By Ike Greca

December is a special time of year for those of us who love bikes. Many of us received our first bikes for Christmas. In December we gather to celebrate the holidays with all of our Bike Party family. The last few years we have celebrated Christmas by riding though the lit up neighborhoods of the South Bay while spreading good cheer. This year we will continue to celebrate that tradition while wearing pajamas and sipping hot cocoa. It’s too soon to tell but you might want to wear your waterproof PJs on the ride because there is a possibility of rain. Weather looks to be cold but dry. Perfect for your flannel jammies, though we still recommend layers.

Remember to thank all of the SJBP elves that you see on corners and to keep the caroling down after 10:00 PM as the Scrooges of the world need their sleep.

Information on the route and more after the drop …

BIRDs

BIRDs are our wonderful volunteers that attempt to keep everyone on our rides safe. Please be respectful of their directions and thank them for all of the effort they put into the ride. If you want to help out and make your mark on Bike Party, please join the BIRDs at the volunteer cicle prior to the start of the ride.

Ravens

Ravens are the elite group of BIRDs that make sure we leave no trace behind by cleaning up after the party at regroups. They are essential to keeping the party going. If you see any of them with a trashbag collecting your trash, please thank them and if you are so inclined please join them! They are a really cool bunch. Please bring trash bags and help us leave no trace.

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 – NEVER ride the sidewalk. NEVER ride against oncoming traffic
2. Leave Nothing Behind - Don’t trash San Jose
3. Stop at Red Lights
4. Ride Straight, Ride Predictability - Slower Riders should stay to the right
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 in encouraging everyone to follow the rules!)

Route information

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.

  • SCU/Santa Clara — ??
  • Mexican Heritage Plaza — Leave at 7:30 Led by Tanner
  • SJ Downtown — ??
  • Campbell — Meet at the water tower in downtown Campbell at 6:30pm.
  • Willow Glen — ??
  • Los Gatos — ??
  • Your neighborhood? (let us know in comments below if you want to lead a ride)