The Grand Finale Debate: End As We Know It or Daley Plaza Forever
Delay Plaza Forever!
Chicago Critical Mass: Last Friday of Every Month. We are not ready to hang the "Mission Accomplished" banner. Many of us are looking forward to Massing by the Picasso for another ten years =)
“Factioning ourselves is not what it’s about,” Lane argues. “It’s about bringing as many people as you can into a city center and letting the numbers speak for themselves…. It’s not about the people who started it controlling what it becomes.”
[read Time Out article]
Are we gonna let them pull the plug? [Login or Register to comment]
End of Critical Mass
Of course everybody knows the Mass isn't going to end. The large group will assemble the following last Friday, and every last Friday after that.
My concern is that this "rumor" will spread, and many participants of the Mass, but not on the listserve, won't get it. Hence, many won't show up, will be upset the missed it, and generally be upset because they weren't on the "inside" of this whole thing.
It should have been promoted as an anniversary ride, not the last ride.
Gorilla suits
While it makes for a nice visual. Portraying the people who want to continue using Daley Plaza as those who want to drink and party, is a bit slanted. Although the rides would not be the same without them.
The majority of the critical mass riders, are looking enjoy the ride for the comradity of other cyclists, exchanging information, learning about other rides & issues, etc. Its not just about bikes (or even the party afterwards). Most people believe the whole ending of CCM is just a joke. How could it be anything else. There is no one to stop the rides.
The only way it can end is if no one shows up.
Gorilla Quote was removed from page
Mighty Mouse's reference to "Gorilla suits" was related to a quote that previously appeared above. That quote was, "As far as October goes...I can't wait to find a gorilla suit with pockets big enough for a few tall boys, and fur that won't get stuck in my chain," said one participant Gregory Davies. I followed up with, "If your like this guy [Gregory], then you probably want to keep the Mass rolling for another ten years."
So that's why Mighty Mouse has positioned himself as a Daley Plaza supporter that refrains from drunken buffoonery, but still appreciates someone else sporting a good gorilla costume now and then.
For the original CHI*TOWN DAILY NEWS article featuring Gregory's quote [click here]
Hell no!
CCM will continue from Daley Plaza despite anyone's protestations otherwise. Is it time for some revamping? Yes. Should we try an occasional "star" mass pattern? Why not? But saying that Chicago's "Happy Friday!"s are gone is mere hyperbole.
The size of the Mass has indeed become problematic, but that doesn't mean that we can't resolve the issues: long delays for motorized traffic in the city (including public transit options), increasing anonymity, a bit of mob mentality at times, poor manners, and some loss of spontaneity (it's hard to make brownies for 2000 cyclists!).
The benefits of CCM are profound. Bikes belong on the streets! We ARE traffic! Bikes are fun! One Less Car! [One Fewer Car! :::snort::::]
CCM converts, inspires, cajoles, empowers, creates, and demystifies so much about biking. How could this beautiful beast ever stop rolling?
Jane