With so much planning, we were almost disheartened to hear about the impending thunderstorms supposed to happen in the middle of the afternoon, yesterday. Luckily, there wasn’t any thunder, rain came down in short spurts, and there was a phenomenal sample sale on rain gear at one of the vendor booths.
the rain washed away the sidewalk chalk
Thinking about all the planning that had gone into it, we really wanted to see the effort manifest in a bunch of giggling, bike-riding children. With previously certified coaches and first aid staff, about 2 months ago we joined the League of American Bicyclists as a club, applied for liability insurance and seperate insurance certificates for the event. We scheduled a build party for the obstacles, drafted the design and layout of four obstacles, and purchased the materials about a month ago. With volunteers from Venture Outdoors, Thick Bikes, and Knobby Meats; we came together to construct a small barrier, a teeter totter, a ramp and short drop, and a zig-zagging platform.
We made a tear-off flyer for online and posting in local shops, worked with local organizations (like PORC) to create a buzz, organized a list of volunteers for load-in (Precision Electric, thank you!) and the day of the event (MJ), printed out extra liability waivers, purchased wristbands, sidewalk chalk, tape, and water soluable crayons for face-painting. Wilderness Voyageurs loaned us a half dozen kids’ bikes and helmets from their rental fleet, too.
We scheduled the rodeo to operate during the peak hours of the festival (from 12-4pm) just next to the bike path in Point State Park, and the storms came and went until about 2:30. That last hour and a half, we had about 40 kids clamoring to get signed up for the bikes!
MJ juggles getting the parents and kids organized.
With each lap around the rodeo, the kids learned new skills, and kept going until they were tired. There were a couple of gentle falls, but no scrapes or bruises.
We had lots of adults and even a unicyclist practice on the obstacles. The kids came back after they did other things at the festival, even played on the obstacles when we were packing up!
All in all the event was a success, and we’re prepared to do more, hoping to partner up with existing races to give a family-friendly atmosphere to the bicycle community.
Photo Courtesy of Jon Suzuki
A student athlete I had the privilege of coaching in California, while working with the NorCal High School Mountain Bike Racing League, is graduating High School. She’s still picking out her field and using some of her summer to find her school of choice while riding her bike.
I’ll be riding with her and her riding partner part of the way on their trip through the East Coast, and helping spread the word about her progress along the way. Please consider donating to the charity she’s chosen to gain awareness and support with her ride for the Conservation Fund. Here’s Charlotte:
“The plan:
Lyla and I are taking four months to bike across and around the US of A. The general plan is to ride South to LA, East through Texas and along the Gulf, and North up the East Coast, through the Capital, and up to Boston/New York. It should be about a six thousand mile ride. We will be traveling through as much of America’s wilderness as possible, in the spirit of The Conservation Fund. We haven’t entirely mapped out our route yet, and we’re definitely open to suggestions and advice.
The goal:
We are aiming to raise $10,000 for The Conservation Fund through this page and through offline donations. Fundraising will continue all the way through the end of our trip next May.
How You Can Help:
Every dollar counts and is much appreciated! Help us raise $10,000 for The Conservation Fund by donating <a href=”http://community.conservationfund.org/ConservationBikeTourUSA“>directly on the website</a>, or make a check out to The Conservation Fund with the “for” note marked “Conservation Bike Tour USA.” Tell everyone you know. If you are interested in sponsoring Lyla and me with resources for the ride itself, contact me (Charlotte) directly at cperryhouts at gmail.com.”
BTWD: May 21, VO Fest: May 22
Well, its happening – everything you can squeeze into the few days of decent weather before it gets sticky humid and or perhaps regardless of that… because, heck, its still fun to ride in the rain. And we have been quite lucky to have a spell of mild weather, lately.
We are also supporting Bike Pittsburgh to bring you a Bike To Work Day kick off to the Car Free Friday campaign, with a bike commute check-in station (similar to the Energizer Stations in the SF Bay Area) on Friday morning 7-10am at Merson Courtyard on the Carnegie Mellon University campus. We will be coordinating with Thick Bikes to perform quick, light repairs and offering coffee and and bagels to make your morning commute extra fun. Next month (June 18th), we are coordinating with BikePgh again, to host events during the East liberty Car Free Friday, for women, starting in Shadyside and riding through town and finishing with a really neat homemade craft swap at Tazza D’Oro Cafe.
To celebrate the outdoors, Venture Outdoors will coordinate with a bunch of local organizations to bring the public some really fun events, unique exposure to the outdoors, and a host of enthusiastic opportunity. Velomuse is proud to work with this fabulous organization, in bringing the first kids bike rodeo to the park. We’ll be right between the two primary bike paths of Fort Duquesne and Fort Pitt Birdges in Point State Park from 12-4pm on Saturday 22nd of May, set up with some bright pink (not my favorite) boundary tape and some handmade small obstacles for the little ones. If you plan on participating in the PORC ride, please also plan to be present for your child to participate in the bike rodeo.
Here’s both of the flyers:
2010poster
and ours:
Click for larger image
Lastly, Dirt Fest hosted by Dirt Rag magazine is happening simultaneously this weekend at Raystown Lake. IMBA will be on hand to host a IMBA Pennsylvania Summit. Too bad we can’t have clones so we get to experience everything!
PA Walks and Bikes Summit recap
A few days have passed since the end of the PA Walks and Bike Summit in Harrisburg, and I am glad that it happened. The opportunity needed to be made to discuss the important issues at hand, to learn where our strategic weaknesses are and develop repor with our legislators. One can not stress enough the importance of having cyclists communicate their presence to their legislators while we are growing in numbers. Senator John Pippy made time to talk with us, while we met with the staff of a couple other members of the Transportation Committee, Jay Costa and Jason Markosek. Pennsylvania is lucky to have rugged hills, vast countryside, a close-knit community, and a length of trail that extends all the way to our Nation’s Capitol. There are so many people that come out of the woodworks to act as ambassadors for the sport, the environment and the longevity of a sustainable economy. From developing junior athletes, to retaining new cyclists; Pennsylvania has it all. As a recent transplant, I have tried to take every opportunity to experience all that she has, and a year isn’t yet enough. And I feel indebted.
Ron Miller talks about Safe Passing laws
We share a common thread: as our natural resources become threatened, health concerns surmounting, and our nest eggs becoming less of a reality – we want to do something now, however small. We’re tired of asking forgiveness for what we would naturally do, and we’re calling for permission once and for all. It’s time.
WHAT CAN YOU DO? We want to be able to ride down the road without getting buzzed, and without causing a 15 mph backup on the road. We got a similar response from several legislators, about the conflicts that this bill brings up, and that we may need to make an amendment as the end of the session nears. Tell your legislators that you are here, you have an opinion, and we need to work together. Find out who your legislator is; and write a letter (they keep them on file), send an email, make a phone call. Be heard.
Harrisburg Bicycle Club
Many thanks to the Harrisburg Bicycle Club for showing us what its all about, and all the wonderful advocacy clubs (also linked above) that donate their blood, sweat and tears for something that is near and dear to their hearts.
PTAG trail work at Hartwood Acres.
Velomuse Event Series 2010
Click for larger image
Thanks to the following businesses for support:
Venture Outdoors
Women’s Cycling Issues
Association of Pedestrian and Bicycling Professionals has set up a survey and webinar designed to identify and discuss issues specific to women and girls in cycling.
Please contribute your experience here, and then sign up for the webinar, here.
Speak up and make a difference
UPDATE 25.March.2010: Advocacy in effect, we can effect new policy.
Recently, while in Washington DC, one of our Congressmen’s staff, the Honorable Tim Murphy (Rep-18th District, see map below), emphasized the need to hear more from constituents. Part of this, is because there is not already extensive bicycle, pedestrian, and transit infrastructure in place. Another part of that is because he is responsible for representing that region to the Senate. The constituents’ role is to vote, and in that, inherently, speak your views. Find your district’s Congressional representation, and send them an email, postal letter, or phone in, expressing your support for the following measures. Please personalize your message, so it is documented carefully.
CALL TO ACTION: Please Support HR3734: Urban Revitalization and Livable Communities Act
Click Here for more information about HR3734: Urban Revitalization and Livable Communities, and to see if other Representatives support HR3734.
You may also choose to email Congressman Tim Murphy through his office.
Details on the National Bike Summit, and the report that followed.
Map of the 18th District in Pennsylvania
<br /> scrolling=”no” marginheight=”0″ marginwidth=”0″<br /> src=”http://www.govtrack.us/embed/mapframe.xpd?state=PA&district=18&bounds=-79.87266540527344,40.48586516612557,-79.76898193359375,40.42800224168708″>
Who: Junior and High School students interested in cycling, and their parents.
What: Orientation and spin class open enrollment period through the end of this month.
When: Mondays and Wednesdays in March 2010 4-5pm, starting March 15. Group rides will commence when the trails dry on the same days of the week, adding Sunday to the plan. Join the email list to be updated automatically with group practice changes.
Where: Penn Hills YMCA @ 11817 Frankstown Rd. (between Lime Hollow Rd and Rita’s Ice Cream shop)
Why: FREE during open enrollment the first few sessions, and scholarship available for club participation and group rides – try it out!
How: Attend spin classes, pass bike inspection, and join the club. Interested students may apply for Steward Scholarship participating in PTAG trail workdays for extra discounts on bicycles and accessories, deadline is March 31. Email Eryn Hughes to apply.
The club fee will be $200, which covers registration and insurance, club
jersey, 3 1/5 months of group rides, spin classes, skills clinics, including
mountain biking, road cycling, and touring. This program is designed to
provide a well-rounded spectrum of cycling, with USA cycling and First Aid certified professional staff. We aim to provide youth opportunity through cycling, inspire healthy lifestyles, environmental awareness and help improve the economy by providing alternatives to . We will be expanding throughout the Pittsburgh region and connecting with other regions in a race series and a potential state league.
Courtesy of the NorCal League, and the great minds behind the National Interscholastic Cycling Association.
PA Walks and Bikes Summit
On May 4th, folks from around the state will come together for the 2nd Annual Pennsylvania Walks and Bikes Summit, in Harrisburg, PA.
