Big Jonny over at the Drunkcyclist blog was recently taken out of the game by a reckless driver. 55mph hit from behind while in the bike lane, up hill, on a group ride. Everybody say 'it coulda been me' and swig some tequilla in his honor. The old sage is giving his nurses and wife the Benny Hill treatment and should be back in action soonish.
Random other fronts: Floyd's bracelets aren't very funny. Midnight Ridazz starts it's own website. Canadians care about doping. Did you know there was a world map of happiness? Well, there is. Here's the last ever email invite to Midnight Ridazz, featuring some very interesting language regarding tolerance, behavior and participation. Read on and ride on.
Subject: [Ridazz] Midnight Ridazz Takes No Prisoners
Date: Mon, 07 Aug 2006 11:57:49 -0700
Dear Midnight Ridazz,
It's time for a change. We have grown immensely from 8 people 2.5 years ago, to about 1,350 last month. While that is exciting, and most ridazz have a great time, there are incidents on every ride that have some people very concerned: accidents, fights, police involvement. This is unnecessary. We can debate all day about whether we should the streets or share them, but Ridazz has one mission: to have fun on bikes. Getting arrested or hurt? No, not fun. Sure, there are agro drivers and asshole cops. But it is possible to do what we do without conflict.
What we ask of you: MAKE THIS RIDE YOURS.
1. Participate in keeping the ride safe. We have to police ourselves. Remind others to keep to the right and let at least one lane of traffic get by. Don't encourage driver hostility. Wear white or tie something white to your bike to show solidarity for keeping this ride going safely.
2. See someone with a flat? Stop and help them. Call for others to stop with you. Thats what NO RIDA LEFT BEHIND� means. Stay together and try to catch up to the group. Future rides should have more planned stops that allow for that.
3. Go slow in front and stop at lights to let the ride catch up. If you like going fast, then stop to cork and speed up to the front again.
4. Cork at the intersections. The safest way for us to get through the lights is to have several people on each side holding traffic. When the ride thins out, stop corking. Stragglers should stick together and stop at lights for their own safety.
5. Plan a ride. Want to lead a Midnight Ridazz? Just email us. Or start your own Midnight Ridazz in another part of town! We�ll post it on the web site. Those who were around 2 years ago know that a smaller ride is even more fun. And some changes we�re trying: * The ride will start at a different location each month. * No more emails. You gotta check the web site the week of the ride. www.midnightridazz.com. * We�ll be handing out flyers that have 1) guidelines for riders, and 2) info for drivers. Read the first side, then hand it to a driver. It tells them who we are and why they should chill. Think that�s too much information? Have other ideas? Email us with your input. Get involved. Alright, here�s what you�ve been waiting for:
http://midnightridazz.com/viewStory.php?storyId=23
See you on the ride.
Organizers, proponents and participants of Midnight Ridazz claim no responsibility for the actions of individuals participating in the ride, nor of individuals on foot or in motorized vehicles. Participants are responsible for their own safety and behavior in relation to other participants, drivers of vehicles, and the law. Midnight Ridazz does not condone violence, vandalism, wanton disregard for public safety, disruption of public transit or emergency vehicles, or any violations of state or local laws.
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