The Tucson Tusday Night Bike Ride

POSTDATA: Now that it's HOTTT later into the day, the ride is meeting at 8:00 instead of 7:00 p.m..

I did the ride tonight and it was so fun! Talk about cheap, environmentally-friendly, community-building thrills. You can read up on it at Tucson Bike Lawyer or read "Tucson on Two Wheels" from the Tucson Weekly.

Generally I just want to stress the following: the event is not as much of a boys' club as it might appear to be at first glance, (especially when your first glance is the above footage). You don't have to have a penis or do fancy tricks. You don't even have to be in shape to keep up (a few "rebels" even smoke on the ride which is kinda like taking a crap right after a shower but whatever). The point is you don't have to be hard core at all. You only need to have just enough control not to run into anyone.

The ride is lovely at 8:00 pm when the temp is nice these days. It's great to just be a part of the pack, not even knowing (or caring) about where you're going - just go, just be, just ride, one pedal at a time.

The route tonight was diverse which kept it interesting. There were a few bottlenecks but I think that just adds to the flavor flav.

So, TIPS:

Bring bike lights. (Do as I say not as I do.)

Don't zig zag if you don't want to get rammed. Give the person in front of you a little space.

Stay in one lane, away from oncoming or passing traffic. Duh.

Respect the trolley tracks because otherwise you may biff so fast you won't even know what happened.

Bring some water. And cookies to share. (I heart birthday cookies, thanks Sara)

If you find yourself going up a ramp or something try as hard as you can not to put your foot down!

So, ANNOUNCEMENTS:

The World Naked Bike Ride is this Saturday, June 7. Nudity encouraged, but not required. No pix without permission, please. Gather at 7:00 pm at 10th Ave. and 4th St. Email tucsonnakedbikeride[at]gmail[dot]com for more info.

Rice and Beans benefit for Renato's "ecological round-the-world trip" this Sunday, June 8th. Event starts at Dry River Radical Resource Center at 4:00 pm. Join world tour Brazilian cyclist Renato Campinho in a neighborhood bike ride. Rice and beans served at 5:00 pm. The event will conclude with a sideshow of his trip.

Wilko (Park and University) does pre-ride bike lubes next Tuesday, June 10 from 6:00 - 8:00 pm to raise funds for their liquor license.

POSTDATA: In case you haven't noticed the recent media flurry, local officials have their panties in a bundle over the potential nudity of this Saturday's World Naked Bike Ride. Know the law before you take off your bra!