Dykes-on-bike-cycles

The next time you take dump the U.K wants you to think of them…let’s rephrase that.

The U.K has committed to getting 15% of its energy from natural resources by 2020.  In hopes of putting those bloddy Brits to work British Gas, in partnership with Thames Water and Scotia Gas Networks, to use human waste produced by 130 families, in its first real world run, to provide their homes with…well…natural gas. (hazaa!).  The program is being run by Thames Water and Scotia Gas Networks.  The idea of turning human waste is not new in the U.K  Fifteen years ago waste management started using the process to produce gas for their vehicle.  Until now was too costly to put into practice but with new financial incentive put into place by legislation the practice is becoming more practical.  It also contribute to a self-sustaining process more stable than relying on foreign oil contributions.

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Hey All,

Because of the impending downpour on Sunday we’ve decided to reschedule the ride to the Bohemian Beer Hall and Garden to the much sunnier Saturday, April 24th. That’s tomorrow! Sorry for the last minute change.

We thought the rain forecast would mysteriously disappear but chances now seem unlikely. So change those calendar dates and if you’re going out for drink tonight keep these hangover myths in mind.

As always rsvp to dykesonbikecycles@gmail.com or to the facebook invite. We’ll be posting the route tonight. Sorry for the last minute change.

Update your rsvps if you can.
Hopefully you all still love us enough to make it.

-DOBC

Maybe it can be the one weekend you put sausage in your mouth…too much?

Naaaaah.

Date: April 24th, 2010

Time: 2:30 P.m

Place: Meet up at Grand Army Plaza under the arch

RSVP to dykesonbikecycles@gmail.com or on facebook here

Also, remember we want to touch every borough this year…and by borough we mean vag… no really every borough. So if you have destination ideas for a ride let us know and we’ll help you organize it.

Earth day is 40 years old today and I’ve got mixed feelings about the celebrations.

On the one hand, purposeful environmentalism isn’t nearly as obscure as it was that first year in 1970.  Most people outside of environmentalists groups wouldn’t touch the issue with a ten foot pole.  Today being “green” has become a more prominent part of everyday conversation in the news, politics, blogs, schools, etc….  Corporations tout “green” policies and energy efficiency, celebrities do PSAs about recycling or they  (more than likely) start a organic fashion line.

Sure, Whole Foods is more crowded than ever.  But, at the same time, do any of these people even know why they’re green?  To help the planet, yes, but the problem with environmentalism becoming so trendy is that that aligns it with passivity that accompanies all fads.  If no one really understands the magnitude of what is at stake and possesses little to no ability to muddle through the solutions and muddle through the options then we’re left with a, sort of, nonchalant participation.

We know why companies do it.  Companies do it the because it has become a viable market.  Environmentalism, and more often “green-washing,” has now become a commodity.  All a corporation has to say is that their tote bag is made from hemp by retired hippies in Oregon or throw their logo on a BPA free water bottle and the job is done. Therefore, people think buying from these companies contributes to their responsibilities.  And it does even if only a little.  That’s not the issue. The issues is if people can so easily jump on the bandwagon they can just as easily jump off.

Its kind of like liquor companies selling at gay pride events but not changing their homophobic policies.

The debate about climate change is an endless battle between two side who strongly believe whatever they think the facts.

Does it really matter as much, at this point, what’s causing it?

Why can’t we invest in energy efficiency for sake of being more efficient?

Has environmentalism jumped the shark?

Dear Drivers,

Yes cyclist can be dicks on the road but you’re still in a god damned hunk of metal that can do more damage. Try not to hit us on the road. Also try not to drive away when you do.

Meredith of Fucked in Park Slope witnessed a hit and run outside of her home. Luckily she and the guys outside with the cyclist manage to get the plates.

If you see a black pick-up truck with the plates 4028GT call the po po. I’m sure the cops can track this ass-hat down (if they care) Thanks

Much Love

Its rare thing to get free goodies during hotel stays without shelling more cash than you’re willing.  One hotel in Copenhagen is noffering free meals to guests who ride stationary bikes that produce energy in hopes to “to boost guests’ fitness and shrink their carbon footprint.”

Every 15 minutes biked is worth 10 watts of energy and $36 towards a  free meal.  Is it efficient?  10 watts isn’t a whole lot and cost approximately $.01 to produce so not really a win for the hotel by giving out 3600 times the amount of money . And one has to wonder if the energy cost of installing such a system has been balance out yet by guests’ cycling.  If the guests use their $36 to get a meal that isn’t grass picked from the lawn outside the hotel they and the hotel may be still creating more carbon that displacing by biking.

Guest win I guess?

Link

Check out her music:

myspace.com/marigofarr
marigofarr.weebly.com

Monday, April 19

4 pm: Big Movies for Little Kids: The Lorax and The Man Who Planted Trees
Cobble Hill Cinemas will be showing two children’s short films: The Lorax (25 min.) based on the Dr. Seuss tale and The Man Who Planted Trees (30 min.), a film based on Jean Giono’s short story. $6.50 admission. Cobble Hill Cinemas, 265 Court St.

Tuesday, April 20
Earth Day Take Action for the Earth Event with Axiom
Join the law firm Axiom and the Brooklyn Bridge Conservancy’s Green Team in a volunteer effort to beautify Brooklyn Bridge Park. 6 pm. Brooklyn Bridge Park, 1 Main St.

EARTH DAY! Thursday, April 22
10 am-2 pm: Celebrate Earth Day at The Block Institute with lessons for adults and children on the future of natural resources and how we can preserve them. 376 Bay 44th St., off Shore Pkwy.

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Come join us for a ride to the Bohemian Beer Hall and Garden in Astoria.

Maybe it can be the one weekend you put sausage in your mouth…too much?

Naaaaah.

Date: April 25th, 2010

Time: 1 P.m

Place: Meet up at Grand Army Plaza under the arch

RSVP to dykesonbikecycles@gmail.com or on facebook here

Also, remember we want to touch every borough this year…and by borough we mean vag… no really every borough. So if you have destination ideas for a ride let us know and we’ll help you organize it.

Spoke & Art will ride again for Asbury Park’s Night of the Arts on April 17th meet@7pm on the corner of Mattison and Bond (Asbury Park).

http://www.spokeandart.com

***after-party***
Awesome Socks Dance Party with DJ’s Atom Worth, Rob None, Zero and Special Guests.
Dress your feet to impress on the dancefloor. (no shoes)
@asbury park dance and yoga
***Butt Spin and/or Headstand contests may occur

$3 suggested donation.

Dig it.

IMPORTANT: THE AFTERPARTY IS A CLOSED EVENT, YOU MUST RSVP VIA FB TO ATTEND. (there are some rules downtown that we have to follow, it is a formality, if you think you’ll show, just say you are attending here)

POTLUCK: bring a snack and/or beverage of your choice!!!
Night of the Arts ride Saturday April 17th 7pm on the corner of Mattison and Bond, Asbury Park, NJ. Afterwards, the Awesome Socks Dance Party! We will dance to the sounds of DJ’s Atom Worth, Rob None, and Zero at the Asbury Park Dance & Yoga Studio. RSVP via FACEBOOK or by emailing citizen@spokeandart.com .

Benefitting Transportation Alternatives Bicycle Advocacy

May 6th, 7pm
NYU’s Wasserman Center Auditorium, 133 E. 13th Street, 2nd floor

As urban cycling expands by leaps and bounds, how is bicycle culture changing? The image and ethos of commuters, racers proponents of “cycle chic” and outlaw cycling vie with each other to define what it means to be an urban cyclist. Transportation Alternatives brings together leading pundits of bicycle culture — David Herlihy, “Bike Snob” and Caroline Samponaro — to debate the critical bike culture controversies: Do cyclists need to rehabilitate their public persona? To what extent should safety trump convenience and style? Will protected bike lanes segregate cyclists? Is Critical Mass a boon or a liability for the bike movement? What can be done about sexism in the cycling community? Explore these topics at the Bike Culture Summit with our panelists:

• David Herlihy, author of “Bicycle” and “Lost Cyclist” (forthcoming, May 2010), is the foremost U.S. historian of bicycling.

• “Bike Snob,” the popular and elusive blogger, will make a rare public appearance at this event, following publication of his long-awaited book on bike culture in late April.

• Caroline Samponaro, Director of Bicycle Advocacy for Transportation Alternatives, is a longtime New York City cyclist and cycling activist, and is a co-founder of the Freewheels Bicycle Defense Fund.

This event has been generously sponsored by Kona Bikes, Nutcase Helmets, Brooklyn Bike and Board, Mod Squad Cycles, and Spokesman Cycles. Don’t just buy a ticket, support T.A. even more by choosing the ticket and book option. Choose either David Herlihy, author of “Bicycle” or Eben Weiss “Bike Snob: Systematically and Mercilessly Realigning the World of Cycling” when reserving your ticket. Books can be picked up at the event. All proceeds from the Bike Culture Summit will support Transportation Alternatives’ bicycle advocacy work.

Tickets are $15

If you’re not familiar with the Willie Mae Rock Camp you’re missing out on an opportunity to be inspired and also feel like shit because you’re not nearly as amazing as the women and girls participating.

Willie Mae Rock Camp “is a non-profit music and mentoring program that empowers girls and women through music education and activities that foster self-respect, leadership skills, creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration.”

The program runs week long work shops for girls (and three days for ladies) where they form bands, write music and perform in front of an audience.  A trying task to say the least but these girls pull it together.

Right now the programs run only a few times a year but the organization is trying to implement an after school program that would increase young girls’ access.

Pepsi is holding a contest to fund such groups and if they place anywhere between 1 and 10 amongst the groups competing they get $50,000 to help finance the project.

Goals

• Create a practice space for young women musicians
• Bring together kids from diverse communities for music collaboration
• Pair 10 new girl bands with female band coach/mentors
• Launch after school music program for 20 girls

Here’s an idea of how the money will be used

Vote Here

Also, if you haven’t seen “Girls Rock” yet you need to.  It will give you a good idea about how the programs empower young women.