24 May 2011

BIKEFEST June 11 2011


Don't miss the next big biking event in the region: Bike Fest on June 11th, 2011
Join us at BikeFest! Purchase tickets today.

There will be fun, food, drinks, games, bluegrass and dance music, silent auction items, art bikes, sideshow acts, and a bike build contest among local shops with the winner to be chosen by attendees. We need your support to keep the pace of cycling progress high--and we're making it easy for you. Join us at the BikeFest celebration on June 11th, bring your friends, and have a great time while supporting WABA and the continued growth and improvement of cycling in the region.
For more information and for tickets, visit: www.waba.org/bikefest


BikeFest FAQ’s:
What’s happening at this event?

At BikeFest, we are celebrating cycling with art, music, and games. It’s an upscale event for your inner-child, with a bike carnival theme and a light-hearted feel. We will have art bikes and decorations from local artists, a midway with bike-themed carnival-style games, musical accompaniment from DC’s Second String Band, acrobats and jugglers, a silent auction, raffles, and the main event: A Bike Build Contest in which local bike shops (CityBikes, Oasis, & Papillon) will compete to build the most crowd-pleasing bicycle from recycled parts—with the winner chosen by audience votes and bids.

Why does it cost $45?

BikeFest is WABA’s 2011 fundraising event in support of our advocacy, outreach and education. With grant funding currently lagging, regional governmental budgets tightening, and a large Bike to Work Day under our belts, we are committed to raising funds to continue our mission of advocating for increased and improved cycling in the region.As cycling has grown, so have the regional advocacy and education demands on our staff time and budget. It’s undoubtedly a good problem to have, but to meet the increased advocacy needs, serve our members, and reach underserved communities while governmental funding is less prevalent, we need your financial support. Thus, we have put together this fun event that will provide an enjoyable time for all, at a price-that is a bargain for a bike-friendly night-on-the-town with food, drink, and entertainment.

Is this the WABA Gala? Is it the Bike Prom?

No, and no. But it is fun, and we want a big crowd. And it is our annual fundraiser that is critical to our success over the next year. This is replacing this year’s Gala, as we are going back to our roots and sticking more closely to a fun, bike-related themed celebration rather than a formal, black-tie event.

Why is it in Crystal City?

After searching extensively for a space that could be appropriately converted into an upscale bike carnival, the Crystal City BID provided us a space steps from both the Mount Vernon Trail and the Metro with a layout that allowed for game booths, concessions, stage space, seating space, and showcases for the bike build. And they have given us total freedom to decorate with bikes, custom designs, and personal touches.

How do I get there?

That’s the easy part. The space is easily accessible from the Mount Vernon Trail and from the Crystal City Metro. We will have ample bike parking, so feel free to ride in and Metro home with your bike if you choose. Several attendees will be leading meet-ups along the way if you would prefer to ride with a group (details to come on meet-ups). Bottom line: getting there is incredibly easy.

Purchase your tickets today. Space is limited: www.waba.org/bikefest

11 May 2011

MAYhem Cruiser Ride May 17


Bike to work day, no open spaces on bike racks, bike traffic in our own bike lanes...yes, friends, May is Bike Month. So let's ride!

To celebrate the official Bike Month (because let's face it, every month is bike month for us), we shall deck ourselves out in anything bike: Bike parts, bike lights, bike tattoos - you name it! Let's be loud, let's be bright, let's be obnoxious and cause some MAYHEM!! (safely :-)

When: Tuesday, May 17 at 8:30 PM
Where: Meet at Mt. Pleasant St. and Lamont St. NW
We'll ride through the neighborhoods and as always, end up at the Raven afterwards for drinks

Come 15 min. early and I'll have some paint to decorate ourselves!