ITHACA NY - Dinner and Bikes - coming to Ithaca Mon May 13 - Submitted by Tad Brennan: “An old friend of ours is a bicycle activist in Portland, OR, who writes about integrating bikes into urban environments and into modern life.  Elly Blue and her crew–four authors, bloggers, film-makers and chefs–are going to be visiting Ithaca on May 13 and putting on one of their signature events, “Dinner and Bikes,” in which they combine a vegan dinner with some talks about bike activism and a documentary film about the bike scene in Portland. A Dinner and Bikes evening includes a gourmet, vegan and gluten-free buffet dinner prepared by Joshua Ploeg, a presentation about transportation equity and the everyday bicycling movement by Elly Blue, and a near-complete excerpt from Aftermass, Joe Biel’s forthcoming documentary about the history of bicycling in Portland. The event is followed by a book signing with all three presenters, and some time to peruse their traveling bicycle and cooking themed bookshop.” Mon May 13th 6-9 pm St Paul’s Methodist Church community dining room, 402 North Aurora St (entrance on Court). $12-20 sliding scale FULL STORY http://canaaninstitute.org/bikeski/viewtopic.php?p=1904#1904 Their website http://dinnerandbikes.com/ Ithaca Facebook event https://www.facebook.com/events/178000212357914/

To cyclists in Ithaca, Elmira, and surrounding areas:

With the recent discussions on the FLCC and BHV listservs about lane positioning and how cyclists should ride, and minimizing car-bicycle conflicts, I wanted to let you know that these issues are at the core of two bicycle traffic skills courses that are being offered locally in September and are open to all cyclists. The courses incorporate the latest information from the League of American Bicyclists, and the lead instructor is Lois Chaplin, Bicycle and Pedestrian Specialist at Cornell University, and a nationally recognized expert in cycling safety education.

The courses consist of classroom instruction, bike rides on local streets, and parking lot drills where bike handling and emergency evasive maneuvers will be taught and practiced by everyone. In addition, there is a bonus class on bicycle maintenance. The courses meet in the evenings, and the cost is $25.

Full details and registration information can be found at the following website:

http://www.bike.cornell.edu/cyclingclass.html

Questions? Contact Lois Chaplin lec4@cornell.edu

–Steve Powell

Bike Ithaca has a table assigned for Saturday’s chili event. “We’re not far from Cayuga St, maybe somewhere around Autumn Leaves bookstore (number 55 in the map below). They’re providing us with a table and a couple chairs. The event runs from 11:30 until 4:00 pm, so I’m planning to be there around 11:00 to see if we can set up and Brenda has volunteered to be there first shift with me. All of you who have things to put on the table, you’ll either have to show up with your stuff before 11:30 or get it to me or Brenda before then. The weather will probably have a lot to do with how long anyone can mind the table — two shifts of 2 hours would be reasonable if it’s halfway decent. Anyhow, let’s hear from anyone else if you can participate in this. I’ll add more info as it materializes.” MORE HERE http://bikeithaca.org/

This Sunday, December 21, 2008 is the solstice and the occasion of the Tour de Solstice — the year’s shortest ride on the year’s shortest day. READ MORE http://canaaninstitute.org/bikeski/viewtopic.php?p=1178#1178