June 2010

So soon our events will wrap up. Come out and enjoy an engaging film tonight. Details below. Also do note that we’ll have a DIY reflective clothing Tuesday – registration at courses@edmontonbikes.ca
and there will be another jewelry made from used bike parts course on July 6th.
In the mean time….

Date and Time: Monday, June 28th – 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm

Location: Rice theatre in the Citadel Theatre: (in the Citadel Theatre) 9828-101 A-Ave

Description:

Feature: ‘O Caminho Das Nuvens’ Brazil, 2003, 85 minutes, Portugese with English subtitles

directed by Vicente Amorim. All movie events start with “Barb’s Bike Shorts” (22 min), prizes and more. ‘O Caminho das Nuvens’ Romao is the father of a family of seven from Paraíba, Brazil. He decides to hit the road to Rio in search of a job that will pay a salary of one thousand dollars a month, thus providing decent life for his family. To achieve this dream, he decides to travel 3200 km on bicycles, with his wife Rose and their five children, facing hunger, heat, fatigue and violence .

The film is based on the true story of Cicero Dias Ferreira, an unemployed truck driver who, along with his wife and five children, rode from the Santa Rita , Paraíba, to the Bangu, Rio de Janeiro.

The film title’s literal translation is “The Trail of Clouds” but it’s official English film title is “The Middle of the World”.

before the feature, we’ll play:

‘Girl and a Bicycle’ USA, 1995, 15 minutes, directed by Jon Behrens

This film is a collaboration between Jon Behrens and fellow filmmaker and friend Rasha Refaie.The film was inspired by a dream that Rasha had about a girl, a bicycle and a silver colored egg. The viewer sees Rasha peddling all over Seattle through city streets, parks, and ultimately ending up a graveyard were she begins to experience the nosebleed of her life. Rubato composed the films sound track. This is the rare solarized version of this film.

STEVE RUSSELL – Cyclists cut across Queens Park after being turned around from going south on Queens Park Circle. From the Toronto Star Photo Blog of the G20

If you woke up this morning to the sound of rain and thought the Ride-In Outdoor movie is cancelled – you’re wrong.
Please, for the sake of having a good life, remember that our summers are short and can be full of marvellous adventures, if you only you are prepared. Read the list of how to prepare for tonight below, come out to enjoy a field full of bicycles, a self-packed picnic, live local music of the James Clark Trio and
Doug Hoyer and Mitchmati, ‘Pee Wee’s big adventure’. Then, if you stay to the end of the show, you’ll see the enchanting sight of hundreds of blinky red lights ascend through the trees, out of the valley, seeking their cozy beds.
If you’ve been watching the weather, you may have noticed that we’ve had many days with a bit of rain followed by glorious sun and warmth. We’re not sure what the weather is going to do, so we’re planning to go right ahead.
If we cancel, we’ll post something by 6pm so stay tuned.

Because of the morning rain, the valley will be chilly when the sun goes down. Here’s how to prepare for the Ride-In Outdoor movie tonight.

1) Pack mitts, a touque, long underwear, two pairs of warm sox (in case one gets wet), a cozy sweater, and a rain shell – pants and jacket. Even though it won’t be raining (that’s my plan), the rain gear helps keep the moisture and wind out.

2) pack extra high-calorie food for your picnic. It’s time to make or buy cookies, crackers and a high-protein dip, or left-over lasagne.

3) find your sleeping bag. Make sure you bring something to keep it dry from the ground…

4) bring something to sit on: A tarp, a little chair, a big plastic bag

5) extra to drink. Dehydration can make you feel colder than you need to be. Bring the cocoa, bring the tea, but also bring water.

Scroll down this blog page to find a map on how to get to the site. We’ll have a sign or two coming in from the River Valley Road.

Come out and play!

A guest post by Barb Allard, Rainbow Bridge Communications, for everyone who has supported Made In Alberta.

New Release! “Radical Retro-fit” (4 min) http://madeinalberta.ca
Saskatchewan’s home energy pioneers have proven that you can reduce energy consumption in many older homes and buildings by at least 80 percent. Harold Orr discusses his latest radical retrofit of a four-plex apartment building, and whether an energy crisis is necessary. And, bicycle billboards roll through Edmonton.

Bikeology Festival runs free events all month long! June 26 to July 1 …
Just a reminder, tomorrow – Saturday – evening is the Bikeology Ride-in Movie. We’re on for a musical picnic in the park, starting at 8:00 PM (or as soon as the cricket game ends) with the James Clark Trio, followed by Doug Hoyer and Mitchmatic. As soon as the sun goes down, catch a few of Barb’s Bike Shorts, then enjoy “Pee Wee’s Big Adventure” (A festival favourite because the star is really the bicycle.) The whole event ends at about 2:00 AM. On Monday, the fourth Bikeology Movie Monday features “O Caminho Das Nuvens”. Set in Brazil, this dramatic film is based on a true story about a family that cycles 3200 kms in order to find employment. We open the evening with 20 minutes of really artsy Barb’s Bike Shorts, followed by door prizes and informative banter. (Bike movies are in the Rice Theatre this year, downstairs in the Citadel.) Tuesday evening the Bikeology Dialogue moves over to EBC’s BikeWorks for a hands-on “DIY reflective clothing” workshop. That officially wraps Edmonton’s Bike Month 2010, but without even stopping to put a foot down, Edmonton Bicycle Commuters are entering the Silly Summer Parade on Canada Day. They invite you to bring your silly cycle to BikeWorks on Thursday morning and join in, or cheer them along during the parade on Whyte Avenue. Check out the Google Calendar on http://bikeology.ca for addresses and times. Read event blogs on the home page.

Barb’s Field Notes: Riding into summer
Bike month fun carries on right into the Silly Summer Parade on Canada Day… and all year long. Any time Whyte Ave is closed to cars is worth checking out in my books Beyond that, VELOfest is exploring new ways to celebrate the bicycle beyond the month of June. Some ideas include expanding our event calendar, a bike shorts competition or call-out, and a fall or winter bike-cultural event this year or the year after. There’s still time to catch the Critical Mass Ride today. Meet at City Hall at 5:30. Warning: this is a non-officially-sanctioned, anarchistic-type event (unlike the Bikeology Festival events). Ride at your own risk, then dance at your own risk until midnight at EBC’s BikeWorks. Me, I’m hanging in until July so I can just ride my bike for pure pleasure all summer long…

Today we’ve got another round of Mocktails on the Bridge lined up! Join us at Ezio Farone Park on the north side of the High Level Bridge from 4-6pm for pedal-powered smoothies and bike checks. As always, everything is free!

Just available: We have the list of performers for the 2010 Festival Day tomorrow – Saturday, June 19th! Check below the fold for bios!

Read the rest of this entry »

Two upcoming events put on by affiliates – join in and help out! Both take place concurrently with the big Bikeology festival this Saturday, so if you’re coming to one, come out to all! Check below the fold for video and details!

Read the rest of this entry »

Here’s a great group of bicycle enthusiasts who are putting on quite a happening tonight. They’ve told me that they’ve really liked Bikeology events, especially the Ride-In-Movie and so wanted to add to the calendar of phenomenally fun things to do for free in June – to celebrate the bicycle!
Blue Skys BBQ & Bicycle Show & Shine
Date and Time: Wednesday, June 16th, 4:00 pm – late (enjoy part or all of the evening)
4:00pm Film: “Bicycle Thieves” Director, Bittorio De Sica. See full description below
6:00 pm BBQ
8:00 pm live local music with the stylings of Babe Lloyd & Personal Beef
Location: 10575 114st
Cost: Free!

Event Details: Come explore a slice of edmonton’s history and tour a former
factory from 1930 turned arts lofts! featuring a bicycle show & shine, a
free screening of the classic film “The Bicycle Thief” at 4pm, tours of the
building including the Edmonton New Technology Society’s bicycle repair &
machine shop, a community BBQ at 6pm, and a special free live music show by
Babe Lloyd & Personal Beef at 8pm – we’re pleased to celebrate with our
neighbours and the fine folks at bikeology! bring your bicycle down and
have a blast with us! FREE!

Some tour for the feeling of independence, some to face physical challenges with a group, some to
face their demons.
Join our panel of touring experts for the discussion tonight on touring. Focus will be on non-supported touring. The packing challenges, the route planning and the thrill of being independent and self-propelled.

Tonight, Tuesday, June 15th – 7:00pm – 9:00pm

At the sublime Credo Café 10134 104 Street (780) 761-3744

Once you’re done at the repair-a-thon, head to
Ritchie Community League Rink: 98 St + 77 Ave Sun, June 13, 1pm – 4pm to watch or play bike polo. Mixed game: men and women welcome. This is a hardy but kind and gentle lot who play polo on bikes. Grace and beauty on bikes for a perfect summer’s day!!

The second Bikeology Movie Monday features “Pedal”, a fast-paced documentary of cycle messengers in New York City. The opener is an eclectic 20 mins of Barb’s Bike Shorts, with medics on bikes, punk rockers and a crazy (even for Barb bicycle training film for kids. It’s an evening of fall-down, near misses – without even spilling your popcorn. (Bike movies are in the Rice Theatre this year, downstairs in the Citadel.) Tuesday, Credo Café is the scene of a moderated Bikeology Dialogue about bicycle touring. On Wednesday, there’s a new event: Blue Sky’s BBQ & Bicycle Show and Shine. Enjoy the classic film “Bicycle Thief” and live, local music. On Friday from 7 – 9 AM the mobile Bike2Work Breakfast is at the north end of the High Level Bridge. Get your bike tuned up while you drink coffee and eat muffins. Saturday, June 19, is the big one. Bikeology Festival Day is at Beaver Hills “Bike” Park from noon to four, and this is the exact same time as the City of Edmonton’s Park(ed) , MEC BikeFest, the Downtown Farmers Market and Rock the Square. Leave the car at home. All five events will be linked by a car-free network along 102 avenue. Check out the Google Calendar onhttp://bikeology.ca for addresses and times. Read event blogs on the home page.

In honour of the 24 hour Bicycle Repair-a-Thon we bring you: Bicycle Repairman!

The repair-a-thon is in full swing. A ton of helpful mechanics are awaiting your visit. Come to 10047-80 Ave ******entrance through the back alley only ******.
For no shop fee, they will help you fix and maintain your bicycle. You need no mechanical knowledge to use Bikeworks, Edmonton Bicycle Commuters’ shop.
It’s on until noon tomorrow and there’s a handful of mechanics that are doing the full 24 hours!

and pancakes… so too are 200 other folks who joined us in the Square this morning for vegan pancakes, coffee, fruit and fruit juices.  Yummy…  As well, we had four mechanic stands – count them 4 – that rocked out all morning long, ensuring that everyone that came by was able to cycle away secure in the knowledge that their ride would get them where they were going…

The day was made possible by the astounding dedication of our volunteers, relatives and friends.  It’s always cool to see a community come together to put on bikey endeavours even if they have to get up at 5 a.m. and haul 300 pounds of ceramic plates (or coffee, or tools, or … you get the picture) to the site, by bike…. good effort everyone.

Well, folks, another successful Bike jewelry session wrapped up on Thursday evening.  Dylan led 12 people through the various steps to making their own marvellous jewelry from old bike parts.  In addition to marvy reflector bling broaches and rings, we saw pendants, earrings, bracelets, and many more lovely, innovative pieces.  Dylan and his brother photographed those pieces the creators agreed to share and they will be featured here, and on Dylan’s blog.  I’ll find and post it presently.

In other news, Dylan agreed to host another Bikeology Jewelry session on Thursday, June 24, same time and location.  If you didn’t get registered the first time, or are hearing about it for the first time, don’t hesitate… email info[at]bikeology.ca to register today

We’re off to enjoy pancakes downtown at the North side of Churchill Square. This is the first year we’ve done this on the closed street between Churchill Square and City hall – quiet nice space

Mock=pretend
Tails= things you wag when you’re happy
Mocktails on the bridge is a happening where you get on a bike hooked to a generator that’s hooked to a blender and pedal yourself a non-alcoholic smoothy. Hits the spot after a long day of work!
…..and the weather for this afternoon is looking fine!
Date and time: June 10th –4:00pm – 6:00pm

Location: Ezio Faraone Park, North West side of the High Level Bridge, at 109th Street – Edmonton, AB

Description: Stop by on your way to/from your commute for a smoothie made in a blender powered by bike! Meet other bike ridin’ folk! Snacks, information and fun times will be provided.

Due to popular demand, we’re looking at running a jewelry making class on June 24th at 7:00pm.
Tonight we have a full class and fine weather for the class

So, you love cycling. I’ve got to tell you that going to the Tuesday night discussion last night was delicious. Alan Schietzsch, president of the Alberta Bicycle Association drew us in with historical notes, shocking and heart warming stories, and personal anecdotes that made the world of racing so real for us. Although I don’t race, this evening let me into the part of that world that is core to all cycling-lovers’ reasons for riding. The personal relationships, the joy of company and of solo riding, the fun of how the bike moves and what crazy diverse ways we use those movements to have little and big adventures. Along the way, during another riveting story, Alan mentioned that “cycling is a passport” – meaning where ever we go and however we bike, there’s a common understanding of the love of cycling in other parts of the world.
This is true when you travel to race, or travel to travel. Join us next week for the Tuesday discussion on touring. Bring your stories, or sit back and soak in ours.

Tonight! Tuesday, June 8th – 7:00pm – 9:00pm

Location: Credo Café – 10134 104 Street Edmonton, AB (780) 761-3744

That’s right – racy racy talk with the president of the Alberta Bicycle Association, Alan Schietzsch. Freeriding, cycle cross, off road, road. The world has some fascinating racing scenes for you to explore through Mr. Schietzsch’s experience and Edmonton has some of the most exciting racing in Canada

There are a few event time changes on the google calendar and a couple typos corrected on the events listing. See the full descriptions of events by clicking on the ‘events’ toggle. This is what we have so far this week: A movie, discussion night, pedal powered smoothies, jewelry making, repair-a-thon, and a polo velo game. Eat your vities and pump your tires up – there are tons of free bicycle-love activities to partake in!

Today is the first of our Bike to Work Breakies. There’ll be a breakie from 7am-9am each Friday at a  different location. Today, we’ll be at the bicycle bottleneck which is at the South West end of the high level bridge. Get a free check up of your bike, eat and drink, find info about cycling events and resources, and enjoy the cycling community on a beautiful summer’s morning. 7am-9am