Giving Tuesday? 2 Wheeled Wednesday?

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You’re probably familiar with Black Friday and Cyber Monday. But what about Small Business Saturday? And what’s the deal with Giving Tuesday? Two Wheeled Wednesday? Here’s the wrap up from Bike SLO County:

Black Friday

In the US Black Friday is the day after Thanksgiving, noted as the first day of traditional ChriKitchenCardHolidaysstmas shopping, during which hordes of consumers are drawn to special offers by big box brick and mortar retailers. Bike SLO County’s Bike Kitchen will be closed on Black Friday! So we totally get it if you’re desperate for a used rear derailleur on Friday and go elsewhere. In honor of the spirit of Thanksgiving the Bike Kitchen will be closed the whole Thanksgiving weekend, and won’t reopen until the next Friday, December 4th. However, when we reopen we’ll be running a $10 December Special on our Bike SLO County Bike Light Sets, which let you bike legal and safe for very little cash. These bike light sets and our Bike Kitchen Visit Cards make wonderfully unique holiday gifts and stocking stuffers.

Cyber Monday

Cyber Monday is the Monday following Thanksgiving, promoted by online retailers like Amazon as a day for exceptional bargains. Bike SLO County doesn’t sell anything online. But if you shop at Amazon, your purchases can benefit Bike SLO County through their Amazon Smile program. What is Amazon Smile? It’s pretty much the same thing as Amazon (it is part of Amazon),  except when you use amazon smile_BSCAmazon Smile they donate a portion of your purchase price to Bike SLO County (or any of your favorite participating charitable organizations. To shop using Amazon Smile and benefit Bike SLO County use this link: https://smile.amazon.com/ch/75-3021545

Small Business Saturday

Small Business Saturday encourages holiday shoppers to patronize brick and mortar businesses that are small and local on Saturday, November 28th. Although Bike SLO County and our Bike Kitchen will be closed on Small Business Saturday, there are plenty of small businesses in SLO County who would love your business. Bike shops. Coffee shops. Shoppy shops. If you live in or are coming to the City of SLO for Small Business Saturday without a bike, the fine folks at SLO Transit are offering free bus service on Routes 2, 3, 4, 5, 6A and 6B from approximately 8am to 6pm. By riding transit for free, you can save money, help alleviate heavy traffic and the demand for parking, especially during the busy holiday shopping season.

Giving Tuesday

Giving Tuesday, often stylized as #GivingTuesday for purposes of hashtag activism, refers to the Tuesday after U.S. Thanksgiving, December 1st in 2015. It is a movement to create a National Day of Giving and Philanthropy at the beginning of the holiday and Christmas season.

To mark this #givingtuesday, anyone who wants to celebrate the powerful positive role that giving plays in our world is being asked to donate and share their own ‘unselfie’ on their favorite social media sites and by email. What’s an #unselfie? To take an unselfie, write on a piece of paper the name of the charitable cause you’re supporting on Giving Tuesday. It could be as simple as “#Bike SLO County” or as involved as and “I support better bikeways in SLO County” or whatever reason you feel moved to give.

Getting ready for #GivingTuesday #UNselfie #bikeslocounty

A photo posted by Bike SLO County (@bikeslocounty) on

Add the tags #unsefie, #givingtuesday and #bikeslocounty, then hold the piece of paper in front of your self (or even in front of your face) and snap an unselfie. We’ll even have some preprinted sheets available in our office (map), or you can download PDF or JPEG color or black & white versions online: Color PDF version: Color JPEG version : Black & White PDF version : Black and White JPEG version

End of Year Campaign

Giving Tuesday kicks off Bike SLO County’s annual End of Year fundraising campaign. SLO County had a fantastic 2015, with lots of countywide bike projects completed (bike lanes in Paso Robles on Riverside, Union and Creston roads, a fantastic bike and pedestrian bridge & trail in Morro Bay, new bike lanes and green striping at Arroyo Grande High School, the very first blacktop bike safety course in California at Oceano Elementary, buffered bike lanes in Los Osos on LOVR, new green lanes on Broad, California & Madonna streets in SLO) and major projects funded for the coming years. We’re hoping you’ll help make 2016 even better. Our goal is to raise $25,000 for safer bikeways around SLO County by midnight, December 31st. Please consider a donation on Giving Tuesday, or anytime before the end of the year at bikeslocounty.org/donate

Two Wheeled Wednesday

What about Two Wheeled Wednesday? Two Wheeled Wednesday occurs…every Wednesday of the year for the foreseeable future! Give back to yourself by riding your bike on Wednesdays. Invite your friends to go for special Two Wheeled Wednesday rides. Invite anyone and everyone to go on Two Wheeled Wednesday rides! Did we mention that Two Wheeled Wednesday makes a healthy and fun New Years Resolution for you, your friends and family?

 

Bicycle Boulevard

San Luis Obispo Goes for the Gold

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San Luis Obispo wins Gold Level Status

UPDATE: Join us at 11 a.m. on Friday April 15th, 2016 on the steps of SLO City Hall (map) for a ribbon cutting ceremony to mark and celebrate San Luis Obispo’s distinction as a Gold Bike Friendly Community. 

Today when the League of American Bicyclists updated their list of Bicycle Friendly Communities (BFC) there was great news for the people of SLO. The City of San Luis Obispo, which was previously designated as a Silver level BFC, has earning the next highest designation, that of Gold.

“Bike SLO County couldn’t be more excited to hear the news that SLO was designated as a Gold Bike Friendly Community BFC Chartthis morning.” said Dan Rivoire, Executive Director of Bike SLO County. “As we join three other Gold Level cities in California and twenty-three Gold Level cities throughout the US, people in our City and County are starting to really realize how awesome it is that our community is building safer streets for everyone. Today, we’re feeling especially proud of our hard work and evermore thankful to local residents, supporters, and city staff that are getting new bike friendly projects on every passing month.”

According to Rivoire “California has 55 Bicycle Friendly Communities, 4 of which are in San Luis Obispo County. This means that a little over 7% of the Bicycle Friendly Communities in California are in SLO County. That is great news for SLO County and we hope to see the numbers grow in the coming years. We already have The City of SLO (Gold), Paso Robles (Bronze), Arroyo Grande (Bronze) and Morro Bay (Bronze). We look forward to continued work with other cities throughout the County to make SLO County even more bike friendly.”

“Winning a Bicycle Friendly Community designation shows a community’s dedication to creating safer and better places to ride your bike.” said Alex Doty, executive director of the League of American Bicyclists.

What is a Bicycle Friendly Community?

A BFC welcomes bicyclists by providing safe accommodations for bicycling and encouraging people to bike for transportation and recreation. Making bicycling safe and convenient are keys to improving public health, reducing traffic congestion, improving air quality and improving quality of life.

The BFC program provides a roadmap for building a Bicycle Friendly Community. Since the program’s inception, more than 800 distinct communities have applied and the five levels of the award – Diamond*, Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze – provide a clear incentive for communities to continuously improve. Communities complete a 100+ question application, which is then reviewed by national experts as well as members of their local cycling community. All applicants receive extensive feedback. Communities must renew their designation every four years. (*There are currently no communities at the Diamond level.)

To apply or learn more about the BFC program, visit bikeleague.org/community.

2nd Annual Giro Della Costa Centrale

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The Giro Della Costa Centrale is almost here!

Ready to ride the roads of the Central Coast? Race SLO‘s 2nd Annual Giro Della Costa Centrale (presented by VisitAvilaBeach.com), is set for November 14-15, 2015 in Avila Beach, California.

giro_gran_fondoThis year the Giro Della Costa Centrale will have four timed new routes ranging from 25 miles to 100 miles that showcase the beautiful Tuscan-like California Central Coast, plus first class recovery area that includes a 5-star chef’s hot Italian lunch, massage, wine and music at Festivale Italiano.

Top riders will receive the iconic PINK Giro style jersey and top KOM riders the polka dot jersey.

The 2015 event also features author, Tour de France commentator and former professional Bob “Bobke” Roll and 2012 London Olympics silver medal cyclist Dotsie Bausch.

Last year’s inaugural event sold out at 600 riders. This year’s event has added an additional 400 spots for 1,000 riders overall and is expected to sell out once again. Register today at: girodcc.com

Not Riding? Volunteer!

Race SLO is looking for volunteers for the Giro Della Costa Centrale!  All Race SLO team volunteers will receive a Giro Della Costa Centrale T-shirt, hot Bouno Tavola lunch, snacks & drinks and a chance to meet & greet our Professional Cyclists including Bob Roll and Dotsie Bausch. To volunteer, please contact Rosanne at volunteer@raceslo.com for details or simply VOLUNTEER NOW on this link:

https://raceroster.com/events/2015/5762/giro-della-costa-centrale-2015/volunteer

 

 

Volunteer Lighthouse Century

Volunteer at the Lighthouse Century

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Be a Shining Beacon

Calling all volunteers! The San Luis Obispo Bicycle Club’s Lighthouse Century takes place this year on Saturday, September 26th and Bike SLO County will be at the Donati Family Vineyards Rest Stop in Templeton from 7 A.M. – Noon to help make sure riders get the snacks and beverages they need.

Want to lend a hand? Read on – fill out the form – we’ll even have transportation from SLO to Templeton and back!

Fill out my online form.

 

 

if volunteer = super star & you = volunteer then…

North County Bike Events

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A busy week for bicycles in North County

Bike Month is going strong and this is a busy week for bicycles in North County! Check out these upcoming North County bike events:

  • On Wednesday May 20 our free Bike Valet will be parking bicycles at the Atascadero Farmers’ Market.
  • On Saturday May 23 our free Bike Valet will be back in North County, parking bikes at Paso Artsfest.
  • On Sunday May 24 we’re holding a Bike “Roadeo” in Paso Robles as part of this year’s Great Western Bicycle Rally.

Bike Valet at Atascadero Farmers’ Market

Throughout Rideshare‘s Bike Month we’ll be traveling around San Luis Obispo County to set up our free Bike Valet service at a number of Farmers’ Markets. Normally we set up on Thursday evenings at the Downtown Farmers’ Market in SLO, but thanks to a partnership with The SLO County Air Pollution Control District (APCD) and Rideshare we’ll be able to park bikes countywide this month. This is a fantastic opportunity to leave your car at home, grab your bicycle and pedal down to enjoy the sights, sounds, flavors and scents of your local Farmers’ Market.

What is Bike Valet and how does it work?

Our Bike Valet is our secure bike parking service, designed to encourage everyone to ride bicycles to community events. With over 37,000 bikes parked, we are experts at protecting your ride.

The Bike Valet works just like a regular valet service.

  1. Each rider is given a check tag that matches the tag attached to their bike.
  2. The bike is carefully parked in our secure lot.
  3. To retrieve a bike, the user hands in the check tag and the bike is returned.
  4. Easy peasy!

When and Where: May 20: Bike to Atascadero Farmers’ Market, 3 PM – 6 PM (map)

Bike Valet at PASO ARTSFEST

Celebrating the arts every Memorial Day Weekend in the Paso Robles City Park, this year the main event of PASO ARTSFEST will take place on Saturday, May 23, 2015. The day appeals to art fans of all ages, featuring the Local Stars Quick-Draw, an Outdoor Fine Art Show & Sale, a Wet Painting Sale & Auction, hands-on interactive art experiences all over the park, exciting musical guests, dance performances and many more entertaining and artistic surprises. The Saturday Main Event is always FREE to the public – and our free Bike Valet will be there to watch your bicycle while you enjoy the sights and sounds of ARTFEST.

When and Where: May 23: Bike Valet at PASO ARTSFEST, 9 AM – 5 PM (Next to the Paso Historical Society (map)

Bike Roadeo at Great Western Bicycle Rally

The Great Western Bicycle Rally brings all types of riders together for a 4 day festival of all things to do with bikes, set in one of the most idyllic cycling locations in California; Paso Robles, one of California’s nominated bicycle friendly cities. Part of the events include a Bicycle Roadeo. What’s that? A Bicycle Roadeo is a fun way to teach children about basic road skills, bike helmets and beginning street smarts.

When and Where: May 24: Bicycle Roadeo at Great Western Bicycle Rally, 9 AM – 11:30 AM Frontiertown, California Mid-State Fair Grounds, Paso Robles (map)

Bike In Movie: Big Hero 6

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As part of Rideshare’s Bike Month, the SLO County Bicycle Coalition is showing Disney’s crowd-pleasing family-friendly animated movie Big Hero 6, a fun, hilarious adventure filled with robots, super heroes, science and a whopper of a whodunit.

Robotics prodigy Hiro lives in the city of San Fransokyo. Next to his older brother, Tadashi, Hiro’s closest companion is Baymax, a robot whose sole purpose is to take care of people. When a devastating turn of events throws Hiro into the middle of a dangerous plot, he transforms Baymax and his other friends into a band of high-tech heroes.

Bike In Movie

WHEN: May 2, 2015 7:45 PM

WHERE: Mission Plaza Amphitheater, Mission Plaza, SLO, 93401 (map)

WHO: You, Your Family, Your Friends, Your Neighbors, Movie Lovers of all ages!

Big-Hero-6-200

This year, as always, we’ll have popcorn and hot cocoa available, and our free Bike Valet will be there to park bicycles so you can relax and enjoy the movie. Riding your bicycle to the Bike In Movie is encouraged but by no means required. No matter how you get there, we’re looking forward to a magical night under the stars. Bring a blanket, sit back and enjoy the show!

Bike Month Preview

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Bike Month is almost here!

We’re excited that Rideshare’s Bike Month is just days away and want to give you a preview of some of the fantastic events happening throughout the month of May.

May 1st:

Art After Dark: To kick off Bike Month, a number of galleries throughout San Luis Obispo are featuring bike-themed artwork during Art After Dark, including Linnaea’s Cafe which will feature the month-long bicycle-themed group show “Joy Ride”, with an opening reception from 6PM – 9PM. A portion of all sales from this show will benefit the Bicycle Coalition. A list of all participating Art After Dark galleries can be found here:  https://www.artsobispo.org/system/files/AAD_Current_Listing_May15.pdf

May 2nd:

Community Workout: Start Bike Month right with a free outdoor workout class in beautiful Meadow Park led by Jonathan Gabriel, followed by a short bike ride, with instruction by Vanessa from the SLO County Bicycle Coalition. Make sure and bring a bicycle AND a helmet! We’ll meet up in Meadow Park by the Basketball Courts at 8:00 AM.

Bike in Movie: The Bike-In Movie is a popular event held each year Big-Hero-6-200during May’s Bike Month and this year marks our 11th Annual! We’ll be showing the wildly popular Big Hero 6 in the Mission Plaza Amphitheater starting at 7:45 PM.  We’ll provide popcorn, hot chocolate and a family friendly movie for everyone to enjoy. As always, our Bike Valet will be on hand to help with bicycle parking. Come earlier in the day and check out the Central Coast Sustainability Festival, a day long event featuring an exposition of student and industry projects related to sustainability accompanied by entertainment and food.

May 7th: 

Kidical Mass: Often called the family bike happening, Kidical Mass is a venue for parents to teach their kids how to ride safely. We’re kicking off the 2015 Kidical Mass season on May 7th in Mitchell Park at 5:30 PM. This month’s theme is Superheroes! Costumes are not required but are heartily encouraged! If you have ever wanted to ride your bike in a parade with kids of all ages, this is the perfect chance to make it happen. No matter your age, the ride is a blast for everyone! The more the merrier as we introduce the next generation to the joy of bicycles. For more information and additional dates, click here: https://slobikelane.org/programs/kidicalmass/#tab-id-1

May 8th:

Meet the Winemaker at Windows on The Water Benefit: In honor of Bike Month, Peloton Cellars and Windows on The Water are teaming up for a special event to benefit the SLO County Bicycle Coalition at Windows on The Water in Morro Bay. Join us for an evening of Peloton Cellars’ award-winning wines accompanied by a special pairing of Windows on The Water appetizers. More information available here: https://slobikelane.org/meet-the-winemaker/

May 9th:

Bikefest: Combine fun music, great food, discount New Belgium Brewery Beers and an awesome celebration of bikes and you get…Bikefest! Held every year in the Village of Arroyo Grande, Bikefest 2015 happens Saturday, May 9th at Branch Street Deli from 1 pm to 4 pm. A bike parade beginning at the Rotary Bandstand will start the festivities at 12:30. This year’s theme is: Biking makes for a safer and healthier community. Come join sponsors Rideshare, Branch Street Deli, New Belgium Brewery, Lezyne, Ira’s Bike Shop and the SLO County Bicycle Coalition for this year’s event. All ages are welcome, so grab your bike and head to Branch Street Deli. It’s going to be a blast.

May 17th: 

Cycle De Mayo: Come enjoy the outdoors, be active, and have fun with the whole family at this year’s Cycle De Mayo: The Missing Link Event, highlighting the missing bicycle-friendly link between the three cities with group rides for adults from Paso Robles and Atascadero to Templeton. Checkout the BMX Stunt show, learn about bike safety, and eat some wonderful BBQ while listening to local music! Bike decorating, a kid’s bike rodeo, and face painting are just a few of the kid friendly events. 10AM – 4PM. More info at https://www.cycledemayo.com/.

May 30th:

Bike Fashion Show/Annual Party: Open to the whole community, our annual party is always a blast! Coalition members and non-members alike come together for a fantastically fun evening of bikes, food, and bike-related fashion. Food by Mee Heng Low, Beer and Wine from local brewers. Music by DJ Malik. Members $5. Nonmembers $10. Entry includes 1 Free Beverage. 6PM – 9PM at iFixit Headquarters in SLO (1330 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, CA 93401)

May 31st:

BIKE TO BLUES KIDICAL MASS: Rideshare, SLO County Air Pollution Control District and the SLO County Bicycle Coalition encourage you to re-think how you get to and from your favorite activities. Bike to the Blues Baseball game and get free admission (first 200 adults only – kids always free). Kidical Mass Family Bike Ride meets at Mitchell Park at 11:30 a.m then rides as a group to the stadium. Game starts at 1 p.m. More Kidical Mass info available here: https://slobikelane.org/programs/kidicalmass/#tab-id-1

Farmers’ Market Bike Valets:

The Bike Coalition and The SLO County Air Pollution Control District are joining forces to present our free Bike Valet at Farmers’ Markets all over the county during Bike Month. Go to slobikelane.org/special-bike-valets-in-may/ for dates and times.

There are lots more events happening during Bike Month, including Bike Breakfasts, Bike to Work Day and Bike to School Day. We’ll post more as the month rolls on. See Rideshare’s full Bike Month calendar here: https://www.rideshare.org/program/bike-month/

Bike of The Week: Escape

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This week’s Bike of The Week is the Escape 2 by Giant.

Built with an ALUXX aluminum frame and a wide range of easy-to-operate gearing, this Escape 2 is a fun, efficient way to get wherever you need to go. Its smooth-rolling 700c wheels and stable frame geometry make it fast and sporty enough for a GiantEscape600fitness routine, comfortable enough to commute or just cruise.

The flat and upright handlebars provide both comfort and visibility while the V-brakes provide powerful and safe stopping.

With 24 gears (3×8) to choose from, you’ll always have the gear you need. Great for someone 5’7″ – 5’9″, this Escape 2 also includes a kickstand, rear rack and front removable handlebar bag.

Available now in The Bike Kitchen for only $250.
We’re open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from Noon to 5 PM and are located at 860 Pacific St in San Luis Obispo (corner of Morro and Pacific streets).

The Bike Kitchen is a program of The SLO County Bicycle Coalition. We have all the parts, tools and knowledge you need to fix your bicycle! We can help you build a bike from the ground up, fix that junker you found at a garage sale, or simply tune up your bicycle. We serve all types of people, and are committed to creating a safe space for everyone. We have provided guided instruction to over 8,000 people since opening our doors in 2010.

Bike of The Week not your cup of tea? Still looking to buy a gently used, ready to ride bicycle? We sell all kinds of bicycles! Come in and see us!