Anybody plan on attending bikefest this weekend?

[Mark Blacknell]

Please come to Bikefest! I and many other area cyclists will be there, and I expect it will be a great time. This is what I circulated via email earlier this week:

Hi, all-
You’re getting this email because we’ve ridden together, we talk about cycling advocacy, and/or I think that you just might enjoy yourself at the Washington Area Bicyclist Association’s Bikefest this Saturday night. Bikefest is WABA’s major fundraiser for 2011, and we’re taking a different approach to things this year – instead of embassy evening wear and auctions, we’re doing live music (bluegrass!), games, a bike build contest, food, drinks and much more. Between this, Saturday’s Clarendon Cup, and Sunday’s Air Force Cycling Classic, Arlington is going to be cycling central this weekend. I’m thrilled about it.
I serve on WABA’s board of directors because I believe deeply in the importance of WABA’s mission and the quality of its work. All those people you see on CaBi bikes, improvements in Maryland’s negligent driving laws, and DC’s explosion of cycling facilities? WABA had a big hand in all of that, benefitting not just those of us on bikes, but anyone using our streets. I hope you can help me support WABA’s continued advocacy by visiting http://www.waba.org/events/bikefest.php and purchasing your tickets ($45). It’s steps from the Metro, and there will (of course) be plenty of bike parking.
Thanks for your time. And let’s go for a ride some time soon if we haven’t lately.

Cheers,

Mark

P.S. – I realize that a number of you already have tickets – please forward to this to friends who recognize the usefulness of cycling advocacy and might enjoy an evening amongst fellow cyclists.

Would love to see lots of folks out there on Saturday night.

~

And, because I live just a few blocks away from the Clarendon Cup, I’ve been there every year. Loads of fun. The course is so small that you can walk the whole thing a number of times – and watching from an outside table (at, say, Mad Rose or Liberty Tavern) when you feel like taking a break. You can see a number of galleries from previous years efforts (when it was also known as the CSC Invitational) here. Here’s a piece I did for the Clarendon Patch earlier this week that links to all the basics.

[Mark Blacknell]

Please come to Bikefest! I and many other area cyclists will be there, and I expect it will be a great time. This is what I circulated via email earlier this week:

Hi, all-
You’re getting this email because we’ve ridden together, we talk about cycling advocacy, and/or I think that you just might enjoy yourself at the Washington Area Bicyclist Association’s Bikefest this Saturday night. Bikefest is WABA’s major fundraiser for 2011, and we’re taking a different approach to things this year – instead of embassy evening wear and auctions, we’re doing live music (bluegrass!), games, a bike build contest, food, drinks and much more. Between this, Saturday’s Clarendon Cup, and Sunday’s Air Force Cycling Classic, Arlington is going to be cycling central this weekend. I’m thrilled about it.
I serve on WABA’s board of directors because I believe deeply in the importance of WABA’s mission and the quality of its work. All those people you see on CaBi bikes, improvements in Maryland’s negligent driving laws, and DC’s explosion of cycling facilities? WABA had a big hand in all of that, benefitting not just those of us on bikes, but anyone using our streets. I hope you can help me support WABA’s continued advocacy by visiting http://www.waba.org/events/bikefest.php and purchasing your tickets ($45). It’s steps from the Metro, and there will (of course) be plenty of bike parking.
Thanks for your time. And let’s go for a ride some time soon if we haven’t lately.

Cheers,

Mark

P.S. – I realize that a number of you already have tickets – please forward to this to friends who recognize the usefulness of cycling advocacy and might enjoy an evening amongst fellow cyclists.

Would love to see lots of folks out there on Saturday night.

~

And, because I live just a few blocks away from the Clarendon Cup, I’ve been there every year. Loads of fun. The course is so small that you can walk the whole thing a number of times – and watching from an outside table (at, say, Mad Rose or Liberty Tavern) when you feel like taking a break. You can see a number of galleries from previous years efforts (when it was also known as the CSC Invitational) here. Here’s a piece I did for the Clarendon Patch earlier this week that links to all the basics.

[eminva]

My husband and I bought tickets to Bikefest. We have never been to a WABA event (aside from Bike to Work Day) and don’t know what to expect, but looking forward to it. Will look for you there (are there name tags involved? I will remember Mark but not sure I met Kathy).

Liz

[eminva]

My husband and I bought tickets to Bikefest. We have never been to a WABA event (aside from Bike to Work Day) and don’t know what to expect, but looking forward to it. Will look for you there (are there name tags involved? I will remember Mark but not sure I met Kathy).

Liz

[KLizotte]

Thanks Mark for the info on BikeFest and Clarendon Cup. I sure hope it cools down for the latter; I’m not a hot weather person.

I met Mark (and probably Liz) at Jay’s happy hour earlier this week.

See you Sat night

[KLizotte]

Thanks Mark for the info on BikeFest and Clarendon Cup. I sure hope it cools down for the latter; I’m not a hot weather person.

I met Mark (and probably Liz) at Jay’s happy hour earlier this week.

See you Sat night

[KLizotte]

“And, because I live just a few blocks away from the Clarendon Cup, I’ve been there every year. Loads of fun. The course is so small that you can walk the whole thing a number of times – and watching from an outside table (at, say, Mad Rose or Liberty Tavern) when you feel like taking a break. You can see a number of galleries from previous years efforts (when it was also known as the CSC Invitational) here. Here’s a piece I did for the Clarendon Patch earlier this week that links to all the basics.”

Awesome photos. Everyone should check them out!

Thanks Mark.

Kathy

[KLizotte]

“And, because I live just a few blocks away from the Clarendon Cup, I’ve been there every year. Loads of fun. The course is so small that you can walk the whole thing a number of times – and watching from an outside table (at, say, Mad Rose or Liberty Tavern) when you feel like taking a break. You can see a number of galleries from previous years efforts (when it was also known as the CSC Invitational) here. Here’s a piece I did for the Clarendon Patch earlier this week that links to all the basics.”

Awesome photos. Everyone should check them out!

Thanks Mark.

Kathy

[Riley Casey]

I’ll be there early as I’m sort of volunteering. Other than once stuffing envelopes at the WABA office and turning up for BTWD a couple of times I haven’t taken much part in the goings on in the bike activity / advocacy universe in DC so I’m really looking forward to it.

[Riley Casey]

I’ll be there early as I’m sort of volunteering. Other than once stuffing envelopes at the WABA office and turning up for BTWD a couple of times I haven’t taken much part in the goings on in the bike activity / advocacy universe in DC so I’m really looking forward to it.

[Mark Blacknell]

Thanks for the kind words, Liz. And yes, you and Kathy were both there on Wed, but sitting at opposite ends of the room – I’ll make sure to connect you. Clarendon can be hot, for sure (I think one of my rare sunburns may have been a result of not being terribly prepared for race day, a few years back). BUT – lots of great restaurants along the route to escape from the sun along the route. My day to day go to is is the deli at the corner of Wilson & Garfield, but also a fan of drinks at Liberty Tavern or Whitlows (Liberty gives you the chance to shove your way to the barricades to see the finish . . .). Hard Times might be good, too, but their outdoor seating is somewhat obscured by the pit crew tents.

Looking forward to meeting you, too, Riley. If I don’t catch you, I’m a white middle aged guy . . . oh, wait. Not really helpful at a WABA event, eh? Actually, that’s changing, and I’m very happy about that. While I’ve quite enjoyed the embassy-based fundraisers in the past few years, this kind of event can really help open up WABA involvement, which is why I hope it’s successful. Cycling is for *everyone*, and if we’re doing it right, WABA’s events will reflect that.

[Mark Blacknell]

Thanks for the kind words, Liz. And yes, you and Kathy were both there on Wed, but sitting at opposite ends of the room – I’ll make sure to connect you. Clarendon can be hot, for sure (I think one of my rare sunburns may have been a result of not being terribly prepared for race day, a few years back). BUT – lots of great restaurants along the route to escape from the sun along the route. My day to day go to is is the deli at the corner of Wilson & Garfield, but also a fan of drinks at Liberty Tavern or Whitlows (Liberty gives you the chance to shove your way to the barricades to see the finish . . .). Hard Times might be good, too, but their outdoor seating is somewhat obscured by the pit crew tents.

Looking forward to meeting you, too, Riley. If I don’t catch you, I’m a white middle aged guy . . . oh, wait. Not really helpful at a WABA event, eh? Actually, that’s changing, and I’m very happy about that. While I’ve quite enjoyed the embassy-based fundraisers in the past few years, this kind of event can really help open up WABA involvement, which is why I hope it’s successful. Cycling is for *everyone*, and if we’re doing it right, WABA’s events will reflect that.

[Megabeth]

I’m really looking forward to BikeFest. We use a lot of bike facilities in the area that are made possible by WABA’s excellent advocate work. I’ve never been disappointed at any event they put on…

Also, we’ll be attending both races on Saturday and Sunday. Plenty of shady areas to hang out in. Lots of tight corners and fast action at both races. Be sure to watch the women racers…quite impressive! The kids races are beyond adorable.

Both courses are easy to walk around and find various vantage points. And, easy to find places to sit and get refreshments.

Just remember to wear plenty of sunscreen, drink water and wear comfy shoes. And, if you’ve got one, don’t forget your cowbell! You’ll have a great time.

[Megabeth]

I’m really looking forward to BikeFest. We use a lot of bike facilities in the area that are made possible by WABA’s excellent advocate work. I’ve never been disappointed at any event they put on…

Also, we’ll be attending both races on Saturday and Sunday. Plenty of shady areas to hang out in. Lots of tight corners and fast action at both races. Be sure to watch the women racers…quite impressive! The kids races are beyond adorable.

Both courses are easy to walk around and find various vantage points. And, easy to find places to sit and get refreshments.

Just remember to wear plenty of sunscreen, drink water and wear comfy shoes. And, if you’ve got one, don’t forget your cowbell! You’ll have a great time.

[acc]

Confessions first: I avoid fundraisers like the plague. I write checks. Small checks. But WABA is doing it right. No ridiculous dress to buy. No getting trapped at a table with nine bizarre people for three hours. No bidding on obscure objects I don’t need or want. No pretending to know which fork to use when. No bad wine that gives me a 12 hour headache. In other words, no enforced- “We are having fun because we are supposed to.” This is a good event. Full of low-key, low-pressure fun. If I were in town I would be there.

God, I hate the fork roulette game… Gimme Spartacus and some road any time. Except for this.

Ann

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