Save Eight Dollars

I just remembered that Spokefest is coming up and if you register before September 2nd, it's only $12.00. If you wait until the 3rd, it will be twenty damn dollars! Get over there now and register for a fun ride with a ton of bike riders.

I would like to point out that you don't need to be registered to ride, but your fee goes to fund the yearly event of Spokefest and other bike related things around Spokane. And you get some swag, too. Spend the money, it's worth it.

By the way, the date for Spokefest is September 12th and will include the 9 mile shortcut, the 21 mile classic and the new 47 mile option. All of the rides are starting at 9:30. That's a.m. guys.

Fiasco 37 Wrap Up

(click the card for pics)
I was surprised to see such a large group of riders after I mentioned that we were climbing a pretty good hill. Pleasantly surprised. That opens up several new possibilities for the rides next summer.

Tuesday was the 37th Full Moon Fiasco and was dangerously close to being the first one to not have spoke cards. Without crying about it, I had some timing issues keeping it from happening, plain and simple. I couldn't even find the time to pick them up so Joe had to do that for me and brought them to The Swamp right on time. Whew! Thanks Joe.

The route and destination bar this month was courtesy of Anthony and his uncanny ability for convincing a bar to have 150 cyclists take the place over AND give us drink specials. He is full of some great ideas, so you can count on some inventive themes coming up. The bar chosen was Swinging Doors which is on Francis. That means we have to go up Post. Not having to lead the ride this time, I was able to cruise in the middle and on my way up Post, there was some serious carnage. Walking up, taking a break in the grass and some even turned back all together. Swinging Doors was staffed appropriately for such a crowd and served up some delicious fried goodness along with cold beer and a bunch of really large televisions. You want gizzards? They got 'em.

I only have one regret about this months ride. Since the Bikestravaganza, the FBC Spokane has received interest from many new riders which is great, but they are not familiar with the rules of the FBC.

Here are the rules:

1. Don't be an asshole.

I had to mention this before after an incredibly large ride a year ago and the following rides were picture perfect. I am going to paste a portion of that entry here.

"I would like to make it abundantly clear that we are NOT, regardless of numbers, a critical mass. We are not out there to purposely get in the way of motorized traffic. We make our best effort to keep it to one or two lanes where applicable and we certainly do not plow through red lights. The way the FBC Spokane draws attention to the shear number of cyclists in the city and the need for better ways to get around is to follow the rules of the road. Nobody likes an asshole so don't be one. If you feel like you need to continue riding against traffic, purposely slowing in front of motorized traffic, going through red lights and otherwise making people angry with your bike, the FBC does not want you. Go get yourself run over on your own time, not mine. If you are hurt in a traffic accident while riding with the FBC and it is your fault, it will likely be the last FBC Fiasco and I don't think you want that. I certainly don't. Finger wagging over."

I hope everyone is on board with that because I would like to continue to enjoy the accepting attitude of the city, its representatives, businesses and appointed officers. We seem to be doing something right, let's not jack that up.

The next Fiasco will be the Back To School Ride. Dust off that plaid, pull out the band uniform or whatever school attire tickles your fancy, and wear it to the next Fiasco which will be September 23rd.

150+ riders; 46° and clear.

I Totally Forgot

I can't believe that I forgot to tell you about going to Litz's after the Bikestravaganza.

The Lifetime Members For Life followed me along a circuitous route to one of our favorite places to go. Litz's, the hard to type bar and grill, has always treated the FBC Spokane like family and this time was no different. Among the things that I forgot this summer was a phone call to arrange a possible destination for the ride following the Bikestravaganza. I didn't make that call until a few hours before the event expecting to get a deep sigh and a reluctant yes, I got the exact opposite. They were very excited about us coming even though I had no idea about attendance. I told them 'Anywhere between 20 and 200' and they were fine with that. In fact, they called me back two more times to make sure they had their shit together for our visit. The only thing that disappointed me was that I wasn't able to bring more people. Next time guys. And I'll call earlier. Thank you Litz's Bar & Grill for your hospitality every time.

Reminder: Fiasco 37
Tuesday August 24th
The Swamp 8:00pm
Bring some gears
(through great hassle, I will have spoke cards, bring a dollar please)

That Went Well

Last night was the Bikestravaganza and it sounds a lot more exciting than it actually was. We listened and watched as both positive and negative aspects of trying to make your corner of the world a better place to ride your bike as illustrated through what is going on in Portland. Although dry on the surface, it is full of the juicy bikey goodness of swag and print items. I am glad to have had so many Lifetime Members For Life there to listen and make donations to keep them going. allons-y Elly and Joe! (That's French)

Full Moon Fiasco 37

Tuesday August 24th, meet at The Swamp at 8:00pm and try to bring a dollar donation for the spoke card. We are headed to a new destination this time and I am excited. It will be a route similar in length to the Birthday Fiasco but will incorporate a little tougher climb. I advise you to bring some gears. Don't worry, we aren't in a big hurry so take your time because we will wait for you at the top. I say we, but you might be waiting on me.

You will also receive a card from the Spokane Marmots Hardcourt Bike Polo Club. This is not the official spoke card of the Fiasco.

For Sale

I don't want to do this, but they need good homes.

I am selling a restored 1976 Schwinn Super le Tour 12.2 and a 2004 Fuji Track. Both of which were lovingly cared for and ridden quite a bit. The Fuji is in like new condition. Both are clean and house trained. Neither of them claw the furniture or require much food.
Click the photos to take you to their craigslist spots. Most of the information you would need is listed there, but if you have any questions feel free to email me and I hopefully can answer them and provide more photos if you need them.

UPDATE Aug 28, 2010:  SOLD AND SOLD! Thank you to everyone that expressed interest in these two favorites, and a thank you to the two friends that bought them. I know they will go to good homes and be well taken care of for years to come.