Guest Blog – Leslie Graves
In 1956, the League of American Bicyclists started Bike to Work Day and in turn began honoring all things BIKE during the month of May. This proceeded the first Earth Day by 14 years. Here in Sonoma County, we are celebrating National Bike Month by holding the 17th Annual Bike to Work Day on May 12, 2011 and a whole bevy of bike events through the month of May.
From the newly initated bike rider to the seasoned commuter there is an event for everyone to enjoy while using pedal power. A pre-event was held April 30, at the Santa Rosa Certified Farmer’s Market – We Love Bikes! Day and Haul Stuff by Bike Clinic. The turnout was fantastic at this event, indicating Sonoma County is poised to take to the saddle throughout the month of May.
Here’s a listing of events we are involved in during May. There are certainly more being added, for a complete list visit our calendar at www.bikesonoma.org regularly. Most events are FREE unless otherwise noted below with a $$ sign:
May 2: Bike Repair Clinic 6-7pm, Mike’s Bikes, Petaluma
May 5: Day 4 EcoOdyessy 100 sponsored by EcoRing, 10am, Radford Inn $$
May 5: Bike Repair Clinic 7-8:30pm, REI Santa Rosa
May 7: Repair/Commute/Safety Clinic, 3-6pm including BBQ, Wine Country Cyclery, Sonoma
May 10: Repair Clinic Part 2 7-8:30pm, REI Santa Rosa
May 12: BIKE TO WORK DAY with Energizer Stations from 6am – 9am throughout Sonoma County, enjoy good eats, water, coffee, giveaways and good cheer! Map of Energizer Stations: www.bikesonoma.org.bike2work.html
May 12: Bike Home Celebrations from 5-8pm at the following locations:
- Petaluma Valley Athletic Club, Petaluma – enjoy a BBQ and the facilities
- MacArthur Place, Sonoma – with critical mass ride starting at 5PM at Sonoma Valley Cyclery, riding around town plaza and then back to the celebration including food from Saddles Restruant, massage and music
- Sebastopol Town Plaza hosted by Whole Foods Sebastopol – with vendors, food samples, and more!
- Community Market in Santa Rosa – free Amy’s Kitchen Pizza fro all those who arrive by bike and a free showing of PeeWee’s Big Adventure at 7pm
May 14: Mambos to Mambos Ride starting at the Sebastopol Mambos fundraiser for Brook Haven Band10:30am $$
May 15: Two Wheels, One Goal at the Raley’s in Windsor 8am – a ride/scavenger hunt for the Aids Lifecycle Ride $$
May 21: Pedal in the Rose Parade with SCBC 10am – 12:30pm
May 23: SCBC Annual Bike-in Movie featuring E.T.: the Extra Terrestrial, 6pm at 6th Street Playhouse with free Valet Bike Parking and trivia contest $$
What started over 50 years ago as a way to celebrate those who bike for their commute, has become a month long series of events the whole family can enjoy! So pack your saddle bags, strap on your helmet and join us as we celebrate National Bike Month.
Leslie Graves is the events coordiantor at the Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition. Leslie has been biking in one form or another since biking to and from school and swim practice as a child. Nowadays she enjoys her morning commutes with her 10 year old son just as much as the long rides she gets in throughout Sonoma County on the weekends. You can reach Leslie at leslie@bikesonoma.org
