If you have never heard of or stopped by The Spoke Folks then you are missing something really amazing in our city. The Kickstand Kickoff – a first-year event being held outside the Folks facility (and a few steps from the soon-to-open new Amtrak station) -- offers you a chance to ride your bike to an outdoor event where you are a big part of their mission at this unique co-op for cyclists.
The people I have encountered cycling in our city are very diverse, and as a result, The Spoke Folks have programmed the day with something for everyone as local singer/songwriter Stacy Feyer-Salo, blues rock musician Jim Shaneberger, and hip-hop artist DJ Bumblebee (aka Jr. Slugwell) take to the stage to entertain you with generous sets. Even yours truly will be your emcee at Saturday's event.
Creative brews from Lantern Coffee Bar and Lounge and Brewery Vivant will be on tap as well as delicious food from the Woking Taco and Duba & Company. There will be popcorn and cotton candy for the kids and the kid in you.
Folks hoping to win that beautiful New Belgium "Fat Tire" Cruiser, currently hanging on the wall inside of Brewery Vivant, will need to get to the East Hills brewery to place a guess in the voting box as to how many spoke nipples are in the tub (also on display).
The winner will be announced at 5 p.m. from the stage of The Spoke Folks event on May 3. If you cannot get to Brewery Vivant in advance, you can always vote on the day of the event at the Kickstand Kickoff.
If you want to ride your bike but feel that the haul may be too long, The Rapid provides bike racks to get you closer, with our downtown Central Station a short two-minute ride to the venue. (Take an extra lap around the block if want to arrive sweaty to give the impression you biked a loooooong distance to get there.)
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