The San Francisco Bicycle Ballet, (SFBB), founded by Carla Laser in 1996, is the original bicycle ballet and has inspired many happy dance groups worldwide. The SFBB performs synchronized kaleidoscope cycling performances to be viewed from above; complete with its own band at benefits, museums and events in the Bay Area and beyond. Their poster, above, celebrates the tour they have long have been building. Come Sunday May 5th, the SFBB has engineered a fabulous tour for the National Bicycle Greenway’s 11th National Mayors’ Ride. It is free to the public and will afford a rare look at a San Francisco that only the local cyclist could ever hope to see. A casual 12-mile excursion, some of the sights that the various neighborhood ambassadors who will be meeting us along the way to help us get to include:
San Francisco City Hall
City Plaza Farmer’s Market
Ferry Building Marketplace
The Bike Hut Pier 40
AT&T Park
Mission Rock Pier 50
South Park
Chinatown
City Lights Books
Japantown
Fillmore Dominoe Club
SFBB HQ 655 Haight
Panhandle
Ocean Beach
The Castro
Dolores Park
Pushbike
Mission Sk8boards
Pops
St. Francis Fountain
As one of the most densely populated cities in America, compounded by rolling geography and a plethora of some of the steepest streets on the planet, San Francisco keeps its treasure easily hidden from the motor tourist and even the casual bike explorer. Only the long time local cycle pedaler there who also has an objective view of his surroundings will know how to get around the hills to show the two-wheel outsider what makes his city so genuinely magic. Fortunately, we have the SFBB and their deep network of knowledgeable SF cyclists, including San Francisco bike messengers, to thank for their willingness to show us San Francisco in a way few will ever see.
On the first Sunday in May (May 5), starting from City Hall at 10 AM.To join us, sign on HERE.