Blog entry. 2 a.m.
The world existing only in our headlights. Quiet time. The chatter has died down; the girls are in various states of sleep. Ahead of us, the highway lights continue, an unbroken chain. A constant pattern of reflective lines. Brake lights. I’m thinking about the security I feel with these ladies. I think the others share my thoughts—being together, doing what we do, has made me stronger. Walking on the beach in Northern California: how lucky I am to have this group of alive, confident, beautiful strong women as my friends. I’ve never felt so strongly that I am doing something powerful, so confident that I am involved in something bigger than the individual. The B:C:Clettes make me believe in community, in cooperation, in “the ability to stop a train with a smile” (Jaykub Young). We can see, visibly, the impact we have on the world, on the people we meet, the people who see us, get our message. We touch a nerve, start a spark to inspire change. People arrive at our shows with no idea what we are doing. They leave with a taste of passion for life, for living a little lighter, a little more loved and loving. Yet this is just a fraction of what I feel all the time with this group.
-Keltie
Thursday, August 30, 2007
updates from the road
SLO was a friendly and quant place, and we just met some folks that live at the Co-op in the park (with Circus bikes, hula hoops, and a mini keg of beer oh my!), but the coast and chill time was calling so we headed 30 min away to Montana de Oro National Park. It was a beautiful climb to the site; through a Eculyptus forest (planted?), along the coast. The site was a steal at $15, outhouse style. The ‘Clettes set up camp, cracked some beers, made a mean pot of veggie chili and enjoyed the sun set over the ocean. Ahhhh, paradise once again.
The following day we rose early to a hot sun and packed up quickly so we could enjoy some reflection time on the beach; a mini “heart circle”. With the tour more than 1/2 done and the guarantee of more adventures to come it was nice to hear from all the girls. The conclusion? Best time ever.
Refreshed and renewed we hopped in the van and rolled towards San Fran.
We just had our driving break and lunch stop at Shasta Lake, actually the north tip off of exit 702 called Lake XXXX. We had heard about this area from a bunch of people and prepped enough to have swim suits on the top of our packs. When we arrived it looked as through the whole lake had dried up! After asking some local campers with wet suits, they directed us to paths that lead down to the water ….. way way down. The setting was “weird”, but the lake was refreshing. The dirt was a rich red, from the iron deposits?
The following day we rose early to a hot sun and packed up quickly so we could enjoy some reflection time on the beach; a mini “heart circle”. With the tour more than 1/2 done and the guarantee of more adventures to come it was nice to hear from all the girls. The conclusion? Best time ever.
Refreshed and renewed we hopped in the van and rolled towards San Fran.
We just had our driving break and lunch stop at Shasta Lake, actually the north tip off of exit 702 called Lake XXXX. We had heard about this area from a bunch of people and prepped enough to have swim suits on the top of our packs. When we arrived it looked as through the whole lake had dried up! After asking some local campers with wet suits, they directed us to paths that lead down to the water ….. way way down. The setting was “weird”, but the lake was refreshing. The dirt was a rich red, from the iron deposits?
San Fran
Blog Update: San Francisco. Aug.27
Like so much of our tour, great things fell across our path in San Francisco. We weren’t sure we’d be able to squeeze in a show in SF between our San Luis Obispo and PDX performances, but are we every glad we went for it when our new friend Gabe at the Pink Palace said he could throw down a party for us. Dolores Park in the Mission District: when we arrived, there were bohemian clowns on unicycles, Gabe’s pedal powered sound system, a bike-art-music session involving a guy wearing a helmet sitting in a shopping cart and people “playing” him and the cart by hitting them with drumsticks, and glorious sunshine pouring down on us. Many of the ‘Clettes had never been to San Fran, and this was such an amazing welcome. We decided to stay an extra day, to give us a chance to explore.
Pics of the show from Adam
http://www.flickr.com/photos/8656161@N08/sets/72157601735580837/show/
Like so much of our tour, great things fell across our path in San Francisco. We weren’t sure we’d be able to squeeze in a show in SF between our San Luis Obispo and PDX performances, but are we every glad we went for it when our new friend Gabe at the Pink Palace said he could throw down a party for us. Dolores Park in the Mission District: when we arrived, there were bohemian clowns on unicycles, Gabe’s pedal powered sound system, a bike-art-music session involving a guy wearing a helmet sitting in a shopping cart and people “playing” him and the cart by hitting them with drumsticks, and glorious sunshine pouring down on us. Many of the ‘Clettes had never been to San Fran, and this was such an amazing welcome. We decided to stay an extra day, to give us a chance to explore.
Pics of the show from Adam
http://www.flickr.com/photos/8656161@N08/sets/72157601735580837/show/
LA - youtube footage!
Our friends in LA have posted a video filmed during our performance after the Big Lebowski ride. We wanted to feel like rock stars in LA, and when the LAPD showed up with helicopters to “break up the party”, mission accomplished. Check out the footage:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7LwBdd7w20
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7LwBdd7w20
notes from Lori: San Fran, Montana de Oro....
27 Aug 2007
‘Clettes California beach camping! Cara, Melissa, and I slept on the beach last night at Montana de Oro State Park, under a full moon, with occasional wakings by howling coyotes. The moon is so bright it looks like a streetlight, with sharp shadows as it rises over the hill next to camp.
Well we just reached the charming city of San Francisco, and are driving along a typical street, lined with palm trees in the median, street trees at the sidewalks, and the colourful, beautiful, densely-packed bay-windowed townhomes that makes San Fran famous. The streets are uber-hilly, with exotic flowering plants on any plant-able square foot of soil.
Our collective breath is taken away.
We’re staying at the “Pink Palace”, a lovely co-op house in the Mission District with 8 wonderful hosts, including Gabe (from “Shake your Peace”), Rainbow, and Israel.
The show at Delores Park began with an instrumental piece made from bike parts. Next up was the fresh and inspiring “Secret Circus”, with dancing unicyclists, clowns, jugglers, balancing acts and acrobatics. A one-person pedal-powered stereo provided sound. ‘Twas a small but charming and appreciative crowd. (smile) Our ‘Clettes show was fun, red and black contrast to the green background. “Shake Your Peace”, a sustainable rock band with good mellow tunes, wrapped up the evening while audience members created our own CD covers from their DIY kits of printed card, hole-punches, paint, and yarn. Cute and fun- adorable really!! Ha! We left as a posse to check out SF Bike Polo, swag trailer in tow. Psyched that one polo player was sporting a ‘Clettes patch, yo!
Early to bed. Set the alarm for 3:15am to watch the peak of the lunar eclipse, spotted over the tops of San Fran homes. The moon was brownish and dark, but still visible, allowing us to view the stars though it was full. Red and I walked through the streets and called home to friends for the occasion, then watched in amazement as the shadow of the earth began to move off the orb of the moon, and the full strength of the sun reflected brightly in a growing crescent before our eyes.
28 Aug 2007
Our whole free day in SF!!! After a great breakfast at the “Palace”, of fresh local fruit and yummy bread dumpstered from the local bakery (Thanks Gabe and Rainbow!), we split forces- 5 ‘Clettes received a day-long personal tour by new-found friend Jamie, who saw our show the night before.
Meanwhile, Red, Jen and I shot off in another direction, beginning with a stop to Valencia Cyclery for a city bike map. We mapped a route that started downtown, passing the San Francisco Federal Building by Morphosis architect Thom Mayne: lots of layered screens, transparency filters, and disjointed angles created inquisitive instincts.
We spotted a cute new building by the Cal Trains station- for bicycle parking! Free parking for up to 48 hours, $2 a day afterwards. We met the awesome owner/operator inside, and chatted him up about his new business, how it operates (it will partner with a bike shop for sustainable funding), and got the low-down about the SF Bicycle Coalition, as well as a great Vietmanese lunch spot and directions on the ferry back if we biked the Golden Gate Bridge.
We headed off to the Bicycle Coalition, and on the way in ran into an engaging woman who recognized us from our show. Within a few excited sentences, we were already talking of bike crafts and activism, and immediately decided that we MUST have lunch together, right then, at the Vietmanese place. Awesome! Her name was Nancy Botkin- she has worked for and volunteered for the Bicycle Coalition and other groups in SF for years. Conversation flowed excitedly around the cultural- and educational- inspired bike rides she organizes, such as rides to the dump to properly dispose of and learn about toxic waste, rides to the recycling centers, bicycle-art rides, and “snack rides” to share goodies. All over a fantastic, authentic lunch, complete with iced vietmanese coffee! Yum.
Then: on to check out the Bicycle Coalition! We talked with lots of wonderful folks there, and took a look at the new “Bicycling and Walking in the U.S.” Benchmarking Report 2007, which they were releasing to the public the following day. Awesome research and graphical data about relationships between biking, walking, health, obesity, economics, and environment in the 50 states. They also had a great variety of rad, irrestible T-shirts, hoodies, and baby “onesies” for sale. The three of us bought multiple shirts for ourselves and friends.
We tore ourselves away to continue our bike ride along the sea, making a point to check out the “Wave Organ” at the end of a pier. Beautiful scene and sounds, and we met some fun local bikers who gave us directions to a posh Safeway for beer- we ended up seeing them 3 more times throughout the day---! Relaxing with sun and crabs. A view of Alcatraz beyond….
We biked along the bayside to the Golden Gate Bridge, climbed up, and trekked across the red, suspended icon of this beautiful city. We stopped to admire Red’s long hair blowing wildly in the wind, to enjoy the sun, wind, and views, to relish the moment, and to drink a beer in celebration of life. As we sat and talked, a woman wearing a helmet with a beanie propellor, and a tattoo of a chainring impression on her right calf stopped to ask if we had an Allen key. As she adjusted her new bike with the borrowed tool, we talked and she told us of her bicycle activist group called the Superheroes. They work to encourage everyday biking, especially for children through the “Safe Routes to School” program. Red realized that they had probably met years earlier in Vancouver!! Her name was Melanie Grubman- aka Superhero Rabbi Yikes. As conversation continued to unfold, I realized that a friend of mine had cut out an article from “Bicycling” Magazine about her group for me three weeks ago- Melanie informed me that she was the one photographed, with the bright blue wig! Melanie changed her afternoon plans to join us on our ride across the Bridge to Sausalito, where she showed us an art gallery with Dr. Suess paintings and sculptures. We enjoyed some snacks and beers at the water’s edge while exchanging thoughts of life and spirit and waited for the ferry.
Red, Jen, and I took the ferry back downtown, while the sun set behind the hills and the fog crept over the Golden Gate.
Upon exiting the ferry, a group of fixies rode by, and we joined in the fun. Paired into partners, we had a short dark sprint race down a pier and up a crazy hill. Then back to the sea edge, where a trivia quiz began. We left the group, stopping twice on the way home. Once for tacos, and once to see the long “bike mural” on the “Wiggle” bike route off Market Street. Home for the night, the last eve in San Fran, prepped for an early start to drive to Portland the following day. What a day it was….. Life is good, ya know? :)
‘Clettes California beach camping! Cara, Melissa, and I slept on the beach last night at Montana de Oro State Park, under a full moon, with occasional wakings by howling coyotes. The moon is so bright it looks like a streetlight, with sharp shadows as it rises over the hill next to camp.
Well we just reached the charming city of San Francisco, and are driving along a typical street, lined with palm trees in the median, street trees at the sidewalks, and the colourful, beautiful, densely-packed bay-windowed townhomes that makes San Fran famous. The streets are uber-hilly, with exotic flowering plants on any plant-able square foot of soil.
Our collective breath is taken away.
We’re staying at the “Pink Palace”, a lovely co-op house in the Mission District with 8 wonderful hosts, including Gabe (from “Shake your Peace”), Rainbow, and Israel.
The show at Delores Park began with an instrumental piece made from bike parts. Next up was the fresh and inspiring “Secret Circus”, with dancing unicyclists, clowns, jugglers, balancing acts and acrobatics. A one-person pedal-powered stereo provided sound. ‘Twas a small but charming and appreciative crowd. (smile) Our ‘Clettes show was fun, red and black contrast to the green background. “Shake Your Peace”, a sustainable rock band with good mellow tunes, wrapped up the evening while audience members created our own CD covers from their DIY kits of printed card, hole-punches, paint, and yarn. Cute and fun- adorable really!! Ha! We left as a posse to check out SF Bike Polo, swag trailer in tow. Psyched that one polo player was sporting a ‘Clettes patch, yo!
Early to bed. Set the alarm for 3:15am to watch the peak of the lunar eclipse, spotted over the tops of San Fran homes. The moon was brownish and dark, but still visible, allowing us to view the stars though it was full. Red and I walked through the streets and called home to friends for the occasion, then watched in amazement as the shadow of the earth began to move off the orb of the moon, and the full strength of the sun reflected brightly in a growing crescent before our eyes.
28 Aug 2007
Our whole free day in SF!!! After a great breakfast at the “Palace”, of fresh local fruit and yummy bread dumpstered from the local bakery (Thanks Gabe and Rainbow!), we split forces- 5 ‘Clettes received a day-long personal tour by new-found friend Jamie, who saw our show the night before.
Meanwhile, Red, Jen and I shot off in another direction, beginning with a stop to Valencia Cyclery for a city bike map. We mapped a route that started downtown, passing the San Francisco Federal Building by Morphosis architect Thom Mayne: lots of layered screens, transparency filters, and disjointed angles created inquisitive instincts.
We spotted a cute new building by the Cal Trains station- for bicycle parking! Free parking for up to 48 hours, $2 a day afterwards. We met the awesome owner/operator inside, and chatted him up about his new business, how it operates (it will partner with a bike shop for sustainable funding), and got the low-down about the SF Bicycle Coalition, as well as a great Vietmanese lunch spot and directions on the ferry back if we biked the Golden Gate Bridge.
We headed off to the Bicycle Coalition, and on the way in ran into an engaging woman who recognized us from our show. Within a few excited sentences, we were already talking of bike crafts and activism, and immediately decided that we MUST have lunch together, right then, at the Vietmanese place. Awesome! Her name was Nancy Botkin- she has worked for and volunteered for the Bicycle Coalition and other groups in SF for years. Conversation flowed excitedly around the cultural- and educational- inspired bike rides she organizes, such as rides to the dump to properly dispose of and learn about toxic waste, rides to the recycling centers, bicycle-art rides, and “snack rides” to share goodies. All over a fantastic, authentic lunch, complete with iced vietmanese coffee! Yum.
Then: on to check out the Bicycle Coalition! We talked with lots of wonderful folks there, and took a look at the new “Bicycling and Walking in the U.S.” Benchmarking Report 2007, which they were releasing to the public the following day. Awesome research and graphical data about relationships between biking, walking, health, obesity, economics, and environment in the 50 states. They also had a great variety of rad, irrestible T-shirts, hoodies, and baby “onesies” for sale. The three of us bought multiple shirts for ourselves and friends.
We tore ourselves away to continue our bike ride along the sea, making a point to check out the “Wave Organ” at the end of a pier. Beautiful scene and sounds, and we met some fun local bikers who gave us directions to a posh Safeway for beer- we ended up seeing them 3 more times throughout the day---! Relaxing with sun and crabs. A view of Alcatraz beyond….
We biked along the bayside to the Golden Gate Bridge, climbed up, and trekked across the red, suspended icon of this beautiful city. We stopped to admire Red’s long hair blowing wildly in the wind, to enjoy the sun, wind, and views, to relish the moment, and to drink a beer in celebration of life. As we sat and talked, a woman wearing a helmet with a beanie propellor, and a tattoo of a chainring impression on her right calf stopped to ask if we had an Allen key. As she adjusted her new bike with the borrowed tool, we talked and she told us of her bicycle activist group called the Superheroes. They work to encourage everyday biking, especially for children through the “Safe Routes to School” program. Red realized that they had probably met years earlier in Vancouver!! Her name was Melanie Grubman- aka Superhero Rabbi Yikes. As conversation continued to unfold, I realized that a friend of mine had cut out an article from “Bicycling” Magazine about her group for me three weeks ago- Melanie informed me that she was the one photographed, with the bright blue wig! Melanie changed her afternoon plans to join us on our ride across the Bridge to Sausalito, where she showed us an art gallery with Dr. Suess paintings and sculptures. We enjoyed some snacks and beers at the water’s edge while exchanging thoughts of life and spirit and waited for the ferry.
Red, Jen, and I took the ferry back downtown, while the sun set behind the hills and the fog crept over the Golden Gate.
Upon exiting the ferry, a group of fixies rode by, and we joined in the fun. Paired into partners, we had a short dark sprint race down a pier and up a crazy hill. Then back to the sea edge, where a trivia quiz began. We left the group, stopping twice on the way home. Once for tacos, and once to see the long “bike mural” on the “Wiggle” bike route off Market Street. Home for the night, the last eve in San Fran, prepped for an early start to drive to Portland the following day. What a day it was….. Life is good, ya know? :)
Sunday, August 26, 2007
San Luis Obispo - Morning Show, yeah!
Bleary-eyed and dazed, we left the outstanding Eco-Village in LA at 4 am this morning. Our amazing and resilient driver Clettes shuttled us through the night and into dawn to arrive in San Luis Obispo (SLO), a bike-friendly university town, with plenty of time for breakfast.
After an amazing feast, that included the best rice pudding ever, we headed over to the parking lot at Utopia Bakery. Phil, of Bike Swap fame, had brought together folks to sell and swap bikes, bike parts and other bikey stuff. The wonderful Lisa Quinn lined us up to perform at Bike Swap for the later part of the morning.
We were met with smiles, laughs, cheers and applause during our show. The audience was responsive and included kids, retirees, adult kids and their parents and everyone in between. After the show, we chatted with folks about the how and why of the B:C:Clettes and learned about bike culture in SLO. Two of the Clettes even got a ride on the couch bike – a plush and comfy couch towed by a tandem bike. That’s my kind of bike!
And not only did we knock SLO’s socks off, the local media showed up for an interview and to record some footage of our performance. Look for it on the SLO local news tonight at 8 pm.
I felt particularly excited to dance, as today was my last show on the B:C:Clettes Velo:City Tour – and what a great way to finish! I’ve had such an unbelievable time on the tour and at moments I can’t even believe that these amazing, strong, intelligent women are part of my life. I heart the B:C:Clettes!
Thanks again to Lisa and Phil, the fantastic SLO audience, and all of the folks who have been chatting with us as we meander around town this afternoon. We’re off to San Francisco tomorrow – see you there!
Erin
After an amazing feast, that included the best rice pudding ever, we headed over to the parking lot at Utopia Bakery. Phil, of Bike Swap fame, had brought together folks to sell and swap bikes, bike parts and other bikey stuff. The wonderful Lisa Quinn lined us up to perform at Bike Swap for the later part of the morning.
We were met with smiles, laughs, cheers and applause during our show. The audience was responsive and included kids, retirees, adult kids and their parents and everyone in between. After the show, we chatted with folks about the how and why of the B:C:Clettes and learned about bike culture in SLO. Two of the Clettes even got a ride on the couch bike – a plush and comfy couch towed by a tandem bike. That’s my kind of bike!
And not only did we knock SLO’s socks off, the local media showed up for an interview and to record some footage of our performance. Look for it on the SLO local news tonight at 8 pm.
I felt particularly excited to dance, as today was my last show on the B:C:Clettes Velo:City Tour – and what a great way to finish! I’ve had such an unbelievable time on the tour and at moments I can’t even believe that these amazing, strong, intelligent women are part of my life. I heart the B:C:Clettes!
Thanks again to Lisa and Phil, the fantastic SLO audience, and all of the folks who have been chatting with us as we meander around town this afternoon. We’re off to San Francisco tomorrow – see you there!
Erin
Saturday, August 25, 2007
this is LA...
hey there folks~ WHOOT!
so here we are in Los Angeles! serious.
ECO VILLAGE, LA
we arrived here Friday afternoon after a funny night in the middle of nowhere, the Lost Hills. the drive into the city wasn't as crazy as we expected. we found our oasis the Eco Village, in Korea Town. the Eco Village is amazing. kind of like a communal house, 1920's colonial style with a courtyard in the centre. (www.laecovillage.org/) the people here have been great. we have been staying in an area of the Village, like our own apartment. we have two balconies looking out on the street. the courtyard is a lovely garden, with chickens. actually they are still chicks but will soon live in the courtyard. there are two very tall and big avocado trees. taller than the roof. !!
Lois & Tara, Somerset & Aurisha & Joe who live here have been really excellent. THANKS!
THE BIG LEBOWSKI RIDE - Fuck It Dude
okay this was the name of the ride. we came to LA to go on this ride and to perform. the ride was in the theme of the Big Lebowski (film by Coen Brothers). part of regular rides by the Midnight Ridazz, there were about 300-400 people. it was a long fast ride all over LA. really it was busy streets and scenery that all looked the same. the folks we met were great and the Clettes were the main attraction, after the Dude that is, and people had no idea what to expect from us.
we performed in the back of a community centre outside. the show was going so well until we saw lights on the hill and a cop over the PA telling us to ride on. (we were in the park after hours). the cops gave us 5 minutes and we performed one more number. as we started into Sexy Back by Justin Timberlake a cop chopper came circling down on us with spot light and all. An LAPD cop CHOPPER!!! For friggin real....
So the chopper circled over head as we pack up and rolled. we were freaked and laughing our heads off.. the LA PD. quote from audience member "we really appreciated how the chopper lights lit up Sexy Back" and one from our own, Leanne "i think the [LAPD] chopper really upped our street cred".. so as the cops ushered us out of the park we all rolled over to Shatto Lanes to bowl. in true Dude fashion, we donned sweet bowling shoes and bowled.
it was an epic night. so fun.
SATURDAY in LA
so today we woke after little sleep, ate some pancakes and then performed for the Eco Village residents. our show Friday night on the ride was late and not accessible for all to see, so we rocked it out on the street for the Eco Village and neighbours, about a dozen or so people. "car retraining" as autos had to wait for us to finish or slowly go around. afterwards we rolled on and checked out the Bike Kitchen (www.bicyclekitchen.com) and Orange20. Aurisha & Somerset (from Eco Village) are both involved in the Kitchen. cool to check out another community bike shop, which started in a room at the Eco Village.
a crew of us set off for Venice Beach. we had two local guides, friends of the Clettes. it was a long 1.5 hour ride out to the beach. Venice Beach!! we cruised the strip, got our fortunes told, watched some amazing Venice Beach roller skate dance posse. they were amazing! some of the girls went and giggled at the weightlifters at Muscle Beach and others rolled out to Santa Monica. a good day at the beach.
and here we are....
back at the Eco Village, eating and packing up to head north. sadly we are parting ways with Bini, our great road tripping partner in crime. she has been with us a week and it was been fun as she's really helped us out, making us yummy food and making us laugh. we are driving out early to make it to San Luis de Obispo for a morning show at a Bike Swap.
LA you have been an experience. we are happy to roll out and see some more of California.
- Fish
so here we are in Los Angeles! serious.
ECO VILLAGE, LA
we arrived here Friday afternoon after a funny night in the middle of nowhere, the Lost Hills. the drive into the city wasn't as crazy as we expected. we found our oasis the Eco Village, in Korea Town. the Eco Village is amazing. kind of like a communal house, 1920's colonial style with a courtyard in the centre. (www.laecovillage.org/) the people here have been great. we have been staying in an area of the Village, like our own apartment. we have two balconies looking out on the street. the courtyard is a lovely garden, with chickens. actually they are still chicks but will soon live in the courtyard. there are two very tall and big avocado trees. taller than the roof. !!
Lois & Tara, Somerset & Aurisha & Joe who live here have been really excellent. THANKS!
THE BIG LEBOWSKI RIDE - Fuck It Dude
okay this was the name of the ride. we came to LA to go on this ride and to perform. the ride was in the theme of the Big Lebowski (film by Coen Brothers). part of regular rides by the Midnight Ridazz, there were about 300-400 people. it was a long fast ride all over LA. really it was busy streets and scenery that all looked the same. the folks we met were great and the Clettes were the main attraction, after the Dude that is, and people had no idea what to expect from us.
we performed in the back of a community centre outside. the show was going so well until we saw lights on the hill and a cop over the PA telling us to ride on. (we were in the park after hours). the cops gave us 5 minutes and we performed one more number. as we started into Sexy Back by Justin Timberlake a cop chopper came circling down on us with spot light and all. An LAPD cop CHOPPER!!! For friggin real....
So the chopper circled over head as we pack up and rolled. we were freaked and laughing our heads off.. the LA PD. quote from audience member "we really appreciated how the chopper lights lit up Sexy Back" and one from our own, Leanne "i think the [LAPD] chopper really upped our street cred".. so as the cops ushered us out of the park we all rolled over to Shatto Lanes to bowl. in true Dude fashion, we donned sweet bowling shoes and bowled.
it was an epic night. so fun.
SATURDAY in LA
so today we woke after little sleep, ate some pancakes and then performed for the Eco Village residents. our show Friday night on the ride was late and not accessible for all to see, so we rocked it out on the street for the Eco Village and neighbours, about a dozen or so people. "car retraining" as autos had to wait for us to finish or slowly go around. afterwards we rolled on and checked out the Bike Kitchen (www.bicyclekitchen.com) and Orange20. Aurisha & Somerset (from Eco Village) are both involved in the Kitchen. cool to check out another community bike shop, which started in a room at the Eco Village.
a crew of us set off for Venice Beach. we had two local guides, friends of the Clettes. it was a long 1.5 hour ride out to the beach. Venice Beach!! we cruised the strip, got our fortunes told, watched some amazing Venice Beach roller skate dance posse. they were amazing! some of the girls went and giggled at the weightlifters at Muscle Beach and others rolled out to Santa Monica. a good day at the beach.
and here we are....
back at the Eco Village, eating and packing up to head north. sadly we are parting ways with Bini, our great road tripping partner in crime. she has been with us a week and it was been fun as she's really helped us out, making us yummy food and making us laugh. we are driving out early to make it to San Luis de Obispo for a morning show at a Bike Swap.
LA you have been an experience. we are happy to roll out and see some more of California.
- Fish
Thursday, August 23, 2007
California .. knows how to party...
hey there, so we are trying to figure out how to get photos up.. looks like it will happen at the next stop... so here are the words for now...
Day 4-6 Ashland to California Coast (Mendocino County)
So we hesitantly departed Ashland – sigh. Oh Ashland you were so good to us. So many great new friends; David, Daniel, Bike Tramp, Tobin, Shea, Nathan, Jaykub. The nut butter jokes are non-stop. Imagine boxes of chocolates and boxes of nut butter, yes we are doing just fine. Everything with nut butter. `
Monday August 20th ~ So Monday we set off from southern Oregon bound for the northern California Coast. It was a day to cover some distance and get to the ocean. First stop, the Red Wood Forest for a short hike in the trees. Onward ho… we hit the coast! Gorgeous ocean, massive waves, the colour of the sea, cliffs, some of you know it. A stop in Arcata brought us to a delicious vegetarian restaurant, then back in the van, pushing on south. After too many hours in the van and one missed exit, we arrived at Mac Kerricher State Park just north of Fort Bragg into the wee hours.
Tuesday August 21st ~ Mac Kerricher Park is so beautiful. Situated on the coast, the 9 Clettes and 1 Bini made camp and amazed other campers with our 7 tents and 9 bikes. Tuesday we saddled up and head off on an adventure by bike. There is an old washed out road (no cars) running from the camp ground south to Fort Bragg. A stunning ride along the coastal trail. After some side routes to blackberry bushes and cliff views, we came across Jug Handle Park – yeah jug handles! A quiet beach (almost) all to ourselves, where we swam, body surfed in the waves, hiked around, sun-tanned nude and played Frisbee. It was a perfect bike adventure day. Back at camp, we made yummy curry on the fire, eat some marshmallows and made Smores (a first for some). Bini and Cara spent the night sleeping under the stars on beach, crashing waves lulling us to sleep. More bike rides, more beach walks, and we are off.
Wednesday August 23rd ~ Now the Velo:City Tour is in the van, southern bound to Davis California. Windy twisty roads, lined with vineyards and orchards, baked in sun. Yes folks we are havin
g a great time. Tonight we perform 2 shows! First show early evening at the Davis Farmer’s Market and then after that at the Bicycle Church. Yee haw!
- Fish , aka Cara
Wednesday Aug 22 DAVIS
Pop 67400
We rolled into Davis after a long and windy 128 route all the way from Madecino county. Immediately we noticed WHY Davis is known as a bike progressive city: traffic lights just for bikes, lanes on every street, packed full bike racks, AND car-free routes throughout campus. Keeping with our “just in time” schedule we rolled up to Farmers Market (only market in state of California to have covered dome) Picnic in the Park event… wow! After an introduction from our host, Rev Ted B from the Bike Church, we dazzled the 300 (!?) family-filled crowd. We had a great show and the city of Davis generously filled the boot! After hanging around, we rounded up a crew and cycled with a bunch of people to the Church for more festivities including a very hot tough and shiny night show at the Domes. Chicken spectators and all. The night ended fabulous with a “Half-moon Ride” – either half of the people were naked or all of the people were half naked – it ended up being a bit of both. The hour long ride, 40 strong, rolled through the city, including 14 round-abouts and a parking garage bomb no less.
Quick facts on Davis.... we stayed at UCD - the biggest of 10 campuses of Uni Calif. Whew! The Domes have been here since the 70's and are collectively run. LOTS & LOTS of Bikers.
more soon...
Monday, August 20, 2007
quotable quotes!
TOUR QUOTES:
When I get my tutu out of my pannier, I’ll grab more zines – Nix
Cyclists are just so strong and sexy and badass…. Dancing is just a bonus – Rabbit
You are the best performers this market has ever seen
– Eugene local at Saturday Market
Y’all dance real purty… we want to ride our bikes and be like you – 8 yr old from Texas at Eugene Market
There is no way we can do a slow-mo-explo with two bikes in here – a disbelieving Leanne (Campbell Club, Eugene OR)
I like the way our presence allows the community to come together – Red, Ashland, OR
Time to drop into awesome – Leanne
All your bikes have their own characters and personalities, I love it – Tobin, super host Ashland OR
PHOTO POST COMING SOON!
xoxo
Love the B:C:Clettes
When I get my tutu out of my pannier, I’ll grab more zines – Nix
Cyclists are just so strong and sexy and badass…. Dancing is just a bonus – Rabbit
You are the best performers this market has ever seen
– Eugene local at Saturday Market
Y’all dance real purty… we want to ride our bikes and be like you – 8 yr old from Texas at Eugene Market
There is no way we can do a slow-mo-explo with two bikes in here – a disbelieving Leanne (Campbell Club, Eugene OR)
I like the way our presence allows the community to come together – Red, Ashland, OR
Time to drop into awesome – Leanne
All your bikes have their own characters and personalities, I love it – Tobin, super host Ashland OR
PHOTO POST COMING SOON!
xoxo
Love the B:C:Clettes
update #2
Sunday, August 19th: Ashland. Wow. How is it possible that one small community can give us SO MUCH LOVE?! We rolled in and met up with our exuberant host Tobin and his friends. What followed was the absolute embodiment of bike love: a community bike ride featuring the B:C:Clettes in full colours, kids, fixie riders, cruiser bikes and stuffed monkeys in baskets; a performance in Ashland’s downtown public plaza dedicated to my Master’s Thesis project (bike culture’s impact on the public realm); a visit to the community bike co-op and garden; and then a giant feast back at Tobin’s with all our new friends. Ashland stole our hearts—the community here, the city with its bike lanes and 25 mph speed limit, and the royal treatment we received. The boys eagerly gave us our presents (yes presents) supplemented by donations from local shops: Organic dark chocolate, almond butter, tahini, homebrew herbal beer, artichokes, homemade pesto, tomatoes, avocadoes, corn, bread, plums, vegan pastries, cheese, sundried tomatoes, bicicletta red wine, coconut vegan ice cream, zines, a new tire for Melissa’s bike, and the most fantastic impromptu puppet show we’ve ever witnessed. Many of these wonderful gifts came from our friend’s gardens, kitchens and best of all the local dumpsters. The puppet show featured plastic babies, robots, compost, a bear, and a bicycle that made unicorn sounds. Puppeteer Jacob made us laugh so hard we had tears in our eyes. We exchanged a short guerilla performance of Streetfighter and Thriller in their front yard in exchange for his show. I get the feeling that each time we leave a town, we will have to say goodbye to new and dear friends, kindred spirits, linking bike communities from Vancouver to Bellingham, Euguene, Ashland and beyond. It’s hard to keep moving when each place we stop at feels like home; I’ve wished that we could freeze time and spend some more time in these communities. But we keep rolling, and I have no doubt that the love we’ve given and received so far will keep flowing as we continue with our tour.
Now we are off to Northern California, the Red Wood Forest, and the Lost Coast, for some beach and camping. More to come from the rocking Tour later in the week.
Keltie & Cara
Finally, update!!!
B:C:Clettes Velo:City Tour! Days 1-3
Hello, friends! We’re writing our first update from the road on Day Three, having recently left Eugene, Oregon. The past few days have involved a lot of traveling punctuated by frantic activity and awesome dancing. So, a brief(ish) play-by-play:
Friday, August 17th: The B:C:Clettes left Vancouver, BC in a few waves, with Red Sara, Melissa and Erin biking from Vancouver to Bellingham with a whole posse of friends and lovers (like a dozen). Thanks everyone for the lovely send off! Jen and her partner drove on their own, and finally Cara, Keltie, Leanne (reporting), Nix and Lori (being the ones who had to work on Friday) followed in the Official Velo:City Tour Van. We charmed our way through the American border and made it to the Worms’ HQ (Bellingham’s raddest baddest bike gang…. and amazing hosts!). After a little rest and refreshment – we walked into the backyard and were handed beers and figs fresh from the Worms’ own fig tree – we bombed over to the Hub, Bellingham’s totally stunning community bike kitchen. Seriously, check them out if you’re ever in town! The Hub graciously hosted the B:C:Clettes launch performance, and a few of the Brakes (a boylesque bicicyle performance troupe from Vancouver, as well) showed us their tall bike and minibike stunts, a few amazing bands played, and we Clettes danced a pretty fun show. It was dark and we were lit by car headlights, dancing in the street. Very DIY. BIG THANKS to Kyle of the Hub. Shawn and Stephanie (Worms) and friends enthusiastically invited us on a post-show bike-ride, but sadly we had a very, very early departure time and went to sleep instead. We were pretty sad not to be able to spend more time with our friends, especially as they have been so overwhelmingly supportive of us (the Bellingham crew came up to Vancouver for the Cabaret!) Thanks again to the Worms and the Hub, and everyone who came and supported us! We love you very much – we can’t say enough about how nicely you treated us.
Saturday, August 18th: After a 5 am (yes, yes, 5 am) wake-up call, the Clettes packed our stuff into the trailer and van and drove off into the sunrise, on our way to Eugene. We drove for a long, long time. We’re all very excited for the part of the tour when we do more biking than driving (and that starts Tuesday!!). We rolled past Seattle and Portland and couldn’t stop (tragic), and made it to Eugene just after 2 pm. We were scheduled to perform at the Eugene Farmer’s Market at 3 pm. Needless to say, we brought the house down at the farmer’s market, and people gave us lots of donations and positive feedback. It was such a nice treat to dance on a sunny afternoon for a new different audience. Our friend Rabbit from Portland was waiting for us at the farmer’s market, and has joined us on tour for a day or three. Also, our contact and lovely dear friend in Eugene, Josh, welcomed us with open arms, fantastic hugs and thirty-two icy cans of Tilt. Thanks, Josh for being so welcoming in everything! We grabbed fresh veggies and fruit (the peaches! Amazing!) from the farmer’s market and spent a leisurely afternoon cooking good food and resting before our evening performance at the Campbell Club, a student housing cooperative. Our friend Bini appeared on Josh’s doorstep (Bini was our talented Cabaret stage manager) to our immense delight and has joined us until Los Angeles. The evening performance at the Campbell Club was really, really lovely. People cheered and yelled and we were in fine form. There were even kittens! The residents of the house invited us back to perform again someday… Finally it was time to sleep, then time to get up and pack to head to Ashland, OR. Josh’s marvelous roommate, Quinn, even fixed Keltie’s bike when her rear brake broke. As a final touch, we were offered true rockstar treatment in the form of a hot tub and free massages from a professional massage therapist (!), but, alas, didn’t have time to enjoy such delights. Next time, Eugene. Next time.
Xoxo Leanne
DAVIS SHOW INFO
Hello world! We have written some blogs thus far but we’re hindered by lack of internet access – so with this brief moment where we have found it, there is only time to inform you on the DAVIS show as we don’t have it up on the website.
DAVIS
7pm show
Picnic in the Park (google it!)
830pm
Show at the Bike Church
the magic continues! ahh!
DAVIS
7pm show
Picnic in the Park (google it!)
830pm
Show at the Bike Church
the magic continues! ahh!
Friday, August 17, 2007
... And they're off!
Today's the day. See you in Bellingham and down the coast.
Thanks to all who helped with cash, hard work and gifts-in-kind.
Love,
The B:C:Clettes
Thanks to all who helped with cash, hard work and gifts-in-kind.
Love,
The B:C:Clettes
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Less than a week to go!
Well, it's crunch time here in Vancouver. The Clettes are busy preparing for the tour - packing, finalizing venues, rehearsing, making some great swag to sell.
Our tour dates are almost set; check out the deets at www.bcclettes.ca.
We'd also LOVE any support you can give us along the way - donations are happily accepted on our website via paypal, or contact us at bcclettes [at] gmail [dot] com to make a donation.
See you on the road!
Our tour dates are almost set; check out the deets at www.bcclettes.ca.
We'd also LOVE any support you can give us along the way - donations are happily accepted on our website via paypal, or contact us at bcclettes [at] gmail [dot] com to make a donation.
See you on the road!
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