2011-06-10

*** Sidewalk Weekend! *** #57

Sidewalk Rating: Crisp and refreshing


Citified is “that epithet which suggests the absence of all spirituality, and the presence of all kinds of paltry materialisms, and mean ideals, and mean vanities and silly cynicisms.”

-Mark Twain


[A woman on a pink bike with a skunk attached to the handlebars being interviews by a Fox9 news crew on Bike/Walk to Work Day at the Minneapolis Government Center.]


*** Click on Photos for Links ***



*** ***


*** ***



*** ***



*** ***


*** ***


*** ***


*** ***


*** ***



*** ***

My friends and I are having an important conversation while standing around. Should we take up the entire sidewalk and refuse to move for anyone who walks by? Absolutely. This way, everyone who walks past you will know just how very important your conversation about which fashion designer or chef or mailman or whatever will be kicked off some stupid show this week.


*** ***


*** ***

1. How to wait. Mass transit isn’t always on time (surprise!). But rather than look at that as a reason why riding buses and trains suck, we learn how to see that as an opportunity. My boys climb trees while I do pullups and gymnastics from a low branch. We tell jokes and I swing the little kids around. We share things with each other, make each other laugh. It’s a good time.

[One of seven zen lessons from riding mass transit.]

*** ***

*** ***


*** ***


*** ***


*** ***



*** ***




*** ***


*** ***




*** ***


*** ***



*** ***


*** ***



*** ***

Racing guidelines:

The cost to reserve a pedal pub is $150
The race will occur at East Hennepin and University Avenues—check in @ the Surdyk’s parking lot.
The race will be a sprint from 1st Ave NE to East Hennepin and back again.
Teams will race in either the 12–3 slot or the 3–6 slot.
Each pub will race 2 or more times in their slot.
Team members need to be present throughout their slot.
There will be fun things to do while waiting for your race heats—events, refreshments, etc.
You must have between 8–10 people on the pub–no more/no less.
Each team must have at least 4 females on their team.
Participants should be in shape but need not be Lance Armstrong.
This event will have limited availability—registration is first come/first served.
All participants must be at least 18 years old.
Teams are encouraged to be creative. Consider costumes, themes, and team spirit.

[The rules for NE Mpls Pedal Pub races.]

*** ***


*** ***


*** ***


*** ***



*** ***


*** ***




*** ***

JACOB FENSTON: It seemed like overnight, all of a sudden these funny-looking bikes were everywhere.

ARIELLE: Well, you've probably seen them. They're just a big red bike.

DANIELLA: I don't want to say Dorky. They're thick.

BRADY: They're really distinctive.

DANIELLA: They're big.

FENSTON: They're crowding the bike lane, lining up at intersections, dodging traffic and the people who ride them can't get enough.



*** ***



*** ***


*** ***

The most vital element for the future of our cities is that the bicycle is an instrument of experiential understanding.



*** ***



*** ***



1 comment:

Vanessa said...

The writer is totally right, and there is no skepticism.