Team Yabani News
Featured Article: Critical Mass — An Establishment Viewpoint Author "The Flash"
On July 28, 2000 I went on my first Critical Mass (CM) ride. All I knew of CM was that is was kind of a rolling protest on bikes. After my WTO experience, I was curious to try a CM.
I arrived at the meeting point, Westlake Center, at the appointed hour — 5:30 PM. The assembled cyclists were in no hurry to get started. They were mostly young bike messengers, and some college kids. One leader was a white guy with dreadlocks and smoked a huge pipe. He was riding a $3,000 mountain bike, while chanting anti-corporate slogans. He seemed to see nothing ironic in this. Three 10-year-old boys showed up. I immediately assumed responsibility for their safety. Some of the messengers were obviously in charge. They passed out flyers to hand out. We waited. Finally they began to get on their bikes and we were off.
The idea I soon found out was to tie up traffic. The bikes would fan out and cover all the lanes and ride real slow. I have to admit it was kind of fun. I was constantly looking out for the 10-year-olds. We wandered all over downtown tying up traffic.
Near the Bon I heard sirens. A Patrol car came flying into the intersection and stopped. Here is where we get arrested I thought. It was then I noticed another cop had a suspect pinned to the ground. His buddies were there for backup. We rode on. Several more police cars came to subdue the one suspect.
More slow riding happened. It is really quite hard to ride as slow as they did. I constantly found myself in front. Occasionally I heard the gunning of an engine as a frustrated driver flew off down a side street. Near the Seattle center some of the more militant types got into a shouting match with a driver. I herded my three charges away from the action.
A few minutes later another shouting match occurred. This guy was crazy. The CMers were daring him to run them over. I quickly herded my charges away and told them never to do that. I was now wondering how making enemies in cars would help the cycling cause. I would have quit by now but for my fears of the kids getting hurt. We rode onto the Seattle center grounds. All the bikers save a few rode around the fountain. The sign said no bikes and I had had enough law breaking for one day. I watched the three boys ride off by themselves and I did the same.
At this point I doubt I will do another CM. They may have the right ideal, but they are not going about it in a logical way. I hope and pray no one gets hurt. I think the police are right to ignore them. They seemed to want to get arrested. I hope they will turn their energies into a more fruitful direction.
Editors Note: I agree with "The Flash", this CM activity does not promote riding a bicycle. The public doesn’t see individuals, they see bicycle riders. Riding a bike should be fun and the more people that ride bikes in a responsible manor, the more accommodations we can get from public transportation programs (better bike paths, etc.) and company sponsored commuter assistance programs.
Team Yabani Ride Tip:
When installing new metal toys on your Iron Pony, buy a package of assorted plumber’s washers. Pick the best size and place it in-between the new metal toy and the pony. This will keep the toy from biting into the finish and help prevent rust (Ugh).
Ride News:
RIDE REPORT: RVSP and Mat "The Flash" Metcalfe
Well I made it to Vancouver. Yesterday went very fast. I was in Bham by 2.I holed up in my hotel room and crashed. It was 102 miles. Today seemed much longer, though it wasn't, only 78 miles. The scenery was grand and roads uncrowned.I prefer RSVP to STP. I had trouble with my Achilles tendon on my left foot, because I always have my left leg extended when I coast (too much, I am loathe to admit!) Once I figured that out, it didn't get any worse. I almost Ran off the road yesterday, due to daydreaming! God reached down and steadied me and I am here to right about it. The hills on RSVP are not enough to email home about. Vancouver is overrun with skateboard punks and other young people will apparently nothing more to do that take up space on sidewalks! Not the Vancouver I used to visit in the 80s.
Editors Note: Mat "The Flash" Metcalfe was the first Yabani Warrior to cross the finish line and in doing so wins the two week all expense paid vacation to the San Juan Islands (and you wonder what we did with the dues). If you remember last year he also won the bike tour in California Wine Country.
Next Rides:
Kitsap Color Classic: 1 October, 2000 — Multiple loops to ride.
Editors Note: Some members have noticed that the paved trails are getting into a state of needed repair. Steve "Tinkerman" Otten is looking to entice the city to grind down some of the bumps on Burke-Gilman trail. If anyone has a contact with the city please pass it along. I also noticed the same condition on the Green River Trail. I hope to meet with the Kent Bicycle Alliance in about a week to see what can be done about this and some other issues in the Kent area.
Webmaster's Note: You can access lots of info about bicycle advocacy (and get something done about the trail) on Aaron's Bicycle Repair Website, RideYourBike.com. Click on Advocacy in the navigation bar or just click here.
A new web based advocacy group has been formed.
Seattle Bicycle Advocates.
If you want to join, then you will need the Registration Code: spokes
The Interurban Trail is reopened between James and 228th. The work at the railroad tracks is complete. Our legal staff was successful in applying pressure to the railroad to complete the work ahead of schedule. However the trail is still closed between 212th and 180th for the installation of the new bridge. This Feb 2001 is the anticipated reopening date. I have turned this matter over to our legal department. Let’s see if they are really earning their retainer.
Welcome a new member to the brethren. John "The Hammer" Glass who just completed his first but not last ride to work by way of the Iron Pony.
Well, it finally happened. There is so much news that the monthly newsletter has creep over the one page limit. This is of course due to our members having more than their share of fun on a bike, and rightly so.
Remember, "If its not a Yabani, its just another bike ride!"
Next Issue: I still don’t know! And will worry about it later!