The CoolassRide
Thread started by
coolassmike at 03.31.10 - 10:41 pm
Hey folks, this CoolassMike. I'm building a new Monthly ride built for and by the people. This is as a result of the rides I've been on that failed horribly and or I had a great time at.
Are you tired of being apart of disorganized, poorly planed, starting too late and or early rides? Well let's make the CoolassRide! But I dont want to do this alone. I want to hear from YOU the PEOPLE!
What makes a great BIKE RIDE?
Distance?
Routes?
Activities?
Time of day?
Tour rides?
Support crews?
Music?
SPONSORSHIPS
I want to know. Follow us on twitter for updates @TheCoolassRide and or join our new online network and home http://thecoolassride.ning.com
Hollaback!
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Shit ... if you're going through LAX, that's good enough for me.
illafilla03.31.10 - 11:39 pm
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Different starting spots. that woul dbe key to make everyone happy. the first ones to get it really chill at bigger spots. then get tot hte little (er) cities....like sylmar. i have a killer route but no one wants to come out here. start off at large spots like the redline station noho or hollywood and highland or Cmob park, or even at Hansen dam. etc etc.
north_valley_critical_mass03.31.10 - 11:42 pm
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and of course if it gets big enough. someone else posted for another ride walkie taklies or flags up front and behind to keep it a flowing ride and no ones gets left behind or wanders back.
north_valley_critical_mass03.31.10 - 11:44 pm
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What makes a great BIKE RIDE? - variety.
Distance? - Near and far
Routes? - there will be plenty
Activities? - Oh yes. open to suggestions
Time of day? - Could vary summers 7,8,9ish winters 4-5-6ish weekdays or weeknights?
Tour rides? -say what?
Support crews? - i support. lol hmm. CoolAssRidazz?
Music? - OF COURSE! maybe a rotating palylist? we have 5-10 people who set up different play lists for different rides? so its never the same dudes music...
SPONSORSHIPS psh yeah! i wanna be sponsored. free shit is the best shit.
north_valley_critical_mass04.1.10 - 1:08 am
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different starting points is a great idea. monotony kills a good ride. day rides can be just as much fun. short rides are great if there will be a party but longer ride 20+ is a safe minimum. less time at stopping points.
One thing is key from my past experience, advertise the type of ride. if its going to be a actual ride with short stops or a very casual ride with assumed long stops say so.
mechazawa04.1.10 - 1:14 am
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So have you ever heard of wizard sticks? well. this is a little twist. wizard sticks.....................................................hold..... waiiiit for it.............. jousting. :D
north_valley_critical_mass04.1.10 - 1:27 am
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what up coolassmike. that lax pic brought back some fond memories.
as for a new ride, i guess you just gotta decide whether it'll be a hustle, a social/party ride, an educational tour (interesting hoods/landmarks), or some mixture of them all.
group rides in LA (such as those on this site) have really helped get people on their bikes. you can tell by the large number or rides/events posted on the right. however, the natural progression will be towards that of other, more bike-centric cities, where you'll have an occasionally big monthly group social ride, but usually people just ride around with their friends.
tfunk40804.1.10 - 2:39 am
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We have enough small rides in this city...What we're missing is a weeknight no frills LARGE group 20+ miles..chill paced ride that puts people back in their bed by midnight to work in the morning.
It should leave at 8pm with different routes...minimal hills.
barleye04.1.10 - 3:13 am
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This is what I am talking about here "north_valley_critical_mass"! This is all great feedback!
Please keep it coming. Im looking to bring on a few sponsors to provide communications (between ride marshalls), bike flags of different colors to represent different roles on the ride, rides with DESTINATIONS, and a mobile support crew (volunteer/bike shop in a trailing vehicle with bike parts/tubes/tools).
Music is a must with a variety of playlist. We will allow people to provide playlist and or Ipods for portions of the ride.
Keeping the ride as tight as possible for appearance, safety, and to not leave any riders behind. Suffecirnt bike checks prior to takeoff should eliminate as many breakdowns as possible. And if we have breakdowns, a good support tech should be able to fix this quickly.
SPonsorships will be available everywhere which should attract some large companies (Reebok, Nike, Yahoo, and Raleigh) as well as local marketing and branding oppourtunities for small companies like LAB, Palms Cycles, Volume Bikes, and or COG Magazine.
The key is to put together a good ride the companies feel comfortable putting there brand on. This will be the first of a few "Coolass" rides. I am hearing a request for morning and mid week fast paced rides.
Let's keep the conversation going. Invite others to provide useful feedback as well. We can do this!
If you know of any companies and or brands that would be interested in sponsoring any component of the ride, tell them to contact me. I am putting together a list of available sponsorable areas. Example: Different color flags for every rider that would attach to riders seat post and go up in the air. A company like Yahoo would be an awesome and useful sponsor! If you know people or are interested in hearing more about sponsorship opps, get at me
@Coolassmike
@TheCoolassRode
Coolassmike at Gmail
coolassmike responding to a
comment by north_valley_critical_mass
04.1.10 - 9:50 am
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Thanx "tfunk408". I agree with you. Although this will be a Saturday Afternoon ride, it will have different starting points. And exploring different parts of the city is apart of the reason why I enjoy riding my bike soo much. So visiting bike-centric locales is definateley on the list.
Im even looking to organize large overnight trips (La to SD and or Santa Barbara to LA) incorporating trains, carpools, and possibly camping trips. Whatever the people are into.
This is why I setup the discussion site on Ning (http://thecoolassride.ning.com) to organize and continue the conversation.
And this picture is my favorite of all time! It's iconic of LA and Rick Darge is the man for taking it! He should make a poster of it! DING!
coolassmike responding to a
comment by tfunk408
04.1.10 - 10:03 am
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Yeah "Barleye" I second the need for minimal hills. A mid week EARLY rides are nice. I see the mid week "Coolass" ride in the mix too! Home by midninght means a 6:30 meet up and 7:00 rollout. All doable!
I will be scoping out the routes for beginner rider safety, minimal hills, minimal pot holes and road obstacles, as well as fewer lights.
Lets keep the conversation going!
coolassmike responding to a
comment by barleye
04.1.10 - 10:08 am
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Agreed "mechazawa"! Ride clarity is ubber important. I dont want pople looking to HUSTLE to be impatient and get frustrated. At the same time I want to invite first timers out with the understanding that this is not a stroll aound the neighborhood, but that it's not a race either.
There is a fine line between too slow and chill to medium paced. But we will find the balance through good organization, riders encouraging others to ride faster, easy routes, and adequate (no more than 3) stops to keep people hydrated and motivated!
Good points "mechazawa"
coolassmike responding to a
comment by mechazawa
04.1.10 - 10:12 am
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The LAX pass through is a must "illafilla"! A ride around the airport property alone to see planes arrive and takeoff is cool too!
There will be other iconic stops as well. The Crenshaw Wall is on the list as well as the Museums over by USC. The things here in LA that people forgot about or simply never knew about!
This is the CoolassRide and if you know me, Im the ultimate tour guide and have been everywhere ONCE! Well almost everywhere, Im still open to and need new locales!
coolassmike responding to a
comment by illafilla
04.1.10 - 10:16 am
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Some questions:
1. Why do we NEED ride sponsors?
2. Why do we need a trailing vehicle for repairs, when others riders have sufficient tools with them (generally)?
2a. Plus, why bring vehicles in the mix?
2b. Fuck cars! Why not a trailing cargo/tool bike trailer?
3. Aren't we interested in DIY anyway?
3a. Why should other fix your bike; learn to fix it yourself?
3b. doesnt this keep people from personal responsibility?
4. Why the fuck do we NEED ride sponsors again?
5. Why do you want to BRAND rides?
6. Do you agree, there is a conflict of interest since all rides already have a brand (i.e. Midnight Ridazz)?
7. What are the sponsors getting out of this? Free branding rarely comes for free... brands dont like free (i promise).
8. What (really) is coolassmike getting out of this? I mean, really.
9. Don't you think you're doing a disservice to MR? Where on the website to you see ads? Where is the Reebok link? I think Roadblock could cash in, but in truth, he doesnt, because he is actually one coolassmutha....
People should support their local business / shops when possible, period.
Take some tips from Roadblock, and keep your soul in tact.
markd responding to a
comment by coolassmike
04.1.10 - 10:31 am
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1. Why do we NEED ride sponsors? TO PUT TOGETHER FUN AND ENGAGING EVENTS FOR THE PEOPLE
2. Why do we need a trailing vehicle for repairs, when others riders have sufficient tools with them (generally)? YOU MAY! BUT NOT EVERYONE IS AS EXPERIENCED AS YOU. MOST PEOPLE DONT SHOW WITH TUBES AND OR THE RGHT TOOLS. IF A BIKE SHOP CAN PROVIDE SUPPORT THEY CAN MAKE MONEY ON SMALL SERVICE IF NOT JUST FOR STORE BRANDING.
2a. Plus, why bring vehicles in the mix? IF A SHOP WANTS TO BRING MORE THAN A FEW ITEMS THEY CAN. BESIDES THIS IS A DISCUSSION, NOT A MANDATE!
2b. Fuck cars! Why not a trailing cargo/tool bike trailer? WHY NOT A TRAILER. IS A DISCUSSION!!!
3. Aren't we interested in DIY anyway? AGAIN, NOT EVERYONE! I AND OTHERS HELP COUNTLESS PEOPLE WHO AE INNOCENTLY CLUELESS!
3a. Why should other fix your bike; learn to fix it yourself? DONT BE A JERK!
3b. doesnt this keep people from personal responsibility? IT TEACHES PEOPLE. HOW DID YOU LEARN? ENGLISH CLASS? PE AT SCHOOL?
4. Why the fuck do we NEED ride sponsors again? TO MAKE THE RIDES EVENTS. MOST PEOPLE WANT FREE STUFF. WHO DO YOU THINK GIVES IT TO YOU?
5. Why do you want to BRAND rides? BEVAUSE THATS WHAT I DO. LCAM, C.R.A.N.K. MOB, MOM RIDAZ, FREEDOM RIDE, TNS, "RIDE WITH NO NAME" ARE ALL BRANED RIDES. THATS WHY YOU CAN REFER TO THEM BY NAME. PLUS WHEN YOU WANT TO TAKE IT TO OTHER CITIES THERE IS SOME STRUCTURE TO FOLLOW WITH A NAME ALEADY ASSOICATED WITH IT. SUCH AS CRITICAL MASS (http://critical-mass.info/)
6. Do you agree, there is a conflict of interest since all rides already have a brand (i.e. Midnight Ridazz)? NIDNIGHT RIDAZZ IS A WEBSITE WITH A RIDE ASSOICIATED WITH IT. BUT IT IS NOT THE BRAND FOR ALL RIDES. IT IS INDEED A BRAND ITSELF
7. What are the sponsors getting out of this? Free branding rarely comes for free... brands dont like free (i promise). WHEN YOU GET FREE BAGS, PADS, TUBES, FOOD DRINKS, AND OR A BIKE. THE COMPANIES GETS EXPOSRE FROM THIS ACCESS. TRUST ME, NOTHING IS FREE BUT THE COST IS EXPOSURE WHICH COST YOU NOTHING!
8. What (really) is coolassmike getting out of this? I mean, really. BETTER RIDES. LESS BROKEN UP RIDES. FEWER PEOPLE LEFT BEHIND. THIS IS WHAT I DO!
9. Don't you think you're doing a disservice to MR? Where on the website to you see ads? Where is the Reebok link? I think Roadblock could cash in, but in truth, he doesnt, because he is actually one coolassmutha.... NOT CARING AND NOT DOING ANYTHING TO MONETIZE OFF YOUR BRAND ARE 2 DIFFERENT THINGS. WE ALL MAKE OUR CHOICES, THIS IS MINE
People should support their local business / shops when possible, period. IF THEY DONT KNOW THEY EXIST, KNOW WHAT THEY HAVE TO OFFER, OR ARE GIVEN A DISCOUINT INCENTIVE, THE POEPLE WILL PATRONIZE.
Take some tips from Roadblock, and keep your soul in tact. MY SOUL IS JUST FINE SON! JUST FINE!
coolassmike responding to a
comment by markd
04.1.10 - 11:14 am
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Adrian right?! I remember you. I went on your ride before. I welcome all questions and or concerns! Throw them at me and let's build a CoolassRIDE people!
coolassmike responding to a
comment by north_valley_critical_mass
04.1.10 - 3:11 pm
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keep me posted and im there mike.
Huey55504.2.10 - 2:15 am
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What makes a great BIKE RIDE?
Distance? 20-40 mi
Routes? if you regularly did LAX as seen in your youtube videos, everyone would talk about your ride. but sauce might try to shut you down.
Activities? as inTaco Tuesday fireballs? fun to watch, but usually don't partake. c.r.a.n.k. m.o.b. f.u.n. would be the only other activity type shit i've seen on rides. takes a real party vibe to pull that off. i feel like the ride itself can be the activity. usually only a few riders are actually doing the activity, the rest are watching/drinking/socializing during that time.
Time of day? night, 7pm-9:30pm start... more places you can access at night. only problem is you'll be competing with other rides, so daytime may have its benefits.
Tour rides? sure
Support crews? never seen this before on a ride.. usually some helpful/knowledgeable dudes will be around if you're lucky.
Music? fo sho
SPONSORSHIPS never really seen this either, maybe smashed up sundays? a lot of riders are going to be against the commercialization, but hey, if it makes the ride a better experience.
Taco Tuesday pretty much set the bar for a fun ride in my mind. only issue is that TT can be really slow depending on the route. that's just me though -- obviously most people don't mind it much since it's the most popular westside ride around.
also, have a cool ass spoke card.
ezzie04.2.10 - 3:39 am
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yo JP I am going to have to disagree with the varied start spots and varied start times. that shit would get annoying. be consistent with where you start and what time you leave imo. the rotating playlist sounds good though, i like that.
ezzie responding to a
comment by north_valley_critical_mass
04.2.10 - 3:50 am
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Just my 2 cents... But it would be cool if we could pull off a HUGE "lacm/crank mob" status type ride in the sf valley. Maybe having the meet point be noho or universal station so the LA kids can get to it a little easier. I think valley needs a REALLY good social/"big" ride. If one already exists please let me know. I WANT TO GOO!!
Music trailers are always fun too... and I agree, less time at the stops... or just one BIG stop at the end.
krowfeather04.2.10 - 10:35 am
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nothing but love for taco tuesdays, but a few other rides that really stood out to me were the sins and sprockets, chill chinatown mosey, and the passage of a few people etc ride.
tfunk40804.2.10 - 10:49 am
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Good feedback "ezzie". These are all good points. Ive never done a Taco Tuesday ride (no good reason), but I hear they are fun. I will have to attend one.
As far as activities I am working on making it an afternoon ride which allows for good variety of options ranging from water balloon fights to live performances and or barbecues! Anything is possible!
I went on a Architecture ride once and it was awesome. I wish to recreate something similiar.
Coolass Spoke cards is a must!
Thanx again for the feedback ezzie
coolassmike responding to a
comment by ezzie
04.2.10 - 11:43 am
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I agree "krowfeather". The Valley does need more large rides. The Valley is less acceptable of large groups/ All the more reason to have one. Since I live in the Valley, it makes it easier for me too.
A Music trailer is a must. I need to secure 1 or 2 people with nice systems! Know of anyone you can refer?
And im thinking one 15 minute "catch up/Water" break then a 30 minute stop in the middle and another 15 minute "catch up/Water" break then hustle back to the start.
Keep the discussion going! Thank you for the feedback.
coolassmike responding to a
comment by krowfeather
04.2.10 - 11:48 am
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I got you JP. My bad! How can I be so absent minded! Whaddup? Thanx for the feedback and interaction. LEts keep it going!
How are the wheels working? Do you still have them?
coolassmike responding to a
comment by north_valley_critical_mass
04.2.10 - 11:52 am
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Yeah "tfunk408", I've been on some Mosey'sand Sprockets rides. There cool, but I want to make this a little more of a exercise/outing ride than so much party. We have a lot of people interested in bikes that dont PARTY and or are trying to loose weight. So I want to include them as well Not to mention the wave of KIDS on the rides.
I'm not into providing a negative party environment for these kids. Im a father too, so I have a responsible position i must operate from. Plus when I approach companies like Yahoo to ride sponsorships, they will want to have a relatively clean ride they can get behind!
With sponsors like Yahoo, they may sponsor a REAL show with REAL artist JUST FOR US BIKERS! That'll be DOPE!
Plus the ride will teach and mentor new and young riders on how to ride the streets, maintain your bike, explore the city, and have fun!
Thanx tfunk408!
coolassmike responding to a
comment by tfunk408
04.2.10 - 12:01 pm
reply
sponsors?
back up vehicles?
really!
REALLY!!!???
there is waaay too much thought going into this. The only time I've though of needing support or sponsorship was on the long hauls. I'm talking 100 + miles. Just post the ride hype it up and ride. Those who find themselves in need of tools or some kind of support will find it from other riders, not some support vehicle. Just the though of this made le ROFL.if you get dropped on a ride due to a flat or just can't keep up, either adjust, equip yourself better, make your own ride or STFU. There's nobody here who can't tell you a story about a ride where they had to help someone or got help from someone from a broken chain to a flat tire. But if there's no one to help, it's just gonna be a tough lesson to learn. Just fucking ride....
sponsors.... Haaaaaahhhaaahahahahahahah
TK42104.2.10 - 12:33 pm
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Whoa there douche baggington slow the fuck down.
what do you care? you wouldnt believe how many people get flats and go home because they dotn have any tools, extra TIRE, extra CHAIN, Bearings (yes i have friends who had to stop riding because their bearing fucked up because someone at some shop didnt install them right). Hell i Go to ride w ithout tubes. sometimes ill take a patch kit. because that all i have or can afford. not everyone had the capability to carry a tube or 2 on them at all times. this isnt a lets ride be cause were bike riders ride. its a learn how to ride and become a better bike rider ride. kinda like a workshop or how to at the same time as a ride.
try not to be such a douche next time. please and thankyou.
north_valley_critical_mass responding to a
comment by TK421
04.2.10 - 12:46 pm
reply
the longer this gets the more it makes me laugh... Go on wit yo bad selves!
TK42104.2.10 - 1:09 pm
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I understand thought can be tough and painful for people at times so I understand your immediate resistance to the concept. But not can some people not afford to carry all that one should, some wouldnt know what to with the tools if they had them. And yes there usually someone who may try to help. But I have been left behind many a rides because I helped someone.
So to have a bike shop DO WHAT IT TAKES TO PROVIDE SUPPORT for the riders would be dope! And if they can make a buck or 2 while building exposure for there shop. Whats wrong with that?
You say create and hype my own ride. Well here it is. The CoolassRide! Built by the people for the people!
Keep the discussion going! Please DO NOT STFU!
coolassmike responding to a
comment by TK421
04.2.10 - 3:18 pm
reply
Drooby! Whaddup YO! Im trying to be like you! The CoolassRide exist in large part because of my first love with the MOM rides! How's you doing?
coolassmike responding to a
comment by Drooby420
04.2.10 - 4:02 pm
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it must suck not being open minded.
Huey555 responding to a
comment by TK421
04.2.10 - 6:43 pm
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It can be painful at first. But once the lesson settles in. It's like a warm coat! LOL
coolassmike responding to a
comment by Huey555
04.3.10 - 6:52 pm
reply
Ill def. Come out to this ride when it starts.... keep doing ur thing coolassmike
Debut21304.5.10 - 10:50 am
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if you're going to get anything from a sponsor, definitely make it RIBS!!
tortuga_veloce responding to a
comment by north_valley_critical_mass
04.5.10 - 11:02 am
reply
Thats what I'm talking about. Long time no see! When was your accident? A while ago right? I think I saw you right afterwards didnt i? I hope your beter!
coolassmike responding to a
comment by Debut213
04.5.10 - 2:10 pm
reply
One benefit to this ride will be discounts on everything we buy because were a group. A lot of riders dont have a lot of cash. So I will be looking to setup discounts with stores, restaraunts, and catering trucks ahead of time so cut the cost for everyone!
Theres power in numbers! Know that!
coolassmike responding to a
comment by tortuga_veloce
04.5.10 - 2:15 pm
reply
Im glad you posted this image. It reminds me that I want to find a ompany with these and other bikes like this.
Anyone know of a local company that has any kind of "functional" bikes such as this, please let me know! Special delivery bikes, mixed ude bikes, and or a BAR bike! PLEASE holler BACKER!
coolassmike responding to a
comment by north_valley_critical_mass
04.5.10 - 10:41 pm
reply
you kill me many times over with your photos.
mechazawa responding to a
comment by TheDude
04.5.10 - 11:04 pm
reply
DUDE! We need a music trailer bike! Right now you looking kinda SEXY! I'd like to have more than one trailer as backup and alternative. A bike like this should handle all of our needs. Anyone know this guy?
coolassmike responding to a
comment by TheDude
04.5.10 - 11:36 pm
reply
mike. ive got a tricycle with a "table" on the back. its pretty sweet. i wish my computer was such a piece of shit. id be able to get the pictures off my camera. but i cant. so ugh. ill do a shitty paint drawing so you get the idea. all the elote, raspado, and paltas vendors are jealous. hahaha
north_valley_critical_mass responding to a
comment by coolassmike
04.6.10 - 11:33 am
reply
Dayum James, you a designer? LOL Thats SOUNDS dope. For real is it rideable? Bring it out.
coolassmike responding to a
comment by north_valley_critical_mass
04.6.10 - 11:27 pm
reply
Im not even gonna view this because it's not about marketing. Get over yourself yo! It's about the people!
coolassmike responding to a
comment by JB
04.7.10 - 3:22 pm
reply
Did I mention I enjoy the interaction Even if I am having to defend my point of view. It's still good discussion!
Thank you all!
coolassmike04.7.10 - 4:15 pm
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CoolAssRide C.A.R. haaaaahahaa
TK42104.7.10 - 8:02 pm
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pretty nice ms paint rendition of that!
tfunk408 responding to a
comment by north_valley_critical_mass
04.12.10 - 12:01 am
reply
you guys gonna stop by mom's 2 year start up point?
call me mike
213 926 6820
you should...
Drooby42004.15.10 - 5:06 pm
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I just texted you about doing a pre ride with us TO the MOM start. Hit me back.
coolassmike04.22.10 - 12:08 am
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-->
Ridazz Roulette!
First post muahahahahaha 
these are wizard sticks. hahaha
haha Xmas morning...............good ole california weather
thats a bad pic. heres a better one
Sign me up.
WATER BALOON FIGHTS! 
heres a 1 up for ya mike.............yes. this is a bicycle bar. you drink. you power. 
TK421
Tee Hee, I could'nt resist!
ok heres a horrible attempt to try to show you what i have. its yellow. not black. hahahahahahaha
..