Author: Ken Steinhoff

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Freakbike Militia’s ChopperNite 31

Wednesday was a perfect night for the West Palm Beach Freakbike Militia’s ChopperNite 31, also known as Robot Nite. It was cool without being chilly and the winds were calm.

Even better than that, everybody was in a good mood. One of the first cars I passed had a woman in it who was laughing, pointing and waving.

“Corkies” contribute to good vibes

The “corkies” who ride ahead to “cork” or block intersections also said they got good vibes from the motorists they were holding back. They’re getting better at this every ride. By dressing in reflective vests, looking semi-official and acting like they know what they’re doing, drivers assume that the ChopperNite must be some kind of officially sanctioned ride. How little they know.

Fountain area cleaner than before

TIII, the fellow on the cargo bike leading the group in the video said he and some volunteers stuck around after the main group headed out to make sure the Clematis Fountain area was cleaner than when the group arrived.

44-min ride reduced to just under 8 mins

I’m a little light on still photos this ride because I was concentrating on shooting video with one camera mounted on the bars and one mounted facing to the rear from the rack. You’ll hear me say that one shoots biker butts; the other, biker faces. Next ride I’ll try to move around more to get a larger selection of riders.

I didn’t know until I edited the film that I had captured a crash at about the two-minute mark. You can hear someone say, “She’s good!” so I hope all the rider got was a little road rash and a red face from embarrassment.

Robot Nite Photo Gallery

Click on any photo to make it larger, then click on the left or right side of the image to move through the gallery. If you’d like to see past photos and videos from other ChopperNites, follow the links on my promo page.

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Freakbike Militia’s Robotnite March 16

Thanks to a Kenny Prather posting on Facebook, I was reminded that the West Palm Beach chapter of the Freakbike Nation is going to hold the Choppernite 31 ride Wednesday, March 16. This event, named RobotNite, will form up at Southern and Flagler at 7, with a 7:30 pm launch headed in the general direction of Cityplace, then downtown to the old library site on Clematis.

It’s a family-friendly ride that goes about 10-12 miles per hour in a huge group. “Corkers” ride ahead to block intersections so the group can go through all at one time. Because the bikes and costumes are so unique and the riders so friendly, most of the motorists who are delayed take in the good vibes and wave and pull out cameras.

Still curious about Choppernites?

Here are a bunch of links to Freakbike rides and activities I’ve participated in.

Lights required, helmets encouraged

Since the ride starts and finishes well after dark, headlights and tailights are required by law and by common sense. Helmets are encouraged for those over 16 and required by law for those younger. Y’all be careful out there and have fun. I’ll be there with two newbies, Anne and Osa.

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Loop the Lake for Literacy

This is the best time of year to get LOST on the Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail. The Okeechobee Rotary Club has their 8th Annual Ride-Run-Walk event on March 26. The Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County is sponsoring a Loop the Lake for Literacy Ride April 2.

25-, 50-, 100- or 200-km routes

Cyclists can ride 25-, 50-, 100- or 200-kilometer routes that will take you part way or all the way around the huge body of water. Information is available at the loopthelakeforliteracy web site.

Their website has a video that captures a lot of the beauty of Lake O. Conspicuously missing from their sunset section is any mention of the mosquitoes that come out for about 45 minutes on either side of sundown.

Other LOST resources on PalmBeachBikeTours

I’ve ridden the lake scores of times since 2004. Every trip I see something new. This link shows an unofficial map I’ve compiled and a list of links to earlier stories.

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Eighth Annual LOST Ride-Run-Walk

The Okeechobee Rotary Club’s 8th annual L.O.S.T. Ride-Run-Walk will be held March 26, starting at 8 a.m. for bikers; 8:30 for runners and walkers.

Good food and camaraderie

I’ve ridden six of the seven previous events. It’s a great time of year and the sponsors and folks who man the rest stops are friendly Okeechobee locals who put out home-baked goodies.

Don’t be intimidated by the riders, either. There’s a mix of hard-core go-fast riders and riders on beater bikes. You’ll quickly find someone of your speed and ability.

This is a great time of year to be on the lake, too. Four of us have been out there the last couple of weekends and have seen so many gators sunning themselves and cruising around that we quit pointing them out.

Places to stay

There are getting to be more and more places to stay in Okeechobee. The Hampton Inn Okeechobee is offering a special for the event riders. Donna Huth, director of sales, said the hotel has a special rate of $89 for groups of 20 or less and $79 for groups of 21 or more.

[Full disclosure: Donna offered me a free night’s stay, which I accepted. Apparently my inability to get up at ye-god-o’clock, especially after the time change, and drive from the coast to Okeechobee has gotten around.]

If you are looking for less upscale accommodations, I’ve stayed at the Scottish Inns in town several times. Don’t expect anything more than a small, clean room, but the prices were in the $50 range the last visit. Here was my Scottish Inns review in 2009.

Registration and more info

Here’s the Rotary Club’s 8th LOST Mailer with a registration form and more information.

Photos from previous Rotary rides

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The Battle of Transportation

“You are a Soldier in The Battle of Transportation,” read the June 11, 1943, Phillips 66 advertisement in The Southeast Missourian.

I was researching another story when my eye was drawn to the headline and body copy: “Every unnecessary mile you drive is a contribution to our Axis enemies.”

“Get a car! Bike lanes are lame.”

In the same local paper today was a story saying that a $253,000 grant from the Missouri Foundation for Health will pay for 30 to 40 miles of bike lanes along seven Cape Girardeau streets, which officials said will provide a healthy connection to the city’s parks, schools and other recreational areas.

Almost immediately, the story attracted 40 comments (and climbing), mostly from people knocking the idea. Here is a typical one: “Who commutes by bike in Cape? Last time I rode one was when I was 15. Get a car! Bike lanes are lame.”

Confine your driving to a patriotic minimum

What happened to the shared sacrifice Americans were asked to make during World War II?

Have you seen or heard anything like this on TV, radio, in print or coming out of the mouths of politicians?

“Every bit of rubber and gasoline you save on the home front is a contribution to the combat needs of our fighting men on every battle front.

“You can help hasten the day of victory by confining your driving to a patriotic minimum. Use your car only for going to and from work …for needed shopping…for war-time activities like vegetable gardening…for travel to and from places without other transportation facilities.

“Remember, your Government asks you to do your part to prevent a transportation breakdown, asks you to care for your car–for your country.”