Vancouver Critical Mass

Mostly event announcements, news, and bicycle related activist opinions...
Download Critical Mass flyers and posters, or upload your own
Email vancouvercm~AT~gmail~DOT~com for a posting password
Yes, we ride the last Friday of every month!

29.8.06

Next Meeting to Plan October Bike Building Bee

invitation:

WHAT IS IT?
The vision so far includes chopper building, regular bike building, and other bike-related workshops, storytelling, social space, a satellite party, food. Satellite Workshops? We have defined some ideas already. It will not be the bee all end all - everything to everybody; it will bee a lot of things. We aren't going to get burnt out by an overly huge event. We hope this event will lead to a regular ongoing space/connection for this type of peer learning and community building. We've picked the name Bicycle Bee.

Bike Building Event: 'Bicycle Bee' in October. (Date proposed Oct 20, 21, 22.) Location(s) are in the works

NEXT MEETING is for people who want to come to create a RAD weekend event where we work, learn, inspire, come together as different biking organizations, and hep this community GROW and be healthy.

We are meeting on Wednesday night Aug 30th at 630pm at Jane and RusL's place
E 45th (at Main St) phone 604...324===1983 for directions
PotLuck food if you can please.

Aug 30 meeting is for people who are interested in producing this event in some form or another. We will be thinking about location very much at this upcoming meeting. We are still defining the event, and it will remain a flexible event that we invite participants to help define. We are going to have a collaberative blog, bicyclebee.blogspot.com as a place where we might define an agenda for this wednesday's meeting.

Emphasis is on:

  • -bikes (freaky, regular, mini, whatever... ifny has a bunch of bikes to donate!)
  • -peer education... lots of people with knowledge to share, people who want to learn
  • -community created event
  • -accessible, for people who cannot afford it and for those who can
  • -safe, inclusive, tolerant, welcoming to all. [especially welcoming those who don't already feel empowered or have easy access to fix their own bikes yet, this is what peer sharing and education is for!]

Contact someone of us if you want to talk more about this project. Talking is great. Not everything happens in meetings. Plan a workshop. Think what you have to contribute. Share your skills: be they mechanical, construction, artistic, social, culinary, musical, diplomatic... [think of more?]... Be crazy with us. Bike love might transformer the world. When we get it together.

previous post, only slightly different info

22.8.06

Mass Days of Summer

This Friday
August 25th
Last Mass of the Hot Season
Bike Skate 'Blade Trot Tumble Roll Rock Talk
In the streets of Vancouver


Time for Bikes!

I celebrate myself, and what I assume you shall assume,
For every atom belonging to me as good belongs to you.
I loafe and invite my soul, I lean and loafe at my ease...
observing a spear of summer grass.
~Walt Whitman

meet downtown Vancouver
530pm leave at 600pm or so
at The art gallery lawn near
those stone lions

This is an inclusive event for all people who are powering their own
mobility. It is not about angry confrontations but celebration and
demostration of alternatives. It is whatever you bring to it. Enjoy safety
and comfort in the car-free space that we create by simply riding together.
Violence is not invited.

One of the Themes for this Ride is Hurricane Mass! It has been a year since Hurricane Katrina. Global warming is something car use probably is driving. A meaningful alternative to car culture and greenhouse gas generating fossil fuels? We have a way out. Declare independence from the automobile and dirty energy.
hurricane

Oo.party afwtowords.
Velo virgo party to follow mass at the Anza Club
You're invited
velovirgo

Oo.thursdaynight midnight mass
Hey, you should already know that every
alternating thursday night is a mass ride
1145pm at grandview park
midnight

Oo.abbotsford critical mass!
so super awesome
on the 2nd friday of each month
[Sept 8th or 15th?]
abbotsford

!oO world carfree day
is Sept 22, last year oneday
vancouver held a street festival in gastown
what will happen this year to coincide with
the Towards Carfree Cities conference
on the Ciclovias in Bogota?
carfreeday

o=o velomutation partys
Septrembur 21st weekend full of bike fun
velomutation

=o= any kinds of bike building for all yall
and also bike community building
this community peer learning event
is being planned right now
bikebee

Plan October Bike Building Bee

iNVITE:

Hello good people,

Invitation.
Planning is just beginning for a
Bike Building Event
in October. (Date proposed Oct 20, 21, 22.)

WHAT IS IT?
The vision so far includes chopper building, regular bike building, and
other bike-related workshops. Also featuring a party (at Simon's place) and
rumours of food provided for the weekend. Probable location PedalPlay and
Depot spaces, plus Simon's place. Satellite workshops also possible if
someone(s) wants to make it happen.

NEXT MEETING is for other people who want to come to create a RAD weekend
event where we work, learn, inspire, come together as different biking
organizations, and hep this community GROW and be healthy.

We are meeting on Thursday night Aug 24th at 7pm at Jane and RusL's place
E 45th (at Main St) phone 604>>>324===1983 for directions
PotLuck if you can.

Aug 24 meeting is for people who are interested in producing this event in
some form or another, this also means helping to define the event.

So far, emphasis is on:

-bikes (freaky, regular, mini, whatever... ifny has a bunch of bikes to
donate!)
-peer education... lots of people with knowledge to share, people who want
to learn
-community created event
-accessible, for people who cannot afford it and for those who can
-safe, inclusive, tolerant, welcoming to all. [especially welcoming those
who don't already feel empowered or have easy access to fix their own bikes
yet, this is what peer sharing and education is for!]

We have had one discussion already about this event, where the following
people were totally into it:
Jane, RusL, Ifny, Simon Little, Robert Waltz, RedSara, Pete Lypkie. There
are a few other folks who are also excited, including the rumoured Bike
Collective, although rumours are naturally inconclusive. Most people have
never heard of this and that is because we just thought it up! NEW NEW NEW.

Contact someone of us if you want to talk more about this project. Talking
is great. Not everything happens in meetings. Plan a workshop. Think what
you have to contribute. Share your skills: be they mechanical,
construction, artistic, social, culinary, musical, diplomatic...[think of
more?]... Be crazy with us. Bike love might transformer the world. When we
get it together.

More details as this progresses will be posted to the Vancouver CM blog

21.8.06

the midnight mass is an underwear affair!

First ever MIDNIGHT UNDERWEAR RIDE! Thats right - this thursday come out prepared to put your pedals to the metal in your skivvies - or if you're shy, at least laugh at (with!) those who do! Tighty whiteys, fancy lace, corset, boxers, christmas undies, bras bras bras, undershirts, thongs, granny undies, stockings, the list goes on - Midnight Mass loves variety in underwear almost as much as we love variety in bikes! So pick out your favorite pair and come meet us at GRANDVIEW PARK (Commercial Drive at Charles Street -- across from the Havana and Turks), THURSDAY AUGUST 24TH - Meet at 11:45 pm, roll at midnight.

For comfort (it seems to be getting a tad chillier these days) perhaps show at the park with your clothes on and we'll drop to the skivvies right before we ride. There's also lots of other good bike stuff afoot, so check out the Mass blog for details on a couple of exciting projects/events comming up!

18.8.06

august CM virgo

So a bunch of people have been planning this theme for august after party.

I'm not sure how this fits with the hurrican climate change themes those americans are asking us to promote. Oh well. I don't really 'get' the whole virgo/virgin idea. Never thought much of grouping people by birthday. But I think they have put a lot of energy into it, it will be a rad party even if the concept is strange.

---
Here is a downloadable flyer
www.pedalfusion.org/posters/velobikeflyer.pdf
A wall poster
www.pedalfusion.org/posters/VELO.pdf

Velo Virgo --- Critical Mass After party --

A celebration of bicycles, Virgo's and all their friends.
pizza, bands, dj's, movies, bike Art and much more dancing.

Bands and Performers: Carnival Band, Timothy Wisdom (Dj), U.F.O.M.P, The Happy Workers, Ian Patterson ( Visuals ), and the notorious booth of 4 options !!!!!

Cost:
$3 if you are a virgin or come dressed as one.
$5 otherwise.
For inspiration here are some names of famous virgins.
- The Virgin Mary - (The most famous of them all)
- Britney Spears - ( She was a virgin until her wedding night, wow !!)
- Sir Isac Newton
- http://tigerx.com/trivia/virgins.htm
- and lets not forget all the eunuchs of the world (not worth saving
$2 at the door for this !!!)

Where:
Anza club (#3 West 8th)

When:
Friday August 25th after Critical Mass

8pm >>> 1:30am

Audio PSA
www.worldnakedbikeride.org/pedalfusion/velofusionPSA.wav

What:
Velo fusion is a community fun and fund raiser project. Any money
raised will go back to supporting community and bike related projects.

august hurricane theme

From: Mike Hudema, Global Exchange itstimetoriseup@=at=@gmail,com

Dear fellow critical masser:

I am writing to you in hopes that you will help us with an international
critical mass call out. This August on the last Friday of the month
(traditional critical mass time) is the 1 year anniversary of when
Katrina hit New Orleans. We are hoping that you will join with us in
making your mass a mass for climate justice in rememberance of the
thousands of climate change victims around the world.

If you are interested please contact Katrina@=&=@RisingTideNorthAmerica,org
or Mike@=&=@globalexchange,org and let us know where your ride is going to
happen so we can help spread the word about rides around the continent.

Converting your mass doesn't take much effort just a circulated email
encouraging folks to wear black, or to make appropriate signs. We even
have resources to help at risingtidenorthamerica.org

On August 25th we hope you will join us,

In solidarity,

the Canadian Youth Climate Coalition
www.globalexchange.org/war_peace_democracy/oil/cycc.html

GENERAL CALL OUT

As the arctic melts, temperatures rise and hurricanes get ready to rage
in gulf Canada is increasing its dependence on dirty energy, is
expanding oil and coal exploration and becoming more and more reliant on
the automobile.

On August 25th we are asking you to take to the streets and ride for the
climate.

Last Friday in August: Critical Mass for Climate Justice on
Hurricane Katrina Anniversary!

August 25th marks the 1-year anniversary Katrina reaching hurricane
strength. In the days that followed the storm would strengthen rapidly
over an unnaturally warm Gulf of Mexico, ultimately striking the coast
and leaving thousands dead and homeless, victims of an uncaring
government, centuries of racism, and an ever more chaotic global
climate.

This year, let's take to the streets with a reminder that the tragedy in
the Gulf continues and a demand that it never be repeated. Get ready for
a Critical Mass for Climate Justice on August 25th in your town!

Why Critical Mass?

Critical Mass is a celebration of bike culture, a meaningful alternative
to car culture and greenhouse gas generating fossil fuels.

As the climate chaos continues to escalate, the killer storms will
become ever more frequent, sea levels will keep rising, and climate
evacuees will go from thousands of millions. Critical masses show that
we have a way out.

On Friday, August 25th, join Critical Mass riders around the US and
Canada in declaring independence from the automobile and dirty energy.

On Rising Tide's website you can find out if there is a ride planned in
your area. We've also got flyers, ideas for bike signs, and useful
stuff. www.risingtidenorthamerica.org

Socialist CM June06 Video

From, Percy who also made a video last year I think, [though I've lost that link]. Nice soundtrack [I especially like the Chumbawamba]. And an interesting perspective. Why does it say every June at 6pm instead of EVERY MONTH at 5:30pm?


Some text Percy also sent with the link.
I have no idea what it is supposed to mean:
I AM, commonly known as Percy of the von Lipinski family, a living breathing
Soul; a Natural adult Man of Flesh and Blood, with free will and full
liability mind; and sometimes choosing to act as the agent in power of
attorney for the 'legal identity, *Percy von Lipinski (or any other
derivative thereof in matters of a legal nature). I AM the beneficiary of
the trust, the principal of the contract of agency with Percy von Lipinski,
the primary claimant under the rights of *bottomry (*as defined in BLACK'S
LAW DICTIONARY, Revised Forth Addition), the Creditor, and Secured Party of
the debtor * Percy von Lipinski, exercising the right and freedom to
contract the business debtor ©Percy von Lipinski or any other derivative
thereof in matters of commerce . Without prejudice; all rights reserved, and
all God given unalienable rights reserved, waiving none ever, and includes
PRIVATE MAIL BETWEEN TWO NATURAL PERSONS which act as agents for their
assigned free will humans, WITH ALL OUR RIGHTS IN EFFECT.

17.8.06

Carfree Day Vancouver 2006

Hey!

What is the plan?

Last year onedayvancouver did a very elaborate expensive kind of thing which was fun, if under attended. [actually it was all popular except for some of the stage shows]

This year the the Towards Carfree Cities VI conference in Bogota, Columbia is coinciding [the 20th-24th]. I'm going! Do you want to come? Or contribute to the cause?

What about Vancouver. Is oneday having a flat tire on this one?

~rusl

Tonight Animated Bike-In Movies

Animated Bike-In Movies
Thursday August 17th, 2006 at 10:00pm
300 Block W. Hastings, Vancouver, CST
Admission by donation

On August 17th the Hungry Ghost and allies present a one night international festival of short animation in a sentimentally important vacant lot. The night will feature nearly two hours of experimental animation from Canada, the U.S. and Germany, with a number of local artists in attendance. Prepare for experiments in low-fi, high-tech and all crossbreeds in-between. In case of rain the screening will be moved inside (if so please call the number listed below for directions).

This screening forms a part in an occasional series of collisions between Vancouver's public space and contemporary cinema practices. This is the first of these DIY cinema interventions into the fabric of the city.

Includes new (to Vancouver) and recycled works by:

  • Don Best Melissa Brabrant RickRaxlen
  • Sue Moffat Jason Halprin Stephen Wichuk
  • Gerald Habarth Tasha Brotherton Rickie Lea Owens
  • Devon McKeller Anne Breymann Michael Betancourt
  • Sean Arden Collin Ward MacDonald Sam Scott
  • Possible live DJ set during the intermission & more.

Please bring your own seating material etc.

For more information: cameraobscura333@+++@hotmail,com or
604...682>>>3269x7466

16.8.06

Mass Critical the... Abbotsford?!?!

Abbotsford Critical Mass
Wednesday, August 16

Abbotsford's critical mass ride is growing -- 26 last time and hoping for 50 this time -- on Wednesday, August 16, 7:00 p.m. at the Bike Shop on Ware Street.

The more people that come out the better for cycling awareness. Spread the word! Pass on this email!

For the August 16 ride we invite the Abbotsford Police Bike Squad and local dignitaries to ride with us as an opportunity to show their support for cycling as recreation and as a safe alternative for Abbotsford residents to commute to work. The important message is we are not anti-car but pro-bike. Cycling is a great way to promote an active lifestyle and improve health, air quality, community relationships and tourism.

However, we do need the infrastructure to make it safe and accessible. With Abbotsford's present growth rate, now is the time to make it happen. Let's help get Abbotsford on the map as a bicycle friendly,
environmentally sensitive, community.

Please join this grassroots ride to make a difference! For more information about Critical Mass rides, please check these links:

Vancouver's Critical Mass pictures, wow! (scroll down once on the page): http://www.velolove.bc.ca
Worldwide rides: http://www.critical-mass.org/ and a description in wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Critical_Mass

15.8.06

[Fwd: skytrain party]

Did you hear about this?

---

RISE OF THE ROBOTS! SKYTRAIN PARTY
FRIDAY, AUGUST 18th 2006

Meet @ VCC/Clark station @ 9:09 PM
$free + all ages!
For more info, e-mail love @ newmindspace.com please leave no trace
listen to translink workers no smoking :)
You may join the party at any Millennium station, but the fun starts at
VCC/Clark :)

7.8.06

Car-Free Art Crawl – more FUN, FOR FREE!


Art About the Drive
A Car-Free Art Crawl featuring images of the Commercial Drive Festival
Thursday August 10th, 5 pm onwards

On Sunday June 18th, the second annual Car-Free Commercial Drive
Festival brought 50,000 people out to play in the street – East Van
style.

The Commercial Drive Festival was a glorious party representing all the
cultures and subcultures that make up our kaleidoscopic neighbourhood,
from the established Indigenous and European communities to the myriad
subcultures and beautiful freaks who are proud to call the Drive home.
Not to mention, thousands of exuberant Brazilian soccer fans, lots of
dogs and babies, and our guests from throughout the region and around
the world. The Commercial Drive Festival is truly a party created BY the
people of East Van, FOR the people of East Van – and the pictures tell
the story.

Brady Images, a locally owned business, recruited and coordinated a team
of fourteen photographers on the day of the Festival to capture the
myriad facets of the event. Ranging in age from 13 to 65, the team of
photographers brought back a stunning array of images, from the personal
to the panoramic. Brady Images has also organized a photographic art
show that will take place in a dozen Commercial Drive restaurants and
shops. The opening night is Thursday August 10, from 5 pm onward
(closing times vary) and the show will run until August 31.

In addition, there will be the spontaneous happenings you would expect
from a summer night on the Drive – watch for art, music, Drive Fest
videos, and more FUN FOR FREE. Of course, everyone is welcome to
participate as you feel inspired.

The Car-Free Commercial Drive Festival – keeping the Drive alive!

Locations participating in photo exhibition include:

Continental Coffee
Cobs Bread
Abruzzo
Magpie
Sweet Cherubim
Drive Organics
Dutch Girl Chocolates
Dream Cycle
PCOV
Bikes on the Drive
Café du Soleil
Bump n’ Grind Cafe
* There may be a couple of additional venues.

Photographers participating in the exhibition are:

Alex Cadar
Bryce Powell
Eleanor Marsh
Jim Mortlock
John Freeland
Kerry A. Bastien
M. Elizabeth J. Brady
Margaret Barr
Nigel Boeur
Olivia Fermi
Pat McClain
Tom Cseh

For more information, e-mail: bradyimages@"@"@hotmail.com or phone
Elizabeth at: 604-->220=0920

4.8.06

nice comix

right click and view image to see the comic undistorted: