Articles by Molly Turnbull

A night of basic bike jewelry. We will be taking reclaimed bicycle parts and incorporating them in to inspired wearable jewelry. Basic jewelry techniques will be used and all supplies are included. Everyone will have their own original piece to take home at the end of the evening.
Harcourt House: 10215-112 Street in the building to the South – the Annex. Watch for the signs!
7-9:30 pm

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.

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!

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 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!

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

Check out the events listing – details on movies – polo velo event – Park(ed) street closure and public displays of human-centred spaces – jewelry making, we got it all! The google calendar has the basic information and the events listing tells all.

See a film tonight, be blown away

Date:
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Time:
7:00pm – 10:00pm
Location:
BikeWorks
Street:
10047-80 Avenue
entrance through the back alley only
City/Town:
Edmonton, AB
www.imdb.com/title/tt0091817/

Look – the calendar is filling – the events listing is replete! Rejoice! Bike Month is full of Bikeology events and events put on by other bicycle enthusiasts city-wide! Sing your favourite bikey song, ring that bell loud and strong! Ride with conviction and seek out an event where you’ll find info to help you cycle and you’ll find velo love!

Daily we feel the benefits of riding bikes. Here’s a short clip from Streetfilms where people from the Bronx tell us why they cycle:
http://www.streetsblog.org/2010/05/21/bike-to-work-day-finale-why-the-bronx-commutes-by-bike/

Donations to help the family of Roman Cutillas bring his remains home to the Phillipines can be sent to:

Westmount Community League

10824-125 Street NW Edmonton, AB
T5M 0L4

Dinner and Fundraiser for Roman Cutillas, Cyclist killed on April 21 in Westmount

Sunday May 2, 2010 at 5:00pm

Everyone welcome

Cross-cultural, potluck dinner – please bring a dish of food.
If you are Filipino, please bring a Filipino dish.

Filipino music!

All funds raised will go to the family of Roman Cutillas in the Philippines.

Location: Westmount Community Hall
10970 127th Street, Edmonton

Admission $5. Additional donations are welcome.

Roman Cutillas was a 49-year old Filipino man with a wife and four children living in the Philippines. He was in the temporary foreign worker program, and had been working here to support his family. In order to save extra money for his family he rode his bike. He had just sent $200 to his family and was riding home on April 20. He was struck by a pickup truck and died of his injuries.

We’d love to see cyclists come out and support his family and showing solidarity for other cyclists.

EBC and the ESO are partnering to offer $25 tickets (incl. all fees) to EBC members for the June 1 performance of Cameron Carpenter and the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra.
Tickets will be on sale until April 30.
If your membership is expired or you haven’t become a member, you can buy a combo: a new individual membership and symphony ticket for $35.
Please go to BikeWorks prior to April 30 to purchase your ticket.
We’ll gather at BikeWorks (10047 80 Ave) between 6:10-6:30pm on June 1. A second group will also gather at Beaver Hills Park (105 St and Jasper Ave) between 6:40-7:00pm. You can meet at whichever location is most convenient to you.
The BikeWorks group will depart at 6:30pm and ride to Beaver Hills Park to join with the downtown group. At 7pm, the whole group will ride together to the Winspear.
The concert will begin at 7:30pm.
Please try to wear your dress clothes for the bike ride, if possible. However, dress clothes are not required: if you prefer not to, or if you wish to change once we arrive at the Winspear.
Event Location: BikeWorks (10047 80 Ave, entrance through back alley only), Beaver Hills Park (105 St and Jasper Ave), and the Winspear Centre (#4 Sir Winston Churchill Square, corner of 99 St and 102 Ave)
Event Admission: $25. Purchase at BikeWorks until April 30.
Contact for More Info: info@edmontonbikes.ca
Event webpage/website: http://www.edmontonsymphony.com/the-eso-presents/2009-the-eso-presents/cameron-carpenter/

Teams of motivated and energetic young people aged 18 to 30 will set off on cycling and performing tours in 2010.

You can be one of them! Yes, you!

This year we are offering three tours departing from three different cities across Canada: Vancouver, Ottawa and Fredericton.

Apply Now!

* May 3 to June 25: Ferocious Farm Tour, Ottawa to Toronto and back (2 months) – Status: Full
* June 25 to Oct 31: Coast to Capital, Vancouver to Ottawa (4 months) – Status: Spots remaining
* Sept 7 to Nov 2: Highlands and Islands, Fredericton to Halifax (2 months) – Status: Spots remaining

For more tour info, check out:

http://www.otesha.ca/bike+tours/our+2010+tours.en.html

Position: Outreach Coordinator
Type: paid employment, May-Aug., 30 hours/week
Organization: Edmonton Bicycle Commuters’ Society
   http://edmontonbikes.ca/home/more/ebc_is_hiring1/
Location: Edmonton, Alberta
Posted: March 16, 2010

Position overview

The Outreach Coordinator is responsible for developing
programs to improve our services and strengthen our programs
as they relate to communities and needs not currently
well-served. The position aims to further EBC’s goal of
encouraging and facilitating bicycle use in Edmonton and
promoting and strengthening our organization.

JOB POSTING

Position: Summer Programs Director
Organization: Edmonton Bicycle Commuters’ Society
   http://edmontonbikes.ca/home/more/ebc_is_hiring1/
Location: Edmonton, Alberta
Posted: March 16, 2010

Position overview

The Summer Programs Director is responsible for program
development, volunteer management, and coordination of
special events. The position aims to further EBC’s goal of
encouraging and facilitating bicycle use in Edmonton and
promoting and strengthening our organization.

Position: Project Coordinator
Organization: Edmonton Bicycle Commuters’ Society
   http://edmontonbikes.ca/home/more/ebc_is_hiring1/
Location: Edmonton, Alberta
Posted: March 16, 2010

Position overview

The Project Coordinator is responsible for developing,
implementing, and overseeing the projects and operations of
EBC. The position aims to further EBC’s goal of encouraging
and facilitating bicycle use in Edmonton and promoting and
strengthening our organization.

Scroll down on this site to find instructions on how to make your own courier bag from old plastic bags!

Here’s an instructional video on how to safely cross train tracks on your bicycle.
Take time to explore more Streetfilms videos – there’s a whole world of cycling infrastructure news, cycling politics and cycling culture out there. Enjoy!

Design and build your own custom bike lights: wearable lights, colourful LEDs, ultra high-power front and rear lights, neon lights, helmet lights, dynamo LED upgrades—EBC’ll teach you how to make whatever you want.
The course will go over circuits, LEDs, batteries, soldering, weather-proofing, and help you design and construct your own custom lights. No tools, soldering, nor electronic experience necessary! Just bring your ideas of what you want to build.
To register for the bike lights workshop, please e-mail courses@edmontonbikes.ca. The workshop will be on Saturday, February 20, 2010, from 5pm-9pm.
The cost of the workshop is free to Edmonton BIcycle Commuter members, and $20 to non-members. You will have to pay for any materials you require for building your lights. You can look at the preliminary price list, but in general, the most expensive, high-power lights will cost you about $25 to build, and another $25 for a lithium-ion rechargeable battery pack and charger (if needed).
Depending on the complexity of what you design, and the availability of parts, we may schedule later small-group sessions to do the actual light construction.
You can also view a comparison of some of the front lights, some of which are available for immediate purchase (i.e. you don’t have to do any work, but the prices will be higher than what’s listed).
As a bonus, there will be free button/watch/coin cell batteries available, so bring your dead watches, mini-electronics, and valve stem lights for a free replacement.

Please contact olympic-bicyclevalet@best.bc.ca

—
Better Environmentally Sound Transportation is seeking Bicycle Valet staff for our bicycle parking program during the Olympic and/or Paralympic Games.

The Bicycle Valet is like a coat check for bikes (or any self propelled transportation) — people show up, hand over their bike to our Bicycle Valet attendants in exchange for a claim-check. Participants are then able to enjoy the Olympic events without worrying about the safety of their bike!

We will have a number of SHIFT WORK positions available from February 11 – March 21, between the hours of 5:00 a.m. through to 1:00 a.m.

You must be available to work at up to 7 different Olympic Venue sites within Vancouver.

The Bicycle Valet is position that requires a basic level of physical fitness & tolerance for outdoor work.

Rate of pay will be between $15-$18 per hour; with a differential for early and late shifts.

Preference will be given to applicants that can work during both Olympic and Paralympic events.

Please send 1 paragraph indicating your suitability, skills and why you may be interested in this position to the following email address with “Olympic Bicycle Valet” stated within the subject line: olympic-bicyclevalet@best.bc.ca

Date: Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Time: 6:30pm-9pm
Location: BikeWorks (10047 80 Ave, entrance through back alley only)
Cost: Showing up to talk or ask questions is free. If you want to stud a tire, it costs $5 for members (to cover materials), $10 for non-members. Supply your own tire, or buy used ($5) or new ($10) tires at the workshop.
Registration: courses@edmontonbikes.ca (registration for tire studding is required)

Do you fall down a lot? Do your fingers and toes go numb in the cold? Did your eyes freeze shut last night? Do you think people that ride bicycles in the winter are crazy? Did you know that the average daily temperature in January 2009 was -10.5C, and that the average daily high in February 2009 was -4.1C?

Come talk with us about how we do it. While you’re at it, put some wicked studs in your tire. It took me ~45 minutes the first time I made one (and I’m awful with a drill), and I enjoyed it so much that I studded 4 more tires, and I’d do it again sooner than repack my bottom bracket. Didn’t even get dirty.

Seeking Motivated Bike Tour Members
The Otesha Project’s 2010 Bike Tours http://www.otesha.ca
Location: various locations across Canada

Combine sustainable living, community building, theatre,
leadership training and phenomenal bicycle touring!

Teams of a dozen or more motivated and energetic young people,
aged 18 to 30, will set off on cycling and performing tours in
2010. You can be one of them! As a tour member you will share
an incredible experience as they live as a mobile sustainable
community. You will cycle from performance to performance,
connect with communities along the route, brave the elements,
and explore all the ups and downs of directly addressing
environmental and social justice issues through your everyday
actions. No bike touring or other experience is necessary,
just a willingness to give it your all! Apply now – first applied
first considered. Applications due by March 15, 2010.

WHAT IS THE OTESHA PROJECT?

The Otesha Project is a national youth-run charitable
organization created in 2002. We use theatre to mobilize
young people to create local and global change through their
everyday consumer choices. To date, we have reached over
100,000 Canadians directly with our theatre presentations
and workshops that inspire youth to re-evaluate their daily
consumer choices to reflect the kind of world they want
to live in.

WHAT TOURS ARE OFFERED THIS YEAR?

* May 3 – June 25: Ferocious Farm Tour (Ottawa to Toronto and back)
* June 25 – Oct 20: Coast to Capital (Vancouver to Ottawa)
* Sept 7 – Nov 2: Highlands and Islands (Fredericton to Halifax)
For more tour info, check out:

http://www.otesha.ca/bike+tours/our+2010+tours.en.html

See this website for details on this exciting photo contest.

capture.krisholm.com/

if you haven’t heard of Kris Holm before, google him for videos featuring his tremendous unicycle feats. The sound tracks are righteous too.

This is a friendly reminder that spring will come soon, especially if you ride all winter and have so much fun that time flies. If you have a bike that you intend to use in the spring that needs work, now is a good time to get it fixed up. The shops are slower now and your trusty steed will get attention quick and be ready for the first signs of spring. If self-help is what you want, the Edmonton Bicycle Commuters’ shop, Bikeworks, is a good place to learn how to fix your own bike. Volunteer mechanics will share their knowledge with you and the shop has a great vibe. Check out the details at www.edmontonbikes.ca
Enjoy planning for the spring.

Where: Bikeworks 10047-80 Ave *** entrance through the back ally only****

Time: 7-9pm on Friday, November 6, 09

You don’t have to register for this one. Come to gain knowledge and/or share some. Come if you want to ride in the winter just a little or all year long.

Experienced cyclists will guide the discussion through mechanical considerations, clothing, route finding, fancy dress destinations, visibility, kinds of snow and anything else you’re curious about.
See you tonight!

Edmonton Bicycle Commuters’ Society offers another cool experience….

Studded winter tires can add a significant improvement to one’s winter riding experience and add a high degree of safety when one is faced with riding in icy conditions… and let me tell you that pulling away from cars as they spin out at intersections can be very gratifying.

Did you know that  you can make your own studded tires for a fraction of what commercially available tires cost ? These are tires that work just as well and will give you many years of reliable service.

We’ll provide the sheet metal screws and old tubes for lining the tire. Used and new tires will be for sale and will range from $10 – $25. Feel free to bring your own supplies if you like. We’ll have a couple electric drills, but please let us know if you can bring your own and if you can share.

Date: Friday, November 20, 2009

Time: 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm

Space is limited. Register: info@bikeology.ca
Cost: $5 for members $10 for non-members. This cost covers instruction and sheet metal screws only. Cash only for course and for tire purchases.
NOTE: you may not be able to finish a whole tire, so don’t plan to ride out on it.
Location: Bikeworks, 10047-80 Ave entrance through the back alley only.

Come to discuss the thrills and avoiding spills of winter cycling with seasoned winter cyclists. We’ll share information on clothing, route finding, preparing and maintaining your mighty steed and identifying conditions. We’ll have an open discussion, welcoming input from all. We aim to cover basics for those who are beginning to those who want to increase their riding – for those on tight budgets to those with coin.

Date: Friday, November 6th, 2009
Time: 7 pm to 9:00 pm
Register: info@bikeology.ca
Cost: Free.
Location: Bikeworks, 10047-80 Ave entrance through the back alley only.

I like how the author of the blog linked here explains the use of statistics to measure the health of the urban landscape for cyclists. Enjoy!

October 24th

Meet at the U of A ‘Quad’ 114st 87Ave. It’s the green space to the North of the Administration building.

Just a reminder for those new to this site, there’s a link to our icalendar to the right. We post bike culture events in and around Edmonton that are free! Races, demos, mechanics’ courses, rides, parties, talks, and of course, the whole month of June is filled to busin’ with cycling happenings.

For those interested in transporting infants by bike, here’s a good discussion about the health and legal concerns from Portland.

Note that most manufacturers of kids’ bike trailers recommend that a child be 12 or even 18 months old before being pulled in a trailer behind a bike.

The Canadian National Cyclo-cross Championships on October 10th, and the UCI Jim Horner Grand Prix on October 11th. Both races are being run at Argyll Park in Edmonton, Alberta. Organizers are expecting close to 200 competitors at the biggest weekend in Canadian Cyclo-cross!

Race organizers are currently recruiting volunteers to assist with all aspects of the race. If you are interesting in working on a national-level race, this is a great opportunity to meet the best cyclists in Canada, have some fun, eat well, and get a great t-shirt.

You don’t need to be a cyclist to help out with this event and if you are interested, please contact don.fox@cyclocrossedmonton.com.

Finally, there is a need to provide housing opportunities for those competitors travelling from all parts of the country to compete in these national championships. If you are interested in providing accommodation for a competitor (or two?), please contact don.fox@cyclocrossedmonton.com and he will take care of matching a competitor with your generous offer for accommodation. Show the hospitality of Edmonton’s cyclists!

We hope that you will all come out and enjoy a fantastic weekend of racing in Edmonton.
visit cyclocrossedmonton.com for more information _______________________________________________

ok, ok, it’s not so racy. Have fun taking bikes apart (stripping) so that parts can be reused and recycled.

October 04, Sunday, 2009 @ 5:30 PM:Bicycle Stripping and General Cleaning Work Bee

EBC is hosting their fall clean up work bee. If you are interested in helping us get ready for winter please drop by .

Light refreshments, gloves and music provided.

Location: Edmonton Bicycle Commuters’ Society, 10047 – 80th Avenue (enter through Back Alley only)

Address: 10047 – 80th Avenue (enter through Back Alley only)

Cost: Free

Contact: Alex Hindle

Contact Phone: 780.433.2453

Website: http://www.edmontonbikes.ca

Provided here for your convenience is the link to 1 new recall notice

2009 Burley d’lite ST and Solo ST Bicycle Child Trailer

See also: www.healthcanada.gc.ca/cps-recalls

Theoretically, bike month is done. We like to laugh and giggle at the phrase ‘bike month’, because every month is bike month for us, not just June. There are lots of events put on by Edmonton organizations throughout the year that celebrate cycling. Keep posted with some of the links we offer on this website. I’m hearing rumors about some fun business that’s still not posted such as polo velo (yes, that’s polo played on bikes), a winter bikie breakie, and a perogie ride to the Ukrainian Village.
I think the most obvious celebration of cycling happens when we just get on our bikes. At the mechanical fascinations discussion, we talked with a fellow from the United Cycle race team who was going to race in the criterion the next day, Canada Day. Rigged out in full spandex with a bike that I could lift with two fingers, he happily told us “I ride all year. I don’t see the point of owning a car.” Training is everyday and velo love is everyday. As I watched the racers mash up the hill at the race the next day, I wondered if there are many racers who share the same sentiment. Perhaps we can explore that for a Bikeology Salon night next year.
The Canada Day parade was so fantastic. The Edmonton Bicycle Commuters had a float that consisted of about 30 cyclists, all of whom I think are year-round cyclists. We put on a great show with some fantastic attention-grabbers: a bouncy bike called ‘the slug’ that has a 12′ fork that juts the front wheel waaay out; a long bike made from a frame and a half with a skateboard rack pulling an 8′ loaded trailer; a bike with no seat and cranks that are level that you jump up and down on instead of spin ’round; a couple of families with kids cycling and in trailers; a tandem decked out like a whale, with a shiny plume of pretend water sticking out of one of the riders’ helmets; a recumbent tadpole electric assist bike (tadpole= two wheels up front, one in the back); a mini bike with 14″ wheels – 3 wheels in a row; a tall bike with one frame on top of the other; a trailer with a bike on a repair stand; and another trailer with the bicycle and generator and blender set up facing opposite the rider with a person happily blending a drink sitting high on the saddle.
If you can’t imagine all this bicycle joy, stay tuned as we’ll have pics posted pdq.
We cycled in funny circles, weaving in and out with skills gained from daily rides. As commuters we cycle predictably and safely day in and day out. It was a delightful change of pace to provide a visual feast of bazaar bicycle flavour. On one of the trailers we hung our “Edmonton Bicycle Commuters” sign on each side, proudly acknowledging that cycling isn’t just what we do to look fun, it’s what we do daily with passion. “Bike Lots” says Eddy Merckx. Join us.
Ride On!

Tomorrow night is the Salon discussion night of mechanical fascinations. If you like to hear people talk about interesting bike bits, or if you have facts to share, meet at Decapo Café at 7 pm – 8738 109th St NW. Participants might be seen riding in on a fascinating bike, fondling loved bike parts, and chatting about the minutia of bike bits from 1905-2009.
If you’d like to be part of the silly summer parade on Wed, July 1st, meet at Bikeworks, 10047-80 Ave, at 10 am to join other cyclists. It’s your chance to enjoy a ride down Whyte Ave without motor vehicles!

This is the organizers’ favourite event. The forecast says it’ll clear up and we’ll have a clear evening. I love to see the field filled with bikes laid down beside picnic blankets, with cyclist descending into the valley all night. We have fantastic local music lined up:
Jill Pollock is a seriously funny entertainer and after we have
Aroot Bazaar who will offer up energetic world beat music that’ll fill your heart
We’re so thrilled to have such fantastic performers.
After the sun goes down, we’re playing some bike shorts and then our feature, E.T.
If you’re there ’till the end, there’s a joyous screen of flashing red lights meandering up the trails and out of the valley.
Bring a picnic, buy some popcorn while there, bring suncreen, bug spray and lots of layers for late at night. See you there!

Mocktails on the bridge today were delicious. Cool smoothies were appreciated under the intense sun and dramatic sky.
Come tomorrow for our last Bikey Breakie at the bicycle bottleneck – the Southwest side of the high level bridge. Organic fair trade coffee from Earth’s General Store, bars and juice from MEC, and doughnuts from Cram Dunk, the UofA student’s union coffee shop. Breakie is from 7-9

We’re off to the Mocktails on the bridge. Come out and pedal a bike to power a blender to make a pedal-powered smoothie! It’s at Ezio Farone park, NorthWest of the High Level Bridge.

I hear that city employees were just sent an email about bikeology. If this is your first intro to us – welcome! We’re here to provide free events for cyclist. We’re all about making community and providing resources through celebrating Edmonton’s cycling culture.

For your rainy day pleasure today, we’re having the Writing/riding circle. We’ll meet over coffee or tea and weave stories about bikes. Bring nothing but your imagination.

Look for details of the event under ‘events’
If you can’t make it today, please note at the top of the events listing, that we’ve described an on-going writing competition and there’s also a ton more events in June for you to come out and express your velo love!

The repair-a-thon lasted more than 24 hours as the mechanics and people learning mechanics were so into it, they just kept on wrenching.

The twilight ride was lovely. A hot night is a delightful time to weave through the river valley, enjoying the gift of wafts of cool from the trees and river.

FIX: The Repair-a-thon lasts until noon today at the Edmonton Bicycle Commuters Shop, Bikeworks: 10047-80 Ave ****entrance through the back alley only****. Once your noble steed is all fixed up, you can attend the….

RIDE: The Edmonton Bicycle And Touring Club is hosting a twilight ride. Enjoy a pleasant summer evening ride in Edmonton’s River Valley. This approximately 30km ride will go towards Rundle Park and back. Meet at Louise McKinney Park for a 7:00pm departure. Bring your own water and snacks, if needed

We look forward to seeing all of you there.

Doughnuts, juice, bars, fair trade organic coffee, free tune-ups, give-aways, the company of cyclists and velo love. Come out tomorrow between 7am and 9am at the bicycle bottleneck – the Southwest side of the high level bridge.

www.commuterchallenge.ca
the whole week of Monday, June 1 to Friday, Saturday June 6th

Throughout this mighty land, people are registering and logging their commuter kilometers. If you commute by anything other than a single-occupancy vehicle – by bike, bus, walking, skate board, roller blades, car pool – you can log your km as an individual, part of a team, or for your community. Register as an individual or register your school or place of work. Let’s show how hip Edmonton is on the transportation front! (yes, you can sign up late in the week and still record you’re whole week’s efforts)
www.commuterchallenge.ca.

Alternative Video Spot will have a special shelf of very cool bicycle movies for the month of June. Hey, fun!

Kids can ride free!!
Kids 4-13 come try out the course!

Just before the official race, a kids fun ride and race will allow kids to try the track that the adults will later ride. Any type of bike can be used.  
 
 
Pre race kids event details:
Free!!
Kids 4 to 13
Kids must wear closed shoes and helmets to ride
Any kind of bike can be used
Medal awarded to each participant.
Hot dogs
Free!!
 
For more information on the race visit http://albertamtbracing.wordpress.com/edmonton-canada-cup/

The June 1st event – the City of Edmonton Proclamation – has been changed. It’s no longer on June 1st. We’re changing the event to be closer to the middle of the month. Details of the event will be posted soon. Stay tuned and set your sites on our first Metro Cinema movie on the evening of June 1st – Free!

The Tweed Ride was absolutely fabulous, darling! 31 riders enjoyed a jaunty ride and libations at Steeps tea house. Prizes were awarded for style and poise. Well done, tweed ride organizers! The San Fransisco, SFTweed.com, people tweeted us saying: “A big Tally Ho to the Tweed Riders in Edmonton who embark on their 1st Tweed Ride tonight!”

Tweed ride tonight! Come out in your best tweedy outfit and cycle on parade. We’re stopping for libations here and there, darling.
See the events listing for more details.

The Jewelry making course is on the calendar! Register or miss it.
The Tweed ride is also listed – May 24th!
Click on the ‘events’ button above and enjoy the velo love!

Click on the Events button! Do it now! Bikey fun – oh dear me, it’s so exciting.

Got your summer bike out yet? Remember to clean the drive train on your winter steed before you hang it. We’re solidifying our dates for Bikeology events. Check out the link to Google Calendar to see the updates. We’re also working on getting a Fashionista event to make jewelry from salvaged bike parts and possibly a repair-a-thon at the Edmonton Bicycle Commuters.

We’ve been strategizing, booking venues, applying for funding, meeting with bike geeks – all the good stuff that happens before we can have another Bike Month.
So, what can you do? here are a number of ways you can get all bikey:
1) send us an email with your contact info if you want to volunteer during Bike Month
2) Send us ideas for Bikey Movies at the Metro – deadline Feb 20
3) Send us ideas for the Ride-In movie – it has to be cheezy and have some bikes in it (no necessarily bike focused)
4) email us if you’re interested in helping with media during Bike Month. We’re working on a concise list of directions for someone to follow
5) Let us know what ideas you have for Bike Month. Please keep in mind that we already run 27 events – so any further activities will need some people power behind it. We’d love to help you gather resources and promote your stunningly wonderful event
6) stay tuned for more additions to the Bike Month 2009 calendar – found to the right under ‘google calendar’

have you read the report on the recovered stolen bikes in Toronto – all 1,500 of them? I was blown away by this report. Imagine all those stolen bikes. Some people are recovering their bikes – even some bikes that had been stolen 3 years ago. 

No news on new events yet – we’re still hashing out the details. In the mean time, I thought I’d let you know a few ways you can help the cycling community of Edmonton.

Yesterday I saw a fellow on his bike on the multi-use path that runs from Oliver Square to way past 118 Ave on the converted railway corridor along 122st, otherwise known as the bike highway. He was stopping now and then, pulling out pruning sheers and trimming all the branches that cyclists otherwise would have to duck under. Random acts of pruning. 

I also know a chap who frequently plans on taking a few more minutes on his commute so that he can stop and sweep up glass he sees on the path. Isn’t that grand? I’ve always admired him for doing this.

I tried this the other day spontaneously when I saw an entire whisky bottle smashed just North of the High Level bridge. I was lucky to have a good garbage bag on me, ‘though I recommend a broom and dust pan for this activity. It didn’t take too long, and I got a good stretch to boot. 

Other things you can do are phone when someone is parked on or across the access to a path, phone when you see damaged pavement on a path, and phone when someone is parked in a bike lane – even if they’re just going to be there to drop someone off – get their license number and whatever description of their vehicle you can muster. 

For on-road cycling inquiries, contact Claire Ellick, City of Edmonton Sustainable Transportation at 780-496-2615. 
Roadway maintenance inquiries (potholes, gravel, glass) can be directed to the Roadway Maintenance Hotline at 780-496-1700.

Do it. There are many at the city level who try their best to improve cycling in Edmonton. They need to say they’ve heard from citizens that cycling is important. If we all speak out, things will change.

Update (June 2010): This is a post from 2008 and is not current. Check the date of any post to avoid confusion.

We’ve been working on a date for another Ride-In Movie. It looks like the Victoria Cricket pitch, where we show the outdoor movie, is used a bunch for cricket in the summer – go figure. We’re looking at some August dates, as none are available in July. We’ll keep you posted

Is anyone interested in another Jewelry class? We’re assuming we need one – and I mean need – nearer the December festivities. Would one in September or October appeal to folks. Feel free to email with feedback

info@bikeology.ca

Soon we’ll have formulated another writing competition too.

Oh, and just to keep you on your toes, we’re talking about a tire-studding session in August. Hey, why wait until the snow flies to get your steed in gear for snow fun?

Here’s a little comment from one of our local couriers about the film we showed called ‘Pedal’. He said “that was a bit depressing -I hope people don’t think we’re that miserable” He was referring especially to the courier drug addicts they interviewed. He said that one of the companies that the film focused on hired drug addicts on purpose because they know they can work them to the bone – the drug addicts need more $ for drugs, so will work beyond what is physically healthy. Nice, eh? We don’t have any such company in Edmonton. We do have a lively courier community who sometimes arrange to have races, sometimes meet for beer or coffee after work, and have always seemed friendly and chatty to me. And we owe them thanks for bringing the North American Cycle Courier Championships to Edmonton in 1991 – that’s where we had our first Bikeology Festival and we haven’t lost our momentum since. Ride On working cyclists!

The Bike Coalition who brought you Bike Month strongly recommends the class detailed below – like all Bike Month events – it’s FREE.

The Edmonton Bicycle Commuters will be holding a one-day course to  
teach anyone how to run a basic children’s bike safety course. It  
will include a manual, sources and how-tos for necessary resources.  
The course is FREE and will be run on Saturday, July 19, 2008 in  
Edmonton. For more information, please contact John Collier at  
jbcollier@shaw.ca 

don’t let us fall off your radar. Now that Bike Month is done, we’re making plans to celbrate bikes some more this summer and beyond.  Stay tuned for an announcement of another ride-in outdoor movie in July…..and we’re thinking about when to have the next jewelry making class….and writing competition….

we had an amazing day at Bikeology, a relaxing informative ride at John Jansen Nature centre yesterday, and tonight we have our last Bike Month event. Come to cool off at Metro Cinema tonight in the Citadel and see ‘Pedal’ 

@ 7:30 at Metro Cinema, in Zeidler Hall Main Floor– Citadel Theatre, 9828 101A Ave. 

 the movie’s free and we have a whole bunch of prizes to give away. See the ‘donors’ section of the website above for a list of all the generous bikes stores that donate really nice prizes throughout the month – let’s hear it for a vibrant cycling community!

more infor on Pedal:

http://www.powerhousebooks.com/titless06/pedal.html

It’s an inside look at the New York Courier scene, filmed during the Cycle Messenger World Championships. From the website above:

“ in motion and at ease, checking out each other’s bags, lingering over modifications to bikes and bodies. Between events like sprints, distance racing, and skid contests, Sutherland shows us the riders’ elegant physicality, complex individuality, and unique community that crosses boundaries of race, gender, age, and class. And he doesn’t shy away from the blood and bruises that come part and parcel with the messenger’s life.”

oh yeah – the movie’s free and we have a whole bunch of prizes to give away. See the ‘donors’ section of the website above for a list of all the generous bikes stores that donate really nice prizes throughout the month – let’s hear it for a vibrant cycling community!

Guided Bicycle Nature Tour

June 29th
1 to 3 pm
A nature guide will take us on an easy trip – this ride is for everyone – easy. Children on bike and trailer are welcome. We’ll start at John Janzen Nature Centre and meander at a leisurely pace. This ride is rated for novice cyclists and will include lots of discussion stops. Bring water (lots of water), food and sunscreen. A fresh look at Edmonton’s natural landscapes and responsible bicycling in our natural areas.

This will be a perfect way for some of us to mellow out and simmer down after a lovely, exciting day at Bikeology.

Remember your first bike? Your ride down to the corner store? The first time you fell in love with….riding? Come to Beaver Hill’s Park, 105 st and Jasper, between 12 and 5 today and recapture your youth. Reinvent your passion. Resuscitate your joi de vivre. Bring your bike for a free tune-up and refresh your ride.

Bikeology this year will be having many of the old favourites and some new events:

Local musicians powered by Solar Energy Society’s solar panels

Bike-nic poetry and other ’spoke’n word

children’s entertainment

craft table for all-ages bike bling

local stores’ information booths

pedal powered smoothies

free mechanic tune ups

and eco fair

wide range of bike information and bike enthusiast to chat with

scavenger hunt

self-guided tours of historic downtown Edmonton

quizzes and prizes

more prizes!

Bring your bike, there’ll be plenty o’ bike parking AND free mechanical checks.

See you there!

tomorrow at the Bikeology Festival we have some sweet local bands. Come out and enjoy. The festival runs from 12-5 and is at Beaver Hills park on 105 st and Jasper Ave

Lara Farascan 

The Ferris Wheel 

 Joe Nolan 

Paper Ghosts 

The Bummers 

Daniel Moir 

Bikenic Poetry

Andrew Pahl 

          Rob Taylor 

We were warmed and enchanted with a visit from Momentum Magazine’s Ilrike Rodrigues yesterday. Momentum is a magazine out of Vancouver that you can pick up for free at Earth’s General Store. It’s all about cycling, especially commuting – and it’s a fun read. Ilrike, or Ile, is a columnist for the magazine and writes about a broad range of subjects, including traveling by bike.

Ile traveled here with her folding bike to explore part of the cross-Canada trail (pics on flickr scroll above). She also checked out the massive multi-use trail we have in the valley. Sometimes we forget what a gem our river valley is. If you’d like to find out more about Ile’s opinion of the trail, stay tuned to Momentum magazine and Ile’s own website:

http://www.miteymiss.com/

I like living in a Northern city, where people show up and have a great time in high winds at +12 C to drink pedal powered smoothies. There was more than a handful of toques at the Mocktails today. As you might see in the pictures on the flickr stream above, we used some ‘road closed’ road signs and many bungie cords to hold down the tents in the wind. Interesting imagery there. Lots of people nonetheless lined up to have a smoothy made from frozen berries, bananas and soy milk. 

Tomorrow we’re lined up for a visit from Don Iveson, a fabulous cycling city coucillor, for our bikey breakfast on the Southwest side of the High Level bridge between 7 and 9 am. See you there!

two fabulous velo-love events have already happened this week. Here’s the next 4 (!) for this week:

Mocktails on the Bridge

Thursdays June 26th
4-6pm @ Ezio Faraone Park, North West side of the High Level Bridge, at 109th St
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.

Bikey Breakfast

Friday June 27th from 7-9am.

Stop by for free coffee, juice, granola bars, cinnamon buns with a side of velo love! Mechanics will provide free bike maintenance checks. Cinnamon buns don’t arrive until around 8 ’cause we like ‘em fresh out of the bakery

 @ 109 Street & 88 Avenue – The Bicycle Bottleneck on the South West side of the High Level Bridge

Rumour has it that Don Iveson, city councilor is coming down on his bike commute to work. He’s well versed in matters of sustainable transportation and how more people cycling make a city cleaner, healthier, quieter, safer and generally a better place to be. If you’d like to see a wee video where Mr Iveson presents Bike Month with a city proclamation to kick off the festivities, scroll down to the blog entry “Barb’s Bike Shorts from June 2″

Owen Richel Memorial Critical Mass

Friday June 27th @ 5:30pm
For Owen Richel’s Story see this short video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7oTF-jXCwFw

Meet outside of city hall to take to the streets! Critical mass rides are a fun way to demonstrate use of the bicycle as an efficient and freeing form of daily travel. Dress up, dress down, tape flowers to your bikes for Owen or just come out and ride from Edmonton City Hall to Gazebo Park in the Strathcona area.
www.edmontoncriticalmass.com

Bikeology Festival – all free!

Saturday June 28th from Noon – 5pm
Beaver Hills House Park at Jasper Ave + 105th St

Edmonton’s Wild Ride Festival! Contests, local live solar-powered music, free bike tune-ups, trials team (jumping and dancing with bikes), cyclists of all nature to talk with, pedal powered smoothies, and eco fair and more! Bring your bike, your friends and your sunscreen for a fantastic velo party! 

Home-built trailer competition

at the Bikeology Festival 

show your home-built bicycle to judges between 2:30 and 3:30
$200 prize at 4:00
special note will be taken for bikes made of reused parts

Guided Bicycle Nature Tour

June 29th
1 to 3 pm
All riders welcome. Children on bike and trailer accompanied by adults are welcome start at John Janzen Nature Centre, leisurely pace. This ride is rated for novice cyclists and will include lots of discussion stops. Bring water, food and sunscreen. A fresh look at Edmonton’s natural landscapes and responsible bicycling in our natural areas.
 

Tonight we’re at the Three Bananas Bistro and Café again tonight from 7-9pm. It’s on churchill square. We’re talking about fascinating bike mechanic stuff. Some of our panel members will bring cool things to look at and poke and talk about. Bring your own or just come down for the discussion. Perhaps there’ll be heated debates about free wheels, fixies, sealed bottom brackets, slicks, and cog ratios. Don’t know what any of these mean? Come down and learn something and enjoy the velo love.

Tonight’s movie, for June 23, was ‘You never Bike Alone’. I highly recommend it. It’s a balanced look at the Vancouver Critical Mass (edmontoncriticalmass.com): history, conflicts, bike activist who hate or love it, reasonable arguments for and against it and, best of all, the weird and wonderful collection of things and people  - tall bikes, trailers, small bikes, car bikes, choppers, naked riders, underwear riders, costumes, signs, jugglers, trick riders. And the people who stop to do twister on the Lions’ Gate Bridge. And the people who take up a parking spot with a garden planted in the engine block. And and and. It’s a visual inspiration of cycling as normalcy and cycling as an artistic expression. If you want a copy, the Edmonton Small Press Association (edmontonsmallpress.org/links.html) who hosted the evening still has a few copies. They’ll bring them to sell at the Bikeology Festival on Saturday, if they have any left. We ought to play it again for next Bike Month. I’d see it again and again.

The Ride-In movie was a great success. Check out the photos posted above on a flicker stream. Send your photos to info@bikeology.ca if you want them on this site. The only real glitch, I think, was that I forgot to point out where the port-a-potty was.

It was great to have Jesse, one of our most dependable star bicycle trailer hauler, performing on stage with his family. His band, the Cunningham Family, was a good match for a mellow evening in the park. Next time I’ll request that they play some of their Métis stuff – they didn’t ’cause they had played for Aboriginal Day earlier.

Doug Hoyer was incredible – and was graciously not put out at all that he had to play in the dark. I had told our great sound guy Bill Karly that we wouldn’t need lights.

The give-away blinky lights and patch kits from the Edmonton Bicycle Commuters (EBC) set out on the information table went like hot cakes. Also fun, the wrenches holding down the propaganda were used a number of times for bike fixing.

Attendance. I’m thinking we had 100 + people. Andy counted 70 before the first band started. We had a number of blinky light parades of cyclists swoosh in after that. Beautiful site against the backdrop of the downtown skyline.

Reading the writing competition’s finalist entries was a perfect addition to the evening. The audience looked please to participate in judging the entries. Great idea, Robert. Writing as a community builder has definitely been established  as a staple for Bike Month. Prizes for the three finalists included a penny-farthing pizza cutter from EBC, a Park Tool mechanical guide from Cranky’s bike shop, a hep cycling t-shirt from Velocity, a chain cleaner system and oil from Western Cycle and and autographed “the Bicycle Book: Wit Wisdom and Wanderings” book edited by Jim Joyce. Thanks so much to all our generous prize donators! 

To all the people who put the night together, thanks for the cooperative effort. I’ve forgiven you all for not dressing up in ’80s garb. Warning – I now have a taste for pulling an 8′ long and 4′ wide trailer in a Cindy Lauper skirt.

so someone commented that I didn’t post the time of tomorrow’s breakie. It’s from 7-9, with the cinnamon buns arriving at 8 or before.

If you need more details of any event, please check the calendar on the right column of this web page. To find out more about any event, click on the event on the calendar and a box with more info will pop up.

We’re meeting tomorrow at Ezio Farone park on the Northwest side of the High level bridge for breakie – wanna come? There’ll be independently certified fair trade coffee from Earth’s General Store, bars and juice and fruit rolls from MEC and then – as soon as their out of the oven early in the morning, a cyclist packs the organic spelt cinnamon buns from Breadland and sprints to our breakfast. It’s very exciting. Get a free tune-up while there and let us fill out a tardy slip for you to hand to your boss. It goes something like “Please forgive your employee, [name], for being tardy as he/she has stopped for a healthy breakfast and participated in a healthy form of transportation. We know that these things increase productivity, so please encourage all your employees to do the same…”

Today at Stantec, 10160-112 st, between 4pm and 8pm the City of Edmonton Sustainable Transportation Department is having an open house. The display and discussion will center around the city’s larger policies for bicycle transportation. come out to wrap your head around the big issues, the long term and hopes for the future

as usual, our bike Salon was a success. Despite torrential rain, we had 20+ people come out to share their winter stories and a few were there to learn. those of us out there in the winter know the joys of winter riding and reminiscing in June is just so sweet. Thanks Robert and Ketih for leading the discussion, offering technical advise and showing us your warmest underwear (I averted my eyes, of course). Also a big thank you to Three Bananas Café who stay open late every Tuesday in June so we can vibe out on talking about bikes. 

Next week, come and talk with a panel of mechanics who’ll bring fun mechanical fascinations

that’s right – tonight we talk about snow. The winter cycling salon will be at 3 bananas on churchill square at 7 tonight. Several winter cyclists will impart their knowledge on the subject. We’ll have winter bikes there to show you how to gear up, an underwear display to show you how to stay warm, and discuss route finding and snow skills – and all the fun that goes with it. come learn or share your experiences

Today is our second anual Repair-a-thon, run by the Edmonton Bicycle Commuters (www.edmontonbikes.ca). 10047-80th Ave, entrance through the back alley ONLY. Come in and learn to fix and maintain your bike – shop fees are waved today. Mechanics will be helping people from noon today until noon tomorrow – there’s so much velo love, we can’t stop giving it out!

Also, we have the world’s most funky Bikeology posters, designed by Rainbow Bridge Communications. We’d absolutely love it if you could take a few and get them around town for others to enjoy. If you’re into it, please pick some up from the Bikeworks shop during the above described Repair-a-thon.

the People’s Pedal put on a wonderful pancake bikie breakfast this morning. We were please that cyclists came down by bike in droves, despite the weather forecast for rain. So, who is People’s Pedal and what can they offer you? Check out the link to their site on the sidebar and the following survey offered up by Rob Butz:

Hey folks. People’s Pedal has a social research survey we’re doing set up online, to help us determine which ways to grow Edmonton’s shared bicycle network. If you can help out by taking a 10-minute survey, just click the green “take this survey” button on

http://www.peoplespedal.org

Last night we discussed road bikes vs touring bikes, assisted ride vs non, randoneering, 20 km rides and 1200 km rides, and rides through Africa or close to home. Ed Weymouth from the Edmonton Bicycle and Touring Club, or, what they call the eating club with a cycling disorder, brought his years of experience as a commuter and a long-distance rider to discuss all questions posed. Thanks, Ed!

This Thursday June 12th and Friday June 13th look like they’re going to be great weather for our mocktails at Ezio Farone park on the Northwest side of the high level bridge and our pancake breakfast at Churchill Square. Look at the calendar in the right column of this page for more details. Both these events will have mechanics to offer you a bike tune-up.

Tonight, like all the Tuesdays in June, is a bike salon at Three Bananas Café on Churchill Square downtown. We’re talking about touring with a detailed and highly informative presentation by Ed Waymouth from the Edmonton Bicycle and Touring Club, EBTC. EBTC offers a great diversity of tours throughout the spring summer and fall and Ed will present a great wealth of knowledge about touring and tours. As with all of Bikeology events, it’s free!

The first Bike Breakie was a smashing success. We love the drama of the thunderstorms at night, and are glad it’s fair riding all day. About 130 people stopped by to enjoy independently certified fair trade coffee from Earth’s General Store, delivered by bike, organic spelt cinnamon buns from Breadland Organic bakery and sponsored by the City of Edmonton, delivered by bike, bars and juice and give-aways from Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC), delivered by bike, and free mechanic check ups, tools and stands and parts delivered by MEC  and Edmonton Bicycle Commuter’s society (EBC), by bike. See a pattern here? Our events are all free and all car-free. It’s really not that hard. We have strong trailers and strong cyclists who know how to haul safely in traffic. Want to know about cycling visibly and predictably in traffic? Drop by any of the Bike Month events and have fun gabbing with other cyclists of all natures. Or just come out for the velo love. We’ve got lots of that.

We had a total of 26 participants for the commuter race. Bicycles, tandems, bikes with tag-along bikes for kids – ya, a whole family raced together! – roller blades, a long board, a scooter, a car pool. Everyone put in a great effort to see how fast their way of travel was. The fastest was the bicycle, but all ways of getting downtown were quick, showing that you don’t need a car, especially for short trips. All ways of travel were also calculated into bagels per Km per second. That’s right, we can even calculate the energy used by a bus into bagels!

The bicycle won again, being a truly amazing steed. Breakfast was provided by 3 bananas muffins and Earth’s General Store certified fair trade coffee. 

Up and coming this is week are some ways to explore your inner bike love. Trashanista recycled bike parts jewelry class on Thurs night, writing circle on Thurs morning. Also note that until June 21 you have the chance to prove what a bad ass you are on paper. See event details under ‘events’ above.

While on stage I counted 56 people in the audience – I’m calling it
60, including volunteers. That’s the highest turn-out we’ve had,
possibly.

Despite the grueling nature of the film, many said they’d be back next
Monday.

Keegan, our new hired volunteer coordinator stayed at the front and
met many key EBC and Bike Month coalition organizer – and got a movie
viewer to volunteer to haul a trailer for this Friday’s bikey
breakfast!

$130.25 was put in the donations pot at the door. That’ll be split
between the UofA non-profit group, ECOs and the People’s Pedal.

Thanks to Scott Kelly for speaking on behalf of the Alberta Bicycle
Association, and to Barb for the great Bike Shorts!

We’re a few weeks away from the June 21 Ride-In-Movie (see ‘events for details). There’s just enough time to start raiding the second hand stores in search of a perfect ’80’s get-up. Cindy Lauper skirts, deck shoes, big pastel necklaces, mesh muscle shirts  with numbers, long earrings and really tight Levi jeans. Come dressed to do the time-warp! 

There’s a really exciting fund raising ride next week. It’s a chance to ride with fellow Edmontonians, folks from the Edmonton Bike and Touring Club, and 60 national riders – all in support of Edmonton’s Stollery Hospital.

Please note that we don’t have the info on our events list or calendar only because Bike Month events are all free and there’s a registration fee for this ride.  Please see details below and help out if you can!

When: Wednesday, June 4th
Rider check-in is 8:00 am with opening ceremonies at 8:30
Ride begins at 9 am. 

Where: Start and Finish is West Edmonton Mall Sears parking lot. 

Why: For our kids with cancer!  Not to mention Sears is providing breakfast, and you’ll receive neat items such as a hat, T-shirt and water bottle – and after your morning ride is over, you can be back at your office in time for lunch!

Registration fee is only $45.00 with minimal fundraising goal. 

Your Edmonton ambassadors have raised $32,000 for our kids, and would love to see that number skyrocket to our goal of 50,000 and beyond. Please register online, you still have time!  See you there!

Carrie Warkentin and Daniel Lynch
www.nationalkidscancerride.com

Bike Month is fast approaching and we need your help! Please let me know if some of the following volunteer opportunities resonate with you. 
info@bikeology.ca

1. In groups of 2 or 3, distributing leaflets to LRT commuters on Thursday May 29th and Friday May 30th. Info will include Bike Month events, ETS bikes on buses, the commuter challenge (commuterchallenge.ca), Clean Air Day events and more to inspire Edmonton to get involved in making this a better city!

2. Clean Air Day Commuter Race and Breakfast. Want to race by bike, multi-modally by bike and bus? We also need help to set up the breakfast, to help the racers start and to greet them at the end. The race is from 72 ave and 109 street to the concrete public area on the south side of the Stanley A. Milner Library downtown.

3.Bike Movies at Metro Cinema. Each Monday night in June – sign up for one or as many as you like. Someone to give out tickets for the free give-away draws and to let people know that the movies are free. 
June 2, 9,16, 23, and 30

4. Hauling bike trailers to events. EBC is proud to be running this Bike Month car-free, just like last year. If you’ve got the thigh strength and can ride in traffic calmly and responsibly, please let us know if you can haul for us. Dates for hauling include 
Bikey Breakfasts June 6, 13, 20, 27 
Clean Air Day June 4 
Mocktails on the Bridge June 12 and 26th 
Bikeology June 28th

5. Bikeology Festival – lots to sign up for here! All positions include set-up and tear down, many hands make light work. 
help the children’s entertainer, be a float to relieve table sitters, help with the bike-on-bus race, help take results for a survey, help hand out prizes, and many other jobs

6. Postering and Handlebarring! If you’d like to put posters up for Bike Month and Bikeology Festival (two different posters), please let us know. We’ll let you know if there’s a place that needs postering and keep track of where our posters go up. FYI we’ve hired a professional poster person to poster on Whyte and Downtown!

Please note that the city is now fining groups $250 for postering inappropriately, so please get permission or stick to official postering locations.

Handlebarring is taking a long slip of paper with Bike Month details, wrapping it around bicycle handlebars and stapling them. This can be done throughout bike month anywhere in the city where there’s a congregation of bikes – in your office or apartment building, at libraries, Nait or U of A, King’s college. 
You can also take them on the road and hand them out where many bikes pass, or to all the cyclists who pass you on the trails (careful, now!)

Let us know how you’d like to be involved

Molly Turnbull 

780 264 9752
info@bikeology.ca

Well, the Bike Month calendar is looking mighty full. Mighty Mighty Bicycle Full. On the right column of this page, click on the google calendar to see the events. When the calendar is open, click on any event and you’ll get more details of that event. Need more info? Click on the events category at the top of this page for more details. You’ll find some exciting stuff there. Vue weekly this week will have an article about Bike Month in general and have a spread on the bike films. I can’t wait!

go out, go out, where ever you are. Get out on your bike. Bike month is over but the vibe can still be felt all over Edmonton. A fellow in the movie “The Return of the Scorcher”, a free movie at Metro Cinema, said that the world would be a better place if people rode their bikes. Every week I pass at least one cyclist beaming – smile stretched uncontrollably from ear to ear. Often, especially in a rain when fewer are on the road, cyclists greet each other. I love to look out over the river valley while crossing bridges, to breath in the smell of wet soil when cycling on trails, to pass and feel engaged with people walking in neighbourhoods, to take my appropriate place in traffic. I love trip planning, going slower when I need to show up not sweaty, taking the long way when I’m in the company of less-experienced riders, or to really kick-it when I have to get there. I love to park my bike, my quiet quiet bike. Rolling into my garage, careful to not scratch the well rested car with my utility trailer, I love the peace and quiet of arriving at home full of the rush of a beautiful ride.
I invite you to contact the folks who have links on this site. If you need help to use you bicycle more, there’s a whole bunch of us who would love to share the velo-love. See you on the road or trail and definitely see you next June for bike month
Bicyclegal42

This fri – June 29 – is the last bike month event. Come to Ezio Farone Park on the North West side of the High Level Bridge for Mocktails. 4-6 – music, pedal powered smoothies, cool bikes, happy cyclists, lounging and frollicing. Feel free to wear gaudy clip-on earings, flashy, fancy, or flakey dress….or sweaty t-shirts, doesn’t matter.

After the Mocktails there will be a memorial ride with Critical Mass across the High Level Bridge. Please read below an invitation from Daryl and Charlotte, parents of Owen who passed away after a brave fight against leukemea

200 June 28, 2007 at 01:40 PM MDT
Greetings,

COME TO THE OWEN RICHEL MEMORIAL CRITICAL MASS BIKE RIDE

A critical mass is a monthly gathering of cyclists who ride together on the streets to demonstrate that bikes are a great way to get around. It’s sort of a political parade of bikes. Last year Owen rode his bike across the High Level Bridge during the June critical mass. This year the critical mass is dedicated to Owen. Here are the details:

WHERE: Meet in front of City Hall by the fountain
WHEN: The ride starts at 5:30 pm tomorrow Friday, June 29th
ROUTE: The ride usually goes down Jasper Avenue, over the High Level Bridge and then east along Whyte Avenue finishing at Gazebo Park. It’s a slow easy ride that ends around 6:30 or 7 pm. The ride is a lot of fun. You can ride all of the route or just part of it.

Owen loved riding his bike so hope to see you tomorrow on your
two-wheeled friend as we ride in Owen’s memory.

Love,

Daryl and Charlotte

Tonight’s the last night to enjoy free bycycle films. Metro cinema – 7 pm. Be there! Velo love forever!

The nostalgia of a drive in movie experience was recreated and improved for the second annual Ride In Movie. Projecting against one of the white backboards at Victoria Cricket Pitch, the features were Barb’s Bike Shorts and the cheesy 1983 Australian flick, BMX Bandits. The latter film follows a teenage Nicole Kidman and her BMX riding mates as they stumble upon then thwart the plans of the sketchy bank robbers. Plenty of surprisingly good bike-cam cinematography plus the excuse for flour bombs and foam bubbles fights. Some of the dialogue and comedy were also better than expected, though there was plenty of groan-inducing moments that allowed full audience participation. It is grand to sit outdoors with a bunch of bikers yelling and laughing along with the film!
Prior to the movies, CJ organised two bands to perform (Aurora and the 7-minute band), which passed the time before Edmonton’s late sunset (circa ~10:30 pm). The bands had quite the hipster following, some of whom rode down on bikes, but few stayed for the ride in movie. Counted about 100 during the bands and picnic, and about 60 for the movie. Picnic fare, as always, was good. Farmers’ Market treats were shared, along with bug repellent and mozzie coils. A cosy evening was enjoyed by all and despite the looming rain clouds, no more rain until we arrived home at 2:30 a.m.