Local Rider Bella writes a TON of articles on alternative transportation for the Chronicle. I'm really impressed at how regularly and professionally she covers bicycle topics. Her stories cover a wide range, from a unicyclist commuter to veggie oil shuttles to locking advice.
You can see the full spectrum of her articles here.
My favorite is this one on midnight mass, because it brings up some of the issues Zed's discussed before about speed and hooliganism. And it quotes me a lot :P.
That barely even scratched the "speed and hooliganism". As much as I love you Davey, and the general populace loves you, I would love to see more quotes from a wider range of people to really dive into the topic - and I don't me just me or the others quoted. I mean people with differing viewpoints. To give these stories more dynamics.
ReplyDeletePosted on http://dailyutahchronicle.com/news/1.904030:
You forgot to write about all the people left behind in the mass that have freak bikes or are simply new to mass or bike riding. I have rode in every Midnight Mass for a year, and have promoted it heavily in the past with fliers (ie. http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b360/thezoed/midnightmassweb.jpg ). That said I am boycotting Midnight Mass because it is not a mass at all, but rather a race among hipsters guiding their misguided fixies up the east hills. If you want a real speed rush ride that doesn't involve all the fixie hipsters(midnight mass) and spandex warriors(other fast related events) I suggest you look into Blackout - a fast paced bicycle ride with the intent not to race, but rather to push yourselves to the breaking point, the blackout. Borrowed from the Wolfpack Hustle ( wolfpackhustle.com ) will leave you behind -but- everyone knows where the end destination is so it isn't a big deal as everyone arrives at the same location - unlike Midnight Mass where no one knows where anyone is going.
zed, saltcycle.com
Sorry if I sound a bit crass. Had a bad late night. I take back name calling, but not the anger for leaving people behind.
ReplyDeleteregards,
zed.
I absolutely agree with you, and tried to get that across in the article. I like midnight mass a little more than you, but not much. The positive side it it and critical mass is its a place for bikers to meet and connect to other bike events that are more suitable for their specific style.
ReplyDeleteThat said, I think you're totally letting your anger about midnight mass get in the way of other things. The Daily Utah Chronicle isn't really the forum where your broadcast your frustration with the ride, Saltcycle is! or BEFORE MIDNIGHT MASS! All you'd have to do it get up on a planter in the gallivan, tell people about the Hustle, and stress the importance of keeping the group together. What is significant about this post, and Bella's articles, is that cyclists are getting exposure as a cool and diverse community. I wish you'd at least acknowledge that before picking apart the hipsters.
and why you seem to single ME out I have no idea. I got quoted in that article because I was one of a few U students Bella knew, and I tried to convey exactly what you're talking about while still maintaining a positive attitude about group cycling events.
I ride the hustle. I promote alleycats for faster riders so that there's a venue for that type of riding. I ride in the back at midnight mass, and try to keep the group together. With you. Remember?
I thought everyone was welcome in this community, hipsters and eccentric kilt-wearers alike... Anyway, I agree with Davey, if you want things to change, you have to make it known before the ride. If people still decide to sprint up hills, let them, the rest of us will use alternate routes and they can try and find us later. I understand why this is an issue when we are breaking lots of laws and acting reckless, but otherwise, how about everyone chills out. These rides shouldn't be as stressful and negative and full of animosity towards each other like everyone is making them out to be. Lets just get out there and ride our bikes, however you're dressed, whatever kind of bike you're on, and whichever stereotype someone's decided to place you in.
ReplyDeleteOh and I used to work for the Chrony back in the day and because it is the U of U's paper, they try to use only student quotes.
ReplyDeleteActually, I did mention it before the ride that I didn't want to go up hills, and that is straight-way where the mass headed. No one listened, or at least the people leading the mass didn't listen.
ReplyDeleteI took back the name calling, that was out of frustration, but will not recall the anger for leaving people behind.
Really, you guys can have Midnight Mass. I will show up to the other rides. As I mentioned to Davey in a personal message, this wasn't just one incident, but the accumulation of a years worth of Midnight Mass crap that happened to explode after this last ride.
So if I was a bit too edgy, than realize it was just a lapse, though as mentioned NO one should ever be left behind in any mass-oriented ride because they ride too slow.
As far as any paper goes, I expect any article written to have multiple perspectives. Nothing against the U of U paper in particular.
Anyways, I am done now.
I am the retarded tall bike rider stereotype.
Watch me crush yo cars.
Posted on http://dailyutahchronicle.com/news/1.904030:
ReplyDeleteI regret some of the harsh stereotypes I placed upon some of the members of the bicycling community in my past commentary. They were quick and thoughtless. My apologies. However, I do not regret for one moment rebuking Midnight Mass, as it has continually been a let down in that it has left behind so many people that do not ride bicycles as fast as the rest of the mass.
I think in general people are always upset with news stories written about things they are personally involved with. Of course the reporter can't ever get every viewpoint or every detail the way other people want it. (A friend of mine involved with the Prop 8 protests had qualms with the article written for that too.) I'm happy our events are getting coverage at all. Bella obviously loves bikes and I'd hate for her to avoid reporting on salt-cycle-related bike rides from now on.
ReplyDeleteSLC bike community events are beginning to get a bit dramatic for me. I was proud to be part of it because we weren't like other social groups in the community. Maybe all the independent cyclists on the street have got it right.
ReplyDeleteNo more of this discussion. Lets ride.
ReplyDeletehear hear. We cool!
ReplyDelete