Rock The Bike: BLOG
Human Power, the writing’s on the wall
And today coming back from the beach I passed Mona Caron’s new mural in progress in Noe Valley and saw this cool little detail:
In it, a gym currently at the corner of 24th and Church is replaced by a Pedal Power center, which people pedaling away on energy-harnessing bikes. On the roof of the Pedal Power center, a band jams away, using the power from below. Caron painted her favorite musicians into the mural. You can clearly make out stiltwalkers from La Malamana, and the distinct figure of the singer Rupa .
Every time I street perform with the Choprical Fish, someone asks me: “What if we could have a whole gym generating energy?” Well, at least in the post-apocalyptic eutopia of Mona Caron’s new mural, we can.
SHAKE YOUR PEACE! returns to Utah, touring by bicycle under human power
Sustainable Rock ‘n Rollers are back in Utah, touring by bicycle and using their Human Powered P/A system sponsored by Rock the Bike.
Above, Sonya Cotton and SHAKE YOUR PEACE! front man Gabe Dominguez sing a duet on Park City TV.
Street performing at KFOG Kaboom last night
Had a great time performing with Ken the mad scientist, Joel, Zori, Mafi, and Daniel last night at the KFOG Kaboom. We had completely sustainable sound — solar charged keyboard amp, and human powered vocals. We performed about 2 hours in an area filled with tailgaters, for tips, food, and fun.
Band schedule for Maker Faire this weekend.
What’s up SF Cruisers,
Have you heard about the Maker’s Faire happening this weekend? It’s a big event at the San Mateo fairgrounds, featuring inventors, crafters, and interactive artists from around the Bay Area. This is Rock the Bike’s second year at Maker’s Faire and this year we are producing the Pedal Powered Stage. With three human power generating bikes, we’ll have enough power to get 200 people dancing. We have a great location at the Faire at it’s been well promoted. Come down and enjoy it.
Here’s the Saturday Night Lineup:
5:30-6:15 SHAKE YOUR PEACE! Sustainable Rock n’ Roll.
6:30-7:30 Yacouba and the Spirit Gatherers. West African dance music.
Sunset 8:00-8:45 Fossil Fool, the Bike Rapper.
Here’s the full line up:
Complete band schedule — both days.
1:00-2:00 Extra Action Marching Band (unamplified)
2:30-3:00 Ira Marlowe
4:30-5:00 Onyx Ashanti
5:30-6:15 Shake Your Peace!
6:30-7:30 Yacouba and the Spirit Gatherers
8:00-8:45 Fossil Fool
SUNDAY 5/4 – PEDAL POWERED STAGE – MUSIC STAGE 3 (SOUTHWEST CORNER OF CENTRAL MALL)
12:00-12:30 John F. King II (unamplified)
1:00-1:30 Tarantulas Jug Band
2:00-2:30 Crank Ensemble
3:00-3:30 McPuzo & Trotsky
4:00-4:30 Lee Maverick Band
See you there!
Bike cuts through foam on Ocean Beach in this dreamy video with original music by bike culture producer Nat K.
Mundo waiting faithfully at the parking.
All I got to say is it’s been a long time since I’ve had a bright red bicycle and it rocks! This Mundo is a cheerful little guy. Kind of a cross between a monarch butterfly, a gazelle, and a hippo.
The single speed is great. On Wednesday I carried 100 pounds 1.4 miles up a gradual hill to town, and the ratio felt good to me. Not too hard, not too easy.
Then I rode to town today with about 60 pounds. Same solid feeling. Gear felt right. Then after dropping off the goods at FEDEX I was riding it down the hill unloaded, and it feels basically just as stiff and solid as when it was loaded down. The frame doesn’t budge. It’s kind of like riding a tree trunk. But as much as this bike doesn’t feel zippy, due to its weight, it’s reassuringly strong. Today I sprinted for a yellow light with the 60-pound load, and it felt really good. It had pickup. And the drivetrain is so positive that I know I can put 100% into each pedal stroke.
It’s our new townie. And we invite you to take a test ride. We’ll be at the Maker’s Faire this weekend running the Pedal Powered stage. Come take a ride, and pedal power a few songs while you’re at it!
A couple straps was all it took.
Hauled a Mundo and another box to FEDEX yesterday on Rock The Bike’s cheerful new utility bike.
