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The Night Ride 2008 is done and gone. And I think it's fair to say, history was made. Jacksonville had never before this past Saturday night, witnessed the total domination of it's streets by bicycles. The Night Ride has changed that forever. It was well worth the price admission to witness the total look of shock and awe from any and everyone walking or driving (well attempting to drive) through Downtown. It was the first of what I hope will become a yearly icon for Jacksonville and Jacksonville cyclists. It was also the first event of any kind I personally have conceived and planned from beginning to end. Had I any idea of just how hard it was going to be to pull this off, there most likely would never have been a Night Ride.

The Night Ride began is an idea I had 3 months ago. Plan an event that put what I have been preaching, "style over speed, make riding a bike fun and remove the barriers (no prostilitizing about safety or helmets)" into practice. The concept was simple, plan a day of different events that were spread out over an area that could be easily biked to and from. Make the event about the bike and not the rider. Get people on their bikes and let them find out for themselves just how easy and fun it is to get around on a bike. And you know what? They did. I cannot tell you how many people told me they had never rode a bike in the street before Saturday. How many people had never visited, let alone rode a bike through Riverside, or Downtown. How many people I met during and after The Night Ride that had never experienced the sheer beauty of the St. Johns River and our skyline from the Riverwalk. And what was the one verb they all used? Fun! "It was fun!". People tend to repeat things that are fun.



But the truth of the matter is that The Night Ride was never about me or Bike Jax. It was about the community. It was about the communities that make up the Urban Core and it was also about building a community of cyclists that understand what a bike is and how to use it in their daily lives. I am very proud to state that this entire event was planned and executed with a budget of zero dollars. None of this however would have happened if it were not for the over whelming support given by the community of merchants and business owners of Riverside, Springfield and Downtown along with Jacksonville's local bike shops. Not one of them upon being approached by me with this wacky idea ever asked, "what's in it for me?". No, their only response was, "what can I do to help?". You can keep your Chain Stores. That "what can I do to help?" attitude is the very reason I am so happy to spend my money with my friends and neighbors that make up the independent merchants and retailers of Jacksonville.

So the big question is how many people attended the night ride? I have to admit that I really don't know. I was late arriving at the 6:30 start time for the ride due to having deal with other event activities. I did arrive as the last hundred or so riders queued for the approach on the Riverwalk. The only glimpse of the lead group I got was as they turned the corner of Riverwalk around the CSX Building which is just under a mile away from where I stood. I do have to tell you fine folks that I got a little misty at the sight of a solid stream of bikes 3 and 4 wide that streched from the Acosta Bridge all the way back to the Fuller Warren Bridge. It was without a doubt one of the most beautiful sights I have seen in Jacksonville.

See full map.

I have heard estimates of rider numbers from others that ranged anywhere from 300 to 800. I feel that judging from the numbers I saw from my vantage point along the Riverwalk, I'll split the difference and go with 500 to 600. I was happy to ride most of the length of the Riverwalk at the back of the group with Councilman Don Redman (a staunch supporter of cyclists) who like everyone else on the ride sported an ear to ear grin of joy at the sight and sounds of so many bikes and their riders.

All the sponsors can found listed on The Night Ride site. But I would like to personally personally thank everyone helped pull this event off.

First is Jim for the use of Fuel and Raglands. Jim provided use of Fuel for the Films and as a central location for the event. Raglands provided all the beverages for the opening of The Bike Art show.

Shea and Tim owners of Flux Gallery, despite some well hidden (unlike me) fears and concerns of the uncertainty about the art to be displayed, did a fantastic job with the Bike Art Show. Thank you both.

And while we are on the subject of bike art. I want to thank all of the artists that participated in the show. You guys and gals had less than 2 months from concept to show and all of you stepped up with amazing results. I thank each and everyone of you. Also consider this your official call for next years show. You have a full year. I'm not accepting any of that slack-ass "this is all I had time for" excuse next year.

I also want to thank Cindy Jones of Genesis Cafe for the finest and highest quality food that has ever been put out for any local art event. Upon learning about The Night Ride, Cindy insisted on catering the event as a way of thanking Zombie Bikes and Bike Jax for the Ghost Bike that was placed for her late husband. Cindy while we still grieve for you and your families loss. We also find joy in the new friend and the wonderful person we have found in you. Thank you.

I want to thank the gang over at Zombie Bikes for all of their help. You guys and Cheri took a load off my back. Thank you for all of your help.

I want to thank everyone that contributed to the Rafflle. You all gave way more than what was asked or expected. The event would not have been near as successful with out your support. Again, Thank You. I'm going to single out Dylan Phillips of Jax ebikes. When he heard that the planned grand prize of a bike wasn't going to happen at the last minute. He didn't even hesitate and without ever being asked, donated a $1000 dollar bike. Please re-read what I wrote above the generosity of the Urban Core Merchants.

Those who contributed, I and I'm certain the raffle winners thank you.

Anomaly Five Points
Bicycles Etc.
Burrito Gallery
Cycdelic-Fixity
Cycle Spectrum (Beaches)
Jax eBikes
Klutho Clothing
Lakeshore Bicycle
Nicotine
And to the donor that wished to stay anonymous, Thank you.

I need to thank Chris and Matt of Burro Bags for the donation of their hand made messenger bags for the costume contest. And also for doing a limited run of The Night Ride event t-shirts. If you didn't get one during The Night Ride and would like to pick one up. You can pick one up at Burro Bags for the unbelievable low price of $5.

I want to thank all the film makers for use of their features and shorts during The Night Ride. I want to send special thanks to film maker Billy Savage and his distributors for the help in locating an additional copy of the his film Klunkerz when it wasn't delivered as expected. I also want to thank Mike and Sean of Bicycles Etc. for helping Bike Jax get ahold of a copy of that film.

I would also like to thank Joey of Urban Jacksonville for the use his personal copy of the film Pedal when other planned feature films arrived damaged and unplayable. Thanks also goes to the US postal system for their complete and total ineptness at their job.

I already mentioned Urban Jacksonville above, but I need to thank them along with Tony at The Urban Core, Brian and Ed at The Outer box, Byron over at Globatron, Jacksonville Confidential, and Tommy at JaxScene for spreading the word with the call for artists and all they did in promoting the event.

See more Pictures by Tom P. and Jenny K. at JaxScene.

I also need to thank certain individuals for all that they contributed. First is Anna Berken. The first task I needed done for this event was graphics in the way of a poster. Without Anna's designs this event would have never even gotten off the ground. Anna, you rock.

Next I would like to thank those that volunteered their time during The Night Ride. Linda and Joe who spent the day guiding bikes to Bold City Brewery for the Tours. Jack for hawking raffle tickets and taking pictures and Abhishek for his support and anything else asked of him. And finally Roxanne. You know that your help leaves me forever grateful. Thank you all so very much. You took a major amount of pressure off of me.

I would like thank Lex and Joe from Villin Cycle Works for bringing their amazingly beautiful bikes to the event.

Video from Globatron

I know there are a lot of links above. But I did mention this event was about community. And the people listed above make one hell of a community I am proud to be part of. While not everything went as planned for event. I think that for an event that was thrown together in under three months, it was overall a huge success and I'm already planning and looking forward to the next Night Ride.

PS. If you have or know anyone that has pictures or video from The Night Ride. Please email them to me at bikejax@gmail.com.

The Night Ride 10/11/08

Video by Jenny K. at JaxScene

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The Night Ride is a day long celebration of the bicycle and it's rider. All events are Free to all that attend and are held throughout Riverside and Five Points.

Jacksonville has never had a bike event like this. We at Bike Jax hope you and your family will make plans to attend this first of its kind groundbreaking event for our wonderful city.



The Night Ride is:

Bike Art Show - All Day @ Flux Galley - Creations of Local And Not So Local Artists Held at Flux Gallery.

Show opens Oct. 10th at 6 PM and run through Oct 14th.
Saturday Hours 10 AM to 5 PM
Full information here.

Bike Tour of Bold City Brewers - Noon to 5 PM - Celebrate the Opening of Bold City Brewery With a Tasty Bike Tour

Tours are on the hour every hour Noon thru 5 PM.
Meet corner of Park St. and Post St. in Riverside Park.

Bike Film Festival- Starting 1 PM @ Fuel - Features and Shorts staring the bike and those who ride it.

Films will be running thoughout the day starting 1 pm at Fuel in Five Points.
More Info here.

Bike Polo - 1 - 2 PM

It's Bike Polo. Play or Watch. Location: Parking Lot North East Corner of Riverside Ave. & Post St.

Woman's Workshop - 2 PM @ Jax EBikes

A ladies only workshop. Learn how to maintain your bike along with basic repairs from the gang at Zombie Bikes CoOp.

Bike Polo - 3 - 4 PM

Again, It's Bike Polo. Play or Watch. Location:Parking Lot North East Corner of Riverside Ave. & Post St.

Bike Maintenance Workshop - 4 PM @ Jax EBikes

A workshop open to all. Learn how to maintain your bike along with basic repairs from the gang at Zombie Bikes CoOp.

70's Theme Costume Contest - 5:00 PM @ Fuel
Funkyist Male & Female Receive a hand made bomb proof Burro Bag.

Raffle - 5 PM @ Fuel

Win this iZip Urban Cruiser Electric Bike or some of the other sweet swag from the fine merchants in Five Point and Jacksonville Area Bike Shops.

The Night Ride - Ride starts 6:30 PM

Click on Map for larger and to print.

The Night RIde is the culmination of our day long celebration of the bike. I hope you will make plans to join us on this epic event for and about cyclists.

Where: Riverwalk Under the Fuller Warren Bridge
When: leaving at 6:30 PM Oct. 11th

The ride will be a fun and relaxed pace for everyone involved. We do recommend the state of Florida and City of Jacksonville required front and rear lights as this is a night ride.

8:00 PM - Bike Films @ Fuel
Features and Shorts staring the bike and those who ride it.

Films will be running thoughout the day starting 1 pm at Fuel in Five Points.
More Info here.
Event Locations


View Larger Map

There will also be various bike builders, bike shops and artists displaying handmade bike theme t-shirts and jewelry inside of Fuel and other areas around Five Points.

Please support The Night Ride sponsors. Without their generous donations this event could not take place.

Click on the image of the poster above to print (Legal size) your own and help us spread the word. If you are a business or know of a business that would like a poster for your/their window please email us at bikejax@gmail.com and we will get a poster to you.

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What is bike art? Bike art is any piece or work, in any media or format, that contains or uses bicycles or parts of bicycles as it's main focus.

The Night Ride Bike Art Show is Hosted at Flux Galley.

Show Opening: Oct. 10th at 6 PM.
Saturday Oct. 11th 10 - 5 PM
Show runs through the 14th.

A partial list of participating Artists:

Chris Alcantara
Anna Berkin
Grace Bio
Liz Burns
Edmond Dansart
Erin Dantoni
Overstreet Ducasse
Brian Grey
Josh Hoye
Wanda Komatz
Chad Landenberger
Ashley Lanni
Rachel Levanger
Broc Litton
Yvonne Lozano
Jeanece Lyles
Evan Mathis
Frank Matthews
Anna Membrino
Nicole Middleton
Martin Moore
Darlene Muto
Robert Noelke
Kyzandrha Pratt
Adrian Rhodes
Nick Richards
Tony Rodrigues
Jefree Shalev
Shea Slemmer
Matt Uhrig

Note: If your name is missing form this list and you had previously email. Please do so again. I had small mishap with cleaning out my mail box. bikejax@gmail.com

The opening of the art show will be catered by Genesis Cafe & Catering. Beverages will provided by Raglands.

(Click On For Larger)

If you are interested in participating in The Night Ride Art Show. Please drop me an email and let me know so I can add you name to the growing list of artists. bikejax@gmail.com

Artist info: Work must dropped off at Flux and ready to hang Oct. 9th at 5 PM.

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We have had to adjust our line up of films due to some of the films arriving damaged. Special Thanks goes out to Joey at Urban Jacksonville and also the gang over at Bicycles Etc. for their help with getting the two feature films, Klunkerz and Pedal.

1:00 PM - Breaking Away



Dave, nineteen, has just graduated high school, with his 3 friends, The comical Cyril, the warm hearted but short-tempered Moocher, and the athletic, spiteful but good-hearted Mike. Now, Dave enjoys racing bikes and hopes to race the Italians one day, and even takes up the Italian culture, much to his friends and parents annoyance. While meanwhile, the 4 friends try to break away from their townie, Indiana reputation while fighting with nearby college snobs.

3:00 PM - Pee-Wee's Big Adventure



The love of Pee-wee Herman's life is his bicycle. When it is stolen, he is send on a wild cross country adventure after a fortune teller tells him his bicycle is in the basement of the Alamo. Along the way, Pee-wee encounters an escaped convict, a waitress with wanderlust and a jealous boyfriend, and a mysterious female truck driver.

8:00 PM - Bike Film Shorts

This is an amazing assortment of bike shorts which include Manquer. Best Film winner of the Seattle 48 hour Film Festival.

9:00 PM - Klunkerz


Filmmaker Billy Savage has totally captured the look and feel of the birth of Mountain Biking. This rag-tag group of modern day heroes had no idea that they were about to completely change the world of cycling.

USA TODAY
“Savage’s funny and often poignant film looks at how a bunch of semi-stoned hippies in Northern California developed a unique style of off-road bike riding through collaboration and competition…KLUNKERZ is worth checking out, even if you’re not a bike nut,”

THE NEW YORK TIMES
“The titular vehicles of William Savage’s aptly-named documentary KLUNKERZ are, in fact, pre-1941 bicycles, gamely converted into mountain bikes. In his documentary, Savage takes a fond glimpse at this international craze.”

MOVIEMAKER MAGAZINE
“Documentaries of this nature always appeal to a very niche audience, but KLUNKERZ is just as enjoyable for those of us who aren’t cyclists.”

STUFF MAGAZINE
“KLUNKERZ looks at the origins of the sport and the Californians who went big on street bikes back at the start of it all, way back in the hair-and-flair ‘70s.”


MOVIE MAGAZINE INTERNATIONAL
“KLUNKERZ is a small, but important, film that traces the history of modern day mountain biking.”

THE MIAMI HERALD
“KLUNKERZ is definitive-and destined for classic status…Savage succeeds in making the story appealing to movie buffs and bike geeks alike.”

MOUNTAIN BIKE ACTION
“Maybe the most remarkable thing about the film is you don’t have to be a mountain biker to be thoroughly entertained.”

BICYCLE RETAILER AND INDUSTRY NEWS
“Finally, a mountain biking film that captures the history of the sport, KLUNKERZ has many of the same traits that made films like Riding Giants and Dog Town so great.”

VELONEWS
“It was a period of camaraderie and innovation that has been loving and masterfully documented by Billy Savage in his film KLUNKERZ.”

These are just a few of the of the films we are planning to have for screening during the film festival portion of The Night Ride. We have some pretty amazing shorts, track and alley cat films also.

10:30 PM - Pedal



In Pedal, Sutherland documents bike messengers competing in the 2005 Cycle Messenger World Championships in New York City. Going straight to the center of this urban subculture, Sutherland serves up compelling portraits of the competitors from dozens of countries, in motion and at ease, checking out each other’s bags, lingering over modifications to bikes and bodies. Between events like sprints, distance racing, and skid contests, Sutherland shows us the riders’ elegant physicality, complex individuality, and unique community that crosses boundaries of race, gender, age, and class. And he doesn’t shy away from the blood and bruises that come part and parcel with the messenger’s life. Sutherland delves deep into the world of the messengers—a world usually seen from the outside—and returns with a dynamic document that evokes the unbridled anarchy and energy of its inhabitants.

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