Movie Night at the Bicycle Authority

On Monday night, we attended Movie Night at the Bicycle Authority. Dan showed the film Double Yellow 2, a documentary about bicycle messengers in Philadelphia. Carson City’s Gabe Gonzalez worked as a messenger in Philadelphia, and the movie had considerable footage of him. Gabe was on hand last night to share some stories and answer questions.

Movie Night at Bicycle Authority
Bring your own chairs. Not a problem on the Ute!

Even after watching the movie and getting a glimpse of the messenger life, I doubt any of us here in Carson City could actually get our minds around what it must be like in real life. Up close and personal with cars all day long, several days per week.

Movie Night at Bicycle Authority
The chow line

From the interviews in the movie, it seemed to be a bittersweet life. Tremendous freedom of riding your bike all day long, mixed with a lot of road rage and harsh weather during the winter. A common theme in the movie was a strong bond between messengers, even with messengers in cities far away. Gabe concurred.

Movie Night at Bicycle Authority
Gabe

The movie got me thinking about how many bicycle subcultures have evolved. Some of the messengers in the movie were a little ticked at how their culture was being mimicked by non-messengers, riders that have not paid their dues. It seemed a little harsh at first, but then I thought you could probably say the same thing is true for any other cycling subculture.

Movie Night at Bicycle Authority
Gabe’s pictures and words from the messenger days

Mountain biking has splintered off into many different factions, and often times one group won’t see eye to eye with another group. Downhillers, Free riders, XC racers, trail riders, cyclocrossers…each group with their own set of unwritten codes of behaviors and styles. Many of us even belong to a few subcultures here in Carson City. Our small city close to off-road trails and low traffic paved roads present a lot of cycling opportunities for us here.

Movie Night at Bicycle Authority
Tasha and Jason ready to roll

The movie night had a great turnout with over 20 people attending. This was also true of the movie at the Bike Habitat last Saturday. I think this is something we should continue to do throughout the year periodically.

Movie Night at Bicycle Authority
Dan and Gabe

Another thank you to Gabe for adding so much to the movie! For more on Gabe Gonzalez, check out Urban Velo Issue #9 HERE.

Bike to Work Week Begins

Bike to Work Week begins! Here’s a look at what’s going on today:

  • Ride your bike to work!
  • 1st day of the bicycle commuter Corporate Challenge. Over a dozen teams around Carson City will be competing for the most bicycle miles, most trips by bike, and highest percentage of employees participating. Check Bike Carson later this evening to see the leader board.
  • Commuter Celebration and Commiseration at Comma Coffee – This is an informal gathering for bicycle commuters to share stories (celebrate and commiserate), ask questions, share expertise, and enjoy the company of other commuters. Mon May 11 4pm – Mon May 11 5:30pm (repeats Weekly on weekdays, until May 15, 2009)
  • Movie Night at the Bicycle Authority: Tonight’s feature is “DOUBLE YELLOW 2″, a film following a year in the life of a bike messenger in Philadelphia. This a very casual movie night, and you are encouraged to bring food and drinks to be shared with new and old friends. If you can, bring your own chairs, as available seating is limited. Please be aware of occasional strong language used in the film. Tonight will include a couple guest speakers too. Former bike messengers from Philadelphia and New York City will be on hand to share a story or two. Come down tonight, May 11, 6pm – 8pm, to The Bicycle Authority, 1501 N. Carson St.

Weekend Happenings

The Bike Smith
The Bike Smith 900 N. Carson St.

On Saturday May 9th, The Bike Smith will offer a free safety check and bike fit. This is a great opportunity to have your bike fit by a pro. The Bike Smith is also offering free food, drinks, and one free tube repair (one per family). Come down and see what’s new at the shop, and get outfitted for your spring adventures!

Tour of Carson
Bike Habitat 911 Topsy Lane

Movie night at the Bike Habitat, Sat May 9, 6:30 pm – 8pm. Bring a chair, kick back, and enjoy a few bicycle movies.

Charlie
Kids Mountain Bike Ride – Riverview Park

Bring the family down on Mother’s Day, Sunday May 10th, for a kids mountain bike ride. We’ll be riding the Riverview Park/Mexican Ditch trail system, a good introduction to off-road cycling on the mostly flat, hard-packed trails. Mountain bikes or BMX style bikes with knobby tires recommended, Helmets REQUIRED. Meet at Riverview Park (End of East 5th Street) at 9:30 AM.

Movie Night

Anyone going to the Movie at the Library tonight? I’m going to try and make it…

Movie Night

“A Glimpse of Heaven and a Taste of Hell”
Award winning documentary
2007 Tahoe Rim Endurance Run
Thursday, June 12th, 6:30 p.m.
Library Auditorium
Free and open to the public

“This 2007 film was directed by Tyler Bourns and captures the race event which was held on July 21, 2007. In this 56-minute DVD you will get a chance to see what the 400 entrants from around the world experienced when competing in an ultra distance endurance run on the world famous Tahoe Rim Trail. Athletes were able to choose from a 50 K, 50 -miler, or the exhausting 100-mile National Championship Event. Hosted by Kelly Quinn and told by the participants and volunteers you will discover both the story of ultra running as well as the colorful history of this event.”

Weekend Wrap Up

There have been so many bike events lately that it’s hard to keep track. I’m getting pretty worn out, but I don’t want to miss out on any of the fun! I just had an ibuprofen/glucosamine/multi-vitamin cocktail, and I’ll get some good sleep tonight. This should keep me going for the rest of the week’s events!

Here’s a look at what happened over the weekend…

Bike Commuter Forum

Friday night was the Bike Commuter Forum at the Bike Habitat. The audience was made up folks that already commute by bike. I had envisioned this event being attended by people new to commuting, but having the group we did actually worked out pretty good. It was great to hear everyone’s commuting stories, and everyone had a different one. We really do live in a culture built around the automobile, so things that should be simple like bike storage and safe routes become challenging. Dennis Coyne was an excellent host, providing us with treats and barley pops. After the forum, a bunch of us bicycle convoyed back through town for a fun night ride, including my 7 year old son. He’s a good stoker on the tandem.

At the Bike Smith

On Saturday morning, I met up with Jeff Potter down at the Bike Smith for the Safety Inspection/Bike Fit/Flat Tire Fix. We hung out with Mickey, Rob, and Bob from the shop, and soaked in some sun out in front of the store. We met fellow Carson blogger Roger and his buddy Mark. Roger was showing off his 1971 Schwinn Typhoon, and Mark picked up some new knobbies for his moutain bike.

Scott R and Patrick made an appearance too. Scott and I invented a new extreme sport (at least it was new to us…). Eating Mexican Food from the trunk of a random stranger’s car. Look for it on the X-Games. The food smelled good, and the price was right. Way too hard to resist. And we didn’t get sick either.

Early risers Jason and Tasha showed up before I did, and got their raffle tickets. They’ve been at every event, and are probably tired too!

Movie Night at Comma Coffee

Saturday Night was Movie Night at Comma Coffee. This was the biggest event to date, and even attracted some friends from Reno and other outlying areas. Every seat was full for a showing of Off Road to Athens. It was great to see such a good turnout, and chat with people after the movie.

The next big event for Bike to Work Week will be the Wednesday night social ride on Carson City’s west side. More details soon…