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Blacknell, you swine.

Next HH–you–me–Bike Rodeo
Let’s see who can jump bales of hay, race up ramps, slide across the hoods of parked cars, pedal up hills— in high heels and a skirt. Ha. Your recent attempt at a similar course did not go well I seem to recall.

In all seriousness, we had fun, met new people, said hi to Mel Pinto, hung out with Pete.

We covered the spectrum from kids and young families, to urban professionals, and cut across gender and race. Everybody rides bikes.

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I just wanted to say that tonight was super awesome fantastic!
Thank you to Bike Arlington and Bikenetics for their support!
Thank you to everyone who came out and enjoyed an evening of community.
Thank you to Pete for donating the terrific cookbook, it went to essigmw where many meals will go towards growing the next generation of riders.
Thank you to Mel Pinto, for coming by and for bringing cycling to the Washington DC area.
I hope we can all do this again soon!

ann

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Hot off the Press:
Through the generosity of Jan at Bikenetics we have rocking’ hot coupons! There are 36 and they will be divided into three groups and distributed first-come-first-serve at 5:45, 6:30 and 7:00 so that everyone gets an opportunity for this very special offer. Many thanks to Bikenetics!

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Just Confirmed: Mel Pinto, local bike royalty, will attend this evening’s Happy Hour. He started Mel Pinto Imports in 1958 and was one of the first to import bikes from Europe. During the bike boom of the early 1970s he sold more than 87,000 Gitane bicycles throughout the country. He introduced professional European bike racing to this area and organized a race that went on to become known as the National Capital Open.

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It will be awesome to have an opportunity to meet Mel.

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Speaking of Forever Lazy Suits…. I have one to donate to the Happy Hour. I’ll give it to a cyclist who promises to wear it on their commute and has pictures taken and posted on the Bike Forum.

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@Dirt 18004 wrote:

I have one bit of very cool swag that I will contribute to give to someone at the happy hour. Not sure how to decide who gets it though.

OMG. It could be so many things. A Forever Lazy Suit. Hello Kitty Gear. A matching testicle from the Lance Tribute. A Rock ’em Sock ’em play set. Something pink.

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It should go without saying that all spouses, significant others, blind dates, etc are welcome.

Also, lurkers are invited. Anyone who reads these posts, rides a bike, or thinks about riding a bike is welcome.

I can’t think of a better place to come and ask questions about bikes because there will be more than 100 years of experience in the room. And I don’t mean just Dirt.

ann

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Happy Hour Friday at Chasin’ Tails
5:30 until at least 7:30
2200 N Westmoreland Street, Arlington, VA 22213
703-899-1804

Bike Arlington Swag!!
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There will be Arlington maps, bike pins, reflective vests, and bike leg straps available through the generous support of Bike Arlington!
Bikenetics will have brochures with coupons attached.
There will be information on hand about Bike to Work Day and Two Wheel Tuesdays.

Chasin’ Tails is glad to be the venue for this Happy Hour and has Happy Hour prices on a wide selection of beers including on draft: Blue Moon, Magic Hat, and Northern Light IPA.

Bike Parking: After conferring with the property manager we have permission to use any of the streetlights and inverted U bike parking. In addition, the front left portion of the restaurant provides excellent sight lines, therefore it makes more sense for us to gather here instead of the party room.
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This way if anyone wants to lock several bikes together in front of the restaurant, they will remain visible. Chasin’ Tails is going to keep the patio area clear for our bikes.

Cheers,
ann

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And yet another reason to ride a bike instead of drive. Safe passage through sobriety checkpoints. Just an observation, not in any way an endorsement of drinking and riding.

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A rough count for Friday evening, I don’t know nuthin’ about outreach stuff. That’s a WABA thing. I specialize in Happy Hours. (Dear God.)

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I’ll be there until the last pail is empty and the trough runs dry.
I’ll be there at least until 8:00. Longer if someone is buying me drinks.

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More Good News!
Bike Arlington has generously offered some swag for Happy Hour this Friday. There is only one condition. Mr. Kelley requires me to pick it up on my bike. That’s ok, I’ll bring my vuvuzela to serenade him with my thanks.

A Nod to WABA’s Outreach Program for Women (and anyone else who would like to jump on a bike but doesn’t know where to begin). http://www.waba.org/blog/
I’ve invited a few of my women friends who would like to bike but have no idea how to get started or what kind of bike to buy.
There will be plenty of experienced riders in the room who can give advice so if you have a friend who would like to learn about bikes, bring them.

I’m looking for a rough count too if you care to commit.

ann

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I was lucky enough to ride with this group last year.

It was a relaxed, fun ride that was interesting and took the scenic route through the streets of Arlington.

Psst, I was terrible at riding in the streets last year and this is one of the rides that allowed me to ride in a group under controlled circumstances and gave me some confidence about riding on the street. I also met very nice people.

It’s worth a second look.

ann

PS – Did I mention several handsome police officers escorted the group in order to provide additional safety to the cyclists? Oh my…

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No bows, Lycra, or rhinestones required, however, shoes and pants are.

In fact no experience required.

If you are concerned about the road-readiness of your bike, Oasis can take a look.

ann

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I stopped by Chasin’ Tail this afternoon. It is visible from the W&OD at the intersection with Lee Highway.

We have the party room for next Friday. I thought perhaps it would be a good idea to separate us from the, uh, lively bar action.

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You can see there is a large patio we could possibly use if the weather is good, I’ll work this out later next week.

Yes, they serve food directly from pails. (oh my)

Yes, there is bike parking in the garage down the block and at inverted Us scattered along the edges of the sidewalk. However, I’m going to talk to the property manager on Monday and see if an additional rack can be brought out for us.
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Extra Specialness: Bikenetics, the local bike shop closest to Chasin’ Tail is going to send over some brochures with coupons in them.
Among the flavors sold @ Bikenetics, is this fabulous Kona Tika woman’s mountain bike.
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ann

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