Bosco's Bike To Work #1

Speaking of drinking, the Bosco's Cycling Team is having their first Bike To Work Ride tomorrow morning. Meet at Otherlands at 7:30am for a ride over to Bosco's for a second pick-up at 8:00am. From there the group will split and one will head downtown and the other will head East via the Greenline. Sadly this isn't a biking and drinking type of ride. If that's your thing you should check out the Road Popper:


That's if you have the scratch. These things are custom made to order so they cost a pretty penny.

Check the deets for the Bosco's Bike To Work Ride on facebook.

Biking and Drinking

My friend Molly designed these beer mugs on zazzle along with a ton of other bike-related products. Check it out here!

Midtown Crit?

Perusing craigslist I came upon this request. Most locations where a crit would be possible would require insurance or need traffic blocked, or both.

Midtown crit (Midtown)

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Date: 2012-05-27, 9:08AM CDT
Reply to: vmcjq-3040784459@sale.craigslist.org [Errors when replying to ads?]
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Is there an interest for a non sanctioned weekly crit in midtown? Let me know if you have an idea of location that would work.

JN

•Location: Midtown
•it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests
PostingID: 3040784459



One might be able to pull off something at either of these locations. This is all I could come up with with the criteria of low traffic, non-residential, city streets. I'm imagining this as a kind of Red Hook Crit style event. My advice: Don't do this weekly, people will get burned out. Do it monthly, or even bi-monthly.


View Memphis Crit? in a larger map

UofM Cycling

With bike lanes that practically lead to the University of Memphis's front door it is no surprise that they have been planning their own bike share program for quite some time. According to Doug Campbell, who also serves as the UofM Cycling Club's Faculty Advisor, the program has but to be approved by the Board of Regents before being implemented this Fall Semester. The plan is to centrally locate 50 bicycles on the main campus. The bikes will be maintained by one student employee and one paid employee and students who sign up will be allowed a two week share period. This sounds more like a rental program based on the singular location and alloted times.

So what would happen if the UofM threw it's weight and money into the proposed city-wide bike share program? Approximately 20,000 students commute to the University of Memphis. Parking is at a premium and a bike share program that is integrated with a city-wide program would alleviate a small portion of the parking problem. Because students schedule classes at different times a "rush hour syndrome" would likely be avoided.

But students are not the only ones that will benefit from an integrated bike share program: the University's museums and performance centers could promote exhibits and performances at outlying share kiosks to draw in non-student visitors. As you probably know, the University often charges a higher admission fee to non-students.

Any type of program, integrated or insular, would benefit the city in that it would enable exchange students and campus residence students who don't have cars to get around the city; dine at more restaurants (Cooper-Young, Overton Square), shop at more places (Target, Oak Court), and attend more events around the city thereby gaining better cultural appreciation.

At the last Pizza With Planners meeting the representatives from Alta Planning admitted that they are still in the information-gathering phase and had plans to meet with the University in the future. (Let's just hope that whatever bicycles are chosen, they have rear racks and panniers lest someone die without them.)

While we wait for the Board's decision, you can show your support for the University of Memphis's bicycling efforts by liking the UofM Cycling Club on Facebook. Stay informed on the bike share progress by attending the Walk/Bike Memphis meetings at Otherlands. The next meeting is Monday, June 11th from 5:30pm to 6:30pm.

Cycle Memphis - June

I'll be riding the Trek Transport for SAG. Ask me and you can test ride it yourself so you can see what all the fuss over cargo bikes is about.

Mixed Terrain Alleycat Checkpoints

View Revolutions 10 Year Anniversay in a larger map

Breakfast

Untitled, a photo by fixmemphis on Flickr.

Pretty soon I'll be eating breakfast at Kermit's! But between you, me, and the internet, I'm partial to the figs that are coming in down the street!

Crits Polo

I didn't get the polo polo but I did pick up this USA Crits joint for way cheaper!

More Bikesploitation II Pics!

Live From Memphis put up some pictures from Bikesploitation II. This is the ReTREAD Art Activity sponsored by Revolutions that Emily and I coordinated. I'm sure it looks slightly familiar.

Can Memphis Share Bikes?

As Memphis continues our upward trend in the bicycling community several of us have asked the question: "What's next?" We have but to look at other cities who are years ahead of us for our answer: the bike share program.

Here's the idea: Place bikes at various locations spaced throughout a bike-friendly portion of the city. The public has use of these bicycles for free or for a small fee. You pick up (or rent) a bike at one location, ride it to another that is close to your destination and leave it there for the next person to use.

This has happened with varying degrees of success throughout the world: Austin has a (I actually think it is the oldest and free-est) system called Yellow Bike, Paris has Velib, and Emily and I used B-Cycle in Denver. The list goes on and on; even Nashville and Chattanooga have bike share programs.

For this year's Bike To Work Day Em and I had the idea of setting up three stations downtown, one in the Pinch District, one around Poplar and one in South Main (all along Main Street) with some bikes and volunteers from Revolutions. An idea which proved to be logistically daunting in such a short amount of time.

But given time, money and a bike share system, where would you put stations? Near restaurants? Cultural attractions? Stadiums? How many stations do you think Memphis can handle? Can we even handle a bike share at all?

Tell it like it is at tonight's Pizza with Planners session!

Come hear the project team from Alta Planning and Design discuss the feasibility of a Bike Share Program for the City of Memphis and give your input.

Date: Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Time: 5:30-7:00 pm

Location: Benjamin Hooks Public Library, 3030 Poplar Avenue

Thank you Alta Planning and Revolutions Community Bicycle Shop for sponsoring this event!

This event is free and open to the public. If you haven't registered yet, click on the link below to RSVP.

Register Here

Bikesploitation II Recap!

These are the bullets I found when I swept the bike polo court.



This is the unloading and setting up of the polo court and the massive amount of chairs and beer that were brought in. After that was done I went home and showered, made my way back over to do some last minute set-up and realized I had left my phone at home. But check Brett's coverage of the polo action over at gotta be gritty.

For the attendees (as well as the crew) check out Nathan Berry's photographs.

Live From Memphis should have photos and announce the winners real soon.

Having worked on or produced the past three bike/film festivals I can say that this one was the best attended, most interactive, most amazing one so far.

Vic06 posted up some pics on his flickr.


Maybe you guys remember the PPV? I gave it to LFM then Sam Dunn crashed it so they took the top off. It's faster now. As Christopher and I were hanging the first screen we heard a loud bang. It turned out to be the front tire. So thank you to Kyle for hooking up a replacement tube and tire for the event.

I'm sure we'll be seeing more photos as people get them on their computers.

Bicycle Polo

Now I won't feel so bad when I bring the mint juleps to the courts. (Click the pic for the eBay and check the rest from STERN Clothing)

Bike To Work Day 2012

I promise that Hal and Josh are not squaring off in the second to last picture.

Memphis Bicycle - Crosstown Arts Office

Remember?

Bottle Washin' Time!

Mixed Terrain Checkpoints

Maybe you know where these two locations are... located. Be thinking about your route. A map with official checkpoints will be unveiled race day.

Missed Connections Hit Close To Home

First, in the University area:

Bicyclist on Southern - 25 (Memphis/UofM)

Date: 2012-04-30, 12:07PM CDT
Reply to: fjgkg-2987939688@pers.craigslist.org

Bearded guy on bicycle wearing black shorts, grey t-shirt wearing helmet around 12 this afternoon today. You're so hot n sexy, makes me want to skip class today!
Location: Memphis/UofM
it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests
PostingID: 2987939688

Second, well, in the shop!

William, my bike man - w4m (Peddler Bike Shop)

Date: 2012-04-30, 12:42AM CDT
Reply to: xhcqk-2987195937@pers.craigslist.org

William, you haven't been working lately and I've missed seeing you. I walk by the bike shop window sometimes, just to see if you're there. I love seeing you in that dirty tank top you wear everyday. I'd like to get to know you and maybe go out for a coffee some time. What are your favorite books, movies, music? I've been into indie movies lately, and I think I might've seen you in one. Who knows... Point is, I miss you. I miss that musky smell you have after working all day. I miss that huge smile you get when you're telling about one of your interesting adventures. I hope you see this and respond. I'd like to see what else lies under those suspenders... ;)
Location: Peddler Bike Shop
it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests
PostingID: 2987195937

Mobile Music Machine Videos

Michelle over at Notes From Memphis caught the Mobile Music Machine pedaling around town and shot some video. You can see them both at Notes From Memphis

Art Bike Parade Video

Bikesploitation II Schedule

BIKESPLOITATION II: Some Bike it Hot! will be held May 19th!

Live From Memphis™ is pleased to present “Bikesploitation II: Some Bike It Hot” a celebration of bikes, films, and community! This event is free and open to the public.

The event will be held on Saturday, May 19th at the Sears Crosstown Building (located at 495 N. Watkins, 38104) from 6:30 to 10:00pm.

Schedule of Events
6:30pm - Festivities begin! Come on your bike if you can, there will be plenty of secure areas for bike parking (there’s also a huge parking lot for 4-wheeled vehicles).
6:30-8:30pm - Mobile Music Machine featuring Interrobang and MC Griddle - that’s right, music coming at ya’ via bicycle stage!!
7:00-8:30pm - Memphis Hardcourt Bike Polo - if you haven’t had a chance to see this crazy sport you need to check it out!
8:30-10:00pm - Bikesploitation Film Screening - We've been scouring the globe to bring you an entertainingly diverse collection of bicycle-themed shorts from around the world (and Memphis too). See below for list of films that will screen.

Additional activities include interactive Bike Art and a Bike-themed Photo-booth. There will also be opportunities to purchase food from the Cafe Eclectic Hot Dog Cart, Drag’n Frozen Treats, and, of course, we’ll have beverages to quench your thirst!

Films from Memphis
“Bad Bikes” | dir. Corduroy Wednesday
“Bike Lee” | dir. Ranetta Jackson
“Cyclocross 2011” | dir. Outdoors Inc
“Meditations on Two Wheels” | dir. Robert Rowan
“The Village Bicycle” | dir. Elle Bomb Productions
“Working Bikes” | dir. Matt Weatherly
“Victory Bicycle Studio” | dir. New School Media

Films from Around the World
“Bike Love” | dir. Rick Darge | Los Angeles, CA
“Golden Tree” | dir. Ninian Doff | London, UK
“Keelan Phillips - Bicycle Ballet (Flatland BMX)” | dir. Visive Productions | Kent, UK
“Winter’s Edge” | dir. John Amunet | Helsinki, Finland
“Velo Coffee Roasters” | dir. Kohl Threlkeld | Chattanooga, TN

Live From Memphis Event Page
Facebook Event Page

Major support for this event provided by Shelby County Health Services. Additional support from The Peddler Bike Shop, Revolutions Community Bicycle Shop, Crosstown Arts, Studio MacKenzie, and Five in One.

Tiger Lane Crit Series Tonight

Weather looks great for some racing, some tailgating, then some $1 pints of Sierra Nevada at the Young Avenue Deli!

Revolutions 10yr Anniversary

Facebook page for more info. I've already heard from a few people from Huntsville who plan on coming so put in your requests now!

Memphis Bicycle - Cleveland Street Flea Market

Just Another Day In The Park

Mixed terrain riding! It would be so much fun to have singletrack like that in Memphis! Oh well, we'll make due with what we have on May 28th!

Bike Race Tailgating - The Longtail Version

This Bike Is A Yarn Bomb

My mom is top notch at needlepoint. Crazy intricate psychedelic patterns that are more art than that Banksy poster you have in your living room. She also just heard about yarnbombing, then sent this picture over. It's part of a collection of some of the year's best street art, and some Banksy.

Just kidding, I like Banksy. If it weren't for Banksy, there would have been someone else.

Cycle Memphis - May 5th

Click the photo for more info - most importantly, notice the time change to 7pm instead of the regular 8pm. Don't be late!

Tiger Lane Crit Series Tonight

Dinner + Bikes

Thursday evening Emily and I are riding to Shelby Farms Park to attend Dinner + Bikes.

"Joshua Ploeg, Joe Biel, and Elly Blue are traversing the southern U.S. in spring, 2012, bringing you an entertaining evening that includes talk about bicycle inspiration, vegan food, and a traveling bookstore.

You'll start by filling up your plate, finding a seat, and start enjoying new and amazing flavor combinations cooked up by touring vegan chef Joshua.

Our hosts welcome everyone and talk about local bicycling issues and ways to get involved. Then Elly talks about the bicycling economy, with photos, interspersed with Joe's short, inspiring movies about Portland's bike culture.

At the end there'll be time for questions and to peruse our mobile book and zine shop, featuring transportation and food related titles."

Get more info at the event page.

We plan on leaving from Cheffie's around 6 or 6:15PM. Meet us and we'll ride together.