I know a few people participating in the AIDS LifeCycle ride this year, and they're tougher than I am! The training, dedication and devotion it takes to prep for this ride and then finish it is something I admire. Most of the people I know who are doing it are people who aren't hardcore athletes, but they've been pushing themselves in a way I know I can't, to make this ride a reality. I like this fundraising effort because it doesn't shovel funds towards research and paying for luncheons and red ribbons - money raised by the people who make the 7 day trek go towards education, and assiting men and women living with HIV/AIDS. Good stuff that can't be forgotten.

There's a group of LA riders who have been working hard not just on their endurance, but finding a way to make their ride something that will not only provide for the beneficiaries of the AIDS LifeCycle, but something that will enrich the LA bike community, and I encourage everyone to check it out - it will be at my favorite immediate-neighborhood bicycle community center, The Bike Oven on Figueroa. Fun place where good things happen.

You can find more info on the thread posted on the Midnight Ridazz board, and while you're there, check the list of upcoming rides in your area (or beyond) to have some bike fun of your own.

My bike and I have been apart for a while... too much travel, not enough time at home, and nowadays, she has to compete with a horse - which isn't easy. I'll be in Japan next week, and hope to get a bit of my bike fix on when I meet up with some Tokyo bike peeps. I'll be sure to share when I get back. But yeah, in the meantime, everyone else should live it up and keep the rubber side down!

When I'm not at GR, and I'm not riding ponies, and I'm not hanging out on my porch with my dog, I'm playing bikes. A couple of years ago, I met the founder of the Bicycle Film Festival, and last summer I worked with him and a whole slew of LA bike folks to help pull off the 2007 Bicycle Film Festival. This year I'm one of the producers for the festival in LA, and working hard to help make the 8th annual BFF super fantastic!



Part of a great festival is, of course, great films in the program. We've been accepting submissions for 2008 for a while now, but the deadline is upon us, and we want the word spread far and wide so everyone can get a shot at being part of BFF. The festival travels to 17 cities around the world (reaching four continents) and brings together variety of bike culture through parties, art shows, film screenings and more.

If you have a project sitting on the shelf that's just waiting to be shared with the world, or something near completion that you could use a little encouragement with, drop us a line. Here's the official welcome from Brendt Barbur:


Hi All

EIGHTH ANNUAL BICYCLE FILM FESTIVAL: Call For Entries
Deadline: February 19th
http://www.bicyclefilmfestival.com

We are looking for films with a strong theme or character of bicycles.
This includes all mediums and styles such as animation, experimental,
narrative, documentary and music videos.

The BFF is held in over 15 cities around the world including
Tokyo, New York City, Los Angeles, Milano and London.
In 2007 the BFF was attended by up to 100,000 people.

It is a celebration through film, art and music.
The BFF has been fortunate to have included the works of well known
artists including Jonas Mekas, Michel Gondry, Mike Mills and Jorgen Leth. We showcase the emerging artist as well.

The Bike Film Fest looks to be a lot of fun in 2008.
For more info and the entry form go to:
http://www.bicyclefilmfestival.com

All cities have been selected and dates for NEW YORK
are May 28-June1. All dates will be set within the month.

PLEASE PASS THE WORD AROUND
Poster Pdf here:
http://bicyclefilmfestival.com/2008_site/materials/bff_submissions_poster_2008_US.jpg


Thanks
Brendt Barbur
Founding Director
Bicycle Film Festival