In a New Saddle

So it’s almost done! In fact, both big digital efforts are almost done… this blog got moved, thanks to Cathy at Pajamadon (link at bottom for a bit), who did all the dirty work and helped me get up and running. The Shaping SF wiki is getting there too, a much more daunting project… I’m up to 1017 screens “fixed” with maybe 200 more to go… Been adding a lot of stuff too…

Two worthy events just a week ago: Critical Mass had its Sweet 16th birthday. It was a fine ride, but I can’t say I felt particularly tickled or magical due to the anniversary. The front of the ride went off like a shot, as it has been doing lately, and thus, the ride spread out all over town. Must’ve been between 4,000 and 5,000 cyclists though, so there was quite a large dense pack for a long time. Here’s a few shots:

Critical Mass near the beginning of its 16th birthday ride, Sept. 26, 2008.

Critical Mass 16th birthday rides past Union Square, San Francisco, Sept. 26, 2008Critical Mass heads south on Polk Street, Sept. 26, 2008.

Critical Mass heads south on Polk Street, Sept. 26, 2008.

Last Saturday, Sept. 27th, was also the unveiling of Mona Caron’s new mural, a spectacular dyptych on two walls facing each other across the Noe Valley Ministry’s parking lot on 24th Street between Vicksburg and Sanchez… the city’s CAO Ed Lee showed up and declared it “Mona Caron Day” which added a note of hilarity to a great day.

SF CAO Ed Lee helps declare

I gave a brief talk, following Mark Growden’s musical contribution, which included playing this Nowtopian instrument: a set of handlebars!

Mark Growden plays the handlebars!

Mona isn

Rupa and the April Fishes played, and about 100-150 people laid out blankets and lawn chairs to enjoy the brief Utopian moment in the parking lot. I missed a big puppet show, and a lot of other words from some fine speakers, but all in all it was one of those especially fun San Francisco moments.