Today is Earth Day.
The first Earth Day was celebrated on this date in 1970. It is widely agreed that the "Bike Boom" also began that year. Of course, nobody can pin down an exact moment when the "Boom" began, but I would reckon that if there is one, it came some time around Earth Day.
I was 11 years old then, so I can remember the beginnings of Earth Day and the Bike Boom. Thus, they are intertwined for me: I cannot think of one without the other. Although the tie between cycling and environmentalism loosened during the '80's and '90's, I think they have been drawn together again in recent years.
So, not surprisingly, many people are going to get on their bikes. Some will go on organized rides. One of the most appropriate for this day, I believe, is the "Kiddical Mass" ride.
Speaking of a bike ride: On occasion, I post a song or piece of music related to cycling. Here's one appropriate for this day, or any:
Yes, it's "Pedal Point Blues" by Charles Mingus. Were he alive, he would be 95 years old today!
I couldn't find any images of him on a bike, but I have heard and read that he did indeed ride bicycles for transportation, sometimes while carrying his bass!
Hmm..Could it be that the organizers of Earth Day were really celebrating his birthday? After all, he is a musician of the world--of Earth, if you will!
The first Earth Day was celebrated on this date in 1970. It is widely agreed that the "Bike Boom" also began that year. Of course, nobody can pin down an exact moment when the "Boom" began, but I would reckon that if there is one, it came some time around Earth Day.
I was 11 years old then, so I can remember the beginnings of Earth Day and the Bike Boom. Thus, they are intertwined for me: I cannot think of one without the other. Although the tie between cycling and environmentalism loosened during the '80's and '90's, I think they have been drawn together again in recent years.
So, not surprisingly, many people are going to get on their bikes. Some will go on organized rides. One of the most appropriate for this day, I believe, is the "Kiddical Mass" ride.
Speaking of a bike ride: On occasion, I post a song or piece of music related to cycling. Here's one appropriate for this day, or any:
Yes, it's "Pedal Point Blues" by Charles Mingus. Were he alive, he would be 95 years old today!
I couldn't find any images of him on a bike, but I have heard and read that he did indeed ride bicycles for transportation, sometimes while carrying his bass!
Hmm..Could it be that the organizers of Earth Day were really celebrating his birthday? After all, he is a musician of the world--of Earth, if you will!
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