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Light Up SLO County

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The San Luis Obispo Bicycle Club (SLOBC) and the San Luis Obispo County Bicycle Coalition are using Rideshare’s Bike Month and the region’s bicycle and pedestrian safety campaign, #LetsGetVisible, to kick-off a unique bike safety program, Light Up San Luis Obispo County!

The SLOBC and the Bicycle Coalition have partnered to purchase a supply of bicycle lights that have been provided, LightUpSLOCountyLaw440without cost, to all of our local law enforcement agencies. Patrol officers will have the opportunity to give a free set of lights to any person riding a bicycle at night without the legally required lighting equipment. SLOBC President Will Benedict said, “This effort will help cyclists be lawful and more visible at night and greatly improve safety for all users of our roadways.”

Cal Poly Chief of Police George Hughes said, “This program will give our police officers a positive way to encourage students to comply with bicycle lighting requirements on and around our campus.”

“The community support for Bike Month is overwhelming”, said Stephanie Hicks, Program Manager for SLO Regional Ride Share. “Light Up San Luis Obispo County”, in conjunction with Bike Month activities and the region’s new bicycle and pedestrian safety campaign #LetsGetVisible underscores our region’s commitment to safe roadways for all users.

Participating agencies include the Police Departments of Arroyo Grande, Atascadero, CHP, Cal Poly PD, Cuesta College PD, Grover Beach, Morro Bay, Paso Robles, Pismo Beach, San Luis Obispo and the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Department.

The SLOBC, founded in 1971, is a non-profit organization that promotes safe and legal bicycle riding for recreation and transportation. For more information about the club and our activities, please visit our website at www.slobc.org and our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/slobc.org

Let’s Get Visible and Light Up SLO County!

Like Bikes?

Become a member of The Bike Coalition – it’s free to sign-up and we’ll keep you informed every month about bike events and issues in SLO County. Click this link to join: I Like Bikes!

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/

Donate Your Old Bike

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Every year our Bike Kitchen helps thousands of people learn to fix their own bicycles. We’re able to accomplish this because we have all the parts, tools and knowledge that people need to get the job, whatever it is, done. We can teach people to build a bike from the ground up, to fix the junker they found at a garage sale, or to simply tune up their bicycle or fix a flat. We serve all types of people, and are committed to creating a safe space for everyone.

Bike Kitchen Hours ExpandOne of the ways the Bike Kitchen earns enough money to continue to provide these services is through the sale of gently used bikes. All of the bicycles we sell are bikes that have been generously donated, by people just like you. When a donated bike arrives we get to work, tuning it up with care so that it’s in the best possible shape when it gets back on the road (or trail).

Who Donates Bikes?

All kinds of folks donate bicycles to us. Sometimes when someone buys a new bike they think of us and donate their old one. Every now and then we receive bikes from people who are getting on in years and are focusing on other interests. Many bikes come from people whose eyes are bigger than their storage (too many bikes, not enough space).

Regardless of who you are, we hope that you’re someone who will donate your old bicycle to the Bike Kitchen. We’re usually able to offer a wide variety of bikes for sale, but every now and then donations slow down and the number of bikes for sale dwindles. This is one of those times. Please consider a donation to the Bike Kitchen, and remember that your donation is tax deductible. Just ask us for a form and we’ll gladly provide one to make your write-off as easy as possible.

We accept most bikes, other than “department store” bikes like Next, Roadmaster, Magma, and modern Free Spirit bikes. These bicycles are often constructed with very low quality parts in non-standard sizes and are not designed to be serviceable.

Ready to donate? The Bike Kitchen is open from Noon – 5 PM, each Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Have questions? Call us at 805-547-2055 during Bike Kitchen hours or email tyler@slobikelane.org.

Like Bikes?

Become a member of The Bike Coalition – it’s free to sign-up and we’ll keep you informed every month about bike events and issues in SLO County. Click this link to join: I Like Bikes!

Bike of the Week: Redline

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This week we’re featuring this sweet little Redline BMX-mobile. This is a fantastic bike whether you want to cruise around town in style or hit the park.

The top tube is 20″ and the wheels are 20″ with slightly knobby tires for getting RAD!

Ready to ride and available now in the Bike BOTW_BMX_600_LogoKitchen for only $100.

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!

Have a bike you’d like to donate? Your generous gifts help the Bike Kitchen thrive and give even more people the chance to experience SLO County by bike. Thank you!

 

AMGEN Volunteers Needed!

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Volunteer at America’s most prestigious cycling event!

The Amgen Tour of California is a Tour de France-style cycling road race that challenges the world’s top professional cycling teams to compete along a demanding course that traverses hundreds of miles of California’s iconic highways, byways and coastlines each spring. The teams chosen to participate have included Olympic medalists, Tour de France contenders and World Champions.

The race needs 100+ volunteers for the Avila Beach finish (Stage 4) on May 13. Sign up, show up and get some cool swag for being awesome: https://www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/footer/volunteer You rock!

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!

 

Wildflower Volunteers Needed

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San Luis Obispo Bike Club Makes A Difference

The San Luis Obispo Bicycle Club was formed 44 years ago in 1971. Since that time they’ve actively promoted bicycle riding throughout SLO County. wildflowerwideThis year, they’ll contribute over $75,000 (including  $50,000 to the Bike Coalition!) to support local bike groups and activities, bicycle advocacy organizations and programs, and the communities in which the Bike Club rides and holds their events.

One of the ways the Bike Club is able to make such generous contributions to the bike community is from the proceeds of the two annual Century rides that they put on:  The Lighthouse Century and The Wildflower Century. Both of these rides take months and months of planning and countless volunteer hours.

You Can Help

The Bike Club is looking for a few more volunteers to help out with the Wildflower Century on April 25th, 2015. Aside from the great feeling you’ll get from volunteering, you’ll also get a free Wildflower Century shirt, an invitation to the Volunteer Brunch and an invitation to the Pre-Ride (you’ll get to ride the course before the actual ride.)

As of right now, these volunteer positions are still open:

Team
Number
Cleanup – Team
2
Food Ordering – Truck Loader Team
5
Stop: Highway 41 – Team Lifting
1
Stop: Shadow Run – Team Lifting
1
Stop: Shandon Lunch – Early Lifting
2
Stop: Shandon Lunch – Late Lifting
5
Stop: Shell Creek – Team Lifting
3

Ready to Volunteer?

The Bike Club’s Century Jobs web page ( https://slobc.org/volunteering/century.html ) is a one stop location to learn about Job Openings, Job Descriptions and the Volunteer Process. Choose a job from those identified as open in the “Wildflower Team Member Report” and then email the “Wildflower Volunteer Coordinator” at ( wildflower-volunteer-coordinator@slobc.org ) to volunteer for the position (please let them know The Bicycle Coalition sent you). The volunteer coordinator will contact you for any information needed to complete your volunteer record.

 

GT Timberline

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This week’s Bike of The Week is the GT Timberline XL from 2005/2006. Whether on the way to pick up some groceries, meet friends for coffee or a weekend ride with the little ones, a comfort bike like might be the perfect choice. BOTW_GT_600_FINALA lightweight aluminum frame with comfort specific geometry and just the right gearing keeps you going on the hills and the flats. The shock-absorbing suspension fork will make you think you’re riding on air on-road or off. Available now for $150.00.

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