Wednesday, September 28, 2011

(Return of the) CicLAvia!

It was so awesome last time we're going to have to go again - The BikeLab is leading a ride down to CicLAvia on Sunday the 9th of October, departing at 9:30 AM from the shop. The ride is about 12 miles to downtown (mostly downhill) which we'll take at a fairly slow pace (so if you're pretty new to biking, you're good to come with us)--but if someone wants to lead a hustle ride, please contact me. We'll also need volunteers to help with leading the main ride to make sure no-one gets dropped.

For those unfamiliar with CicLAvia, a short description: LA will be closing down a 10.5 mile route for bikes, pedestrians, skateboarders, and whatever-else-have-you, and you can go ride around to your heart's content. The organization has been working to make the event much more of a festival this time around, and so we'll see such things as dodge-ball in the streets, a game of human-chess, and a gamelan ensemble. The Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association will also be hosting a parade celebrating the 100th anniversary of Taiwan on North Broadway that day, immediately accessible from the CicLAvia route.

I can vouch for this being a fun event, see pictures here. Note that this is a BIG event--both previous CicLAvias had over 100,000 people.

If you're coming please bring a spare tube for your bike so we can quickly fix it if you get a flat. I also recommend wearing sunscreen as you'll be out for a while at the festival. There will be water stations at the event but I'd recommend bringing your own for convenience. There is no official ride back--just head back (by bike or metro, the Little Tokyo station is right on the route) when you see fit.

Let me know if you'd like to come (send an e-mail to bikeshop AT caltech) so I can get an approximate head-count.

Also, costumes highly recommended.