UPDATE: About 150 people came out for the ride, I led it, and some deputized citizens ran sweep and kept things on track. I want you to think about stepping in and making something happen when you see a need.
The Tuesday before the ride, we couldn’t find anything local for the synchronized nationwide Alex Pretti rides, so we made digital posters, I figured out a ride, gave some thought to what we’d do different if it was 4 people, 40 people, or 400 people and got comfortable with how each scenario would be a success.
Sid printed physical posters and we showed up at Volo/Rollup beforehand with zip ties to attach the posters to our bikes. At the square, when it was about ten minutes to roll out, I stood up and described the route, Sid stood up and explained we were looking for a long single file procession, not a big bunch, and then we rode out. My favorite part of the early ride was 150 riders snaking through Julliard park, and people were still rolling in as I exited the park.
A young activist asked if he could say a few words at the Howarth Park halfway point re-gather, and of course I said yes. That was a nice bit, and gave everyone some focus. We rode out, I deferred to a pair of women who knew which side streets off Montgomery didn’t dead-end, and they led us through the Memorial Hospital drop off circle, and then back downtown.
People dispersed, and some of us went to Russian River for pizza and beer or NA options.
So don’t be afraid. It’s up to us, but hey… what if it all goes perfectly?
———-
Alex Pretti Memorial Ride for the Minneapolis nurse murdered by ICE.
Old Courthoise Square – Santa Rosa CA – 11:00 am
We will ride from the Square to Howarth Park and back, visiting Juilliard Park, Doyle Park. Howarth Park, and Memorial Hospital (Alex was a nurse).
We will primarily be on streets with bike lanes, and neighborhood streets.
Ride is about six miles, or you can turn back at Doyle Park for a 3 mile loop.
There’s a rummage/art/music sale at Shady Oak after, or you could meet up with us and catch the SMART to the SF ride at the Ferry Building