits University and loop back on oregon expwy, will there still be a good crowd on mile 10 ? Ie, how long do the bikers usually clear an intersection?
rapid robert
May 20, 2011
They’ll be stretched out because of the lights on University, and
i’d look for them around 10 – 10:s0. Better to go to
Stanford and join the crowd there. You’ll get the downtown experience then too!
family bikers
May 20, 2011
Maybe we’ll just join at University and ride that stretch. Thanks for the ideas!
Matt
May 20, 2011
@alex
So I am hosting the east side ride to dtsj @500 and I will be Rolling at 520 approximately
I will be the one on the white bike
Sherbona
May 20, 2011
Looking forward to tonight… here’s hoping that the folks with sound systems are broadcasting the sharks game (98.5 FM) – and that the sharks actually win this one!
Sherbona
May 20, 2011
http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_18101698?IADID
Peninsula braces for traffic snarls from bike ride
—————————————————————
“Several Peninsula cities are bracing for an organized bike ride through city streets Friday night that is expected to present some traffic tangles from Sunnyvale to Palo Alto.
Palo Alto police put out an alert that bike riders could snarl traffic from 7:30 p.m. to midnight, with as many as 1,000 bike riders possible. A group called San Jose Bike Party has details on the bike ride on its website, which lays out a course that runs into the night from Mountain View to the Stanford University campus.
Palo Alto police warn of “significant delays” for area residents who find themselves on the bikers’ route, although they stress that they do not consider the event a safety issue. “
Spliffer
May 20, 2011
Hey, it’s perfect weather for a Bike Party!
It’s the “coolest” and most affable crowd in the Bay Area.
The food is awesome and the music mixes sets the perfect tone.
Bike Party is: { (infectious + contagious) = “OUTRAGEOUS” }
I can’t shake that feeling of just having fun with my bicycling brethren.
Let’s keep it very safe, respect and own the ride, take care of each other and make it a pleasant and memorable experience.
Peace and Bike Party forever!
Rider 44
May 20, 2011
I hear that. I can’t figure out which one of us is more stoked about tonight, you or me?
Hey Spliffer, I don’t know if we’ve met before. If you see a tandem with a tall antenna & a sign on it that says, ‘spoke cards’, ride on over and say hey.
David
Giffy
May 20, 2011
The directions say it starts at 730 but the main formal ride page says 800. Could someone please clarify the real start time?
Thank you
Rider 44
May 20, 2011
Here you go.
The ‘wheels hit the street’ at 8:00 sharp. That’s when SJBP always gets rolling for the main ride.
But the start location is ALWAYS a real fun place before we get rolling. If you show up at 7:55 you’ll miss a bunch of the fun. Lots to see, lots to experience. I usually aim to arrive before 7:40.
Hope that helps,
David
Giffy
May 20, 2011
Thank you David that helps a lot. I definitely want to get there sooner so I can enjoy the pre ride fun
Thanks,
Andy
Jonathan Powers
May 20, 2011
I LOVE THE IDEA OF FEEDER RIDES!!! That being said i love the one that is meeting at mercado tonight. if my vote counts for anything i say always have a feeder ride from there!!! Cant wait for tonight, my first ride in a few months!!! Ride smart, and safe everyone!!! =-)
Ian
May 20, 2011
well i lead the NSJ/SC ride
pretty much every month we either meet at mercado or rivermark depending on where the ride is starting..
mich
May 21, 2011
wow. Now I know who were the cyclists who occupied the lanes on rengstorff avenue a few minutes ago on my way home. I guess, it’s cool to have such event. but blasting loud music isn’t the cool way to go when you are passing by the residential neighborhood. one of the cyclists had really loud music along the way – that’s very inconsiderate when you are passing through a residential area at midnight. (i can tolerate some inexperience cyclists who didn’t make the hand signal and they just cut right in front of my car – but the music thing gotta stop when it’s late at night.)