Apr 11 '06 - 857 W, 7 I - Vote Good + 15 :: Bad - 13 Spoke(n) Art Ride - April 8, 2006
Published April 11, 2006 by C.I.C.L.E.
Contributed by Harv
One of the communities that makes up North East Los Angeles is the
historic town of Highland Park. Some of the very earliest of Southern
California settlements started in this area because of the accessibilty
to the life-sustaining water supply. Water flowed down from the San
Gabriel mountains through what is now the Arroyo Seco (so called due to
the relative trickle of water now flowing), merging with the Los
Angeles river, and continuing to the Pacific Ocean. Over the
years, Highland Park was host to a flourishing art colony which faded
but is resurging. Now art studios and galleries are sprinkled througout
this and surrounding Arroyo Seco communities. Due to various
circumstances, the confluence of bicycling and art has once again
resulted in a bike ride; a short tour of art facilities in Highland
Park and Eagle Rock.
This ride, in conjunction with "Second Saturday Gallery Night", was put together and promoted by Josef (Bike Oven)
and RuthAnne (Arroyo Seco Recreation Culture & the Arts). About
twenty people showed up on their bikes near "the flagpole" at the
corner of Figueroa and York. I always enjoy seeing who shows up and on
what kind of bike. This ride was strong on fixed gear equipment. With
many variations on the theme; old and new, beaters and pristine
examples, brakeless and braked, drop-barred, flat-barred, and
moustachioed. The usual assortment of "other" bikes rounded out the
collection.
Maps were handed out,
pre-ride jabbering flourished, and we finally rolled out to attack the
first hill, north on Figueroa. No fewer than 17 galleries were on the
itinerary. With a party at the Bike Oven following. Quite a chunk of
Saturday night fever, but we did it all. Galleries varied in size from
a tiny storefront with a low-key operation to much larger and more
complex facilities with more activity. A common thread was the
welcoming friendly and festive atmosphere which awaited us at each
stop. Some had food and/or beverage to lure the bicyclist/art lover
into the fold. After no more than what seemed like a few minutes at
each stop, our intrepid leader Josef gathered the flock for another
streak through the damp and cold night air to the next destination.
Scuttlebutt indicated that this was to be a monthly ride, with maybe
not the same route, schedule, or included galleries each time. Of
course always with a party at the end of the ride. Sounds good to me.
A couple of destinations short of the full card, Josef broke off and
headed to the Bike Oven to warm it up for the invading horde. Lights
and stereo were to be powered up, a keg of beer was to be tapped, a
cask of wine uncorked.
In a modest garage on a residential side
street in a quiet part of Highland Park there is a germinating seed of
bike culture. Obviously modeled after the Bicycle Kitchen in Los
Angeles, the Oven seeks to provide a space where local riders can keep
their bikes in good mechanical shape. Tools and equipment have been
trickling in - some donated, some purchased. But bigger than the nuts
and bolts thing is the people thing. On designated evenings, the place
is alive with a varied collection of bikers. Tonight it was the venue
for the post Spoke(n) Art ride party.
Pretty much the whole crew
that left the flag pole area arrived at the Oven to get baked. Some
started early with wine proferred by the galleries.
The party raged on into the evening with
discussion varying from which wrench works best on axle nuts, to
whether or not the country is going to hell in a handbasket. As the
midnight bewitching hour approached, I decided that I had enough fun
for one night and bailed to climb my last hill for the night. I was
alone for my 2.2 mile trip home to wind down as I pedalled up and
gather my thoughts for the next bike event in North East L.A., my home
town.
Be sure to join us next month at the Spoke(n) Art Ride on the Second Saturday of the month.
The ride starts at the corner of Figueroa and York Blvd. (at the
flagpole). If you've got blinking lights that will help you stay safe.
There is a bit of uphill riding, but we'll be rolling at an easy pace.
Stopping at every gallery will take time, and we want to hit them all.
If you get lost, or want to meet up with the ride call (310) 902-5439
for directions. At the end of the ride we'll meet up at the Bike Oven (130 W. Avenue 42
in Highland Park).
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I had a great time on this ride – cool art, bikes, interesting people, free snacks and wine – what more could you ask for? There was a friendly fun vibe.
I would would suggest we plan on attending only 4-5 galleries next time, rather than 13. We can attend different galleries each month. The only thing that could really make this event better: dancing at the after party!
Eric (URL) - April 13 '06 - 17:19
Those who where there know how special this ride was. Josef went above and beyond the role of gracious host. A keg at the end of the ride, What A Guy! The galleries where great and the party and the people at the Bike Oven after was even better.Looking forward to the next one. THANKS Josef and RuthAnne!
David - April 15 '06 - 14:35
Big ditto on the last comment. Thanks again Josef and Ruth Anne. And Ruth Anne, I hope that your leg is doin’ all right.See you next month!
Shay - April 15 '06 - 17:08
Hola Todos – My leg is much better. In fact I’ve been at all my dance practices. I promise next time I’ll only take pictures when we’re stopped. My suggestion for next time is that we meet at 6p so that with the socializing we leave by 6:30p to be at the first gallery by 7p when they open. Also, I’ll bring my newsletter along as it will have what is going on at each gallery, so we can pick & choose. Also, I want to visit Toros Pottery on Eagle Rock – it looked interesting as we passed it.RuthAnne Tarletz (Email) (URL) - April 19 '06 - 17:04
Ruth, well done on the leg recovery and making it to your dancing classes.Christian - April 19 '06 - 18:49
Hey RuthAnne… so good to hear that you’re still in good shape to boogie.See you at the next ride!
Shay - April 20 '06 - 16:50
For the Second Saturday art ride …what time do you meet at the flagpole?cardie (Email) (URL) - August 10 '06 - 08:12
The ride meets at 6:00 PM and departs at 6:30 PM. See you there.Liz (Email) - August 10 '06 - 08:43
let me know when is the next event.SL (Email) - August 20 '06 - 15:09
September 9th. Check it out here: http://tinyurl.com/jltewHarv (Email) - August 20 '06 - 16:31
Or you can check it out herehttp://www.cicle.org/cicle_content/pivot..
scan to the bottom
David (Email) - August 20 '06 - 20:01