So the ABC (Alcoholic Beverage Control) here in Louisville have been laying the hammer down on a handful of bars in Germantown allowing customers to drink outside. This, all due to some bullshit zoning changes that happened about 40 years ago. Under the “new” zoning, bars had to be in commercially zoned areas. Germantown is mostly zoned residential, however existing bars were allowed to stay in business with a “grandfathered” license as long as the bar hadn’t closed down for more than a year. Now keep in mind these neighborhood bars have been a staple to the area for more than 60 years in some cases, even providing local jobs and pouring money back into the community. Somehow this all knowing agency of “control” keeps no records of previous licensing, therefor it is the full responsibility of the bars to track down the previous histories for their buildings.
As usual, a government agency and citizens supporting it are looking to take responsibility out of the hands of the people and control as much of the spectrum as the bureaucracy can. The only thing these actions are accomplishing is keeping local business from prospering and in turn taking even more money out of the bar’s employee’s pockets. I don’t see drinking alcohol as any sort of problem so I fail to understand why it needs to be hidden behind closed doors and out of site. Moderation is the key here, not regulation.
If you would like to share your thoughts with the bureaucrats in the area, feel free to contact Jim King at 574-3855 or jim.king@louisvillky.gov and David Tandy at 574-3453 or d.tandy@louisvilleky.gov .
If you’re wondering how any of this is related to bicycles in any form you’ll have to notice our beloved Swan Dive up top. The Swan Dive is by far Louisville’s most bike friendly bar and Becca has taken a huge hit since the ABC shut down the outside drinking last October on her. So there, now get over there for some food and beer, it’s hot as shit outside and the A/C and beer are cold inside so tell her hi. As well, you can read a few more of Becca’s thoughts on the whole ordeal here.
Finally, Dan sent this one into my Facebooker and it’s a jem…
Thanks to Justin at U of L for the heads up on this one…
5 Weeks for Freedom is an awareness and advocacy campaign covering 1800 miles of the Underground Railroad to support International Justice Mission’s work and give a voice to victims of modern-day slavery and other forms of injustice. Saturday, July 17 the riders will roll into Louisville for some live music, an exhibit of local artists, screenings of IJM’s documentary At the End of Slavery and more.
The event happens at the Muhammad Ali Center (144 North 6th Street) from 10:30am to 3:30pm. Also, be sure to check out 5WeeksforFreedom.org for more info.
The 2010 dates and a new location have been announced for this years U.S. Gran Prix of Cyclcross series. Get your ass down here to Louisville for a preview of the terrain for the 2012 Masters and 2013 World Championships people!
July 06, 2010 (Louisville, KY) — Organizers of the US Gran Prix of Cyclocross, (USGP) have released their schedule for the 2010 season and announced a change of venue for their November 2010 events.
The 2010 USGP kicks off on the weekend of September 25th and 26th as the Series returns for its second year to Sun Prairie, WI for The Planet Bike Cup. The Series continues on to Louisville, KY October 23rd and 24th for the Derby City Cup - to be run at the future home of the 2012 Masters and 2013 Masters and Elite World Cyclocross Championships.
In November the USGP moves to a new venue - Fort Collins, CO on November 13th and 14th - before rolling to its traditional series final, the Stanley Portland Cup, in Portland, OR, on Dec. 4th and 5th.
If you’re into celebrating things revolving around this country you should know I would sooner have you kick me in the nuts that get into a prolonged conversation with you regarding so-called independence. Seriously, just ask Becca over at the Swan Dive how government is letting us live freely and allowing individuals and small businesses to prosper. Regardless, if you’re heading down to the Waterfront Independence Festival bonanza here in Louisville on Sunday, July 4th, then you may be happy to know there will be FREE valet bicycle parking. You can thank BicyclingForLouisville for that one.
Next up if you remember Ian from SoupByCycle, he dropped me a email that noted he’s one step closer to BeerByCycle! Now, there’s no way in hell a real beer delivery service would be allowed under this government of yours, but hopefully Ian finds a way around it or just says fuck it and does it anyway. In the meantime, Ian has teamed up with the local Bluegrass Brewing Company and is offering beer cheese with pretzel rolls for delivery. If it was vegan beer cheese I’d be all over that shit. Anyway, contact Ian and give it a try. SoupByCycle is one of a couple bicycle based delivery services in the Louisville area. As far as I know, Becca is still offering vegetarian and vegan dinner options delivered Tuesday thru Saturday from the Swan Dive as well.
Now finally, it’s come time to replace the Surly that those hoodrat fuckers stole so let your opinions fly… things I’m considering at the top of the list are the Kona Paddy Wagon, All City Big Block, or another Surly Steamroller. Was looking at the Charge Plug Freestyler but the geometry on that thing is wack. Also open to any other ideas you may have. I’m looking for a single speed complete with track ends… that’s it.
What a fucking weekend. Plenty of time spent on the bike so that’s always a plus, but got reminded of a lesson I learned a long time ago. Don’t ride the trails alone, even more so try things like transferring from one line to another when you’ve never tried it before. These are things to be done in the company of others cause when you eat shit and you’re back in the woods by yourself, it can be a bad situation. That’s why Mat Hoffman puts his cell phone on the flat bottom when he’s riding vert by himself. Still, not a good idea. My shoulder and hip are killing me.
Picking myself up out of the dirt, and not metaphorically, I decided it was time to go. After all, I had an hour to get home, showered and pick up a lady to take to my ex-wife’s wedding reception. Not awkward at all, why do you ask? Well, because it is somewhat awkward. Regardless of how good of friends my ex and I are, it’s not everyday this sort of situation presents itself. It did provide for some amusing conversations with her now husband’s family, of which is creepily similar to mine. Strange days indeed. All in all it was a good time (free beer!), and I got to spend about 7 awesome minutes with my date. Hopefully more of that in the future.
Now for some real bicycle news: If you’re in Louisville and interested in contributing some ideas or time to a Louisville Bike Fair you may want to try and get to the Brick House tonight at 7pm to discuss. No date yet as far as I remember, August maybe? At any rate, there’s a good group of people trying to do good things, so go if you can.
Soup ByCyle is a new Louisville area, bicycle based soup delivery business. Ian, both prepares and delivers soup of which has a set weekly menu of 1 each, vegan, vegetarian and meat soups. As well, depending on your area will dictate which day you can have soup delivered to you. Being vegan, I discussed how the soups and ingredients are prepared and Ian assured me meats and vegetables are prepared separately.
Each 16oz container of soup comes in a with bread prepared by Blue Dog Bakery, a napkin and spoon for $5 (some meat soups can caost $6, this varies) plus a $1 delivery fee for 1 or 2 bowls. Order 3 or more and delivery is free. Just keep in mind the soup is delivered cold for safety reasons. I believe I’ve heard rumors of cold summer soups in the works too. I tried a black bean soup of sorts that Gary and Suzanne didn’t finish over the winter and I really enjoyed it. Considering I don’t even like soup, this is saying something. Now, if Ian could just turn it into Beer & Soup ByCycle…
Looks like another kick ass mountain bike video, hopefully On Your Left has a showing of this one too. I’d like to check it out. Derek, let me know and I’ll help spread the word. If you still haven’t been to On Your Left or a Fuck Gas ride, next Friday, April 23 would be a great time to check them both out. We’ll be meeting up at the shop at 618 Baxter Avenue about 8pm for a super out of the way, around town excursion (route map here) riding to the Swan Dive for Becca’s 1 year anniversary party. She’s offering up 25 cent PBR draft as well as some other yet to be named goodies. If you’re also curious what the Swan Dive is, well, it’s Louisville’s all vegetarian, generally vegan food and beer spot. Obviously, that would be a great night to check it out too. Hope to see some new faces.
This Sunday, April 18, The Freewheel Bike Collective is looking for some volunteers to help organize their existing inventory in preparation for next Sunday’s bike drive. The shop will be open from noon to 3pm and they could really use some assistance so please help if you can whether it be this Sunday or next. You can find them at 1101 S. 2nd St. (2nd and St. Catherine).
Finally, today is the city’s kick off to two weeks of partying leading up to the Kentucky Derby. Even if you don’t ride BMX and just want to enjoy watching some other people do it feel free to stop in at the Jeffersonville Trails (directions from the skatepark) today for the Thunder Over Louisville Trail Jam. Bikes, beer, friends and the cooker. If you’ve got a few bucks to donate to the cause that would be awesome too.
Lexington will be hosting an event that has become increasingly popular thanks to a great idea by some London riders… The Tweed Ride. Lexington’s first goes down Saturday, March 13 at 2pm. Details can be found on the facebook of course.
Next up, Suzanne from Liberty Tattoo and Art Parlor says they’ll be taking submissions for the Bike Art Show until this Saturday, March 6. The show will run from march 10 through April 24 with the opening party officially happening Saturday March 20. Facebook it… I am working on a ride that night as well to coincide in which the normal shenanigans will likely take place… On Your Left Cycles, beers, bikes bros and hoes.
The same weekend as the Bike Art Show opening will be bike!bike! Southeast weekend here in the River City. Workshops and happenings are taking shape for the weekend and you can stay up to date over at their site.
Sooner rather than later, River City Cycling Society will be hosting their first real ride of the year, Gone With Thee Old Man Winter Ride. Looks to be a great 50+ miler this coming Sunday, March 7 with super good company. Make sure to go prepared, shit’s rural. Check them out.
Lastly, Utah is downright re-goddamn-diculous. Seriously, miscarriage is an offensible crime? That’s just fucked, but what else would you expect coming from a state run by a bunch of people that believe underwear is holy… Fucking kooks!
In local news, Ginny’s Diner and Pub duder, Frank Faris is being forced to give a dilapidated 19th-century house he owns next to his restaurant away FOR FREE! Apparently he originally bought it to make a parking lot, but then the neighborhood became a local preservation district so he wasn’t allowed to tear it down. He was then forced to sell the property to which he could not find a buyer or even a non-profit to take it. Read about it here. Please explain to me again how government is good… how this system works for you… government sucks and career politicians are shitting all over you. Wake the fuck up!
It’s official duders! Louisville will host the Masters Worlds in 2012 and the Cyclocross World Chamiponships in 2013! Looks like we’ll be getting a visit from Sven Nys after all - how stoked are you?! Now, let’s just hope the Green Monster gets a chance at the big time too…
Huge thanks to Joan Hanscomb from the U.S. Gran Prix and Greg (I think) from the Louisville Sports Commission for working on this. You can read more about it over at VeloNews. I can honestly say I have no idea where I’ll be living once 2013 rolls around, but if any of you (Liz, I know you’re a roadie, but this is the worlds!) need a place to crash, hit me up!
Bike!Bike! Southeast is landing in Louisville this year. If you’re not familiar with Bike!Bike!, it’s a national convergence for independent bike projects around the country, ones that are organized collectively, co-operatively, or as all-volunteer. They are typically rather small and aimed at providing people access to information regarding the repair and maintenance of human powered vehicles. Louisville being so centrally located provides a great meeting point for so many of these types of operations to which many, not all being from the Southeast alone, have expressed interest in attending. This years conference will take place March 19 - 21 with an apparently to be determined location. Keep in mind this is probably something you want to plan on bringing a sleeping bag to with a supply of snacks, tools and various bike supplies at there is typically some sort of swap meet. Stay tuned for more info or stay up to date over at the ever evolving Bike!Bike! Southeast website. Additionally, as with nearly everything else these days, there’s a Facebook group you can check in on too.
