Ride that Bike Gangsta

Having trouble with a clever title for this post, I reached back a couple of years and shared my favorite “pedestrian shout out.”.  There is stiff competition in the top ten, but this is the best.  I was riding through Hartford’s Northend on Main Street wearing some non-garish spandex when I passed a pair of 20-something black women walking in the opposite direction on the sidewalk.  I nearly fell off my bike giggling when one yelled out, “Ride that bike, Gangsta!”  Hartford has some damn entertaining street conversation.  If you’re in a car with the windows up, you are missing masterpieces of comedy and snark.  After a couple years of immersion, I’ve gotten better at responding in kind.

Now that we’ve had our fun, it is time for more fun. Truthfully, I can’t handle all this fun by myself.  In the interest of my personal sanity I’m spreading it around so that we can all carry the terrific burden.   Your responsibility is to further distribute this information.  I see that you’re starting to understand the cooperative nature of our relationship.

Thursday, May 21st – East Hartford Bike and Walk to Work. 6:30-9:00am on Main Street right across the street from Pratt & Whitney. Free bike lights, reflective stickers, and of course, breakfast. Open to the public.  Those using CT Transit or car/vanpooling are also invited to come over for breakfast.

Sunday, May 31st – The CT Climate March at Hartford Earth Festival. Starting at noon from the State Capitol, marching (and riding) to the Earth Festival at the Hartford Riverfront.   As cyclists we’re a bit more tuned into our Earth and what it’s shouting at us.  We also know that one’s quality of life can actually improve when one chooses sustainable, human powered transportation.  This is your opportunity to respond to clarion call to address human caused global weirdness.   Spread the word with this Facebook Event.

Sunday, May 31st – Ladies First, All Girls Alleycat.  Meet at Heaven, the skate and graffiti park in downtown Hartford on the I-84 overpass between Trumbull and Main or Market, at 12:00pm, at 12:30pm we RIDE (don’t be late)!

Saturday, June 6th – Discover West Hartford Bicycle Tour. The first ride of the Discover Connecticut Series. 10, 25, and 50 mile routes.  Spread the word with this Facebook Event.