d with it
belong in their own thread ('rants and raves').
just my $.02
DB
notoriousDUG said:I'm not really allowed to call people names here, or curse, anymore but I am more than willing to risk another ban in order to break those rules to make my position here crystal clear because I am not sure a mouth breathing ignorant asswipe such as yourself is going to be able to grasp what I have to say and digest it unless hit over the head with it.1. This is not a 'public' forum and any effort to keep dumb shits such as yourself from saying ignorant or inflammatory shit is not, in any way shape or form, the trampling of anyone's first amendment rights. When you joined this site you agreed to terms and conditions that govern acceptable conduct on this form and can be reprimanded for not doing so. I think you also need to ask yourself if this, a thread about a man's untimely death, is really the place to start a debate over free speech rights? Rights you have already made it clear you do not understand all that well?2. I am, arguably, one of the meanest and most crass people on this forum and I feel it is poor taste to say anything about this kid getting himself dead. I may be a bit of a jerk but even I realize that saying much of anything about it is just fueling a fire that does not even really need to be ignited; what purpose does it serve to say anything about this beyond that fact that it is a shame he lost his life and that you feel sorry for his loved ones?3. Your bullshit of making asshole statements and then trying to hide behind 'free speech' when you are called on it is a load crap; stop trying to excuse your own ignorant behavior by calling it a right. People like you who act like a total dong and then try to excuse it all with talk of the first amendment are exactly the sort of bullshit that makes it hard to defend the people who have a legitimate first amendment beef. Do the rest of the country a favor and learn how to think before you speak.4. To the O/P, the pictures are in bad taste; if this had been your loved one who would you feel about coming up on your post after a google search? Once again, I put it out there that even I find it ignorant.James Baum said:I agree with all of your points -especially the one about there isn't anything that can be done without severely limiting people's Freedoms. This goes double for enforcing "civility" and staying classy in a public forum -not much can be done without having the civility cops ban anyone who says anything that might upset anyone or be tacky/rude/offensive or politically incorrect. Sure that could always be done but such measures usually turn said forum into a ghost town eventually as people tend to abhor such totalitarian moderation.It'd be nice if people were to stay classy 100% of the time. But since most people are NOT it's kind of hard to expect them to act that way.I hope the family of the unfortunate soul who ventured out into the highway can find some closure and don't wish upon them any further indignity. But short of silencing everyone and closing down this thread there isn't much anyone can do at this point. People tend to talk -even if there aren't many facts to go on. And this kind of an event usually seems to attract a crowd.H3N3 said:As Rick suggested, it's possible this person had a cognitive disability.With the current lack of safe infrastructure for cyclists, there's not much one would be able to do to prevent such a death without limiting such a person's freedom, but common decency would still prevent a decent person from gleefully dancing around the corpse with taunts and jeers.Also remember Jepson Livingston-- we had multiple family and friends of the victim find the chainlink discussions via web search, register, and reach out. Would you want this victim's family to read "the age of stupid" and "Darwin Award?"James Baum said:Good point. I'm sure there could be a perfectly reasonable explanation why someone was out in the express lanes of the Dan Ryan long after nightfall on a bike.H3N3 said:Obviously nobody here has heard of or remembers Trish Quane, a speech pathologist and mother of young children from Oak Park, and president-elect of the Oak Park Cycle Club at the time she walked in front of a Metra train. I watched with horror as the same disgusting "Darwin Award" comments rolled in on an unnamed bike club list, and slowly it came out who the "idiot" was, and ultimately it came out that the gates were broken and a Metra employee apparently waved her across the tracks to her death.
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smiles on our faces for the annual winter bike rally. Passion pumps through our veins.
We all understand the risks of riding our bikes because we all live with the same danger so it's not surprising conversations get heated. At first, I worried about expressing my own opinions and POV here but ultimately decided I could be an equal voice in the discussion. I am here to learn and express my passion for cycling too. I also feel very passionate about equity and feel very strongly about addressing issues in our community of sexism and racism. And there are people that will argue with me, some will leave The Chainlink to make their point that they don't feel I should express this point of view.
I've never removed a member for disagreeing with me. I participate in the same guidelines everyone else is expected to follow. I have been verbally attacked on the forum and in private. I'm rather used to it now. It doesn't happen often but when it does, it can cross a line and that is not ok. If you disagree and express yourself without personal attacks, I will defend your right to do so. You can count on it.
Why am I so passionate about the issues of racism and sexism in the bike community?
Can you imagine experiencing that same day-to-day danger riding your bike, dealing with distracted motorists and then layer in having no voice at the table for planning and advocacy?
No bike lanes in your community or on your commute?
Being told the city doesn't have the money to make you safe like the other areas of the city?
Being shoaled by one too many men that assume you are slow because you are a woman?
Being targeted by police, pulled over an frisked and ticketed because you have no bike lanes and need to use the sidewalks?
When I first took over managing The Chainlink, like every other cyclist I was devastated by the two cyclist deaths at the hands of well-connected drunk drivers. I took time off of work to go to hearings, did what I could to help get the word out, and reached out to the person that was the contact at the local advocacy organization. I was met with disdain and talked down to as I was of zero value and intelligence. When I brought this up to the organization, I was met with disbelief and treated like a trouble-maker and an annoyance. Here I was trying to help, providing free support, and doing literally everything they asked me to do without question.
The contact is no longer at the organization and years have passed. Frankly, it's still a relevant issue among bike advocacy and planning in Chicago and other cities. There is a lack of representation and a need to do a better job of listening to the community. It is not just about annual fundraising events. And there are communities that have zero support.
Back to the two court cases... One cyclist was a white male who worked at Groupon and his death was equally as tragic as the person of color (who was a veteran). The cases were not covered with the same passion and support. That is a second tragedy. The veteran who was riding home from work when he was killed? I only heard about his hearings when the lawyer of the person of color's family asked me to help bring people to the hearings. Not the bike advocate. The other man, from Groupon was well-supported every single hearing by the bike advocate.
The bike advocate who had treated me so poorly was the person responsible for advocating for the fallen. Why was one given so much more support? Did this bike advocate have an issue with women and/or people of color? I scratched my head for years wondering what it was that made him so unkind to me when all I had was blind enthusiasm and support.
Looking back on this, I am going to say it out loud - the contact/bike advocate is a white male. The optics aren't awesome here - I'm a woman and a person of color and he treated me like I was irrelevant. With well over 10k CL members and a strong social presence, I was in a position to help. It has taken me years to bring this up and frankly I am incredibly grateful we as a society are finally in a position to call this out. I won't get into intention because it is not helpful but how did it make me feel? Terrible and confused.
When I passionately talk about needing to have equity, I come to the table with experience. I come to the table knowing others have struggled and while I don't know all of it firsthand, I do know it needs to be fixed. And being afraid to call it out because I am afraid of losing members or advertising is not a position I choose to take. As I said recently, if I am incorrect, I am open to hearing the research and data that says otherwise. I'm open to other points of view. I am open to not always getting it right. There are times I am wrong or could do better. I've learned and changed so much from the day back in 2011 when I got back into cycling. I am here to learn. Moving to DC opened my eyes to other approaches and POVs and I am grateful for it. The community has been a lifeline for me in a new city, making it feel like home. I didn't know that was possible. I still ride every day. I still show up to memorials and protests.
If what I said here makes you uncomfortable, I ask you to take a little time to consider there are perspectives of people that have had different experiences. There are people less fortunate - not provided safe accommodations. Let's do something about this together. It's ok to feel uncomfortable - sometimes that comes with growth and learning. Know that you are in a safe environment to learn and grow. Thank you for coming to the discussions with your passion on your sleeves. We can make Chicago an awesome bike city together.
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** IntroductionsSeveral newbies - One new person from MinneapolisLots of veterans - John Greenfield has been riding in winter for 17 yearsEveryone's favorite ride is the Dreidel Rampage.*** Bike Winter HistoryBike Winter emerged from Chicago Critical Mass. People wanted fun during the whole year, and there was the Car Show Shutdown and Art Show. Also to promote car-freedom and to show that people could live without a car year-round. We've impacted policy, such as Kathy Schubert's bridge plates. There was also a Bike Summer in other cities, and we turned it on its head. Howard Kaplan has done a lot to keep the momentum going. He was the chair for several years and kept it structured so that new people can get involved. If you see a need, step up and become an important person. Try to hold onto the grassroots feel. Leadership is ad hoc, and anyone can get more involved.Bike Winter is affiliated with Break the Gridlock, which is a 510(c)3, so donations are tax-deductible.*** Event ideasHanukkah Ride - KathyHorrible sweater ride - JamieThrift store ride - Oct. 3 - LaurenNorth Side Critical Mass - every monthGhost Stories ride - JamieRoll and Bowl (also the Polka Ride ends at a bowling alley)Special Someone Ride - Sarah (we did the Bonnie Ride a few years ago to get Sarah's friend to start riding)Shortest Ride Ever - JulieMake it Reflective/Craft nights - Willow and Jane HealyMarauders - MartinWinter Solstice - StevenTiki Rides - John GreenfieldFrozen Snot Century - John Greenfield - this year to Madison!Dreidel/Santa RampageNeighborhood rides - Lee DiamondFundraisers: Bike wash, phone drivePost more ideas to the list or the calendar!*** Swap Meet - HowardVery successful last year. A response to the commercial bike shows (CABDA), with a Bike Winter theme. Co-sponsored by Active Trans. Some money to Bike Winter. The Park District doesn't want us to announce officially yet, but we're looking at Pulaski Park Fieldhouse, to have more room. Active Trans is already working on it, they'll handle things like registration. Still some planning to be done, but we'll keep it open to small organizations while getting a little more money from shops and other larger orgs. A couple of roles for Bike Winter: Someone to organize the themes for different areas for activities and displays. Someone else can be in charge of educational activities and presentations. A third person for exhibits and demonstrations. Contact Howard if you want to help. Tentative date February 26th. Working with Goose Island to supply libations. A big urban focused Bike Winter event will be a great thing.*** Film FestivalBob Matter has done this in the past. Last year Andrew and George Christensen worked with Howard to organize it. Looking for someone new to take it over this year. Looking at January 2nd, possibly at Facets again.*** Art Show - StevenWe have a venue signed up, in Pilsen, the Chicago Urban Arts Society, on Halsted just south of Cermak. They have a huge space. It won't be concurrent with the Auto Show this year, but that's not really so important anymore, it's about the love of bikes, not cars. March 11th to April 1st. It's like a Bike Winter wrap-up. Last year the Golden Derailleur was awarded to Willow at the art show. It's a celebratory, social event. But there will still be some winter after it. WBEZ is doing a two-month series of events at the gallery, so we can get ad space on NPR. This is the year to take it to the next level. Steven is concerned about keeping it all-inclusive. This is a real gallery and they'll bring another set of criteria to it. Maybe have a kid's table? We're exploring opportunities for partners. We're getting a space which would normally be $4000 for $650, because they're new and want to raise awareness, and they see a great opportunity. Not all signed yet, but close. March 11th opening, party after March Critical Mass, and a party on April 1st or 2nd. They're open to more events as well. The gallery wants to bring in community organizations and put on events. They have a space of 2000 square feet. Bike Boulevards now and other small groups can do events. They're open Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Rapid Transit did an event at the closing last year. Looking for bands too. The opening focuses more on the art, the closing is to "blow it out." Last year we had bands and puppets. Info will be posted to the BW list, the CCM list, the Chainlink, Facebook. Look for multiple announcements. *** Balaclavas/Fleece - Gin - If you give people free stuff, they'll get involved. People tend to stop riding because they don't have the right gear. (A few balaclavas given out at the meeting.) These things magically appear because people buy fleece and people make things. Gin has patterns and tips about how to not waste fabric, etc. The challenge to all of us is, even if you already have one, take an extra one and give it to someone. When you talk to someone about winter riding, give them a gaitor or balaclava and tell them they can do it too. It's simple and it works.Who has a place for a fleece-cutting party? Talk to Gin after the meeting. The sewing is easy, it's the cutting that's difficult. Also we take donations! You can donate to Bike Winter via BTG by emailing donations@breakthegridlock.org.*** TipsLayersKeep Toes and Fingers warmNeck GaitorsWoolClean your bikeGrow a beardGogglesRead the BW websiteTake a class at West Town BikesCamping storesBoots - one size too bigCross-country ski gaitorsLive really close to work*** Stickers!There were a lot of amazing submissions. The winning sticker got twice as many votes as any other. Some cute notes were written as well.And the winner is.... Marné!The slogan is "I want to ride my icycle."All of the images are on the Internet. Past years' stickers are on the gallery on the BW site. Gin and Michael will send stickers out in the mail; request info is on the BW site.Submitted by Dan KornBike Winter Secretary / Head Dreidel…
This Week On The Chainlink - the update from thechainlink.org.
Annoucements
Abus Lock Winner - Thank you everyone who filled out the survey. We will be sharing the results soon. In the m
Added by Bianca Gordon at 5:08pm on January 29, 2014
ddities like Woodland Palace and the Dickeyville Grotto:
http://votewithyourfeetchicago.blogspot.com
Keep on walking, biking and transit-ing,
John Greenfield
Beers, bikes and brats: a car-free road trip
By John Greenfield[This article also appears in Newcity magazine, www.newcity.com.] If you’re a car-free Chicagoan, you don’t have to hit up Hertz to take a kick-ass road trip this summer. Here in the nation’s railroad hub, bicycle plus train is a powerful combo, not just for getting around the metro area but the entire Midwest. Case in point is the beer-soaked bike camping trip my buddies and I took earlier this month along the Mississippi River, across Wisconsin and back using Amtrak and Metra. It was our annual Men’s Trip, a chance for the married guys to take a break from family obligations, and since most of them are serious beer snobs we planned out itinerary around brewpub visits. Late spring wind and rain made this tour a bit of a death march, but if you’d like to try the route (www.tinyurl.com/brewpubride) it’d be a blast to ride in July sunshine. On a Wednesday evening we loaded our touring bikes with tents and sleeping bags and hauled them aboard Amtrak’s Carl Sandburg line to Kewanee, Illinois, near the shoulder of the state. Soon we’re flying west across the prairie past dozens of white modern windmills tinted pink by the setting sun. When we pull into Kewanee, a sign says we’re in the “Hog Capital of the World,” so down the street at the Pioneer Club I tackle a breaded pork tenderloin horseshoe sandwich. The horseshoe is a downstate Illinois specialty often called “a heart attack on a plate” – white bread, fries and a protein, drowned in cheese sauce.Woodland Palace, KewaneeWe camp up the road at a park donated to the city by Fred Francis, an oddball inventor, artist, poet and nudist. In the morning I tour Woodland Palace, the futuristic dream home Francis built on the site in 1889, featuring wind-powered heating and cooling systems, automatic doors and many other clever gadgets. I’m most excited to see his bicycle, with a seat installed over the front wheel so he could carry his wife Jeanne to church. Soon the six of us are pedaling northwest toward the Mississippi in gorgeous weather with the wind at our backs. We reach the Big River near Fulton, a town whose Dutch heritage is advertised by a big, old-fashioned windmill by the levee, surrounded by tulips. Continuing along the Great River Trail we get awesome views of the Mississippi, three or four miles wide in places, and pass the Thompson Correctional Center, an unused prison where Obama proposed housing prisoners from Guantanamo. We stop for the night for the night in Savannah at Poopy’s, a complex offering everything a Harley rider might want: motorcycle parts and accessories, tattoo parlor, campground and a pub with a scatologically-themed menu. I shudder at the thought of a huge, hairy biker scarfing down a one-pound burger called the Big Poop, but the menu promises, “A hot cup of joe will get this bad boy sliding south.” Conditions are a hell of a lot tougher the next day as we grind up steep river bluffs and then zoom down them on the way to Galena under leaden skies. This pretty little city, once home to Ulysses S. Grant, features dozens of perfectly preserved old buildings and lots of boutiques and knickknack shops. At Galena Brewing Company we fortify ourselves against the chilly weather with hearty grub and glasses of Uly’s Dark oatmeal stout.Main Street, Galena Soon we’re crossing the “Cheddar Curtain” into Wisconsin, tackling more big hills in a light rain. In the small town of Dickeyville we check out the Grotto, an epic work of outsider art next to Holy Ghost Parish church. Between 1925-1930 Father Matthias Wernerus built several massive shrines to God and America out of stone and mortar, studded with brightly colored glass, semi-precious stones, fossils, seashells, gearshift knobs and more. There are multiple statues of Jesus and the saints, plus Columbus, Washington and Honest Abe. The stretch from Dickeyville to Potosi is the most beautiful leg of the journey. We roll along curving country roads over lush, green hills with breathtaking river views – it’s like something out of “Lord of the Rings.” Our dinner stop is the Potosi Brewery, founded in 1852, closed in 1972 and recently re-opened by a non-profit foundation – all proceeds go to charity. The beautifully restored pub serves tasty brews and classic Wisconsin fare like pan-fried walleye and beer-boiled brats. The National Brewery Museum is onsite, with fascinating exhibits of “breweriana.” We camp at nearby Grant River Recreation Area and get poured on that night, but my tiny one-man tent keeps me snug and dry. The next day we turn east, enduring cold rain, a stiff crosswind from the north and nonstop roller coaster hills, except for a stretch along the flat-but-rugged Cheese Country Trail. Our goal is New Glarus, a charming Swiss-themed town that’s home to the New Glarus Brewing Company which refuses to sell its delicious beer outside of Wisconsin. But by late afternoon we’re soaked and exhausted, so we decide to cut our mileage and detour to Monroe, another Swiss town that’s home to the Huber Brewing Company, which makes house beers for Chicago’s Berghoff Cafe and Billy Goat Tavern. Rather than crawl into wet tents we happily check into a Super 8, order pizzas and ease into the Jacuzzi in our bike shorts, sipping the New Glarus Fat Squirrel Ale we bought nearby.Courthouse Square, Monroe In the morning the north wind continues to buffet us as we pedal towards Harvard, Illinois, where we’ll catch Metra home. As usual, I’m bringing up the rear and I get separated from the group as we navigate the Beloit-Rockford metro area. After stopping for a serene picnic besides the Rock River, I take my time pedaling the last 25 miles, still battling the crosswind. A few miles from Harvard I realize that if I hustle I might be able to catch up with my buddies onboard the next train to Chicago. I shift into high gear, stand up in my pedals and sprint. I surprise myself by zooming into the station, drenched in sweat, with seconds left to drag my bike aboard.…
This Week On The Chainlink - the update from thechainlink.org.
Featured Events This Week (check out the calendar for a full list of events)
Friday - Pretty. Fast. W
Added by Bianca Gordon at 4:55pm on January 29, 2014
This Week On The Chainlink - the update from thechainlink.org.
Hey Chainlinkers and Friends of Chainlink!
We've been moving forward with the upcoming redesign of our webs
Added by Bianca Gordon at 5:48pm on January 29, 2014
This Week On The Chainlink - an update from thechainlink.org.
In The Media
The City's Bike Video Contest and The Chainlink are getting covered this week in media outlets including
Added by Bianca Gordon at 4:45pm on January 29, 2014
ast year.
Friday, August 1
Eminem
Arctic Monkeys
Lorde
Zedd
Above & Beyond
Broken Bells
Interpol
Lykke Li
Phantogram
CHVRCHES
The Glitch Mob
Portugal. The Man
Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike
AFI
J. Roddy Walston & The Business
The Kooks
Rudimental
Iggy Azalea
Bombay Bicycle Club
Warpaint
Kodaline
Sander Kleinenberg
Lucius
Blood Orange
Perry/Etty vs Joachim Garraud
Jagwar Ma
Temples
Vic Mensa
Francisca Valenzuela
Into It. Over It.
Courtney Barnett
San Fermin
Roadkill Ghost Choir
Brillz
Jacob Plant
The So So Glos
Cash Cash
Bebe Rexha
Wallpaper.
DUGAS
Wrestlers
of Verona
Highly Suspect
Play Date
Kindie All Stars
The Q Brothers
Pretty Little Demons
Glen Hansard
School of Rock
Saturday, August 2
Outkast
Calvin Harris
Foster The People
Krewella
Nas
Spoon
The Head and the Heart
Chase & Status
cut / copy
Fitz & The Tantrums
GROUPLOVE
Gramatik
Jenny Lewis
Manchester Orchestra
John Butler Trio
Martin Garrix
Phosphorescent
Duke Dumont
The Temper Trap
Joachim Garraud
Typhoon
Z-Trip
Kate Nash
Vance Joy
Rich Homie Quan
Parquet Courts
Smallpools
Jungle
Wildcat! Wildcat!
PAPA
The Districts
heRobust
Royal Blood
Ratking
Meg Myers
Joywave
Desert Noises
Jon Batiste and Stay Human
Benjamin Booker
The Last Internationale
Johnnyswim
Charlie Hirsch
Anna Lunoe
Rocky Business
Brady Rymer
Portugal. The Man
Play Date
School of Rock
Kindie All Stars
Sunday, August 3
Kings of Leon
Skrillex
The Avett Brothers
Sebastian Ingrosso
Childish Gambino
Cage The Elephant
Young the Giant
Chance The Rapper
Flosstradamus
Chromeo
DARKSIDE
The 1975
Rebelution
Glen Hansard
Gesaffelstein
Flume
Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue
Run The Jewels
The Airborne Toxic Event
London Grammar
White Denim
Delta Rae
RAC
GTA
jhené aiko
Kongos
NONONO
Gemini Club
Crizzly
Bomba Estéreo
Bleachers
Bear Hands
Kausea
Bronze Radio Return
Lindsay Lowend
Betty Who
Fly Golden Eagle
Crass Mammoth
Cardiknox
Space Capone
Plastic Visions
Oyinda
Pretty Little Demons
Glen Hansard
Peter DiStefano & Tor
School of Rock
Brady Rymer
The Q Brothers
(edit-- weird-- was supposed to be a cut and past from this page:
http://www.lollapalooza.com/2014-lineup-by-day/ )
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