By Leo Postovoit
It’s time to get your gold medals out and get your Olympic spirit ready! The 2012 London Olympics are right around the corner and San Jose Bike Party is here to celebrate. Let’s see if we can get a gold medal in Building Community. Please remember to ride respectfully, and let’s show How We Ride. Go for the gold!
We share the road with other traffic. Helping cars through the ride makes the ride more enjoyable for everyone. Please remember to turn down the volume when riding through residential areas late at night ’cause waking babies isn’t an Olympic sport!
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.
Volunteer Circle
Volunteer Regroups are now marked on the map if you want to get plugged in come by and introduce yourself
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 simple rules, Bike Party will be safe and a positive place for riders, drivers, pedestrians, and our community.
- Stop at lights
- Stay to the right
- Pack your Trash
- Roll Past Conflict
- Ride Sober
- Be nice
Route information
- Printable Directions - Print Me
- Zoomable Online map – Study Me
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/Santa Clara -Meet in front of Mercado Subway- Led by Ian – Leaving at 6:45 (please RSVP in the comments)
- Palo Alto — ??
- Willow Glen – ??
- SJ Downtown — ??
- La Dolce Velo — ??
- East SJ — ??
- Campbell — ??
- Los Gatos — ??
- Your neighborhood? (let us know in comments below if you want to lead a ride)
Nancy
July 17, 2012
Let me know if anyone is leading the way from East San Jose!! #SJ #BikeParty
Ian
July 17, 2012
It won’t happen unless someone steps up to lead a preride.
Nows your chance 
Steve
July 17, 2012
were will the ride start
Ian
July 17, 2012
come back on thursday when the route is posted and find out
Dolores
July 17, 2012
Is there any way you can give me a heads up of what area it could possibly be at so I can see if I’d be able to be a lead for East San Jose?
Michael C
July 18, 2012
Depending on where the start point actually is, I’ll be leaving from the Santa Clara Community Recreation Center (Central Santa Clara) around 7:15pm!
Sergio
July 18, 2012
At what time does the ride usually start?
Rider 44
July 18, 2012
Please don’t bring your gas powered bike to this ride.
If you see/hear/smell a gas powered bike, please boo them.
If you hear people booing a gas powered bike, please join in booing them.
Shake your fist at them.
Stare them down.
Consider starting a chant like ‘Occupy’ does.
Two stroke go home!
Two stroke go home!
….
Rider 44
July 18, 2012
Why a chant instead of just a ‘boo’?
Think about it, when you watch the news.
How does a group get a unified message out?
How does a group get their message across clearly?
How do those who hear it know what the message is?
Google occupy chants or fan chants or picket line chants.
You know it works, that’s why we all remember them.
Hey hey, ho ho, two stroke smoke has got to go!
rene urquidez
July 18, 2012
Can’t water for bike party, I have about ten riders coming from yuba city. Lets show them how sj partys
ripper rider
July 18, 2012
I rode pre ride and if its anything like that its going to be a good ride.
rene urquidez
July 19, 2012
BIKEPARTYYYYY LETS DO THIS FOLKS
Cara
July 19, 2012
This will be my first time joining you all! I am really looking forward to it
:)
Ohai
July 19, 2012
Looks like start and end at old Mervins Santa Clara. El Camino and Scott.
Andrew Z
July 19, 2012
First party. Really excited! I’m leavin Agnew and Lafayette if anyone wants to short ride over there. GLAD TO SEE MY ESSJ PEEPS COMING TOO. GET AT Y’ALL !!
Lil Mama
July 19, 2012
Can’t wait!
Spliffer
July 19, 2012
The San Jose Bike Party Community is feeling pretty.
The Party is always hotter by the HUGE bicycling crowd in July.
Put your problems — with all the world’s problems — aside for the evening, and just grab your road ready bicycle, ’cause nobody can stop Bike Party from rolling even if they tried.
Just escape to Bike Party for the evening. Oh, it will sure do that ~~`stressed out and exercise deprived body of yours a lot of good.
I betcha’ nobody ever told ya’ that you will be jammin’ — rockin’ the South Bay — at the greatest party on wheels in America.
You will feel as free as a bird in flight because Bike Party is also… FREE — it cost you nothing.
The best things in life — like SJ Bike Party — are free my bicycling brethren.
You’ve got to get with it!
Bike Party together… FOREVER!
Peace.
Jose
July 19, 2012
The bike party on July 20th is on the west side?? WEAK ass route… thought it was gon to be downtown….
[Blank]
July 19, 2012
IM DOWN TO BOO THOSE PIECE OF 5#|7 WANNA BE MOTORCYCLE, MOTORBIKES.
Motorbike fuc#s- by a REAL motorcycle, oh you can’t? Well start your own club, oh you can’t? Then KEEP YOUR ASS AT HOME. THIS IS A BIKE PARTY U FUC#ING IDIOTS.
Hipster Scum trying to show off what nobody wants.
Jessica
July 19, 2012
Can someone give me the address ? The map is a little confusing for me thanks
theCat
July 19, 2012
The start looks to be at the old Mervins Plaza, on a map that’s the corner of McCormick Drive and El Camnino in Santa Clara. Big parking lot, there will be lots of bikes, you couldn’t miss it if you tried.
Jessica
July 19, 2012
whats the actual address ?
dretheman
July 19, 2012
2010 El Camino Real
Santa Clara, CA 95050
Try that.
vutown
July 19, 2012
Nancy,
Where in east San Jose are u starting from? I’m near lake Cunningham and have 3 other riders with me. Also, what time would u leave sj for Santa Clara?
EastSideBoy
July 19, 2012
I am near Lake Cunningham too, near Eastridge maill.. Where will the group meet at East San Jose?
Dee
July 19, 2012
I’m near lake Cunningham too, more like by blue jeans on story.
Kim
July 19, 2012
Yay Santa Clara RSVP!
Ian
July 20, 2012
see you at subway
Emily
July 20, 2012
Were are yu guys Starting Because i stay by down town Sj And I Need to Know Wats The Closes (: dankz
emily
July 20, 2012
so whos leading from dowtown SJ??(:
Ian
July 20, 2012
no one yet… the prerides are all lead by whoever wants to lead one. if no one steps up it won’t happen.
2A SUPPORTER
July 20, 2012
Bringing 2 from Hayward. Are there any big hills along route? I’m riding fixed, 48t-14t, of course no brakes. Or should I bring road bike?
Ian
July 20, 2012
hills should be minimal but good brakes are priceless especially if you have to stop because someone fell in fron of you.
cassandra
July 20, 2012
Is anyone leading anything from north of san Jose? Like near sj downtown? If so let me know pleaseee
Exsar Arguello
July 20, 2012
Bringing 5 from Sunnyvale
rene urquidez
July 20, 2012
DONT WORRY ABOUT ANY HILLS,YOU WANTED A FIXY
Spliffer
July 20, 2012
Whether you are a first-timer, attending your first Bike Party, or you are a grizzly-veteran, YOU own a piece of tonight’s ride.
Please be aware that we attract “a few anarchist-pretenders” who show up to just “break all the rules”.
Just “totally ignore these folks and their ilk” my esteemed bicycling brethren.
Let the scofflaws do their thing and risk getting ticketed, or arrested; while the rest of us go our own safe — merry way — to enjoy a grand ol’ time at Bike Party.
You will never be wrong, nor be misled, if you listen to the BIRDs, and stick to the simple rules eloquently outlined in: How We Ride.
It is the key that binds 98% of all responsible bicyclists, who show up, month after month, to enjoy a most safe and enjoyable time at Bike Party.
Keep in mind that Bike Party is not a race. It is a once-a-month event that should be savored. It is not like an everyday table wine; but like that vintage bottle for your special, and festive occasions.
So slow down and enjoy being out with the friendliest and coolest group of folks, who share your lifelong love of all things bicycle.
It’s about the great food, the awesome music mixes, and enjoying the HUGE positive vibe that gives you a HUGE parallel — endorphin + adrenalin — rush that lasts for days into the next week.
Let’s do our part to build community and promote world peace with our very apropos Olympic theme, my bicycling brethren.
Remember you are welcome to share your thoughts on the Bike Party Experience and provide feedback beginning tomorrow right here — if you are so inclined.
PEACE, and Bike Party, SAFELY… together… FOREVER!
sunsun
July 20, 2012
What time will the bike party usually end? My bike lights broke, so I’m concerned about biking home in the dark.
Ian
July 20, 2012
SJBP lasts past the sunset even in the summer. I’d really recommend getting a bike light before the ride.
California Law requires that all cyclists have a front white light. If you don’t have one you are risking a ticket.
calmar cycles is right around the corner from the start. i’m sure they have lights for sale. http://calmarcycles.com/
Angel
July 20, 2012
Soo what’s up, really don’t know how to get there so if any one does, you guys should start ah preride here on the east side or at least city hall. Could really help. Thanks. #sjbikeparty
dretheman
July 20, 2012
Angel,
I am not doing a pre-ride.. but if you ride up Santa Clara St, turns into The Alameda and turns into El Camino, will lead right to the start. You can also hop on VTA Bus 22 or 522 and that will also lead you right to the start Your bike rides for free.
John a.
July 20, 2012
I will be at mercado for the 6:45 meet up with a buddy of mine. Can’t wait!
pedro
July 20, 2012
where do we meet if we live by east san jose ??
michelevit
July 20, 2012
motorized bicycle enthusiast here…
please leave your motorized bike/ moped at home.
this ride is for traditional non motorized peddle powered bicycles.
looking forward to the BIKE PARTAY!
william
July 20, 2012
just to make sure, since this is my first time, do we meet up at the subway near mission college?
Ian
July 20, 2012
yes the mercado is next to misson college
George Chen
July 20, 2012
I will be leaving for the start around 7 or 7:15 pm. My feeder route starts at Blaney and Stevens Creek, heads North on Blaney, East on Homestead, then North on Scott (reversing the direction so that I won’t miss it).
Gary
July 20, 2012
are you leaving from the target?
supermike!
July 20, 2012
i’ll be leaving from San Pedro square DT around 5:30/5:45 for a slow/chill feeder route. If anyone wants to roll with, you can meet me infront of the Old Wagon
EZ-EL Wire
July 20, 2012
The EZ-EL Wire booth is going to be at tonight’s bike party! Participate in one of our contests to win yourself FREE EZ-EL Wire! Make the best looking bike under 10 minutes and see how well you do. See you tonight!
DavidB
July 20, 2012
I am looking forward to joining you guys tonight. It will be my first time out to SJBP and I am seriously looking forward to it. Although I am pretty beat from riding to work a few times this week, I will be out there tonight still.
I will be leaveing from around La Dolce Velo around no later than 7:00PM to head over to the starting location.
Oleeeeezy
July 20, 2012
Is it just me or is “SJ” bike party getting further and further from SJ.
Tiger
July 20, 2012
You’re right! This is a “SJ” bike party right? This is the second month I’m not going because it’s out of my neck of the woods. Eastside SJ is where I reside btw.
Spliffer
July 20, 2012
Come on Oleee… and Tiger, you guys should know by now that San Jose Bike Party covers the whole South Bay Area; from the peninsula to Gilroy and all points between.
As a SJ Bike Party devotee, I welcome and look forward to our few rides up north.
Velophag
July 20, 2012
Yeah I wish we kept these rides mostly in SJ. No part of this ride even in SJ!
MSC
July 20, 2012
im starting at the Lucretia/ Tully Library with a group meeting by 630-645. i printed turn by turns if yall want to meet, holla. dizmarty@gmail.com
MSC
July 20, 2012
CHUUUUUUUUUUUUU! is the bird call.. we all know it. holla
Gary
July 20, 2012
is there anyone feeding from campbell los gatos saratoga or west san jose? if not i am meeting up with the ppl in cupertino. my friends backed out and my gf has ladies night out. so just looking for ppl to ride with. way more fun with ppl
Gary Garcia
July 20, 2012
Yes S.J. stands for San Jose not Santa Clara so keep it local!!!!!!
SJDrunk
July 20, 2012
FIrst ride tonight! Bike ready, got tools, tube n pump…can’t wait! Lol funny I read previous comments and thought since when is Mountain View and Sunnyvale part of San Jose!
Grant Petersen
July 20, 2012
First time riding and I am coming from south San Jose. Yay so excited! Yeah what the deal I see the route…mtn view and Sunnyvale? SJ is a large city of 1 million people, yet no part of the ride is even in San Jose city limits? So I am super confused. Y u no in San Jose?
Spliffer
July 20, 2012
Let’s put this local thing to rest please.
75 % of our rides run through San Jose, however; many,MANY of our volunteers reside all over the South Bay and beyond.
Please show them some proper respect, and let’s not get into this tit for tat trifles.
When we keep SJ Bike Party open to all the possibilities, the Bike Party Community is the only consistent WINNER!!
Peace out my bicycling brethren and let’s spread the love to keep Bike Party going strong for long.
Kim
July 20, 2012
I’m not thrilled with the hour in which this event ends. My street is parked solid with trucks that came filled with bikes. This is gonna be very noisy when you all come back and reload your bikes!!! Some of us work weekends. You need to ask ALL the riders to park in the proper parking lots and not in the neighborhoods surrounding.
Bob
July 20, 2012
TURN DOWN THE MUSIC! This is not cool. Your riders are totally ignoring this,
Please remember to turn down the volume when riding through residential areas late at night ’cause waking babies isn’t an Olympic sport!
Along with their boom boxes blaring, they are running stop lights, too. No helmets. Not good for the biking community. This is happening on Homestead Rd.
Karl
July 20, 2012
OK folks, you are not going to find much of bigger bike advocate than I, and I have to tell that my encounter with your mob on Grant Road a few minutes ago was frightening. I stopped my car in the middle of Grant Road and turned on my emergency flashers because there were bikes all over the place, many riding well outside the bike lane and many without lights. Attempting to turn right off of Grant Road in order to get to our home seemed like it would surely cause a collision. One biker started yelling at me, “Don’t hesitate… just turn!!” which may have seemed like a simple idea to the person doing the yelling, but I was not going to make a right turn into a swarm of bikes, so I held my ground until I was certain that I could turn without hitting any of the cyclists.
The net result of this is that you are giving car drivers more reasons to think that cyclists are nuts, and more reasons not to support bike-related initiatives. I strongly encourage the organizers of these events to rethink their motives, and work to create activities that will actually benefit cyclists.
Bitter
July 21, 2012
Agree with the previous poster…this is a good idea gone wrong. I almost hit several bikers on Grant tha were not wearing helmets and were not even staying on the right side of the road. I hope the organizers don’t wait until someone gets killed to fix this.
Sven
July 21, 2012
I loved watching all the bikes going down Grant Rd. in Mountain View. Reminds me of home in Sweden where many cyclists ride as normal mode of transportation. Ignore the NIMBYS above who most likely out of shape and use a car to drive a mile to store. Get a life and don’t worry so much about petty things like people enjoying a nice bike ride.