Dipster

Just curious, have any of you been a part of any of the Critical Masses in OC? I see there's 3 going on Friday night in Fullerton, Irvine, and Costa Mesa.

Are they just a bunch of cyclists out for a good time, or are they the troublemakers like in some of the other cities?

VelodromePhoeni

I think Critical Mass is one of the groups of bike messegers. i've met a few of the bike messengers -- they've been coming out and training and racing at the two velodromes. They're awesome riders, and really neat people. They ride "fixies," and they have jaw dropping bike handling and endurance/climbing skills. And of course, they have their own "culture," but in the end they're fun, nice people who love to ride bikes, and actually earn their living on their bikes, so they're really really safe to ride with, too. I suppose, like in any group of cyclists, there are "sketchy" riders, and "troublemakers." But don't be put off by the tattoos and piercings, the fact that they tend to not wear socks, and ride steel fixed gears. They're still just a bunch of bikes dorks like the rest of us.

The VP

Hawkear

Sorry, this isn't true. There just aren't many (if any) bike messengers in OC.

https://www.scorcher.org/cmhistory/howto.html

The ones I've seen seem to be just out for a good ride, with a slightly more non-passive attitude than your typical club ride, which may involve taking over a lane on a busy street for a little while. I did the Fullerton ride once, and had a good time.

Pamestique 

I've been involed in the one that travels down PCH - but that was a number of years ago - I think the critical mass concept started with bike messengers and its been adopted by roadies. It's a fast group. Even in good shape I had to drop back - I couldn't hang on! If nothing else - go watch it - it's very cool to watch.

iamtim

I used to ride with Fullerton a lot (and I'm not a messenger, although I do have -- and love riding -- a fixie) but I haven't for the last few months (at least). I'm hoping to go tomorrow night... we'll see.

The Fullerton group are a decent group of folks, most of them used to hang out at the Bicycle Lane in Fullerton before it took a turn for the worse.

Dipster

You mean I'll finally get to meet you? Whatever will we tell Sabrina? :-D

iamtim

Holy crap! I didn't even realize that you were you when I initially read this thread! If you're coming down, I'll be sure to go just to finally rap it down in person for a bit. I'll be going fixed, though... most of the riders are fixed. Not that it's a requirement or anything.

'Course, like I said, it's been quite a few months since the last time I rode CM.

iamtim

Crap. Can't make it. Ptui.

Dipster

BOOOOO!

Only one fixie tonight too.

Evoracer

Do single speeds count?? Had fun...

Dipster

You still get to coast!