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Hard Core Cider Tour 2016

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Like cider? We’re excited to announce that on October 22nd, The Hard Core Cider Tour is coming to El Chorro Regional Park and Bike SLO County will benefit from every ticket sold. If you like bikes and cider, this is a win – win! You’ll get to taste some of the best ciders around and contribute to the future of better paths and safer streets throughout SLO County.

The Hard Core Cider Tour’s mission is to celebrate the revival of craft hard cider making. The tour began in 2015 with stops in Santa Cruz and Pasadena and the 2016 tour adds a stop in San Luis Obispo. Hard Core Cider TourSLO County is currently experiencing a cider revival of its own. Local cider producers include Reef Points Hard Cider, Jean Marie Cidery, Bristols Cider, Tin City Cider Co and See Canyon Hard Cider Co.

In addition to the cider producers mentioned above, the tour will include cider from other parts of California, Washington state and from as far away as Herefordshire, England.

Food will be available from two tasty food trucks, Cubanissimo and The Pairing Knife. To make the Festival even better there will be live music, with performances by Bear Market Riot and Medicine Hat.

While car parking will be available for $5.00, our Bike Valet will be on hand to park your bicycle for free!

Tickets are $40 and include unlimited 2 ounce tastings (please imbibe responsibly) and a signature keepsake mason jar. All ticket sales to the Hard Core Cider Tour benefit Bike SLO County, but some ticket sales benefit us more than others. Here’s how it works:

  • Tickets that are sold in the Bike Kitchen give us the highest benefit (50% of ticket price).
  • Tickets sold online also benefit us (12.5% of ticket price), but not as much as the tickets we sell ourselves.

To purchase tickets at the Bike Kitchen: Come by Friday, Saturday or Sunday between the hours of Noon – 5 PM. We’re located at 860 Pacific St, San Luis Obispo, 93401 (map).

Want to purchase a ticket from us but those hours aren’t ideal? Call Steve at 547-2055 and we’ll do what we can to work with your schedule.

To purchase tickets online, go to http://www.hardcorecidertour.com/events/san-luis-obispo/

What: Hard Core Cider Tour

When: October 22, 2016 1 – 4 PM

Where: El Chorro Regional Park, 2910 Dairy Creek Rd, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405 (map)

Why: Cider!

We’re Hiring! Executive Director

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Join the Bike SLO County Team!

We're Hiring

For more than 15 years, Bike SLO County (formerly the San Luis Obispo County Bicycle Coalition) has been advocating for bicycling throughout San Luis Obispo County. Our advocacy efforts have been instrumental in creating safer roads and paths and connecting our cities and communities. In addition, Bike SLO County provides bicycle education programming that spans all ages — from elementary to adults, operates a Bike Kitchen, and provides Bike Valet for county farmers’ markets and county events. Bike SLO County is supported by full-time staff, a dedicated board, and community volunteers. For more information, please visit: http://bikeslocounty.org/.

Mission: Bike SLO County inspires, educates, advocates and works to build a safe, healthy and connected community through bicycling.

Vision: Bicycling is safe, viable and popular for everyday transportation and recreation throughout San Luis Obispo County.

 Purpose: To connect San Luis Obispo County through bicycling, sustaining the health of our community and supporting the Central Coast environment.

Executive Director Responsibilities

The Executive Director (ED), with the Board of Directors, is responsible for implementing the strategic plan of the organization. The ED works with staff, board members, community partners, volunteers, government agencies, and an active membership to keep our plan current and responsive to community needs and opportunities. The ED is responsible for managing a $1/4 million budget and for successful fundraising through cultivating individual donor and business partner relationships. The ED manages, develops, and empowers a staff of ~4 people to conduct effective bicycle advocacy, educational programs and activities such as the Bike Kitchen and Bike Valet. The ED connects and engages with our diverse members, and work to expand our membership base to better reflect all San Luis Obispo County bike riders, including underserved groups and communities. The ED is the primary public face of the organization, speaking to media, government agencies, and at public functions. Weekend and evening work will be required at times to attend board meetings, fundraising events, member programs, etc.

Ideal Experience and Capabilities

  • At least three to five years’ experience managing people, including a demonstrated ability to hire, develop, and lead talented and committed staff.
  • Success leading advocacy work in areas such as sustainability, transportation, urban planning, land use, social justice, public health or a related field. Experience with bicycle advocacy is a plus.
  • A strong history of effective fundraising, including individual, business, government and foundations.
  • A deep commitment to Bike SLO County’s mission of improving quality of life through safe cycling.
  • Experience working in a membership organization.
  • Expertise facilitating participatory decision-making in an advocacy organization whose members hold diverse views.
  • Skilled at building coalitions.
  • Demonstrated ability to prioritize organizational efforts given input from a broad range of stakeholders and multiple competing interests.
  • Ability to communicate effectively to a variety of audiences and to maintain composure in challenging situations.
  • Strong experience representing organizations with the media and with the public at large.
  • Strong financial, organizational, management and program design and implementation skills, preferably with a nonprofit organization.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • A bachelor’s degree or commensurate experience.
  • Additional requirements include California Driver’s License and ability to lift 40 pounds. 

Compensation

Salary based upon experience.

How to Apply

Email a cover letter and resume to edsearch@bikeslocounty.org. Your cover letter should specifically address the experience and capabilities identified above. Please include “Executive Director – YOUR NAME” in the subject line, and please mention how you found out about the position. Inquiries may made by contacting the Executive Board at: executive@bikeslocounty.org.

Preferred Deadline for Applications: September 1, 2016. Applications received after September 1 will be reviewed, but priority will be given to applications received prior to that time.

Equal Opportunity Employment Bike SLO County is an equal opportunity employer.

Concerts in the Park

Bike Valet at Concerts in the Park

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Ride your bike to Concerts in the Park

A few weeks ago our free Bike Valet service began setting up on the southeast side of City Park during Concerts in the Park in Paso Robles. We’re excited to offer this free service to the Paso Robles bike community, and would like to thank the generosity of our Paso Robles Concerts in the Park Bike Valet Sponsor, Rahman Law, for making it possible.

If you’ve never used Bike Valet (and are wondering what it is), Bike Valet is our secure bike parking service, designed to encourage everyone to ride bicycles to community events. It works much like the more familiar valet service for cars that some restaurants provide:

  1. Each rider is given a numbered check tag that matches a numbered tag we attach to their bike.
  2. The bike is carefully parked in our secure enclosure.
  3. To retrieve a bike, the user hands in the check tag and the bike is returned.

Ready to ride? Come find us between 5:15-7:45 p.m. in City Park every Thursday from now through    August 18, 2016. We’ll park your bike right in the park so you can enjoy the show instead of worrying about finding a nearby spot to lock up.

Not sure what band is playing at the next Concert in the Park? Check out the 2016 schedule right here: http://pasoroblesdowntown.org/downtown-calendar/paso-robles-event-concerts-in-the-park/

Photo of Tyler Wertenbruch

Bike SLO County Announces Leadership Transition

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Today we’re excited to announce that Bike SLO County Board Treasurer Tyler Wertenbruch is stepping in as Interim Executive Director for long-term Executive Director Dan Rivoire who recently stepped down to pursue other opportunities. Wertenbruch will helm Bike SLO County during the current transition on a volunteer basis. Welcome Tyler!

TylerW_Staff“I’m honored to be able to serve and continue the great work Bike SLO County hasslated for the future as well as build on the legacy that all of our staff has built,” said Interim Executive director Tyler Wertenbruch. “We’re continuing all of our programs and advocacy efforts full speed ahead,” said Wertenbruch.

In addition to their Bike Education, Bike Valet and Bike Kitchen programs, Bike SLO County advocates countywide for safer streets for everyone, regardless of whether they drive bikes, walk and or drive cars.

“The Board is thrilled that Tyler chose to step up as we begin our search for a new Executive Director,” said Bike SLO County Board President Chris McBride. “Tyler brings fresh energy and a wealth of experience with the organization. We’re confident that his vision for Bike SLO County will serve the bike community well,” said McBride.

Wertenbruch previously served as Bike SLO County’s Board President and is currently the Board Treasurer. An avid cyclist, Wertenbruch rides with Team Clif Bar Cycling and will be competing this summer in the Mongolia Bike Challenge. In addition to serving as Interim Executive Director, Wertenbruch will continue his work as IT Manager at RRM Design Group in San Luis Obispo.

Ring your bell and say hello next time you see Tyler biking by!

Bidding Farewell to Dan!

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This week we’re saying a bittersweet farewell to our Executive Director Dan Rivoire, whose parting words are featured below. We’re sad to see him go but we wish Dan all the best as he moves on to his next adventure here in San Luis Obispo.

As Dan departs, Bike SLO County is moving full steam ahead. Bike SLO County Board Treasurer and superstar Tyler Wertenbruch will step in as Interim Executive Director for the next few months as we seek out the next amazing Executive Director of Bike SLO County. Our incredible staff will also be supported by former Bike SLO County Board member Lea Brooks, who joins Bike SLO County as Advocacy Director. Welcome Lea! (We’ll do a proper Lea introduction next week!)

DanRivoire300

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Dear Bike SLO County supporters and superstars,

It is with a heavy heart and a significant bit of excitement that I wrap up my last day as Executive Director of Bike SLO County today.

As all of you know, I love Bike SLO County from the depths of my soul. I started working with the organization as an Americorps member in February 2008. Over eight years later, I am lucky to be able to look back on so many positive memories working to improve local quality of life. I owe nearly every aspect of my professional development to our team and the incredible people that make up our local bike culture. Together, we have accomplished great things in San Luis Obispo and we are truly just getting started.

Looking ahead, I know I will stay involved in many ways and will definitely be able to give back to the cause through my other roles in the community. I won’t be far, working at iFixit right on the other side of downtown, and wouldn’t be surprised if I find myself volunteering at events or the Kitchen in no time.

If you would like to celebrate the big transition with us, please join us at Petra next Wednesday from 5-7 pm for a little going away social hour.

Thank you all for everything. I’ll miss working so closely by your side.

See you in the Bike Lane,

Dan Rivoire

Bicycle Boulevard

Broad Street Bicycle Boulevard Plan Meeting #2

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Ready for the Broad Street Bicycle Boulevard?

On June 9th, 2016, the City of San Luis Obispo will hold the second community meeting to discuss the process of developing the Broad Street Bicycle Boulevard Plan, which improves bike options along Broad Street from Ramona Street south to Monterey Street.

The meeting takes place on Thursday June 9th, 2016 from 6-8 PM at the SLO County Public Library, 995 Palm St, SLO, CA 93403 (map) and is a great opportunity to provide your input to City staff in person. If you can’t make the meeting in person but would still like to convey your thoughts/concerns/enthusiasm you can do so online at this link:

 http://www.slocity.org/government/open-government/open-city-hall

According to the City of SLO’s press release:

The City of San Luis Obispo invites the public to attend the second neighborhood meeting for the Broad Street Bicycle Boulevard Plan. The meeting will take place on Thursday, June 9th, 2016, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM at the City/County Library, 995 Palm Street. As listed in the City’s Bicycle Transportation Plan, the project is intended to provide a through route for bicyclists and pedestrians serving the downtown core and neighborhoods to the north—along Broad Street from Monterey Street to Foothill Boulevard. The agenda for the second project meeting includes:

1. Staff presentation on work completed to date
2. Staff presentation on their preliminary design concepts
3. Design charrette, attendees develop & present their own concepts
4. Group discussion and critique of concepts

At the first meeting, the project was introduced and staff gained feedback on issues to be addressed and the type of bike boulevard that was desired. The goal of the 2nd meeting is to explore a range of design concepts and begin to narrow those concepts into a plan for the bike boulevard.

If you have any questions, please contact Project Managers Jennifer Rice (805) 781-7058 and Luke Schwartz (805) 781-7190

The Bikes & Beauty Bike Month Blowout!

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Bikes & Beauty is almost here!

This year Bike SLO County’s annual Bikes & Beauty Fashion Show party is joining forces with SLO Rideshare’s Bike Month Blowout for a Bike to Work Day Afterparty Extravaganza! Join us on Friday May 20th from 6:30 – 9:30 PM at the SLO Grange Hall in SLO (map).

Bikes & BeautyCome groove to the satisfying sounds of DJ Malik, enjoy tasty food and beverages (beer, wine, cocktails, kombucha, soda) and watch the always fabulous Bike Fashion Show.

Rideshare will be giving away a Linus Commuter Bike. How can you win? Stop at any Bike to Work Day Station, collect a raffle ticket and bring it to the Bikes & Beauty Bike Month Blow Out for your chance to win!

Bike SLO County will raffle a fantastic Yuba Spicy Curry eCargo Bike (courtesy of Foothill Cyclery)! Whether you’re hauling coconuts, kids or kombucha, Spicy Curry is your jam! Retail for this bike is $4,200. Raffle tickets are $20 each or 5 for $100, available ONLY at Bikes & Beauty.

Parking at The SLO Grange Hall (map): Our free Bike Valet will be parking bikes from 6:15-9:30 PM, and there is also plenty of parking for cars

You can RSVP and Share the Event with your friends over on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/events/1161083450620599/

Very special thanks to the bike-loving sponsors who make this night possible:

Super Spectacular Support provided by SLO Rideshare‘s Bike to Work Day.

Additional Awesome Support comes from Salon 544, Linnaea’s Cafe, Flanders Bicycle, Central Coast Brewing Company, Whalebird Kombucha, Peloton Cellars, SLO Natural Foods Co-Op, Barrelhouse Brewing Company, Mindbody, Rabbit Ridge Winery and Rosie’s Workwear.

Bike Fest

Bike Fest! Bob Jones Trail Day! More!

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Saturday April 30th: A big day for Bikes

San Luis Obispo County has a lot going on for bikes this Saturday. Bike Fest? Yup! Bob Jones Trail Clean Up Day? You bet! Bike Valet at Family Fitness Day? Yes indeed!

Bob Jones Trail Clean Up Day

JaimeHillThe Friends of the Bob Jones Trail, in conjunction with the city of San Luis Obispo, is holding a trail work day on Saturday, April 30, from 9 a.m. to noon. Ready to volunteer? Our focus is the city’s stretch of trail from Prado Road to Los Osos Valley Road, including an area that needs to be weeded and replanted near the new bridge close to Los Osos Valley Road. The city will provide tools, water and snacks. Pulling weeds is hard physical work, so pace yourselves.

To participate, confirm with Lea Brooks, at lea2skip@aol.com that you want to participate, and she’ll will send you more details about the cleanup and parking.

Bike Fest

Get ready for an awesome day of bicycles in the Village of Arroyo Grande – the 8th annual Bike Fest takes place on Saturday, April 30th from 12:20 – 4 PM and this year is going to be better than ever.

Bike Fest is a fun-filled celebration of Bikes and the people who love them!  The festivities kick off with a Bike Parade around the Village starting at the Rotary Bandstand on Nelson Street at 12:20 PM. The Bike Parade concludes at Branch Street Deli where the fun continues at 1 PM with great food, fantastic music, incredible prizes (you can win a bike!) and discounted beverages from New Belgium Brewery.

Bike Fest is sponsored by the Bike SLO County, Rideshare, Lezyne, Branch Street Deli, Ira’s Bike Shop and New Belgium Brewing Company.

All ages are welcome, so grab your bicycle, join the Parade then enjoy the festivities at Branch Street Deli (map) – It’s going to be a blast!

Family Fitness Day

The SLO Marathon + Half’s Family Fitness Day will have FREE activities for children of all ages and abilities, on Saturday, April 30 and our free Bike Valet will be there parking bicycles. The fun goes from 9:00am to 2:00pm at the iconic Madonna Inn property. Each family can participate in a variety of games and activities at no charge and will receive a Race SLO Champion sticker, play with all the local team mascots and get lessons in fun and sportsmanship from a variety of local sport teams and clubs. Food and vendors will be at the festival as well as all weekend long.

FREE activities for children and adults include:

    1. Soccer Ball Kick with Cal Poly and Musty Mustang
    2. Basketball Toss with Cal Poly
    3. Baseball Pitch with SLO Blues Baseball and Bluebelle the Bull
    4. Sack Race with Downtown Brown
    5. Cornhole, Ladder Golf, Croquet and Giant Connect Four with SLO Coast Shenanigans
    6. Golf Putt with Sunset Honda
    7. Rope-a-Steer with Cal Poly Rodeo

In addition, on Family Fitness Day, there are three running events:

    1. Kids One Mile (8:00am start)
    2. 5K Run / Walk / Strollers (8:15am start)
    3. Kids Quarter Mile Dash (9:30am start)

For more event information or to register for races before they sell out, go to: www.slomarathon.com/family-fitness-day

Plus, enjoy the food, beer and wine (adults 21 & older only!) garden all day!

Sunday too?

Our free Bike Valet will be back at Madonna Inn on Sunday, parking bicycles for the SLO Marathon + Half. We’ll be there from 7 AM – 2 PM: Bike down and watch the big finish!