I volunteered to do the later shift for a criterium … which means a bicycle race on a closed circular course. Today, at the heart of the sate capitol.

SABA provided bike valet services. I arrived just as the women’s professional race was about to begin. This race was special because the women’s and men’s purses were equal at $50,000 each for the winner. As it should be. Ahead, the women are lined up:

with more arriving:

About to start:

Ahead, provided by SABA Bike Valet Program, the fenced enclosure where bicycles can be safely stored while enjoying the event

Jeremiah (left) was the lead in organizing this bike valet event. Bert and Stacey provided excellent service checking in bikes, keeping the bikes organized, then retrieving bikes at the end of the event.

Over 200 bikes were safely parked and retrieved!

So, I didn’t actually see any of the bicycle race, but I had a great time. Sidenote: Julie Kanoff, you were the hardest worker out there!

The people from Washington Commons Co-housing asked SABA if I could lead a group on a short bicycle tour. We visited two community gardens, discovered grocery stores, pharmacies, the library, found the W Sacramento Community Center and W Sacramento Recreation Center, and rode the paved section of the Clarksburg Branch Trail.

Washington Commons hasn’t actually broken ground yet, so people came from many distant locations – Cloverdale, Walnut Creek, Oakland, Modesto, New Hampshire (!) – to learn more about the community they will eventually live in.

Cheryl and Barbara from Arlete’s BIG came along and served as sweeps. A very big group but all went well.

Another teaching opportunity, this time from SABA. Five online Zoom classes on Thursday evenings using material from Better on Bikes but adapted to a larger (than N Natomas) audience. The goal is to reach people who live in Rancho Cordova because the financial support comes from Community Enhancement Grant.