Sunday morning FIXIE (or not) RIDE

Harry just sent me the latest word on his weekly Sunday Morning RIDE! As usual, he also posted it as a craigslist ad. Any bets on how long the ad will live? As you can see from his message, this ride's has a theme of "fashionable". The word definitely means different things to different people, so feel free to interpret it as you will:

BEING FASHIONABLE

I’m not one to live in the past. This is not to say that a little historical perspective is a bad thing. Clearly, there’s a lot to be learned, warnings for future generations, etc.

Oddly enough, it seems that there are people who want to relive times that they never lived in the first place. Consider an up-and-coming facet of “Bicycle Culture”, the Tweed Ride. As I understand it, this is kinda like the Thursday Night Social Ride in F Scott Fitzgerald drag, with extra points for use of quaint period phrases. Now, I’m OK with this, in the same way that I’m OK with people who obsessively dress in Elizabethan costumes and attend Renaissance Faires. It seems harmless enough, and I’m thinking that anything that gets more people on more bicycles can’t be entirely bad, yes?

Consider, however, the words of Eric Brewer, the organizer of a recent tweed ride in DC. "I think dandyism could build bridges from different crowds through attire….You dress to find your social clique in D.C., from Georgetown preppy to hipster central along 14th Street and H Street. And I think dandyism can sort of unify people, where you don't stay within the confines of an accepted appearance."

I’ve always ridden bicycles because it helps me to stay healthy, and it makes me feel good. In addition to that, it’s a great way to get around, and it’s just a whole lot of fun. Naturally, it’s a little disturbing to find that I have totally missed the point. What life is really all about, it seems, is appearances, and the bicycle is the current fashion accessory of choice among the smartest, chicest people. Apparently, it’s not about how often you ride, or where, or how far, or whether you even like to ride. It’s all about who you’re seen riding with and what you wear.

Still, “I’m not one to look behind. I know that times must change.” Accordingly, I’ve bookmarked the J Crew home page in my web browser, but I can already see a whole new world of dilemmas developing; “The argyle sweater vest or the fisherman-knit cable?” You see where this could go. I just hope I don’t have to start drinking Manhattans. Crimony, I HATE Manhattans.

So this week’s edition of the Sunday morning ride will be the Ride o’ Fashion. In keeping with our policy of diversity, each rider is encouraged to wear attire that defines his or her own sense of fashion. We’ll launch from Clown Dog at 10:20 on Sunday morning. Route TBD. Bring some ideas.

Last Sunday morning around 9:30 I looked out the window, and it was raining. I looked at the thermometer, and it said 42 degrees. And I said, “Not today.” To the teeming hordes who showed up ready to ride and were disappointed, my apologies. You’re now better acquainted with my boundaries.

My ultra-clean, very sexy-looking Guru is still for sale. Price is $900. Drop me a line if you’re interested.

Those of you who have ridden with us before know how we roll. For those who haven’t, please read the blah-blah below. It’s important. Really.

• Some of us are down with the fixed gear deal, but mostly we’re just about riding. Bring whatcha got and ride with us.

• Every cyclist is responsible for his or her own safety and well-being. We assume that everyone is familiar with basic rules of cycling safety and has enough hours in the saddle to feel comfortable with his or her ride. Use of helmets is optional (but highly recommended). Use of headphones, earbuds, Blue Tooth headsets or any other form of electronic distraction is discouraged. (It’s a SOCIAL ride, dammit!) All traffic laws and rules of right-of-way will be observed. Here’s the deal:

SAFETY FIRST!!!!!

If someone gets killed, it ruins the ride for everybody.

• This ride is 25-30 miles long through mostly urban and suburban areas. We do a convenience

store stop at about the halfway point for anyone who needs snacks or drinks.

• There is no SAG support on this ride. Bring a spare tube and something that will inflate it.

• The purpose of this ride is for everyone to have a good time and (we hope) to become better cyclists. We ride at a variable pace, according to the group on any given ride, and all skill levels are welcome. This is a 25-30 mile ride over typical Central Texas terrain. If this is consistent with your riding experience, or is perhaps slightly more challenging than what you’re accustomed to, you should have no problem going the distance.

One final warning. We ain’t stopping for coffee and muffins every two miles.

It’s time to ride.

Heh, if nothing else I'm glad I'm not the ONLY one who feels unenthused over a tweed ride. Maybe it's due to my disdain for LARPers, SCA, Rennies, cosplay or the rest of that whole scene, I dunno. Fine, my friends are right. I really do hate everything.

10am in front of Clown Dog Bikes is the time and place, and if it's drizzling or under the effects of otherwise inclement weather don't mind Harry, just make your own ride! I happened upon the Monday Heavy Metal Fitness Ride this week, the weather was HORRIBLE, and it just happened to be the best bike ride I've been on in months.

P.S. anyone who dresses like this gets bonus points:

GOON SQUAD GO!