Live Free, Ride Hard: FBO’s Bike to Work Week
Here is my stuff for May’s The Noise. I’m applying for jobs like a crazy person (more on that later), so that’s where all my energy is going.
The combination of budding trees, flourishing grasses, ferocious winds, fantastic music shows, fresh sun burns, and crowded bike lanes can only mean one thing in Flagstaff. Spring is upon us. It also means that Flagstaff Biking Organization’s (FBO) famed Bike to Work Week is right around the corner. This year’s events will take place in various locations from Sunday, May 11 to Friday, May 16.
Anthony Quintile, general manager of Absolute Bikes and go-to-guy for Bike to Work Week, is especially excited about this years events. “The City will be more heavily involved this year,” which is great because with the Mayor involved, including many city council members, Mr. Quintile says cycling is also publicly recognized as a “legitimate form of transportation.” This kind of promotion and support can result in many positive developments for our booming cyclist community.
This year is also special because New Belgium Brewing Company, who decided not to continue it’s annual Tour de Fat in Flagstaff—which provided FBO with it’s annual budget—will be supporting Flagstaff’s premier biking organization by sponsoring the entire week.
In the same way that Earth Day should be regarded everyday, the point of Bike to Work Week is to promote cycling beyond just a fun weeks worth of events. Gas prices are expected to reach $4 a gallon this summer. “Cycling,” as Mr. Quintile explains, “is a great way not to pay those rising gas prices.” Flagstaffers are fortunate enough to live in a climate that allows us to bike much of the year. The point of Bike to Work Week is to get more bikes on the road.
I asked Mr. Quintile about those people, like this writer, who already commute on their bikes much of the time. How can veteran cyclists make a meaningful impact during Bike to Work Week? He responded immediately, “instead of being that wacky person that rides to work every day, this is an opportunity to become a leader in the workplace, to motivate and give tips to fellow co-workers.”
This year’s Worksite Challenge will run for four days – Sunday at midnight to Thursday at noon—instead of just one day. Those interested in facilitating a work-site challenge at their day job should refer to FBO’s website for further information: www.flagstaffbiking.org
Sunday, May 11, 9am to 3pm at Heritage Square
The Human Powered Parade starts at 11am, downtown at Cherry and Leroux. Awards will be given out to the two best-decorated bikes. Cyclists are encouraged to stay downtown and attend the Bike Bazaar. Whether a new rider, a commuter, a weekend warrior, or a racer, young and old, there will be something for everyone at the Square —everyone on two wheels that is. Among live music, events, and prizes, there are cheap options for those looking for gear, parts, or refurbished bikes.
Bike Swap – Everything from the necessary to the beloved will be available for wheeling and dealing. This will be a great opportunity to trade, sell, or cheaply purchase bike gear with members of the Flagstaff community and beyond. Tables are available for a $20 donation to set up your wares for sale (and yes, friends can share!).
Bike Recycling – There are a lot of Flagstaff residents who have bikes and bike parts that are either rusting away in yards, or collecting cobwebs in garages. You know who you are. This is your chance to get that immobilized bike off your conscious and donate it to FBO where it will be refurbished and passed along to someone who will ride it. Newly refurbished bikes will be available for purchase as well.
Monday, May 12
7:30 AM: Kick-off Commuter Ride from City Hall
Hundreds of cyclists sharing the road make for quite a powerful statement. Celebrate the efforts of those individuals and organizations that have worked so hard to improve biking and walking in our community. Come join local elected leaders, officials, and hundreds of your closest friends for a short “commuter” ride through downtown, finishing at Heritage Square for a free breakfast. That’s right, free breakfast.
Tuesday, May 13
6 PM: “Jack and Martin’s Excellent FUTS Adventure” Cruiser Ride
Starting at the Pay-n-Take on Aspen, cruiser bikes of all varieties—from townies, tandems, custom cruisers, to old school balloon-tired relics—will block traffic for a half an hour downtown. All riders welcome.
Wednesday, May 11
Bike to Breakfast Day!
Breakfast station locations:
• City Hall, sponsored by the City of Flagstaff
• Fort Valley Road @ Late for the Train
• Beaver St near Biff’s Bagels, sponsored by Biff’s and Jack Welch
• North Humphreys @ Coffee Pedaler, sponsored by Coffee Pedaler
• Beaver St & the FMC ped bridge, sponsored by FMC
• Rt 66 & San Francisco St, sponsored by Absolute Bikes
• Cedar-Lockett & Fourth St, sponsored by Friends of Flagstaff’s Future
6 PM: Town Hall Meeting: City Hall
Join local officials at City Hall for a discussion of cycling issues in Flagstaff and to find out what’s being done to make Flagstaff more bicycle-friendly.
Thursday, May 15
Bike to School Day!
Many kids ride their bikes to school already. Today, parents are encouraged to ride with them. High school kids are encouraged to rediscover their bikes. Many outreach programs will take place throughout the day including a “Cycle Train,” where adult “conductors” will escort kids to Thomas Elementary School. Pine Forest Elementary will host a FBO sponsored Safe Kids bike rodeo, and a “Golden Sprocket” award will be given to a local high school and middle school that has the greatest percentage of students commuting to school on their own steam.
6 PM: The Orpheum is hosting the state-wide premier of Seasons, a widely acclaimed film that showcases the world’s best and most interesting mountain bikers, told through the course of the four seasons. Worksite Challenge winners will be awarded dazzling prizes during intermission. Tickets are $5 at the door.
Friday, May 16
6 PM: Bike to Potluck Cyclo-Bration!
As Bike to Work Week comes to a close, FBO is hosting a potluck at Thorpe Park’s Ramada. Bring table supplies, beverages, and/or a dish to share. It will be interesting to see how folks tote their food across town on two wheels.
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