I am happy I can still ride my bike. In some places, COVID epidemic-related restrictions are so severe that people can leave their homes only to buy groceries or medicine, if they can leave at all.
Still, here in New York and other places where cycling is still allowed, mass rides and other bike-related events have been cancelled or postponed. Among them is the annual Five Boro Bike Tour, originally scheduled for tomorrow. Its organizers say they are discussing "new potential dates with our New York City agency partners." Given that nobody really knows when the epidemic will stabilize, let alone end, it's hard not to think that the 5BBT, and other events, may not be held this year.
Among the canceled events are some races, including most of the early-season "classics" in Europe. Then there are various rallies, swap meets and sales, including one in Traverse City, Michigan. As part of the swap, which has been held in each of the past ten years, people sell their bikes and the event's sponsor, the local Recycle-A-Bicycle, receives 25 percent. The proceeds help RAB recycle and refurbish used bikes. The organization is "not in dire straits," according to a spokesperson, but "it's nice to know" they can have the swap, not only to raise money, but so that bikes that are in garages will go to people who will ride them, rather than to landfills.
RAB hopes to have a smaller sale some time this summer. I think a lot of event organizers have similar hopes.
"
Still, here in New York and other places where cycling is still allowed, mass rides and other bike-related events have been cancelled or postponed. Among them is the annual Five Boro Bike Tour, originally scheduled for tomorrow. Its organizers say they are discussing "new potential dates with our New York City agency partners." Given that nobody really knows when the epidemic will stabilize, let alone end, it's hard not to think that the 5BBT, and other events, may not be held this year.
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Among the canceled events are some races, including most of the early-season "classics" in Europe. Then there are various rallies, swap meets and sales, including one in Traverse City, Michigan. As part of the swap, which has been held in each of the past ten years, people sell their bikes and the event's sponsor, the local Recycle-A-Bicycle, receives 25 percent. The proceeds help RAB recycle and refurbish used bikes. The organization is "not in dire straits," according to a spokesperson, but "it's nice to know" they can have the swap, not only to raise money, but so that bikes that are in garages will go to people who will ride them, rather than to landfills.
RAB hopes to have a smaller sale some time this summer. I think a lot of event organizers have similar hopes.
"
