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LARSENF
02.26.10
Larsenf
What’s your name (optional) and/or your Midnight Ridazz log-in name?
Reverend Larsen Farrell aka larsenf
How did you first hear about Midnight Ridazz and what was your first group bike ride?
I was living in Portland OR when i first heard about the Ridazz. Whenever I talked on the phone with my dad he kept telling me about this huge goup of cyclist who rode once a month at midnight. Eventually I lost my job and moved back to LA and i went with my father to one of these rides, it was the Midnight Ridazz ride Alphabet Soup.
Currently what rides do you attend regularly and what ride(s) would you like to see make a comeback?
I mostly just ride around with friends. we do a ride the westside mosey that happens every other wednesday, sometimes. I help lead Los Angelopes when it happens and i try to make it out to the Midnight Ridazz second friday rides. No comebacks, just new ideas.
What advice would you pass on to new ridazz?
Be aware and look ahead. If you find yourself using your brakes or skidding on a group ride you aren't paying attention and you are going too fast.
If you were leading a group ride, what would you do differently?
Everyone who has been riding for a decent about of time complains about the short party rides. Im kind of oppisite. I'm working for shorter rides with crazier parties. Not just more people drinking in parking lots though, thats lame. I'm talking about about daytime rides with freaky bikes and fun events. Take it to the next level, have freak bikes and things set up before we even get the stop.
Do you prefer small rides (30 or less people) or larger rides and why?
I used to go to big rides to hangout with people who rode since I didnt know many. Now all my friends ride and I prefer riding smaller rides with just friends. Its nice being able to enjoy riding in a group of friends without worrying about new riders endangering you.
Tell us about the best and worst experience you’ve encountered on a group ride.
There are so many good moments its hard to pick a best. On one of my first group rides was the FUN ride after Venice Critical Mass. I had just gotten a fixed gear and the route was going through this crazy hilly neighborhood and I just remembered someone shouting "if you're fixed you better get up front!" I remember going down that first hill and thinking "am i going to make it down this, I just have to keep pedaling." Making it down that hill and up the next was one of the best feelings ever. That was the moment I first fell in love with a bike. This weekend I'm going to be racing that bike on a wooden velodrome this weekend; that is just such a cool thought to me.
I haven't really had any bad personal experiences but stuff has gone down on rides that has really made the scene look bad. I remember on a really big party ride some stupid highschooler stabbed another classmate.
What did you do for fun before you started “riding”?
I dont know, went to movies, partied? Did I even have fun before riding a bike?
What’s the best and worst thing group bike rides have done for cycling as a whole in Los Angeles?
I want to say raise awareness for cycling but really I think the economy has raised awareness of Midnight Ridazz more than anything. Still though, Midnight Ridazz hasn't made cyclist less seen on the road. People are looking at bikes as cheap transportation. Kids are getting bikes instead of cars when they are 16 and Midnight Ridazz is making it cool. The only bad thing is maybe in Santa Monica where cyclists are constantly harrassed by police. Althrough i've heard stories they have always been that way. Something about how they assume you must have less money since you are riding a bike therefore you are up to no good.
If you can name 1 person who embodies the spirit of “Midnight Ridazz”, Who would it be and Why?
Midnight ridazz is too much spirit for one person to embody.
What do you think the public’s perception is of group bike rides?
They probably have one of two thoughts, "that looks likes fun" or "GET THE FUCK OFF THE ROAD."
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Ride a bike, you would be home by now.
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