We have one word to sum up the night: EPIC.
Yet again, more surprises from the democratic community of cyclists that make up Bike Party: Over 2,000 of you showed us you were willing to travel to an (for many folks, at least) inconvenient location, take a 24-mile trek to parts unknown and foreign to us with “San Jose” eyes, and enjoy the snot out of it.
This ride’s successes showed the fruit of the hard organizing that our many volunteers have struggled over for the last month, and at the same time we know that we need much more: MANY more volunteers, MUCH more coordination to help everyone work together, and MUCH more thoughtful communication to keep everyone informed effectively. Rest assured that these ongoing struggles will be major topics of the Hub meeting (the Hub is the group of “spoke” organizers who coordinate all other volunteers) following this ride. Likewise, don’t hesitate to contact one of us to get involved.
A special thanks needs to go to our AMAZING route planners and test riders who work super hard to find all the amazing places to go. We love you (although we all have been grouchy lately), and this ride certainly showed the benefit of amazing route planning. That 3rd “mystery” regroup was killer! Of course, a huge shout-out is also due to the Mountain View police, who not only anticipated our ride and publicized it by their twitter account, but showed incredible tact, courtesy, and good planning as they escorted & policed our ride, and in at least one case responded to an injury.
If you would like to share your experiences, the comment section is open.
Czeska
September 25, 2009
I was NOT happy about the Mv route. I was almost late to the party, and barely made the last train to SJ. also, the police presence was minimal and pre-bird was non-existent!
This was my 2nd bike party, and I was very disappointed.
Don
September 25, 2009
I am wondering if anyone else experienced this during “Cross Dress Friday.” About a quarter to half a mile from the 85 overpass on Evelyn Ave. I saw what looked like a hose spraying water and thought someone was trying to cool off the crowd. When our group reached the area we found out it was not water being sprayed. It smelled like a citris based cleaner or degreaser. It was a strong eye irritant and it made it hard for us to breathe. I would sure like to know what it was and why it was being sprayed. If anyone experienced this I would like to hear from them. It was pretty nasty, whatever it was.
pat
September 27, 2009
Hi Don,
If someon was spraying the crowd with some irritant, note the loaction and report it to the police, either Sunnyvale or Mountain View. As a former BPAC commissioner, and experience with unrully drivers, I can tell you personally the police in both these cities are great supporting safe bike access.
If anyone is on a ride, sees or experiences something illegal by all means call 911 before confronting something. The ride rules say it best ride past conflict, but when safe distance away, help the next person and make sure police have your help.
Brian
October 2, 2009
Props to the guy riding no-hands with the bagpipe. You made my night. I felt like I was pedaling into battle when I was riding next to him. I want to learn the bagpipe now just so I can ride and play!