Congratulations on your pointless disruption

Critical Massers,

For the second consecutive year, you have succeeded in casting a shadow on a charitable event that I have produced on Labor Day Weekend in Chicago. Dozens of guests from out of town were left stranded, lost, and confused as you gridlocked the streets of the city that we are supposed to share. Dinner reservations were missed. Plans that were months in the making were ruined. Events that people had long looked forward to were unraveled.

For what? That was the question I was asked by the people who bought plane tickets to bring them to a city where they would have a chance to raise money for a cause in which they believed. They wanted to know why cyclists felt the need to take over the streets and lock everyone else down. Was this a protest? Was this a demonstration?

Having tracked down this website, I wish I had a better explanation for them. It turns out you are just a bunch of pranksters out for a joyride at the expense of your fellow man. In your own words "The Mass itself has no political agenda... Some people just like to ride. The Mass, however, is just that...a bunch of bike riders."

That's it? You disrupt an entire city because you think it is funny? You lock down the infratructure as some sort of anarchist joke? I was hoping I might find some sort of agenda at work behind this that would justify the hassle to which you subjected us. Eco-Friendliness. Energy Independence. Anti-War. Unfortunately, you are only organized enough to make pests of yourselves. It is a shame that all of that energy could not be funneled in a way that makes the world a better place - for all of us, instead of just for you for the duration of your bikeride.

The City of Chicago is remarkable in that the waterfront is public domain. This city was engineered to be a paradise for cycling enthusiasts. While the Elite would love to own lakeside property, it has been held in trust so that everyone may enjoy the lifestyle of living and recreating near the water. This is, of course, not good enough for the riders who hope to acheive critical mass. You are not happy unless you shut down the entire metro area at rush hour. To what purpose? None.

Of that mass, I am critical of you. This movement is pointless. Even worse, it is selfish. Worse than that, it succeeds in engendering nothing but resentment for the argument that cyclists deserve increased rights. You are hurting yourselves, and perhaps others. As I sat in traffic, all I could do was imagine what would happen if an ambulence was trying to penetrate your rediculous mob, perhaps even to assist one of you.

Have a nice ride.