Social Cycling ATX Presents: Thursday Night Social Ride - The beginning of the end of the beginning.

Keith got the word out on this Thursday's Part I (or Part IV if you know what's up) of the most epic bike event of all time, so read on for LOTS of juicy details:

Hey there Social Cyclists. Did everyone have a nice Christmas? I hope so. I hope you got your rest too because this Thursday, New Years Eve, is also a full moon. That means that the Social Ride is hooking up with Mr. Whiteside and Co. and putting on a TWELVE HOUR bike event that spans two years.

When and Where: Thursday December 31st, 7:30pm (leave at 8) at the Scoot Inn. Map here: http://tinyurl.com/yaw8ash.

What: A twelve hour event. It all starts as usual at the Scoot Inn. We ride around on a nice long cruise ending up at the 21st Street Coop (map here: http://tinyurl.com/ydfjzy7). The bike friendly folks over at New Belgium have set us up with a couple of kegs of the good stuff. DJ Blake Brandon is spinning in the New Year for a NYE dance party. After we are done dancing in the New Year, the ride continues and it's Whiteside's show. The pace will pick up a bit, but not too fast. He's going to take you on another nice long cruise, then back to the 21st St Coop for another keg of New Belgium and some more dancing. This promises to be epic. To hell with the overcrowded downtown scene, this will be our own private rolling nightclub. Parking will be no problem.

Also, we are passing the hat for the League of Bicycle Voters at the party. This is a really great advocacy group that fights for our rights and better facilities at a local level. The one and only Vincent (cup cake king and LOBV board member) will be coming around and taking donations. Give generously, please. All of your beer is free that night and there are no bartenders to tip.

How: The first portion of the ride is hosted by Social Cycling ATX. We follow the rules of the road. We stop at red lights, stay in one lane and ride as traffic, not against it. Let cars pass if they need and LISTEN TO YOUR RIDE LEADERS. They know what is up.

SPECIAL NOTE: Be extra careful riding to and from the event. It's amateur night and it will be more dangerous than usual out there. Keep alert folks. I want to have all of you on all of rides next year.

You will need: LIGHTS, a lock, LIGHTS, LIGHTS AND MORE LIGHTS. Dress appropriately. It'll be chilly.

I would like to thank the folks over at New Belgium for HOOKING US UP. They are our newest sponsor and came through big time for us. Also, thanks to all the people at 21st Street Coop for having us over for the party.

Happy New Year, Ya'll!

-Keith http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1610994666&ref=name

Keith brings up a lot of great points there, namely that it WILL be New Years Eve, and we will be riding when the bars let out so lets watch ourselves and each other. Make sure you bring lots of flashing lights (Walgreens has battery operated Christmas lights ON SALE right now, hint, hint) and make yourselves as visible as possible. Hell, it's the full moon so wear something to reflect all that light back at it.

Also this time around there aren't bartenders at the beer stop, but there is a great cause (the League of Bicycle Voters) who'd really appreciate any spare bucks you've got on you. Thanks to Keith and Whiteside we've got some GOOD BEER waiting for us, but make sure you stock up for the ride before we get there. Midnight will come and go and then the stores get real angry when you try to take a 12 pack out the door. Just sayin'. The night continues from here but that's another story for another post...